Grooming and coat
How often should I brush a long haired dog?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Long, silky coated breeds like Afghan Hounds, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shih Tzus generally need daily brushing, or at minimum every other day, since a full length coat tangles quickly at the roots even when the surface looks smooth. A pin brush followed by a comb catches knots before they reach the skin.
Length multiplies the tangle risk
The longer the hair, the more movement and friction it experiences during a normal day, and every bit of that motion can twist strands together near the skin. A coat that looks glossy on top can still be knotted at the root, which is why a surface only brush often misses problems until they are already tight mats.
Daily brushing in layers
Lift the coat in sections and brush from the skin outward using a pin brush, then run a wide toothed comb through the same section to confirm it moves freely all the way down. This takes roughly ten to fifteen minutes a day on a medium sized long coated dog, spread across the body, legs, ears, and tail.
If daily is not realistic
Every other day, done thoroughly, is the minimum for most long coats before tangling becomes a real problem, though some owners of very fine coated breeds find that two missed days is already enough to create knots behind the ears and under the collar. A shorter, easier to maintain trim is a reasonable option if a full daily routine is not sustainable.
Key takeaways
- Long, silky coats usually need daily brushing, or every other day at the absolute minimum.
- Brush from the skin outward in sections, then confirm with a comb, since surface brushing alone misses root tangles.
- A shorter trim is a realistic alternative for owners who cannot manage daily brushing.