Top 5 Breeds That Need Frequent Grooming in Abu Dhabi – A Groomer's Take

As a professional pet groomer here in Abu Dhabi, I’ve had my hands (literally) full with all kinds of fur, from tangled poodle curls to shedding Husky fluff. One thing I can tell you with confidence? Some breeds need a lot more grooming than others.

If you are a pet owner here in the UAE or planning to become one, understanding your pet’s grooming needs is essential not just for their appearance but for their comfort, health, and happiness.

Let me walk you through the top 5 breeds I see in my salon that truly need frequent, professional grooming.

1. Poodles – The Style Icons

Poodles are among the most stylish and smart breeds I groom. But their thick, curly coats? They’re not low maintenance.

Even though they don’t shed much, their fur can mat fast if left unattended-especially in Abu Dhabi’s dry and dusty air.

Grooming Musts:

• Daily brushing at home
  
  
• Salon grooming every 4–6 weeks
  
  
• Regular trims around eyes, paws & sanitary areas
  
  

Groomer’s Note: I’ve seen clients try to maintain their poodle’s coat at home, and it almost always ends with mats and tears-both human and canine.

2. Shih Tzus – Tiny Divas

Shih Tzus are super popular here in the UAE for their sweet temperament and lapdog lifestyle. But those gorgeous long coats? High drama if not brushed daily.

Common Issues:

• Tangling behind the ears, underarms, and legs
  
  
• Tear staining
  
  
• Dust and sand clinging to their coat
  
  

Grooming Musts:

• Daily combing
  
  
• Monthly full grooming session
  
  
• Eye and ear care
  
  

I always recommend short summer cuts for Shih Tzus in Abu Dhabi-it keeps them cool and saves owners a lot of time.

3. Golden Retrievers – Lovable Shed Machines

Golden Retrievers are affectionate and loyal, but if I had a dirham for every tuft of Golden fur I’ve swept off the floor, I’d be writing this from a yacht.

The Challenge:
Their thick double coat sheds a lot, especially during seasonal changes.

Grooming Routine:

• Brushing 2–3 times a week
  
  
• Deshedding every 6–8 weeks
  
  
• Regular ear and paw care
  
  

Heat + shedding + AC? It’s a recipe for skin issues if not properly managed.

4. Persian Cats – The Fluffy Royalty

Yes, cats need grooming too! And Persian cats are the top feline clients in my salon.

Their long, silky coat tangles easily, and their flat faces mean you’ll be doing lots of tear cleaning.

Grooming Checklist:

• Daily brushing at home
  
  
• Monthly professional grooming
  
  
• Tear stain cleaning
  
  

Pro tip? Never ignore small knots-they become mats almost overnight.

5. Huskies – Snow Dogs in the Desert

Huskies may look majestic, but their thick coats are meant for snow, not the UAE sun. I groom a few Huskies regularly, and their shedding cycles are intense.

Grooming Musts:

• Brushing at least 3x a week
  
  
• Deshedding treatments during shedding season
  
  
• No shaving (damages coat insulation)
  
  

Owners are often surprised when I explain that shaving a Husky doesn’t help with the heat—it actually makes things worse!

Final Thoughts: Grooming = Love

In my experience, grooming is more than beauty, it’s healthcare. It prevents matting, reduces shedding, avoids infections, and keeps your pets feeling their best.

With rising awareness, I’ve seen more pet parents in Abu Dhabi investing in regular grooming schedules, which is fantastic. But we still have work to do educating new owners especially those drawn to high-maintenance breeds without realizing what’s involved.

If you own one of these top 5 breeds, my advice is simple: stay consistent, ask questions, and don’t wait until the mats get out of hand.

Need Professional Help?

At  The Groomer Pet Salon & Spa, we offer breed-specific grooming packages for both dogs and cats. From poodle trims to Persian fluff-outs, we make sure your pet looks and feels amazing.

Book your grooming session today and give your furry companion the care they deserve.