The best grooming routine is the one you actually keep.
Small dogs don't all need the same one. Coat type decides how often you brush; body size decides which tools are comfortable enough to use properly. Somewhere between the unused grooming kit at the back of the drawer and the supermarket brush you've had for years, mats form and toothbrushing gets postponed again.
This guide focuses on the parts of home grooming that happen most often: brushing, combing, mat care and teeth. Nails, ears and eyes deserve their own guide and we'll cover them separately.
Why small dog grooming is its own thing
Two variables matter more than any others: coat and size.
Coat type decides the frequency. Long, silky and curly coats mat quickly and want daily attention. Wire coats need a different tool entirely. Short smooth coats are the easiest — a proper brush a few times a week is often enough. Before you build a routine, know which of these your dog has.
Body size decides the tools. A brush that feels normal beside a Labrador can cover half a Maltese. A human-sized toothbrush is basically unusable in a small dog's mouth. Small dogs need tools that are the right size for them — otherwise the grooming stops before the habit forms, because it's uncomfortable for both of you.
The other reality: small dogs live closer to the action. On the sofa, in the bed, on the lap while you're eating. A grooming routine isn't only about how your dog looks — it's about how they smell, shed, and how much of them ends up on your clothes.
The four things a routine needs
A workable weekly rhythm for a small dog covers four bases. Not every dog needs every tool, but the categories are the same across coat types.
1. Regular brushing
We carry the Pupwell Gentle Detangling Brush for regular brushing — the tool that lives on the coffee table rather than the one buried in a drawer. For mat-prone coats, two minutes a day beats twenty minutes on a Sunday. Shorter coats may need it less often. The point is consistency: catching loose fur and tangles before grooming turns into a longer negotiation.
2. A comb for the trouble spots
Brushes handle the surface. Combs handle the places brushes miss — behind the ears, under the collar, between the legs, around the tail base. Pupwell carries two:
The Everyday Comb follows the brush in the routine — an after-brush pass that checks the coat is really tangle-free.
The smaller Detailer Comb is for areas where a larger comb feels unwieldy — around the face, ears and paws. Small dogs have a lot of these spots.
3. Something for the mats
Even with regular brushing, small-dog coats will occasionally develop a mat — behind the ear, in the armpit, along the belly. Once it's formed, a regular brush won't get through it. That's when The Detangler earns its place — the option in the range for knots and tangles.
The rule with mats is: work from the outside of the knot inward, not from the skin outward. Small sections, patience, and if a mat is genuinely tight against the skin, that's a groomer or vet question — not a home-tools question.
4. Teeth
The most-skipped part of small dog grooming, and one with real long-term consequences. Small dogs are particularly prone to dental disease: their mouths are compact and their teeth sit close together. Regular home care cannot prevent every dental problem, but it can reduce plaque buildup and support the work done during veterinary dental checks.
The Puppy Breath Toothbrush offers a compact format for toothbrushing. Two colours: Slate and Rose.
Daily brushing is best. If that's not realistic yet, several sessions a week are still worth doing while you build the habit.
Starting from scratch
If you're building the routine from nothing, the Puppy Grooming Kit brings several of the tools above into one purchase — a useful starting point for owners setting up a puppy on grooming, and just as useful for an adult small dog whose owner is starting fresh.
The realistic weekly rhythm
A grooming routine for a small dog doesn't have to be complicated:
- Daily or every few days: a short brush, depending on coat type. Coat check, loose fur, done.
- Most days: a short toothbrushing session.
- Weekly: a fuller session, using the Everyday Comb through the trouble spots.
- As needed: the Detailer Comb around the face and paws; the Detangler for any mats forming.
Most sessions take only a few minutes. That's the point. A routine stays manageable when no single session has to undo weeks of neglect.
Why we selected Pupwell
Pupwell was founded by a professional groomer who wanted home grooming to feel simpler. We selected the range because it keeps the routine focused: fewer tools, each with a clear place.
Small dog grooming: your questions answered
How often should I brush my small dog?
Coat type decides. Long, silky and curly coats generally need daily brushing to prevent mats. Short smooth coats often do well with a proper brush every two or three days. Wire coats are different again — worth asking a groomer what your specific breed needs. The consistent principle: shorter, more frequent sessions prevent the long difficult ones that come from letting the coat go for a fortnight.
How do I brush a small dog who hates being brushed?
Usually it's association, not sensation. Start with very short sessions — thirty seconds — paired with a high-value treat. Many dogs become more comfortable when sessions stay short, predictable and rewarding. If handling remains distressing, ask a groomer or a behaviour professional for help.
What's the difference between a brush and a comb for dogs?
A brush covers the surface of the coat — removing loose fur, distributing oils, smoothing the topcoat. A comb goes deeper, checking for tangles the brush missed and reaching the areas where mats form (behind ears, under legs, around the tail). Most small dogs benefit from both.
How often should I brush my small dog's teeth?
Daily is best. Several sessions a week is a realistic target that still meaningfully helps. Small dogs are particularly prone to dental disease because of how closely their teeth are spaced. A compact dog toothbrush is generally easier to control in a small mouth than a human-sized brush.
What if my small dog has a mat I can't get out?
If a mat is tight against the skin, don't try to work it out at home — you can pinch the skin or make it worse. That's a groomer or vet visit for a safe removal. For softer surface mats, work with a detangling tool from the outside of the knot inward, in small sections, and consider a light detangling spray to help the tool slide through.
How often should I bathe my small dog?
Bath when the coat is dirty, develops an odour, or the dog's coat needs it. For many small dogs that means every few weeks, but coat type and skin condition matter more than a fixed calendar. Regular brushing does more for coat and skin health than frequent bathing, and overbathing can strip the natural oils that keep the coat in good condition.
The bottom line
A small dog grooming routine isn't a shelf of tools. It's four tasks — regular brushing, occasional combing, mats when they appear, teeth most days — and the small handful of tools that make each one easy enough to actually do. The best grooming routine is the one you actually keep.
Explore our Pupwell grooming collection, selected for small dogs.
