et’s be real—groomers have enough to think about. Between packed schedules, tangled coats and trying not to throw your back out while lifting a slippery doodle, it’s easy to go on autopilot. But here’s the thing: If we want to do more than just “get through the day,” we have to start paying closer attention to the dogs in front of us—not just their coat type, but their breeding history, genetic structure and, yes, the health quirks that come with it.

I’m not saying we all need to become geneticists overnight, but if we understand why a breed was developed in the first place, we can start to make more thoughtful grooming decisions. That goes for purebreds, mixes, designer breeds and those adorable mystery mutts. Their history is in their body—even if their paperwork is a lie. Let’s break it down…

Dogs with elongated spines—think Dachshunds, Corgis and Basset Hounds—were often bred low to the ground for a reason. These dogs were meant to chase prey into burrows, herd livestock or move efficiently through tight spaces. But that structure comes at a price.

When we groom these dogs, we have to think about spinal support. That means avoiding any handling that twists or stresses the spine unnecessarily, like letting them dangle from under the chest or stretching them across the table like a yoga mat. Even how we lift and support them matters. If we’re asking them to hop from tub to table without support, we’re potentially contributing to long-term damage.

This is also where communication with pet parents matters. If you’re seeing signs of discomfort—reluctance to be lifted, flinching during drying, etc.—it’s worth asking how they’re handling their dog at home. We can’t fix genetics, but we can adapt our handling to protect the structure we’re working with.

If you’ve ever accidentally sprayed a Shih Tzu in the face and watched them react like you just tried to drown them, you’re not alone. Brachycephalic breeds (Shih Tzus, Pugs, Bulldogs, etc.) come with those signature squishy faces, but also narrow airways, small nostrils and compact sinuses. Grooming them the same way you’d handle a Miniature Poodle is a fast track to stress—for both of you.

These dogs already struggle to breathe under normal conditions, so it’s critical we avoid adding extra pressure with high heat, high velocity or water in their nose. Think gentler tools, cooler temps and cloths instead of face nozzles. Even in drying, be cautious with positioning. Overheating and airway collapse are very real risks, and no haircut is worth that.

Ah, the double-coated debate. Few topics spark as much drama in grooming Facebook groups. But here’s what matters: Double coats serve a purpose. Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Pyrenees and similar breeds have insulating coats that regulate body temperature and protect from sun, moisture, and even parasites.

Shaving that off without reason? You’re removing a built-in climate control system.

But sometimes the coat is so matted, impacted or neglected that shaving may be the most humane option. Or maybe the dog is elderly, has mobility issues or lives in a situation where coat maintenance is just not realistic.

The key is to weigh the risks, educate the owner and work collaboratively toward the best choice for that dog in that moment. A good groomer knows the “rule;” a great groomer knows when it’s okay to bend it.

Terriers weren’t bred to be soft and cuddly—they were built for work. Their wiry coats serve as armor against dirt, brambles and pests. But once they enter the world of pet grooming, all that coat integrity can disappear fast if we just reach for clippers.

Now, let’s be real…most pet owners aren’t signing up for a hand-stripping schedule, and that’s okay. But that doesn’t mean we give up. There are middle-ground options, like carding out dead coat or blending techniques that help maintain texture and skin health without the full commitment of a show-stripping routine.

It’s about doing the best we can with what the owner can maintain—and knowing enough about coat function to explain why it matters. Even if we’re modifying things, we can still respect the original design.

Just because a dog is a “mystery mix” doesn’t mean they’re exempt from genetic influence. In fact, sometimes mixed breeds come with a mashup of challenges—like the long back of a Lhasa and the flat face of a Pekingese in one small, wiggly body.

As groomers, we can’t rely on labels alone. We need to get in the habit of looking at structure, coat type, behavior and physical comfort to help guide our grooming approach. You don’t need a DNA test to figure out that a dog is struggling on the table. You just need curiosity, observation and a little critical thinking.

At the end of the day, grooming isn’t just about making dogs look good. It’s about keeping them comfortable, functional and healthy—even if that means adjusting our methods to suit their structure, coat or breathing needs.

Understanding breed purpose isn’t about gatekeeping or being a purist. It’s about giving us context. It helps us see why the coat does what it does, why the body moves a certain way and what we need to protect while the dog is on our table.

So next time a client says, “He’s just a mix,” don’t shrug it off. Take a moment to really look at what’s in front of you. Because every dog carries a story in their bones and coat—and it’s our job to read it, respect it and groom accordingly.