Few sights are as enchanting to dog lovers as dapper long-bearded or long-mustached dogs that look like distinguished gentlemen. However, unlike bearded guys who can do regular maintenance on their beards—or shave them off anytime they want, for that matter—bearded dog breeds can’t. As their owner will soon find out for themselves, these beards tend to collect all the sloppy saliva, dirt, food debris, and anything else the dog will come in contact with. At the end of the day, your dog may end up looking scruffy and smelly on the face from their beards catching anything and everything.

Dogs with long mustaches and beards, such as Schnauzers, Maltese, or Old English Sheepdogs, require special care to keep their distinctive features clean, healthy, and stylish. If you happen to own one such dog, here are some tips for what you can do to keep their whiskers as pristine as possible: 

1) Regularly Groom Your Dog

It may be such an obvious solution, but some dog owners might need to be reminded to groom their bearded dogs more regularly than other dogs might require. You’ll need to remember to wash your dog, dry them, and brush their fur to get rid of dirt and potential parasites like fleas, and to pay special attention to their mustache and beard. And while you can always take your dog to the groomer, it can get expensive to depend on the groomer all the time. In between a professional grooming session with a groomer, learn what you should do by yourself for your dog’s general grooming and fur care.

It’s recommended that you make brushing your dog a part of your daily routine. With a slicker brush or comb, you can remove tangles and mats to keep your dog looking spiffy. This will go a long way in promoting healthy skin and a beautiful coat as well as a dapper mustache and beard combo, which will make your dog look awesome in their favorite nylon dog collars. 

2) Ensure Your Dog’s Fur Around the Mouth Is Trimmed

Long facial hair can easily become a magnet for food and water, leading to unpleasant odors and potential skin issues. To prevent this, regularly trim the fur around your dog’s mouth. Each breed has its own prescribed length and style that groomers would be knowledgeable about, and you can ask for their input about this.

Do your research before snipping off your pooch’s beard and mustache yourself, especially with regard to what gear you should use and how to keep them relaxed around implements like scissors. Regular beard trimming will keep their facial hair looking tidy and also reduce the risk of debris getting trapped in their beard.

3) Clean Your Dog’s Mouth After Every Meal

Just like humans, dogs need good oral hygiene for their overall health. Good dental hygiene is also one of the best ways to keep the general mouth area, where their beards and mustaches are, clean and well-maintained. 

After each meal, take a moment to clean your dog’s mouth and beard with a damp cloth. This simple step will help remove food particles and prevent bacteria from thriving in their facial hair. It will also keep their breath fresh and make you happy to receive doggy kisses from them. 

4) Dry Your Dog’s Facial Fur

Moisture trapped in your dog’s facial fur can lead to skin irritation and even infections. After baths or water activities, make sure to thoroughly dry your dog’s beard and mustache. Use a towel or a hairdryer on a low setting to ensure their facial hair is completely dry, especially when it comes to the hair in the folds of their skin.

5) Use Specialized Dog Grooming Products

Next, you’ll want to invest in high-quality grooming products specifically formulated for dogs with long hair. Look for dog shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on the skin and that will help keep your dog’s facial hair soft and manageable. 

6) Provide Your Dog with the Right Diet and Hydration

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining the healthy skin and coat of your dog, and that applies to their magnificent whiskers. Are they eating enough protein in their diet? How about essential fatty acids? These are just some of the nutrients that dogs require to maintain a full and glowing coat.

Ensure that your dog is eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, and that they’re also staying hydrated throughout the day. Adequate hydration will also keep their skin moisturized and reduce their risk of incurring dryness and irritation.

7) Visit Your Vet for Health Checkups

Lastly, regular veterinary checkups are essential for monitoring your dog’s health, and this includes issues like the condition of their coat and their oral hygiene. This is also your opportunity to talk to the vet about your concerns as a pet parent, like what to do if your dog gets ticks or fleas near their snout or mouth. 

Your vet can provide valuable advice on grooming techniques and recommend products suitable for your dog’s specific needs. In addition, these routine checkups will help both of you detect any potential health issues early on, ensuring your furry friend stays happy and healthy.

Caring for any dog with a long mustache or beard requires dedication and attention to detail, but the rewards are well worth it. Use these tips to improve your dog’s diet, grooming routine, and overall health, which will make them look all the more magnificent. 

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