Poodle Coat Care: Brushing, Clips and Maintenance
Poodles come in three sizes, standard, miniature and toy, and all have the same distinctive coat: dense, curly, harsh-textured and continuously growing. It is wonderful for people who dislike shedding, but it is one of the most demanding coats to keep in good condition. See also the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle.
Understanding the Poodle coat
Poodle hair is a single layer of tightly curled, fast-growing hair. It does not shed in the usual way, so dead hair remains trapped in the coat until it is brushed out. If it is left, the trapped hair and the curl itself combine to form mats close to the skin. See curly-coat grooming.
Brushing
Brush to the skin at least three or four times a week, and daily for longer styles.
- Mist lightly with a detangling spray. See detangling sprays and conditioners.
- Part the coat and brush a small section at a time with a slicker brush.
- Follow with a metal comb to check that it passes through to the skin.
- Pay special attention to behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, groin, belly and tail.
See how to brush a dog properly and how to prevent dog hair matting.
Bathing and drying
Bathe every three to six weeks, always after brushing. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, rinse well and dry completely, brushing as you dry. A damp Poodle coat mats and can cause skin problems. See how to dry a dog after a bath.
Popular clips
- Puppy cut: an even length of about 1 to 2 inches all over. See how to give a dog a puppy cut at home.
- Sporting clip: a short body with slightly longer legs and a rounded topknot.
- Continental and English saddle clips: show styles that need professional skill and much more maintenance.
- Teddy bear cut: rounded, soft and easy to maintain.
Professional grooming every four to six weeks suits most pet Poodles. See how often should you take your dog to the groomer.
Face, ears and feet
Poodles typically have the face and feet clipped short for hygiene and comfort. Hair grows inside the ear canal, and some groomers pluck it, though many vets now advise doing so only if there is a problem. See how to pluck dog ear hair. Keep feet trimmed. See how to trim hair between dog paw pads.
Tear staining
Light-coated Poodles often develop tear stains. Wipe the face daily, keep hair trimmed away from the eyes and see your vet if tearing is heavy. See how to remove tear stains from dogs.
Teeth
Toy and miniature Poodles are prone to dental disease, so brush teeth regularly. See how to brush a dog's teeth.
Starting young
Begin handling and brushing in puppyhood, because Poodles need grooming for life. See how to start grooming a puppy.
Coat changes
Puppies often have a soft coat that changes to adult curls between about six and twelve months. This is a high-risk time for mats, so brush daily.
Choosing a groomer
Look for experience with Poodles and scissoring. See how to choose a professional dog groomer.
The takeaway
Brush to the skin, dry thoroughly and choose a clip you can manage. A well-kept Poodle coat is worth the effort.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a Poodle be groomed?
Usually every four to six weeks, with brushing several times a week at home.
Do Poodles shed?
Very little, but loose hair stays in the coat and must be brushed out.
What is the easiest Poodle clip?
A short, even clip, often called a puppy or sporting clip.
Do Poodles need their ears plucked?
Ask your vet or groomer, since many vets now advise doing so only if there is a problem.