How to Care for a Curly-Coated Dog's Hair
Poodles, Bichons, Portuguese Water Dogs, Bedlington Terriers and many doodles share a coat that is curly, woolly or both. It is attractive and low shedding, but it also demands more routine care than almost any other type.
Why curly coats mat
Curly hair grows in tight spirals that interlock easily. Shed hair is trapped in the coat rather than falling out, and friction from collars, harnesses and movement tangles it further. Mats start close to the skin, where they are hard to see. Once formed, they tighten and pull painfully. See how to prevent matting.
Daily and weekly care
- Brush to the skin two to four times a week, or daily for long coats. Surface brushing leaves tangles underneath.
- Use line brushing: part the hair and brush a small section at a time from the roots out.
- Follow with a metal comb to check for knots, particularly behind ears, under legs and around the collar.
- Use a detangling spray to reduce breakage. See detangling sprays and conditioners.
See how to brush a dog properly.
Tools
- Slicker brush with fine pins. See best slicker brushes
- Long-toothed metal comb. See choosing a grooming comb
- Detangling spray
- High-velocity dryer for professional results at home. See best high-velocity dryers
- Clippers and scissors for maintenance. See how to clip your dog at home
Bathing
Always brush out the coat before bathing, because water tightens existing mats. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, rinse thoroughly and dry completely, brushing while you dry. Damp curly coats can mat and harbor skin infections. Bathe every three to six weeks. See how to bathe a dog at home.
Clipping and styling
Curly coats grow constantly and need regular trimming. Popular styles include the puppy cut, teddy bear cut and breed-specific clips. See puppy cut at home. Shorter clips, such as an inch or less, are easier to maintain. Longer styles need daily care. Professional grooming is typically every four to eight weeks. See clipper guard sizes.
Trouble spots
- Behind the ears
- Armpits and groin
- Under the collar and harness
- Between the toes. See how to trim between paw pads
- Around the tail and sanitary areas. See sanitary trim
- Face and beard
Dealing with mats
Small mats can be worked out with fingers, a detangler and a comb, starting from the edges. Do not cut mats with scissors, since skin can be caught in the fold. If mats are large, tight or close to the skin, the safest option is to have a groomer clip the coat short. See how to remove mats safely.
Ears, eyes and teeth
Curly-coated breeds often have hair growing in the ear canal and tears that stain the face. See cleaning a dog's ears, ear hair plucking and tear stain removal.
Skin health
Check for redness, odor and flakes when brushing. Curly coats can hide skin issues. Talk to your vet if you notice scratching or sores.
The takeaway
Curly coats are beautiful but demanding. Brush to the skin, dry thoroughly and keep to a clipping schedule you can maintain. For specific breeds, see our poodle grooming guide.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush a curly-coated dog?
Several times a week, and daily if the coat is long.
How often should they be groomed professionally?
Usually every four to eight weeks, depending on the clip.
Do curly dogs shed?
They shed little, but loose hair gets trapped in the coat and mats if not brushed out.
Can I cut mats out with scissors?
This is dangerous because skin can be pulled into the mat. Use proper tools or ask a groomer.