Curly/Wool Coat Grooming Guide
Doodles, Poodles & Curly-Coated Breeds
Quick Overview
Curly and wool coats are beautiful but demanding. They require daily maintenance to prevent matting and regular professional grooming to maintain health and appearance.
What Defines a Curly/Wool Coat?
Curly and wool coats feature tight, spiral curls that create a dense, insulating layer. This texture makes them excellent for water activities but prone to matting and tangling.
Common Issues:
- Mats forming in friction areas (behind ears, under arms, around collar)
- Tangled undercoat that traps dirt and moisture
- Skin irritation from trapped debris
- Excessive shedding when not properly maintained
At-Home Care Routine
Daily Brushing (5-10 minutes):
- Use a slicker brush for the main coat
- Work in small sections from head to tail
- Pay special attention to friction areas
- Finish with a comb to check for tangles
Weekly Deep Clean:
- Check for hidden mats behind ears and under legs
- Inspect skin for irritation or hot spots
- Clean ears and check for infection
- Trim nails if needed
60-Second Daily Checklist
- ✅ Brush behind ears (15 seconds)
- ✅ Brush under arms (15 seconds)
- ✅ Brush around collar (15 seconds)
- ✅ Quick body brush (15 seconds)
Professional Salon Services
Curly coats require specialized professional care. Our network offers these services mapped to your dog's needs:
Bath Package (1-1.5 hours)
Includes: Deep cleansing, conditioning, blow-dry, brush-out, nail trim, ear cleaning
Best for: Regular maintenance between full grooms
Full Groom (2-2.5 hours)
Includes: Bath package + full haircut, styling, sanitary trim, paw pad trim
Best for: Complete coat reset and styling
Full Groom Specialty (2.5-3 hours)
Includes: Full groom + de-matting, hand-scissoring, breed-specific styling
Best for: Severely matted coats or show-quality styling
Seasonal Considerations
Curly coats have different needs throughout the year:
Spring (March-May)
Heavy shedding season. Increase brushing to 2x daily. Consider a de-shedding treatment.
Summer (June-August)
Keep coat shorter for heat management. More frequent baths due to outdoor activities.
Fall (September-November)
Coat thickening begins. Increase brushing frequency and prepare for winter.
Winter (December-February)
Full coat protection. Ensure proper drying after wet weather to prevent matting.
Essential Tools & Products
The right tools make curly/wool maintenance manageable:
Recommended Tools
Primary Tools
- Slicker brush: Daily maintenance, removes loose hair
- Pin brush: Detangling and finishing
- Undercoat rake: Remove dead undercoat
Common Mistakes & Best Practices
❌ Don't Do This:
- Brush dry, matted fur (causes breakage)
- Pull on tangles (painful and damaging)
- Skip daily brushing (leads to severe matting)
- Use human shampoo (wrong pH balance)
- Leave coat wet (breeds bacteria and mats)
✅ Do This Instead:
- Use detangling spray before brushing
- Work in small sections patiently
- Establish daily brushing routine
- Use dog-specific grooming products
- Ensure complete drying after baths
Representative Breeds
These breeds have curly/wool coats and benefit from this guide:
Note: Mixed breeds like doodles may have varying coat textures. Always assess your individual dog's coat characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I brush my curly-coated dog?
A: Curly-coated dogs should be brushed daily to prevent matting. Focus on friction areas like behind ears, under arms, and around the collar.
Q: What tools work best for curly coats?
A: Use a slicker brush for daily maintenance, a pin brush for detangling, and a comb for finishing. Avoid wire brushes that can damage the coat.
Q: How often should I get my doodle professionally groomed?
A: Most curly-coated dogs need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain coat health and prevent severe matting.
Q: What causes matting in curly coats?
A: Matting occurs when loose hair tangles with live hair, often in areas with friction or moisture. Regular brushing and proper drying prevent this.
Q: Can I bathe my curly-coated dog at home?
A: Yes, but ensure thorough rinsing and drying. Use conditioner and brush while wet to prevent tangles. Professional bathing is recommended for deep cleaning.
How-To: Daily Line-Brushing
Master this 5-minute daily routine to prevent matting:
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare (30 seconds): Gather slicker brush, pin brush, and comb. Ensure your dog is calm.
- Start at head (1 minute): Use slicker brush behind ears, around face, and down neck.
- Work body (2 minutes): Brush shoulders, back, sides, and tail in small sections.
- Check legs (1 minute): Focus on underarms, behind legs, and around collar.
- Finish (30 seconds): Use comb to check for missed tangles and smooth coat.
Ready for Professional Grooming?
Find a professional groomer in your area who specializes in curly coats.