Curly Coat Care Routine for Doodles & Poodles
📅 Published: April 15, 2024| ⏱️ 7 min read | 🏷️ Coat Care
Curly coats act like Velcro—great for hugs, not so great for debris. Here’s how to keep doodles and poodles fluffy without matting or breakage.
Daily Detangle Workflow
Break the coat into quadrants (head, shoulders, body, legs) and work from the skin out.
- Use a metal comb to check each slicker-brushed section for hidden knots.
- Mist with leave-in conditioner before brushing to add slip.
- Prioritize sleeves (legs) and harness friction areas.
Weekly Bath Blueprint
Never bathe a curly coat with mats. Tangles tighten when wet.
Once tangle-free, follow this order:
- Pre-shampoo with clarifying formula if coats feel waxy.
- Use a high-moisture shampoo and brush conditioner through with a wide-tooth comb.
- Fluff dry with a high-velocity dryer while brushing to stretch curls.
Trim Timing & Length Goals
Curly coats grow fast. Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to keep styles manageable.
| Look | Length Goal | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Teddy bear | 3/4 inch | Brush daily + trim every 6 weeks |
| Sport cut | 3/8 inch | Brush 3x weekly + trim every 5 weeks |
| Full coat | 1.5 inch+ | Brush twice daily + trim monthly |