✂️ Coat Care for Poodle Crosses & Dogs Prone to Matting

Curly, fluffy coats are gorgeous, but they also need more maintenance than most owners expect. Poodle crosses and similar breeds are especially prone to knots and matting, which can quickly get out of hand if left too long. Regular grooming keeps your dog’s coat healthy, comfortable, and looking its best.

Here’s what you need to know 👇

📅 How often should they be groomed?

The rule is simple: the longer the coat, the more often the visits.

• Dogs in long, fluffy styles often need to come every 4–6 weeks

• Shorter trims can stretch to 6–8 weeks

Remember — grooming doesn’t always mean a haircut ✂️A session may include bathing, brushing out tangles, trimming hygiene areas, nail care, and checking skin condition. Think of it as a regular MOT for your dog’s coat and health.

🐶 Grooming = Health, not just style

Regular grooming is about much more than looking cute. It helps with:

• Healthy skin – mats stop air circulating, trapping dirt and moisture

• Comfort – knots pull on the skin and can be very painful

• Early checks – we often spot skin irritation, lumps, or sore areas owners may miss

A dog with a clean, knot-free coat is always happier, healthier, and easier to manage at home.

❄️ The winter coat myth

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is: “I’ll keep my dog longer over winter so they’re warmer.”

Here’s why that doesn’t work ⬇️

• Wet coat = colder dog – longer fur takes longer to dry, leaving them damp and chilly for longer

• More friction = more knots – jackets, harnesses and towel-drying cause tangles faster on a long coat

• Extra baths tighten mats – many owners wash their dogs more in winter, which makes existing knots set harder

  
  

👉 In reality, a neatly trimmed, regularly groomed coat is far better for keeping dogs warm, dry, and comfortable in the colder months.

🐾 Puppies need more frequent visits

Puppies aren’t just learning about life, their coats are changing too.

• Young coats are soft and fluffy but transition into thicker adult fur, which tangles more easily

• Regular visits help us manage this transition stage so knots don’t form into matts

• Early visits are also about training and behaviour – puppies who come often learn that grooming is normal, safe, and even enjoyable

For larger breeds this is especially important: they grow fast, and a big, strong dog that isn’t used to being handled can quickly become very difficult (and stressful) to groom. Early positive experiences make a lifetime of difference — not just at the salon, but at the vet too.

🌟 Our top coat-care tips

✅ Brush regularly at home – use a slicker brush and comb through to the skin

✅ Stick to a schedule – prevention is always easier than de-matting

✅ Don’t wait until you see knots – by then it may be too late to save the coat

✅ Start puppies young – building a good routine early = calm grooms for life

✨ Regular grooming is the key to keeping curly, high-maintenance coats comfortable and healthy. Whether your dog is a tiny poodle mix or a big, bouncy doodle, staying on top of coat care will save you stress (and avoid the dreaded shave-down).

If you’re unsure how often your dog should be visiting, we’re always happy to advise on the best schedule for their coat and lifestyle.