Care of poodles
Not all dogs need to be groomed. Some have fur which is short and thick. They never need to be groomed because they moult and this maintains the health of their coat. Poodles, and the many varieties crossed with them, are different. They have hair which is fast-growing and dense. They do not moult, so they need to have their hair groomed, not just for appearance but to keep them healthy. If left ungroomed, the hair can become knotty, matted and create skin infections.
Grooming for poodles
One of the most beautiful things about poodles is their curly coat. It begins by being quite fluffy and grows straight until the age of about 9 months when it has become curly and dense. It also begins to be subject to clumping and knotting, making regular brushing a necessity. You should brush or comb the coat of a poodle every second day, preferably with the right type of equipment. Although less necessary then, brushing and combing can begin at a very early age to get the puppy used to the sensation. It also helps the dog owner to get used to an important habit.
It is also a good idea to handle your puppy all over from the very first day, so that she is accustomed to being handled. This is useful not only for grooming but also for any sort of veterinary help she may need throughout her life.
Do you have to groom a poodle when it’s a puppy?
Baby poodles are charmingly soft and hairy. They are so pretty, they look like toys. You may feel reluctant to have your little one groomed at all but a poodle should be lightly clipped as a puppy and have its nails trimmed. It is recommended to do so by the age of 5 or 6 months (this photo is of Coco at 6 months). While it may not seem strictly necessary, a visit to the “salon” helps to prepare the pup for the relative discomfort of being groomed. It can take quite a long time to complete a full groom and it is a lot to ask of a young dog. The process is much easier if the dog is willing. The quicker the puppy becomes familiar with the process the better. It’s important that it is a positive experience too, so you need to engage someone you feel you can trust, who will be sensitive to the puppy and treat her in a firm but patient manner.
The fur on the face of the poodle is often longer and less curly than on the body, so it can obstruct their vision and/or grow into their ears without you noticing. Matted hair inside the ears can mean a trip to the vet, so keep an eye on this and make sure the groomer stops it from happening by trimming around the ear openings.
Discuss the length of the coat with the groomer to avoid having the new hair cut too short, especially in the cooler months because puppies will feel the cold.
How often do you have to groom a poodle?
A puppy’s first cut should occur at about 10 or 12 weeks. All that is needed then is a light trim to give their coat shape and to introduce them to what will be a big part of their lives.
Experts will usually advise you that adult poodles need clipping every 6-8 weeks. They need a “full groom”, which means trimming from head to tail. Most groomers will include clipping around and inside the ears as well as cutting the toenails in a full groom. Always check that these aspects are included in the job.
The type of cut you choose will determine how frequently the poodle needs to be groomed. If you choose a very short clip, you may be able to leave the trim for 9 weeks.
Regular grooming is actually a hygiene requirement for this breed of dog. Failure to provide it can lead to severe matting and in the worst cases, skin infections and dreadlocks.
What does it cost to get a poodle groomed?
The cost of grooming varies depending on whether you want a full cut, or just a tidy-up trim. Expect to pay anywhere from $AUD60 – 120. Some pet stores offer these services but it is often very hard to get a booking. You can find private groomers online but it’s best to get a referral so you can rely on the quality of care as well as the appearance of the cut. Most states have a Poodle Club and groomers are listed on their website. This is some sort of guarantee of a good job.
You may prefer to investigate getting mobile groomers to come to your home. Their services usually consist of a fully-equipped van which can facilitate washing as well as grooming, trimming nails etc.
Grooming can be quite costly if you get the poodle fully groomed professionally say, 7 or 8 times per year.
What sort of style should I get for my poodle's cut?
There is a huge range of cuts available for poodles, some of which are dictated by dog show requirements; others date back to their days of retrieving ducks from the water for hunters.
Most groomers will give you pictures of the most common styles for you to make a choice. The puppy’s first grooming experience is just a light trim but a good choice for her next cuts is the Teddy Bear or Puppy trim. This is a rounded look and involves longer hair, especially around the head and jaw. The downside is that the coat growth can cover their eyes and even get too long around the mouth for the dog’s comfort.
You can ask for the snout to be shaved back to the skin. This style reveals the very narrow face of the poodle and can be a bit severe on a puppy but it’s a matter of choice.
Whatever you choose, freshly groomed poodles look beautiful. They seem to know when they look fantastic too! They strut a little bit more than usual.
