How to Brush & Comb a Toy Poodle

Poodles are one of the most popular breed of dog, and often win dog shows with their beautifully clipped hair. All dogs shed but poodles, like so many other double-coated breeds of dog, hold onto their shed hair and must be brushed regularly to remove it. A professional grooming should be performed every six to eight weeks, because poodles' hair tends to mat. Daily grooming is essential, not only for the dog's looks but also for its health. This process is not difficult, but it requires daily patience, care, and dedication. Gentle daily combing and brushing will not only keep your dog looking and feeling his best, it will increase the bond between you and your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog Clippers
  • Round-Ended Scissors
  • Metal Comb
  • Slicker Brush
  • Pin Brush
  • Tweezers or Hemostat
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Instructions

    • 1
      Round ended scissors will help prevent injuries if your dog squirms.

      Examine your dog, taking time to check its ears for mites or signs of infection. Make sure there are no fleas, ticks, or pieces of dirt in the fur. Trim any of your dog's hair that is growing too long to maintain the clip style. Use the dog clippers on the torso and legs, exercising extra caution around the dog's feet, and genital/anal area. Start at the dog's head and work back toward the tail. Use the round-ended scissors to trim any hair on the dog's face. Use the tweezers or hemostat to remove hairs from the dog's ears. This will help keep them clean and free of parasites or infection.

    • 2
      A metal comb will not break if it encounters a tough mat.

      Work the metal comb gently through the hair, beginning at the ends and working back toward the skin. Untangle any mats using your fingers first, then the comb. Comb through the hair all over the dog's body.

    • 3
      A pin brush is excellent for combing through thick poodle hair.

      Using the slicker brush, brush through the hair all over the dog's body to remove any remaining shed hair or debris, then finish with the pin brush, reaching down through all the hair to brush thoroughly. Shape the style with your fingers after each brush stroke.