How to Keep Poodle Hair From Matting

Poodle hair is thin, curly and prone to matting. According to the Royal Canin website, most dog hair follicles contain a long primary hair and multiple fine secondary hairs. The poodle's coat, however, is unlike that of other breeds and contains about 80-percent secondary hairs, which is why it's so fine and similar to a puppy's. Removing mats from poodle hair can be painful, so it's important to prevent them.

Things You'll Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Blow dryer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your poodle every day. Use a slicker brush to carefully comb through your poodle's fine hair. Daily brushing prevents knotting and tangles, which can lead to mats. Pay special attention to areas that tend to mat easily---the stomach, the chest and behind the ears. Do not press down too hard on the brush, since its bristles can scratch your poodle's delicate skin.

    • 2

      When your poodle's hair becomes wet, dry it with a blow dryer switched to the "warm setting." Allowing poodle hair to air-dry can result in knotting and matting. Also, use the slick brush together with the blow dryer, since brushing your poodle while you dry its hair will help prevent knotting.

    • 3

      Shave your poodle's hair every six to eight weeks, if you cannot brush it every day. As an alternative to daily brushing, some poodle owners prefer to keep poodle hair trimmed short. Consult with a groomer about cutting your poodle's hair short and have it performed regularly to prevent matting.