How To Groom a Dog That Has Curly Hair

Poodles and Bichon Frises are beautiful pets that many people fall in love with. Terrier breeds are friendly, energetic, and the life of the party. These breeds are all amazing, and they all have at least one thing in common: curly hair. Curly-haired dogs are gorgeous, of course, but their coats require extra care to ensure comfort and cleanliness. Use this guide to help you give your pup the healthy fur and extra grooming attention he deserves.

Brush Your Dog First

Before cutting your curly-haired dog's fur, you must part it, brush it, comb it, and potentially rid it of mats. This ensures an even cut when you do begin snipping. Start with a slicker brush or pin brush to gently brush his fur. Begin at the front of his neck, parting his hair and using your fingers to find his skin. This allows you to use the brush for all of his fur and not just the top layer. Brush from root to tip, unless he has thick fur, in which case you should begin at the tip and work your way in.

After the initial brushing, check for tangles. Use a comb to go through his fur again, and then re-brush any minor tangles. If you find areas that are too tangled for the brush to work through, go through the fur with a de-shedding tool instead. This helps to remove any excess hair that could make the grooming job more difficult.

Cut Your Dog's Hair

After his hair is completely free of tangles, you can begin the process of cutting your dog's hair. You'll do this in several steps and using a combination of scissors and clippers.

The Paws

Work on your dog's paws first. Hair grows between the paw pads, which causes him to lose traction and trap dirt. Clip this hair before working on the top of the paws. At the top, trim enough hair so that the hair on the paws creates a smooth transition into the hair on his legs. Be sure to step back and look at your work frequently. This helps you to create an even cut. Remember to hold the skin taut while cutting around the paws to prevent any accidental nicks.

The Legs and Underside

After you're done with your dog's paws, move to his legs and the area beneath his backside. Remember to cut again the lay of your dog's fur to ensure it looks good and that you don't make the job too difficult on yourself. You can lift up his legs to help with angling or have someone help you if your pet needs a little extra guidance. Sometimes, people who own curly-haired dogs prefer their legs to look fuller. Skip cutting the hair on the outer legs if you want to achieve this look.

The Head

The third step of your dog's haircut is his head. Begin just above his eyes, moving up and away toward the ears. Never rush in this area especially, as if your dog moves while you're cutting, you may accidentally hurt him. If he has longer hair inside his ears, pull them away to cut them shorter. Avoid leaving long hairs alone, as they can make it harder for your dog to hear. Finish the head area by trimming around the muzzle and under the chin.

The Tail

Next, it's time to move to the back of your dog again to work on his tail. Use one hand to hold it still at the base, cutting from this section and working your way to the tip of his tail. This is another area where some owners prefer the bushy look. If you do, avoid trimming the hair at the end of the tail.

The Torso

Finally, it's time to trim the hair around your dog's torso and belly. Start on his back and work your way to the sides and then to the belly, remembering to take time to step back and ensure the hair looks even. Bumps or mounds of hair will need to be trimmed further. As you work on the belly, blend the cut into the hair you already trimmed on his underside.

Give Your Dog a Bath

Finally, it's time to give your dog a bath, so he will be fresh, clean, and free of any leftover pieces of trimmed fur. Use lukewarm water and dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner. If your dog has sensitive skin, using special products is essential. It will keep him and his fur free of dandruff, not to mention help him to stop itching and remain comfortable. You can even find tear-free formulas for puppies, like Burt's Bees 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner , which uses a combination of linseed oil and buttermilk to create healthy skin and a beautiful shine. Don't forget about the ears. You won't want to put water directly into them, so be sure to invest in ear wipes that make it easier to keep your dog's ears clean. Finally, if you truly want to pamper your pet, end his at-home grooming and spa day with a bathrobe and his own designer pet cologne .

Taking care of your curly-haired dog's fur isn't just about making him look good or keeping him healthy. Spending an afternoon petting your dog and talking to him is also an excellent way to bond with him. Remember to provide lots of extra cuddles and treats throughout the process!