Coat Care: An Important Responsibility

One of the undeniable advantages of the Poodle is its rich, pleasant-to-touch, non-shedding coat. Thanks to its unique coat, a Poodle doesn’t leave hair on your furniture and clothes during shedding. Moreover, Poodles don’t have the typical “doggy smell.” Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?

However, these advantages come with a commitment to regular grooming. Whether you have a future show star or simply a pet, all Poodles require consistent grooming. Just because a Poodle doesn’t shed like a Husky or a Shepherd doesn’t mean it isn’t shedding.

Shedding for Poodles occurs differently. Rather than dropping loose hairs, the Poodle’s coat traps them. If these hairs aren’t regularly removed, mats and tangles will form. Some Poodles have a dense undercoat, creating a thicker coat similar to sheepskin. In Toy Poodles, this type of coat is rare and atypical for the breed. But if you’re "lucky" enough to have a dog with such a coat, the kindest option for you, your Poodle, and the groomer is to keep the coat short.

In general, Poodles have a minimal undercoat and a well-textured coat, allowing flexibility in haircut styles. When choosing a style, it’s essential to be realistic—more elaborate cuts with longer hair (over 2.5 cm) will require extra effort to keep your dog in good shape. If you lead an active lifestyle—hiking, beach walks, or living on a farm—and don’t plan to visit the groomer monthly, opting for shorter haircuts is advisable.

Every puppy from our kennel comes with a professional, flexible slicker brush and comb. From the moment your puppy arrives home, you should start training it for grooming. Before leaving our kennel, your puppy will have already been bathed and lightly trimmed multiple times, and will be accustomed to the brush and comb. Your first grooming appointment should be scheduled for one week after your puppy’s second vaccination (usually given at 12 weeks).

If you’ve found a good groomer and made an appointment—well done! But the preparation doesn’t stop there. You have a few weeks to help your puppy get used to the hair dryer. When drying your own hair, carefully hold your puppy and gently direct a small stream of warm air onto its body, offering praise if it remains calm. Every day, use the brush and comb to gently groom your puppy on a stable, low table with a non-slip mat. Never leave your puppy unattended on the table!

While the coat is still short, don’t overdo it—just gentle brushing, with lots of praise for staying calm during the process. Start with just a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing as your puppy becomes more comfortable. Your patience and positive reinforcement will pay off tremendously in the future.

Enjoy your puppy, stay safe, and be happy!

Sincerely,
Gingerbreed Toy Poodles