Grooming and coat
How often should I brush a curly coated dog?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Curly coats, the type Poodles, Bichons, and many doodle crosses carry, need brushing every one to two days. This coat traps shed hair inside its curls instead of dropping it, so without regular combing right down to the skin, mats form within roughly two weeks, especially behind the ears and under the collar.
Why curly coats mat so fast
Unlike a shedding coat that releases loose hair, a curly coat holds onto dead hair inside each curl. Left alone, that trapped hair tangles with new growth and tightens into a mat close to the skin. This is why a curly coated dog that looks fine on the surface can have a felted layer underneath that only shows up once you comb down to skin level.
A two step routine
Brush first with a slicker brush to separate the curls, then follow with a metal comb, working in small sections from the skin outward. If the comb catches or skips over a spot, that is where a mat is starting. Spending three to five minutes doing this every one to two days is far less work than dealing with a fully matted coat after two or three weeks of neglect.
High friction zones need extra checks
Behind the ears, under the front legs, and around the collar are the areas where curly coats mat first because of constant rubbing. Checking these three spots daily, even on days you skip a full brush out, catches small tangles while they can still be combed loose rather than cut out.
Key takeaways
- Curly coats trap shed hair instead of releasing it, so mats can form within about two weeks of no brushing.
- Use a slicker brush first, then a metal comb down to the skin to confirm there are no hidden tangles.
- Behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar mat fastest and deserve a daily check.