Grooming and coat
Why does my dog get mats behind the ears?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
The area behind the ears has softer, finer hair than the rest of the body and gets constant friction from head shaking, scratching, and collar movement, which makes it one of the fastest spots to mat. Checking and combing this area every one to two days on curly or long coated breeds prevents most mats from forming.
Why this spot is a mat hotspot
The hair behind the ears tends to be softer and less protected than the guard hairs elsewhere on the body, and it rubs constantly against the collar, the dog's own paws during scratching, and the head during shaking, all of which encourage tangling. Warmth and slight moisture from the ear itself add to the effect.
How to check for early mats
Running a fine toothed comb through the area behind and just under each ear every one to two days catches small tangles while they can still be combed loose. If the comb snags or stops rather than gliding through smoothly, that is the early stage of a mat forming, well before it becomes visible or tight against the skin.
Preventing repeat mats in the same spot
A slightly looser fitting collar, removed during long periods at home, reduces some of the friction that starts mats in this area. For dogs that mat here repeatedly despite regular combing, some owners find keeping the hair just behind the ears slightly shorter, trimmed by a groomer, cuts down on how often mats reform.
Key takeaways
- Fine hair behind the ears and constant collar or scratching friction make this a common mat spot.
- A fine comb check every one to two days catches tangles before they tighten into mats.
- Trimming the hair slightly shorter in this area can reduce how often mats reform.