Clinical & Salon Overview
Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Doodles of every variety are beloved across Memphis for good reason — smart, affectionate, and low-shedding. But "hypoallergenic" doesn't mean low-maintenance. Curly coats are the highest-maintenance coats in grooming, and misunderstanding that is the number one reason Doodle owners end up shocked at the salon. Here's the real routine.
Curly hair grows continuously like human hair, and shed hair doesn't fall out
Curly hair grows continuously like human hair, and shed hair doesn't fall out — it tangles into the surrounding curls. That means every day without brushing is a day of mat formation. The friction zones — collar area, armpits, behind the ears, where a harness sits — mat first and fastest. Once mats tighten against the skin, they can't be brushed out humanely; they have to be shaved. This is the conversation Doodle owners dread and groomers have weekly: the dog is matted to the skin, the cute fluffy cut isn't possible, and the only kind option is a short shave-down to start over.
Curly coats need brushing every 1–2 days — daily for longer cuts.
Curly coats need brushing every 1–2 days — daily for longer cuts. The technique is called line brushing: part the hair with one hand, and brush from the skin outward in thin sections with a slicker brush, then follow with a steel comb. The comb is the test — if it glides through to the skin, the section is mat-free; if it snags, there's a mat forming that the slicker skimmed over. Most owners brush the top of the coat and miss the base, which is exactly where mats live. Ten focused minutes of line brushing beats thirty minutes of surface brushing.
Bathe every 3–4 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo — curly coats dry out easily, and dry curls tangle faster.
Bathe every 3–4 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo — curly coats dry out easily, and dry curls tangle faster. Conditioner isn't optional for curly coats; it keeps the hair supple and combable. The critical step most home bathers skip is thorough drying: a curly coat left to air-dry shrinks into tight curls that mat as they dry. Blow-dry completely while brushing (this is called fluff drying), stretching the curls straight. A fully fluff-dried curly coat is dramatically easier to maintain — and it's what makes the teddy-bear look possible.
Curly-coated dogs need professional grooming every 4–6 weeks — 6–8 at the absolute maximum for short cuts.
Curly-coated dogs need professional grooming every 4–6 weeks — 6–8 at the absolute maximum for short cuts. The classic options: the teddy bear cut (rounded face, even fluffy body), the puppy cut (one even length all over), the clean face/feet poodle trim, or a short summer clip. Whatever the style, the maintenance between appointments determines what the groomer can achieve. A well-maintained Doodle gets the cute cut; a matted Doodle gets the shave-down. The groomer doesn't choose — the coat does.
MidSouth humidity is the enemy of curly coats.
MidSouth humidity is the enemy of curly coats. Moisture in the air makes curls tighten and tangle faster, and a damp curly dog left unbrushed after rain mats overnight. Keep a slicker brush by the door for post-walk touch-ups during humid months. If your curly dog swims, rinse and fully dry the coat the same day — wet curls left to air-dry are a matting guarantee. Our Oatmeal Soothe treatment (+$12/15/18) is a good add-on for curly coats prone to dry, itchy skin in summer.
Recommended Equipment & Mid-South Supplies
Professional equipment proven to maintain health between salon visits
Professional Grooming Undercoat Rake
Grooming Essentials
Stainless pins gently remove trapped dead undercoat without irritating sensitive skin.
All About Pawz Soothing Aloe & Oatmeal Wash
Shampoos & Conditioners
Veterinary-grade gentle formulation calms redness and itchy skin caused by Tennessee grass allergies.
All About Pawz Enzyme Dental Sticks
Wellness
Dual-action enzymatic chew cleans tartar, freshens breath, and protects gums between teeth brushings.
Enrichment Suction Bathing Lick Mat
Feeding & Watering
Keeps nervous dogs happily distracted during bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming sessions.
Serving Pets Across Greater Memphis & Shelby County
Whether you live near Midtown, Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, or Arlington, All About Pawz offers full salon appointments and concierge pet care.