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Because Poodles don\u2019t shed, dead hair must be brushed out to prevent matting. Coat length, texture, and trim will dictate whether a pin brush or a wire slicker is the best choice for routine brushing. Both can be effective or useless. Test brushes by trying them yourself. A cheaply made brush is stiff and sharp. It will rip hair and damage skin. A sharp brush can also cause skin irritation known as brush burn.<\/p>\n
Puppy coats range from slightly wavy to tightly curled. Weekly brushing is fine for many puppies, but soft, cottony coats require more frequent attention to prevent mats. Coat change occurs between 7 and 18 months of age, and many Poodles will need daily brushing for several months as the puppy coat is gradually shed and replaced. The amount of brushing needed for adult coats also varies. The only rule is that the dog should be kept free of mats.<\/p>\n
Brush methodically, one section at a time. Do each leg, his tail, topknot, ears, and body coat. Longer, dense coats should be parted into sections about 2 or 3 inches wide and misted with conditioning spray to reduce static. Brush gently from the hair tips to the roots, all the way to the skin in a smooth motion, without bending your wrist.<\/p>\n
After brushing, use your comb to check for tiny tangles that you may have missed. They have a miraculous ability to triple in size by the next grooming session.<\/p>\n