Breed · Curly, low-shedding coats
Poodle grooming: daily brushing, clipping and the tools that fit
AKC's Poodle coat facts: daily brushing to the skin or a short trim, a groomer every four to six weeks, summer clipping limits and the tools that fit.
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Short answer
The Poodle's curly, dense coat barely sheds (AKC rates it 1 of 5) because the hair keeps growing, so it needs regular grooming (AAHA). AKC says to brush daily and comb completely to the skin unless you keep a short trim; most pet owners do, clipping at home or using a groomer every four to six weeks. Core tools: long-pin slicker, metal comb, clippers. Avoid brushing only the surface: mats near the roots may have to be shaved off.
Key facts
- Coat length (AKC)
- Long[1]Trait values from AKC's Standard Poodle page.
- Shedding (AKC, 1-5)
- 1 of 5[1]AKC calls the coat relatively non-shedding.
- Brushing (AKC guidance)
- Daily, combed to the skin, unless kept in a short trim[1]
- Clipping and shaving
- Most pet owners keep a shorter trim; for summer, leave at least an inch rather than shaving to the skin[1][3]
- Nail trims
- Regularly; included in a groomer visit if you use one (AKC)[1][4]VCA's typical baseline is about once a month.
- Professional grooming
- Every four to six weeks for owners who don't clip at home (AKC)[1]For a bath, grooming and nail trim.
Watch out for
- Comb completely to the skin: AKC says a full coat that isn't brushed and combed to the skin mats near the roots and will have to be shaved off.
- Skip bladed deshedding tools: FURminator says its tool should not be used on non-shedding breeds.
- Remove mats with clippers, never scissors, and see a groomer or vet for severe tangles (VCA).
- Watch blade heat: AKC's groomer standards flag clipper sensitivity and burns. Checking the blade often against your wrist is common practice.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Long-pin slicker
Extra-long-pin slicker brush for curly and doodle coatsChoose the single brush; any color.
Sold for curly and doodle coats, per the seller; VCA says slicker brushes work well for curly, non-shedding coats like poodles.
Sold by Stone's Store
View on AliExpressClipper
Rechargeable pet hair clipperChoose the standard version.
For pet trims and tidy-ups. The seller doesn't state blade lengths or coat types, so check the guide combs before the first clip.
Sold by YiHong Kuchi Store
View on AliExpressPaw trimmer
LED paw trimmer with nail-grinder headChoose the white trimmer, not the spare cutter head.
For hair between the pads; AKC notes that toe hair mats easily.
Sold by lazyishhouse Official Store
View on AliExpressNail clipper
Scissor-style pet nail clipper with LED lightChoose the gray clipper.
Scissor-style, with a light; VCA suggests staying about 2-3 mm from the visible quick on light nails.
Sold by Shop1105233629 Store
View on AliExpressMetal comb
Andis 68550 stainless steel pet dematting comb, 7.5 inChoose the Andis 68550 7.5 in stainless steel dematting comb. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or Andis before you buy.
For combing completely to the skin, which AKC says a full coat needs. Andis doesn't state its tooth spacing.
Check price on AmazonGuard combs
Andis 562014 premium clip comb set, 7 combs, for UltraEdge and CeramicEdge #10 bladesChoose the Andis 562014 clip comb set, seven combs from 1/16 to 1 in, only for a clipper fitted with an Andis UltraEdge or CeramicEdge #10 blade, such as the UltraEdge #10 (64071) we list. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or Andis before you buy.
Andis lists these combs for its UltraEdge and CeramicEdge #10 blades, not for the cordless clipper above; they are not universal. For a summer trim, AKC advises leaving at least an inch of hair rather than shaving to the skin.
Check price on Amazon
Full coat: every day, brush in sections with a slicker, then comb each section to the skin. Short trim: a few brushing sessions a week, which is AKC's general baseline for most dogs, plus a clip every few weeks at home or a groomer every four to six weeks.
VCA says non-shedding breeds with no health issues typically need a bath about every six to eight weeks.
Before clipping at home, read dog clipper blade sizes explained and clipper guard combs explained.
These coat facts come from AKC's Standard Poodle page.
Questions
How often should a Poodle be brushed?
AKC says daily, unless you keep the Poodle clipped in a short trim, and the coat must be brushed and combed completely to the skin or it mats near the roots.[1]
How often does a Poodle need a groomer?
AKC says owners who don't clip at home often take their Poodle to a professional groomer every four to six weeks for a bath, grooming and a nail trim. Most pet owners keep a shorter trim.[1]
Are Poodles hypoallergenic?
AKC doesn't use that word. It says the breed's relatively non-shedding coat makes it a good choice for people with allergies.[1]
Can I shave my Poodle short for summer?
AKC's summer advice for single-coated dogs such as Poodles is an occasional clip by a professional, not a shave to the skin; it suggests leaving at least one inch of hair against sunburn, skin cancer and bug bites.[3]