How to Care for a Curly-Coated Retriever's Curly Coat
The Curly-Coated Retriever is prized for its distinctively curly, water-resistant coat. While beautiful, that curly hair requires diligent grooming to keep it healthy and mat-free. Follow these tips to properly care for your Curly's curls!
Overview of the Curly Coat
Let's first look at the characteristics of the Curly-Coated Retriever coat:
- Texture - Small, tight, water-resistant curls. Lays close to the body. Feels coarse and dense.
- Length - Medium. Curly hair extends 1-3 inches from the body. The curls elongate as the coat grows out.
- Color - Solid black or solid liver-brown. No markings.
- Growth - Curly coats are slow growing. Shed lightly year-round rather than seasonally.
- Trimming - Curly coats require only occasional trimming for neatness. Never shave the coat.
Daily brushing and regular bathing keeps the coat clean, neat, and mat-free. Proper nutrition also enhances coat health.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bathing Your Curly
Bathe your Curly-Coated Retriever every 4-8 weeks using these steps:
1. Brush Thoroughly
First, brush out the entire coat until smooth and tangle-free. Pay extra attention to areas that easily mat like armpits, behind ears, and between toes.
2. Gather Supplies
Have ready your dog shampoo, towel, brush, cotton balls, and ear cleaner. Treats can encourage your dog to enjoy the process.
3. Protect the Ears
Place cotton balls in your dog's ears canal to prevent water from getting inside while bathing. Secure with latex-free rubber bands.
4. Wet the Coat
Use a detachable shower sprayer if possible. Otherwise wet your dog's coat from the neck down using a pitcher. Avoid the head area.
5. Lather Shampoo
Apply an enriched dog shampoo like one containing oatmeal. Work it thoroughly from neck to tail, really massaging it into the dense curls.
6. Rinse
Rinse until the water runs clear. Repeat shampooing if needed on dirty areas. Avoid letting shampoo get in the eyes.
7. Dry Thoroughly
Squeeze out excess water then wrap your dog in towels to absorb moisture. Air dry the rest of the way and avoid letting your dog outside with a damp coat.
8. Remove Ear Protection
Once fully dry, remove the cotton balls from the ears. Clean out ear canals with an approved ear wash and cotton balls.
9. Brush Again
Finish with a thorough brushing to realign the curls neatly into place. Your Curly's coat will now shine!
Bathing and drying your Curly Coated Retriever thoroughly helps prevent problematic hot spots and skin infections while making that beautiful coat sparkle.
Step-by-Step Brushing Guide
In addition to bathing, meticulous daily brushing keeps your Curly's coat tangle and mat-free:
1. Have the Right Tools
Use a medium stiff slicker brush and a wide-toothed comb. Always brush small sections at a time.
2. Start at the Head
Work from head to tail. Begin by gently brushing the face, ears, and neck. Use short, gentle strokes.
3. Do Each Section
Brush small sections of hair thoroughly from the skin outward in the direction of hair growth. Lift the curls to reach the undercoat.
4. Pay Attention to Trouble Spots
Spend extra time on areas prone to tangles like armpits, behind ears, and between toes.
5. Follow Up with a Comb
Double check your work by running a wide-toothed comb through each section to catch any tangles.
6. Check for Mats
Feel across your Curly's body for any remaining mats or tangles that require extra brushing to remove.
7. Keep at It!
Make daily brushing a habit. It takes just 10-15 minutes but prevents painful matting.
Consistency is vital. Set a reminder if needed to ensure you brush your Curly thoroughly each day.
Nutrition for Optimal Curly Coats
Proper nutrition enhances your Curly Retriever's coat health from the inside out:
- High quality dog food - Look for foods featuring omega-3 fatty acids from fish and vitamin E for skin and coat health. Avoid corn, wheat, and soy.
- Fish oil - Salmon oil or other fish oil supplements support skin and give the coat a glossy shine.
- Zinc - Zinc is an important mineral for coat growth. Make sure your dog's food contains adequate zinc.
- Hydration - Ensure your Curly always has access to fresh, clean water. Dehydration leads to dry, brittle coats.
A healthy diet fuels your Curly Coated Retriever's body to grow the most stunning curly coat possible.
How to Remove Mats from a Curly Coat
Despite your best efforts, mats happen! Here's how to remove them:
- Identify - Feel for solid lumps close to the skin when you brush. Those are mats that have tightened.
- Gently loosen - Carefully pick at the perimeter of the mat with a slicker brush to loosen it.
- Separation - Once loosened, use your fingers or a comb to gently tease apart and separate the hairs twisted together.
- Never pull or cut - Never yank on a stubborn mat as this can injure your dog's skin. Also avoid cutting mats out which damages the coat.
- Prevention - Focus on prevention by brushing thoroughly each day, bathing regularly, and promptly removing any tangles you find.
With a careful approach, you can remove mats properly when they occur without hurting your dog or their beautiful curls.
Signs Your Curly Needs a Trim
Your Curly-Coated Retriever requires occasional trimming to look their best. It's time for a trim when:
- The curls on the legs, tail, and ears exceed 2-3 inches in length and begin to droop.
- Stray curls give your dog a messy, unkempt look instead of a neat outline.
- Hair starts to cover the eyes, block vision, or trap debris.
- Excess hair on the bottom of the feet causes slipping on floors or collects ice/mud.
- Sanitary areas under the tail become soiled from longer hair.
- Mats become impossible to prevent despite diligent brushing.
See a professional groomer every 8-12 weeks for neatening trims. Never shave down your Curly all the way as this damages the coat permanently. Only trim stray hairs.
FAQs About Caring for Curly Coats
Here are answers to some common questions about maintaining your Curly's coat:
Can I shave my Curly's coat in summer? No, shaving the coat close damages the curly texture. Overheating can be prevented through proper hydration, access to shade, and avoiding overexertion in hot weather.
How often should I bathe my Curly Coated Retriever? Bathe every 4-8 weeks or when dirty. Overbathing strips healthy coat oils.
Should I use conditioner? Conditioner is usually not required for Curly coats but can be used occasionally for added shine and moisture. Rinse thoroughly.
What causes dry, brittle coats? An omega deficient diet, dehydration, overbathing, or hypothyroidism can lead to coat issues. Have your vet do testing to identify the cause.
Proper grooming and nutrition helps ensure your Curly-Coated Retriever's coat stays shiny, mat-free, and eye-catching! Reach out to professional groomers and your vet if you have any questions. Your dog will be proud to show off their striking curls.