Why dogs with “growing hair” need regular grooming
Poodles, Bichon Frisé, Maltipoos, Cockapoos, long-haired Yorkies and many “hybrids” are breeds whose hair grows almost like human hair: it doesn’t shed in “clumps,” but keeps getting longer and tangling. Without regular grooming, such dogs quickly become matted — which is not only unattractive, but also dangerous for their health. According to the American Kennel Club, poodles are recommended to have a haircut and full care every 4–8 weeks, and in between visits frequent thorough brushing down to the skin is necessary to prevent mats from forming.
Why mats are a medical issue, not just aesthetics
Matted hair traps moisture and dirt against the skin, creating ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi, leading to hot spots, dermatitis and unpleasant odor. Mats prevent the skin from “breathing” and disrupt thermoregulation — in summer the dog risks overheating more quickly.
If clumps form around joints and armpits, mobility suffers — it becomes painful for the dog to walk or lie down. In extreme cases, under the felt-like “shell” parasites such as fleas and ticks can hide, and nails, if not trimmed, may grow in an arc and pierce the paw pads. At this point it is no longer cosmetic, but a veterinary and animal welfare issue.
How often to groom: general guidelines
The average schedule for “hair-growing” breeds is: full grooming every 4–6 (up to 8) weeks plus home brushing 3–7 times per week in sections, “down to the skin.” For Bichons and Poodles, many professional salons recommend sticking to exactly this cycle, to avoid shaving “down to the skin” due to dense mats.
Real cases: what neglected coats lead to
The British and Australian RSPCA regularly publish cases of severe matting where a dog can only be saved after removing the entire “armor” of hair; sometimes it involves hundreds of grams of tangled fiber and even risk of amputation due to impaired circulation. This clearly shows that regular grooming is not a “show dog luxury,” but a part of basic care.
What a proper grooming visit includes
- Separating the hair and brushing down to the skin without trying to “wash out” knots (water makes mats even tighter).
- Bathing and drying according to coat type with ear and eye protection, temperature control.
- Breed-specific haircut or a practical “home style” (sanitary trim, shortened face/paws/belly).
- Ears, nails, paw pads — prevention of otitis and injuries; according to the ASPCA, groomers are often the first to spot hidden skin issues.
Full grooming of a severely matted dog – real case from Mimi Dénia
This video shows a small Maltipoo-mix that came to our salon in very poor condition — her coat was completely matted, forming hard clumps that even covered her eyes. It took more than 3 hours of careful and patient work to free her from the tangles, clean and groom her safely. Now she is again a happy, healthy and beautiful dog. ❤️
Where in Dénia to have your Poodle, Bichon or Maltipoo groomed
At Mimi (Dénia) we work with both dogs and cats — something rare in the region. We offer cozy haircuts for Poodles, Bichons, Maltipoos, long-haired Yorkies, and help remove mats without stress for your pet. Check out our services, visit the salon gallery, and book your appointment right away in the Contact section.
FAQ: key points
How do I know if my dog already has mats? - When brushing, the brush “gets stuck,” the skin is not visible, and after bathing the coat takes long to dry and smells musty.
Can mats be “softened” in the bath? - No — water makes them tighter; first detangle in dry sections, otherwise shaving will be necessary.
How often should I take my dog to the groomer? - For Poodles, Bichons, Maltipoos — every 4–6 weeks + home brushing 3–7 times a week.
Important: grooming does not replace veterinary care. In case of skin inflammation, pain or scratching — visit the vet first.