Cording the Poodle's Coat
When starting the process of cording for a Poodle, some owners allow the puppy's coat to mat by not brushing the fur. Over time, it then becomes the responsibility of the owner to manually separate the mats to create narrow segments. Some Poodle coats will form fine ribbons of mat practically without the help of another. Often, you will see that the curlier the coat – the easier the process.
Once the matting process of a Corded Poodle has taken off, a weekly misting with water or a leave-in conditioner is highly suggested. Air-drying should also follow the misting, which is recommended to take place several times throughout the week. A once-a-week bath is also in order. A thorough blow-dry after a full bath is essential to avoid the presence of unpleasant mildew. When separating mats with your fingers, the proper method involves pulling from the skin in an outward manner. The only time to take a downward approach is to split mature cords.
In order to maintain a healthy Corded Poodle, who possesses an odor-free appearance, a high level of cleanliness is vital. Frequent cleaning of the coat is a must, as well as avoiding damaging or threatening circumstances that hinders the cleanliness of the coat. For instance, you might not want your Corded Poodle to romp about the garden or tall grass in order to avoid the accumulation of unwanted debris.
When bathing a Corded Poodle, a top-notch, shampoo that produces a low amount of suds is recommended because it is easier to rinse out. Corded coats are also bathed in the same manner as a curly coat – diluted shampoo is placed on a wet dog and then rinsed thoroughly. Next, one should towel-dry the dog on a table or with a layer of towels in a crate. Standing dryers are also used until the coat becomes completely dry, which means a periodic spot check to catch remaining water. Any moisture left behind will create an unwanted outcome.
When conditioning the coat of the dog, it is important to steer clear of oils, which was a common maintenance technique during the 1800s. This type of substance is hard to remove and over time, creates a sour smell in the coat. Oils also attract dirt and especially wreak havoc on Corded Poodles who are white or light in color.
Overall, the spectacle of a Corded Poodle is one that generates curiosity, as it is not a common sight to see. This is why the development, maintenance, and cleansing of this particular coat is a representation of many years of hard work and careful attention.
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