Easy-care Coats

[LizT]

My Cavs come clean with a towel down and a brush after drying but the best one is the German Shepherd. No mater how grotty he gets it just brushes clean or falls off when he is dry!

I have to admit he rarely gets or needs a bath but is brushed alot. Bathing doesn't remove the doggy odour for more than a day with him.

[Mollie10]

Even within a breed, the level at which the coat matts is different. One of my dog's coat is very, very fine, but very profuse. She matts so easily, whereas the other dog's coat is really easy care.

There are lots and lots of variables.

[Diva]

Even within a breed, the level at which the coat matts is different.

That's true. The biggest difference between my three is desexing - the desexed girl has a much finer and more prone to knot coat than the two who are entire. Her coat takes more time to maintain than the other two combined, and then some.

[fuzzy82]

I have a poodle x, I keep her trimmed pretty short, which means she mostly stays clean and she's low odour so she only needs a bath about once a month, or even less. But the regular trimmings cost money, and then of course you have the inconvenience of dropping her off and picking her up from the groomer's, and I think advertising them as 'non-shedding = low maintenance' is totally misleading. Either you keep them trimmed short and pay accordingly, or you let it grow out a bit and then they pick up dirt like there's no tomorrow, and of course need regular brushing to avoid matting etc.

[aussielover]

I do not believe that purebred poodles coats are as hard to manage as oodles.

They usually have a tighter "ringlet" which keeps water out fairly well, additionally, it stops the hair from dreadlocking.

Other long haired breeds such as Aussies, BCs, Collies, spitzes etc are also nowhere near as hard to maintain.

IMO it is the "fleece" like coat of the oodles that makes it very difficult to maintain.

[Sheridan]

I do not believe that purebred poodles coats are as hard to manage as oodles.

They usually have a tighter "ringlet" which keeps water out fairly well, additionally, it stops the hair from dreadlocking.

Other long haired breeds such as Aussies, BCs, Collies, spitzes etc are also nowhere near as hard to maintain.

IMO it is the "fleece" like coat of the oodles that makes it very difficult to maintain.

One of the things that people keep saying about oodles is that you don't know how they're going to turn out because they're a crossbreed. It therefore follows that not every oodle is going to have a fleece coat.

[koalathebear]

One of the things that people keep saying about oodles is that you don't know how they're going to turn out because they're a crossbreed. It therefore follows that not every oodle is going to have a fleece coat.

Ooooh, this sort of inference may be too logical for the anti-oodles. And no, I do not own an oodle :D Just amused by the potential syllogism here. Let's see if I can frame it correctly - it has been a long, long time since first year philosophy in which we studied logic.

All oodles are unpredictable

Some oodles have a fleece coat

Conclusion: Not all oodles definitely have a fleece coat

I'm always amused at the people who say "all oodles are ugly" or "all oodles have a bad temperament" because I thought that the major downside of an oodle was that it was a cross-breed and therefore by its nature unpredictable, so all those who purport to generalise about the nature of all oodles are thereby contradicting the fundamental premise on which anti-oodlism is based because as an oodle is unpredictable, it could end up with a nice temperament or a nice appearance and it could also be ugly with a bad coat and temperament. Just saying... Again, I am not promoting oodles, just saying that the argument is more logically sound and robust when people simply say that an oodle is unpredictable. People undermine their own oodle argument if they purport to posit a theory of certainty of oodle characteristics.

Edited November 11, 2010 by koalathebear

[aussielover]

I do not believe that purebred poodles coats are as hard to manage as oodles.

They usually have a tighter "ringlet" which keeps water out fairly well, additionally, it stops the hair from dreadlocking.

Other long haired breeds such as Aussies, BCs, Collies, spitzes etc are also nowhere near as hard to maintain.

IMO it is the "fleece" like coat of the oodles that makes it very difficult to maintain.

One of the things that people keep saying about oodles is that you don't know how they're going to turn out because they're a crossbreed. It therefore follows that not every oodle is going to have a fleece coat.

But apparently fleece is one of the most desirable "types".

[Simply Grand]

One of the things that people keep saying about oodles is that you don't know how they're going to turn out because they're a crossbreed. It therefore follows that not every oodle is going to have a fleece coat.

Ooooh, this sort of inference may be too logical for the anti-oodles. And no, I do not own an oodle Just amused by the potential syllogism here. Let's see if I can frame it correctly - it has been a long, long time since first year philosophy in which we studied logic.

All oodles are unpredictable

Some oodles have a fleece coat

Conclusion: Not all oodles definitely have a fleece coat

I'm always amused at the people who say "all oodles are ugly" or "all oodles have a bad temperament" because I thought that the major downside of an oodle was that it was a cross-breed and therefore by its nature unpredictable, so all those who purport to generalise about the nature of all oodles are thereby contradicting the fundamental premise on which anti-oodlism is based because as an oodle is unpredictable, it could end up with a nice temperament or a nice appearance and it could also be ugly with a bad coat and temperament. Just saying... Again, I am not promoting oodles, just saying that the argument is more logically sound and robust when people simply say that an oodle is unpredictable. People undermine their own oodle argument if they purport to posit a theory of certainty of oodle characteristics.

You philosopher you!

I may be on thin ice saying this here, but to me that is THE most convincing argument for the average person who wants a puppy to get a purebred over a x breed - with a purebred you have a good idea of how your dog will turn out, with a x breed you really don't know.

[tlc]

KTB, you made my brain go with your post! people comment all the time on the disposition of my lot and ask me about them. I always say at the end of the day they ARE a cross breed and their is NO guarantee how they will turn out, it's pot luck really. I do get annoyed when they all get lumped in the same basket, but some of it has to do with how well they are managed like any dog can be ferrel with no training and excersise.

As far as coats go I think if you maintain brush and clip when necessary then their shouldn't be an issue. I have four and have no problems what so ever and all of mine have different coat type, I cope quite well, and call me crazy I love the grooming side of my life with my dogs.

Those photos posted disgust me people who let their dogs get like that shouldn't be allowed to own dogs, to me it seems like some kind of cruel abuse. I hate people at times!

[Rehnagaede]

One of the things that people keep saying about oodles is that you don't know how they're going to turn out because they're a crossbreed. It therefore follows that not every oodle is going to have a fleece coat.

Ooooh, this sort of inference may be too logical for the anti-oodles. And no, I do not own an oodle Just amused by the potential syllogism here. Let's see if I can frame it correctly - it has been a long, long time since first year philosophy in which we studied logic.

All oodles are unpredictable

Some oodles have a fleece coat

Conclusion: Not all oodles definitely have a fleece coat

I'm always amused at the people who say "all oodles are ugly" or "all oodles have a bad temperament" because I thought that the major downside of an oodle was that it was a cross-breed and therefore by its nature unpredictable, so all those who purport to generalise about the nature of all oodles are thereby contradicting the fundamental premise on which anti-oodlism is based because as an oodle is unpredictable, it could end up with a nice temperament or a nice appearance and it could also be ugly with a bad coat and temperament. Just saying... Again, I am not promoting oodles, just saying that the argument is more logically sound and robust when people simply say that an oodle is unpredictable. People undermine their own oodle argument if they purport to posit a theory of certainty of oodle characteristics.

Just a question on that regarding defects/problems.

Would there be the same predictability/unpredictability on the defects/problems that the oodles could potentially have?

I'm not too clued up on what breeds have what problems, but if you cross a breed that has heart problems with a breed that has bone structure problems (I'm really only taking a stab in the dark here, so there may be no such thing; it's just an example), is it a foregone conclusion that the oodle would inherit both of those problems?

I realise this question may contradict your statement about people postulating a theory of certainty in oodle characteristics, but I want to categorise this as something different to temperament and appearance, because I feel that it's of a different importance, as I regard health as a "physicality" and temperament and appearance as a "mentality". Specifically the importance in enabling those that have oodle dogs to be aware of and understand that the breeds with which their oodle has been crossed may have certain problems, and that these problems may develop, and multiply, in their oodle.

[koalathebear]

Just a question on that regarding defects/problems.

Would there be the same predictability/unpredictability on the defects/problems that the oodles could potentially have?

I'm not too clued up on what breeds have what problems, but if you cross a breed that has heart problems with a breed that has bone structure problems (I'm really only taking a stab in the dark here, so there may be no such thing; it's just an example), is it a foregone conclusion that the oodle would inherit both of those problems?

I realise this question may contradict your statement about people postulating a theory of certainty in oodle characteristics, but I want to categorise this as something different to temperament and appearance, because I feel that it's of a different importance, as I regard health as a "physicality" and temperament and appearance as a "mentality". Specifically the importance in enabling those that have oodle dogs to be aware of and understand that the breeds with which their oodle has been crossed may have certain problems, and that these problems may develop, and multiply, in their oodle.

From memory, the syllogism is pretty narrow in scope and can be overly simplistic i.e. philosophers tried to use it to disprove the existence of God and that sort of thing which is just silly.

You'd have to adjust the composition of the syllogism to address your issues so that it ended up something like this:

The outcome of an Oodling is always unpredictable

Oodles bred from unhealthy dogs are highly likely to be unhealthy

Conclusion: An Oodle may possibly be unhealthy

Again, you can't have a 'definite' unhealthiness unless you agree to 'surrender' the claim about unpredictability.

[aussielover]

KTB, you made my brain go with your post! people comment all the time on the disposition of my lot and ask me about them. I always say at the end of the day they ARE a cross breed and their is NO guarantee how they will turn out, it's pot luck really. I do get annoyed when they all get lumped in the same basket, but some of it has to do with how well they are managed like any dog can be ferrel with no training and excersise.

As far as coats go I think if you maintain brush and clip when necessary then their shouldn't be an issue. I have four and have no problems what so ever and all of mine have different coat type, I cope quite well, and call me crazy I love the grooming side of my life with my dogs.

Those photos posted disgust me people who let their dogs get like that shouldn't be allowed to own dogs, to me it seems like some kind of cruel abuse. I hate people at times!

Well I am glad you enjoy spending time grooming your dogs Unfortunately I have neither the time or desire to spend lots of time maintaining a difficult coat.

I have been brushing the Poodle cross for at least 20 mins everyday which is about 99% more time than I spend on the lab (being a pup still- she doesn't shed that much). Tick searches are a nightmare and take up a further half hour, although I really doubt I'd have any serious chance of finding a tick on this dog unless I shaved it or spent half the day looking:(

It actually takes me a good 20 mins to do a proper search on the labrador.

Any tips for how to get matts out? The body and legs are fine, but the feet are quite matted because she is always getting them wet on wet grass or in puddles. They also seem like the slowest to dry :D

I have a slicker brush at the moment

[tdierikx]

I'd give the oodle a nice short summer clip - and do it regularly - will make life easier for everyone all around methinks...

As for Labs shedding... mine is in full summer shed right now... grrr!

Anyone noticed how nothing sticks to Lab fur, but Lab fur sticks to everything? I still haven't figured that one out...

T.

[poodlefan]

Any tips for how to get matts out? The body and legs are fine, but the feet are quite matted because she is always getting them wet on wet grass or in puddles. They also seem like the slowest to dry

I have a slicker brush at the moment

Clip the feet top and bottom. Poodle people have been it doing for centuries for a reason.

Edited November 11, 2010 by poodlefan

[aussielover]

Any tips for how to get matts out? The body and legs are fine, but the feet are quite matted because she is always getting them wet on wet grass or in puddles. They also seem like the slowest to dry

I have a slicker brush at the moment

Clip the feet top and bottom. Poodle people have been it doing for centuries for a reason.

I can't- they like the "shaggy dog" look.

she is getting a hot spot on one of the legs though, so i will have to clip that area.

I can see why poodles have their feet clipped now!

[poodlefan]

Any tips for how to get matts out? The body and legs are fine, but the feet are quite matted because she is always getting them wet on wet grass or in puddles. They also seem like the slowest to dry ;)

I have a slicker brush at the moment

Clip the feet top and bottom. Poodle people have been it doing for centuries for a reason.

I can't- they like the "shaggy dog" look.

she is getting a hot spot on one of the legs though, so i will have to clip that area.

I can see why poodles have their feet clipped now!

You could still clip out the underside of the foot. Less dirt, less mud, and less chance of fungal infections due to dampness.

You could tell them the dog doesn't need have cullotes - clipping to the top of the knuckle is far enough.

Its all well and good to like the "shaggy dog" look but on some coats that look comes with a high maintenance bill. They've got a choice as I see it. Either keep the coat free of matts or clip it off.

Edited November 11, 2010 by poodlefan

[tlc]

When I clip my guys I do their feet with the 10 blade especially for summer for grass seeds etc.

[Tatelina]

This would equally apply to any coated dog. If you want difficult try a purebred wheaten terrier that's soaked and covered in mud and see how long he takes to get dry. I'm betting your oodle would take less time.

I agree any long coated dog would be the same, My girls today rolled in horse poo, home for a quick tub under the dryer for 5 mins good as new!! ;) it just part of owning a long coated breed or cross breed as the case may be. Each to thier own I guess, I love the fact that I have no dog hair on my clothes or furntiure or carpet or anywhere really apart from a little in the hair brush from ears and face occasionally.

eta: I was fully aware of the coat my guys would have when I got each one.

I disagree.. see below.

Dogs bred for dealing with those conditions..in my (newb) opinion have coats designed to repel dirt/water, dry quicker etc...

As someone who grew up with mini-poodles and now has a bitza puppy - probably bc x lab (so you can imagine the fur!) - I've been completely surprised again and again at his non-stick surface!

Fear dirty puddles no longer!

Go through the muddy wet grass without hesitation!

Roll in the mud? Why not brave puppy!

Etc Etc....

Hehe... what fun for our dogs!

I was looking after a gorgeous Golden Retriever and was mortified to see how muddy, wet and dirty he got after a fantastic play session that last all day in the rain, rumbling with other dogs... was prepared to wash/dry him the next day when all it took was 15mins out of the wet/mud and the oils in his coat seemed to excrete all the dirt and he was looking fabulous.

Seriously was very impressed/relieved.... all these ethical breeders doing their job to confirm to breed standard... pays off.

Edited November 11, 2010 by Tatelina

[poodlefan]

Saxonpup:

I may be on thin ice saying this here, but to me that is THE most convincing argument for the average person who wants a puppy to get a purebred over a x breed - with a purebred you have a good idea of how your dog will turn out, with a x breed you really don't know.

Thanks SP for encapulating so neatlyl why purebred dogs were developed in the first place - for increased predictability of the traits they would possess as adults.

I've met plenty of nice oodles - have said so many times. Given that conditions that they are bred and raised in its testament to process by which their purebred parents were developed that they turn out so well.

But it is NOT a myth that many crossbred poodle coats are extremely challenging to maintain. As I said, talk to the people who have to groom them. Ask yourselves why Guide Dogs did not persist with their oodle program. One of the reasons was that they couldnl't stabilise coat type.