Embedded Files
Summary
Summary
The Poodle coat is a wool coat that varies naturally in curl tightness, density, and strand thickness. These variations are normal, do not represent different coat types, and do not reduce grooming requirements.
Coat Type
Coat Type
Poodles have a single, continuously growing wool coat.
This coat does not shed in a traditional way and will mat without regular grooming.
Recognized Presentations
Recognized Presentations
The American Kennel Club recognizes two coat presentations for Poodles:
Curly
Corded
Corded is a presentation of the same wool coat, not a separate coat type.
Natural Variations Within the Poodle Coat
Natural Variations Within the Poodle Coat
All Poodles share the same wool coat type, but individual variation is common. These variations affect grooming behavior and appearance but do not represent different coat types.
Curl Tightness
Curl Tightness
Poodle coats vary in how tightly the hair curls.
Tight, springy curls
Medium or open curls
Looser curls sometimes described as “wavy”
“Wavy” is a descriptive term only and not a recognized coat type. Looser curls are still wool and still mat.
Coat Density
Coat Density
Density refers to the amount of hair per square inch:
High-density coats: very full, mat quickly
Moderate-density coats
Lower-density coats: more skin visibility, still mat
Density affects grooming time, not grooming necessity.
Strand Thickness
Strand Thickness
Individual hair strands may be:
Fine and very soft (mat rapidly)
Medium
Slightly coarser (more resilient, still mats)
Strand thickness influences how the coat feels and responds to grooming but remains part of the same wool coat type.
Coat Development
Coat Development
Poodles experience a normal transition from puppy coat to adult coat.
8–12 weeks: Soft, fluffy puppy coat
4–6 months: Curl pattern begins to appear
6–14 months: Coat transition period
Mixed textures
Increased matting
Visible changes in curl tightness and density
After ~12 months: Adult coat characteristics stabilize
This transition is normal and often mistaken for a change in coat type.
Corded Presentation
Corded Presentation
In a corded presentation, the wool coat is allowed to felt and is manually separated into cords. This requires specialized care and maintenance but remains the same underlying wool coat.
What the Poodle Coat Is Not
What the Poodle Coat Is Not
Not a shedding coat
Not straight
Not low-maintenance, even with looser curls
Not a different coat type when curl appears looser
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse