How Often Should You Bathe a Curly-Haired Dog? (Breed by Breed)
If you're a parent to a curly-coated pup, you already know that their coat is different—it’s springy, beautiful, and prone to tangles, frizz, and mats if not cared for properly. But when it comes to bathing, many dog parents are left wondering:
How often is too often? And how little is not enough?
The answer depends on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and coat type—but for curly coats especially, regular baths with the right routine are essential to keep curls healthy, clean, and mat-free.
Let’s break it down by breed (and bust some myths along the way).
Why Curly Coats Need Routine Baths
Curly coats act like magnets for dirt, dander, and debris. Unlike short-haired dogs, they don’t naturally shed mats or oils as efficiently, so they rely on baths to:
- Remove buildup that causes tangles
- Keep curls moisturized and bouncy
- Prevent painful mats from forming
- Reset the coat for detangling and product application
And here’s the kicker: Bathing more often—when done right—can actually reduce brushing time and make grooming easier.
Bathing Guidelines by Breed
These are general guidelines based on typical coat density and curl tightness. If your pup rolls in mud daily or loves the ocean, feel free to bump the frequency.
Poodles (Standard, Miniature, Toy)
Every 2–3 weeks
Poodles need consistent bathing to prevent tight curl compaction. Follow up with conditioning and Curl Magic Cream to avoid post-bath frizz.
Labradoodles & Goldendoodles
Every 3–4 weeks
Wavy or mixed-texture coats trap debris fast. Regular baths help reset the coat for detangling and define curls. Pro Tip: Always apply curl cream while damp to lock in moisture and shape.
Portuguese Water Dogs
Every 2–3 weeks
These active pups often swim or hike, which adds to coat buildup. Their dense curls benefit from biweekly baths with deep conditioning and sectioned brushing.
Bichon Frise
Every 2 weeks
Their soft curls and bright white coat require frequent maintenance to prevent matting and staining. Curl cream adds hydration and light hold between baths.
Irish Water Spaniel
Every 4 weeks
Their coat is naturally oily, so they can go slightly longer—but still need consistent baths to maintain curl definition and skin health.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Every 2–3 weeks
Their tight, wool-like curls need moisture and curl definition or mats form fast. Use Curl Magic Cream after every bath to maintain softness.
Barbet
Every 3 weeks
A rare but high-maintenance coat that benefits from conditioning baths and gentle blow-drying.
Cockapoos & Other Doodle Mixes
Every 2–3 weeks
Mixed coats vary wildly, but more curl = more upkeep. Aim for a consistent bath schedule followed by a detangling cream.
Curly-Coated Retriever
Every 4–6 weeks
This low-shed breed has a wash-and-wear coat but still benefits from regular cleansing and conditioning—especially after swimming.
Pumi
Every 2–3 weeks
Their corkscrew curls dry out fast, so a moisturizing routine with curl cream post-bath is essential to maintain shape and prevent breakage.
The CurlyWags Bathing Routine
Bathing a curly-coated dog isn’t just about shampoo—it’s a full coat reset. That’s why we recommend following the CurlyWags Method:
Shampoo + Condition – Always use moisturizing formulas
Layer Brush While Conditioned – Detangle before rinsing
Apply Curl Magic Cream While Damp – Lock in hydration, define curls, and prevent mats
Blow-Dry Gently – Helps prevent post-bath tangles
The Right Frequency—With the Right Products
Curly coats need more than brushing—they need consistent, curl-conscious care.
Start with our best-selling Curl Magic Cream and build a routine that keeps your pup looking (and feeling) fabulous between grooming appointments.
Clean curls = happy dogs = less stress for you.