Course 02 · Reading the Coat · Lesson 3 of 12
What makes a curly coat different from a wavy coat?
A curly coat forms tight, springy curls that trap loose hair and tangle quickly, while a wavy coat falls in loose waves, sheds more visibly and tangles mainly at friction points.
A curly coat forms tight, springy curls or ringlets that hold their shape, trap loose and shedding hair inside the coat, and tangle quickly if brushing lapses. A wavy coat falls in loose, flowing waves, sheds more visibly onto furniture and clothing, and tangles mainly where the coat rubs, such as under a collar, behind the ears and in the armpits. The difference matters because a curly coat can look tidy while mats are forming unseen inside the curls, while a wavy coat shows tangles and shedding more openly. Brush choice, frequency, drying and mat checks all differ, and treating a curly coat as if it were wavy, or the reverse, leads to missed mats or unnecessary work.
How do curl pattern and density differ?
Curl pattern describes how tightly the hair bends, from loose waves through defined curls to tight ringlets, and density describes how many hairs grow together. Curly coats are often dense, with many hairs in a small area, which is why a brush can appear to glide over the surface while tangles remain underneath. Wavy coats are often less dense, with hair that falls in a clear direction and parts more easily. A useful test is to part the coat with fingers and look at the skin, since a curly coat springs back and closes the part, while a wavy coat stays parted for longer. Another test is the comb check, where a comb should pass through the coat after brushing. If it snags in a curly coat, tangles remain hidden in the curls even when the surface looks neat.
How does shedding differ between the two?
Curly coats shed less visibly because loose hair is caught in the curls and comes out during brushing rather than falling onto furniture. That can create a false impression that a curly dog does not shed, when in fact the shed hair is being stored in the coat and needs removal. Wavy coats shed more visibly, with loose hair appearing on bedding, clothing and floors, and regular brushing reduces that spread. Neither pattern is better, but each needs a different expectation. A curly coat that is not brushed regularly will mat from trapped shed hair, while a wavy coat that is not brushed regularly will show more loose hair around the home and develop tangles at friction points. Brushing frequency should follow the tangle risk, not the amount of hair seen on the sofa.
How do brushing and drying differ?
Curly coats usually need brushing every few days, in sections, with a slicker brush followed by a comb, and drying that separates the curls without encouraging frizz or mats. Brushing a curly coat when it is completely dry can create frizz, so many owners brush before bathing and then dry with care, followed by a comb check when the coat is dry. Wavy coats usually need brushing several times a week, with attention to friction points, and drying that follows the natural fall of the coat. Both types need full drying, since damp curls and waves can mat as they dry. The key difference is vigilance, since a curly coat hides its tangles and a wavy coat displays them, so the comb check matters even more for curly coats.
What do mixed curly and wavy coats need?
Many dogs, including crossbreeds, have a coat that is curly in some areas and wavy in others, such as a curly body with straighter legs or a wavy top with curly furnishings. In those cases, each area should be treated according to what it shows, with the curly areas brushed and combed more often and the wavy areas checked at friction points. A single routine for the whole dog will usually under-serve the curly areas or overwork the wavy ones. Notes on which areas tangle first help the owner target effort where it is needed. If the coat is changing, for example a puppy coat giving way to an adult coat, the routine should be reviewed, since texture and tangle risk can change markedly during that transition.
How do you decide what to do?
| Feature | Curly coat | Wavy coat | | Curl | Tight, springy, holds shape | Loose waves, falls naturally | | Shedding | Trapped in coat, removed by brushing | Visible on furniture and clothing | | Tangle risk | High, hidden inside curls | Moderate, mainly at friction points | | Brushing | Every few days, sections, comb check | Several times a week, friction points |
When should you stop and get help?
Get groomer help if mats are forming despite regular brushing, if the coat needs clipping or shaping, or if brushing causes pain or distress. Get vet help if the coat changes suddenly, if skin is red, flaky or sore, or if hair loss is patchy. Do not attempt to cut out mats close to skin, use a blade dematting tool aggressively, or clip a curly coat without hands-on training, since skin under curls can fold and nick easily. Stop for pain, bleeding, broken skin or panic, and seek professional help in person.
Curly and wavy coats look different, shed differently and hide tangles differently, and a routine that respects those differences will keep both types comfortable with less struggle for dog and owner alike.
Further reading
- American Kennel Club, grooming guidance
- PDSA, dog care guidance
- RSPCA, pet care guidance