Every dog's coat is unique, and understanding your dog's specific coat type is the key to keeping them healthy, comfortable, and looking their best between professional grooming appointments. At Cuddles N Suds, we've been grooming dogs of every breed and coat type across the Conejo Valley since 2006 — and the number one question we hear from pet owners is: "How should I take care of my dog's coat at home?"
The answer depends entirely on your dog's coat type. A Goldendoodle's curly coat needs completely different care than a Labrador's short double coat or a Maltese's silky single coat. This guide breaks down the five main coat types we see most often in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and the surrounding cities — with specific at-home care instructions for each.
Smooth and Short Coats
Common breeds: Labrador Retriever, Beagle, Boxer, French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Pit Bull, Weimaraner
Short-coated dogs are often considered "low maintenance," but they still shed — sometimes heavily. Labs and Beagles, two of the most popular breeds in the Conejo Valley, are notorious shedders despite their short fur. Their coats have a dense undercoat that releases loose hair year-round, with heavier shedding in spring and fall.
At-home care: Brush your short-coated dog 2-3 times per week with a rubber curry brush or a bristle brush. This removes loose hair, distributes natural oils, and stimulates the skin. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth between baths keeps the coat clean and shiny. Bathing every 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient unless your dog gets dirty on local trails.
Grooming frequency with Cuddles N Suds: Every 6-8 weeks for a bath and brush-out. Short-coated dogs benefit from our de-shedding treatment ($20 add-on) during heavy shedding seasons.
Double Coats
Common breeds: Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Husky, Australian Shepherd, Corgi, Pomeranian, Shiba Inu, Border Collie
Double-coated dogs have a soft, dense undercoat beneath a longer outer coat. This combination provides insulation in both hot and cold weather — which is why you should never shave a double-coated dog. Shaving disrupts the natural temperature regulation and can cause the coat to grow back unevenly or not at all.
Double-coated breeds are the heaviest shedders, and in the Conejo Valley's mild climate, shedding can happen almost continuously with major "coat blows" in spring and fall. Owners in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village often notice tumbleweeds of fur during these seasons.
At-home care: Brush at least 3-4 times per week with an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool, followed by a slicker brush. During heavy shedding periods, daily brushing is ideal. Focus on the areas where mats form first: behind the ears, the "pants" area on the back legs, and the ruff around the neck.
Grooming frequency with Cuddles N Suds: Every 4-6 weeks for a bath, blow-dry, and thorough brush-out. Our professional-grade high-velocity dryer removes loose undercoat far more effectively than any home tool. The de-shedding add-on is highly recommended for these breeds.
Curly and Wavy Coats
Common breeds: Poodle, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog, Cockapoo, Bernedoodle
Curly-coated dogs are the most popular breeds we groom in the Conejo Valley — Goldendoodles and Labradoodles make up a significant portion of our weekly appointments in Westlake Village, Calabasas, and Thousand Oaks. These coats are wonderful because they shed very little, but they require the most maintenance to prevent matting.
Curly coats grow continuously (like human hair) and can mat quickly if not brushed regularly. Mats form when loose curls tangle together, trapping dirt and moisture against the skin. Severe matting can cause skin irritation, restrict blood flow, and in extreme cases, require a complete shave-down.
At-home care: Brush every single day — or at minimum every other day — with a slicker brush, followed by a metal comb to check for hidden mats. Use the "line brushing" technique: part the coat in sections and brush from the skin outward, not just the surface. Pay extra attention to behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, and around the sanitary area.
Grooming frequency with Cuddles N Suds: Every 4 weeks without exception. Doodle and Poodle coats that go longer than 4 weeks between grooms are at high risk of matting, which may require a shorter cut than you'd prefer. Keeping a consistent 4-week schedule gives you the most styling options.
Long and Silky Coats
Common breeds: Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Afghan Hound, Lhasa Apso, Havanese
Long, silky coats are beautiful but delicate. These fine-textured coats tangle easily, especially around the ears, legs, and belly. In the Conejo Valley's dry climate, static electricity can make tangling worse during the fall and winter months when Santa Ana winds reduce humidity.
At-home care: Brush daily with a pin brush or a soft slicker brush. Use a detangling spray or light leave-in conditioner to reduce static and make brushing easier. Be gentle — silky coats can break if brushed too aggressively. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed or tied back to prevent irritation and tear staining.
Grooming frequency with Cuddles N Suds: Every 4 weeks for dogs kept in longer styles, or every 6 weeks for dogs in shorter "puppy cuts." Many Maltese and Yorkie owners in Oak Park and Agoura Hills prefer a shorter maintenance cut that's easier to manage between grooms.
Wire and Rough Coats
Common breeds: Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Irish Wolfhound
Wire-coated breeds have a distinctive rough, bristly texture that gives them their characteristic scruffy look. These coats are relatively low-shedding but require specific grooming techniques — particularly hand-stripping for show dogs — to maintain their proper texture and color.
At-home care: Brush 2-3 times per week with a slicker brush. Wire coats don't mat as easily as curly coats, but the beard and leg furnishings can tangle. Keep the beard clean by wiping it after meals. Schnauzers, one of the most popular wire-coated breeds in the Conejo Valley, benefit from regular beard and eyebrow maintenance between grooms.
Grooming frequency with Cuddles N Suds: Every 4-6 weeks. We offer both clipped and hand-stripped grooming for wire-coated breeds, depending on your preference and whether your dog is shown.
The Conejo Valley Factor: Local Climate and Coat Care
Living in the Conejo Valley adds some unique considerations to coat care that dog owners in other regions don't face. The mild Mediterranean climate means dogs don't experience the extreme seasonal coat changes that dogs in colder climates do, but there are still important factors:
Foxtails and burrs: From late spring through fall, foxtails are everywhere on local trails in Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Malibu, and Simi Valley. Long-coated and curly-coated dogs are especially vulnerable to foxtail attachment. Check your dog's coat thoroughly after every outdoor walk, paying special attention to between the toes, inside the ears, and in the armpits.
Dry air and Santa Ana winds: The hot, dry Santa Ana winds that blow through the Conejo Valley in fall and winter can dry out your dog's coat and skin. Consider adding a moisturizing conditioner to your at-home care routine during these periods, and ask us about our Specialty Shampoo add-on ($15) which includes a hydrating formula.
Sun exposure: Dogs with light-colored or thin coats can get sunburned, especially on the nose, ears, and belly. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, ask your vet about pet-safe sunscreen for exposed areas.
When to Call Your Groomer Between Appointments
Even with diligent at-home care, there are times when you should call Cuddles N Suds between regular appointments. Contact us if you notice mats that you can't brush out (don't try to cut them with scissors — this is a common cause of accidental cuts), excessive scratching or skin irritation, a sudden change in coat texture or excessive shedding, foxtails embedded in the coat, or any lumps, bumps, or skin changes you discover while brushing.
Cuddles N Suds provides mobile pet grooming for all coat types across Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Malibu, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Oak Park, and Camarillo. Book your next grooming appointment online or call us at (805) 409-7189. We'll help you create a grooming schedule tailored to your dog's specific coat type and lifestyle.
