Can Poodles Have Dreadlocks?

The Short Answer is:

In puppies the hair tends to be soft and wavy but in adult poodles the hair tends to be thicker and curlier. Until they turn eight months old poodle pups are not allowed to have dreadlocks.

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Can Poodles Have Dreadlocks?“.

Table Of Contents

How can you create dreadlocks on a poodle?
Should Poodle puppies be given dreadlocks?
Pros and Cons of a poodle having dreads?
- Pros
- Cons
How to prevent or handle matting?
What other breeds have natural dreadlocks?

Having dreadlocks isnot as bad as it sounds. In fact its quite the opposite!

In those park walks (or runs) dreadlock cords swaying in the breeze is a majestic sight to see or at least it is to us.

Ok but how about poodles? Is it possible for them to have dreadlocks? You asked and thank goodness you did!

The answer is yes we bring you good news!

Our goal with this research is to go over everything you need to know about poodles dreadlocks and everything else in between.

Put on your reading glasses and lets get started on sorting out the facts.

How can you create dreadlocks on a poodle?

Maybe you think you need some mojo juju or some elaborate technique that requires 10 years of practice.

I am happy to tell you that you would not even need to!

Mother Nature saved us from all the hassle of curling our hair (sighs with relief).

In fact poodle coats naturally have dreadlocks or cords.

Despite the fact that they form naturally that does not mean they can be treated independently.

The dreadlocks on your fluffy poodle gradually form mats as they grow. Not taking proper care of it may result in coat and skin damage (no that would not happen).

Rather than sucked into the muck we have compiled 3 steps you can follow to create dreadlocks that will keep you looking dashing (and of course you’re welcome).

Don’t groom

Since dreadlocks naturally form over time you need to refrain from combing your curly pal for a period of time.

Would you like to know how long it will take?

Timelines may vary depending on the coat and previous grooming condition of your cuddly poodle.

Dreads can be detected by feeling them forming at the base of the hair shaft close to your dogs skin.

Anal hair should be trimmed down near your pets anal area as a general rule.

In order to avoid feces from lingering into the dreadlocks as they grow and form (we wouldnot want stinky dreads would we?).

Lift and Split

You’ll need to keep those poodle dreadlock cords split as they start to form and take shape in order to keep your loyal friend from looking like a walking mat (though it does sound cute it does not look pretty trust us).

Holding a 1.25-inch section in each hand is the best way to split up those dreadlock cords using your fingers.

Make sure you pull your furry friend towards you as you pull the other away from you (aka in the opposite direction). Do this until you have covered your furry friends entire coat.

How tiring is it? Absolutely.

How much is it worth? You bet.

Consider a scenario in which you are having difficulty maintaining the Dreadlockock process.

You can always ask a professional groomer for help if your pet has matted sections that are difficult to remove on your own.

Caring Consistency

Just as you take care of your cactus plant so should you take care of your dreadlock cords!

If your tail-wagging poodle needs that rejuvenating bath we do recommend that you rework those dreadlock cords two to three times a week especially when the dreadlocks begin to take shape.

Keeping your poodles dreadlock cords dry as the desert is essential to keeping mold and mildew from forming and yes that means waiting for a few hours.

The process of drying can be sped up however if you choose to invest in large house fans that can be directed at your poodle for a dazzling gush of drying wind.

Alternatively you can always wait patiently no matter how hard it may be.

Going to a professional groomer for help is a great way to ensure that your dreads are thoroughly cleaned and dried.

You have no reason not to want your pal to look fabulous while they rock those dreads in the park.

Should Poodle puppies be given dreadlocks?

While dreadlocks may look adorable and dope the process itself may not be suitable for puppies as their coats are still developing to become strong and mature enough to form dreadlock cords safely.

This is because pups and adults have very different coats in terms of how they look and feel.

In puppies the hair tends to be soft and wavy but in adult poodles the hair tends to be thicker and curlier.

Until they turn eight months old poodle pups are not allowed to have dreadlocks.

As you comb and bathe your adorable poodle you should be able to feel its coats texture (it should feel rough).

Theres a saying that goes: “Good things take time.” Do you remember it?

Well you can definitely include poodle dreadlocks!

Pros and Cons of a poodle having dreads?

Even getting your poodle those dreadlocks has its ups and downs just like any coin.

We have broken down the pros and cons of getting poodle dreadlocks for you so that you can make an informed decision. If it all sounds good to you then here it is:

Pros

Ensures that your poodles hair is neat tidy and fabulous (just like your office environment we hope Dreadlock cords can definitely be managed with the help of professional groomers)
The dreadlock cords can be easily managed if you take the help of a professional groomer
Keeps your poodle coats from looking like a four-legged mat (when not treated with love and dreadlocking)
As for the dreadlocking process itself it should not be painful but you should do it carefully and gently to avoid any discomfort so tell your fluffy poodle not to worry!

Cons

Because poodle hair naturally grows thick and curly (making it denser and more difficult to dry) drying can take up to two days.
When it comes to rinsing off all the dog shampoo after bathing and soaking that thick and curly hair it will take time.

You can see how it can be quite a challenge to weigh both sides at the same time but when it comes to the ease of not having to deal with all that matting getting the dreadlock cords secured should be worth all the effort. If you feel like giving up always remember that a groomer is just a drive or walk away to help you and your beloved pooch.

How to prevent or handle matting?

The dreadlocks on a poodle do require some maintenance but that does not make it impossible!

These are some of the best ways to prevent your puffy poodles dreadlocks from matting:

Shampoo + conditioner washes

Using proper shampoo and conditioner once every three weeks should help keep your poodles hair from matting tangling and becoming dirty (of course).

If your poodle has sensitive skin make sure to check the shampoo ingredients. If so look for labels indicating “for sensitive skin” or “hypoallergenic” to avoid unnecessary vet visits due to possible irritations or infections.

Regular professional groomer appointments (worth every penny)

Its no accident that these guys are called professionals.

Poodle groomers know exactly how to properly care for and maintain poodle hair so that it does not mat.

To give your poodle a chic and edgy look groomers use the safest and most effective products and tools on the market.

In order to maintain your pet properly we recommend visiting your local groomer every three to six weeks (at most).

A healthy diet equals healthy hair

Its a fact that your poodles diet plays an important role in keeping its hair thick healthy and mat-free.

Your puffy pal can achieve this by simply including high protein and healthy fats in their daily diet (omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids).

Poodles’ skin also benefits from healthy fats as this plays a role in preventing matting.

What other breeds have natural dreadlocks?

There are more types of dogs with dreadlocks than poodles so you may be surprised. As with many other dog breeds poodles have naturally formed dreadlocks making them part of the dreadlock-rocking group.

There are some breeds that acquire these dreads naturally (without assistance from humans). On the other hand other breeds (such as poodles) require a little support to achieve the look. Below is a shortlist of some of these breeds with dreadlocks:

Dreads naturally formed in some breeds