Cording--I'm Going to Mat My DOG

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

For several days I've researched articles and videos of cording a dogs coat.  There are some positive and negative conditions to doing this to a dogs coat.  I do not see anyone on here that cords the coat of an F1b.  Also known as Dreadlocks.

Positive--no more brushing. Ease in daily grooming for the dog.   A way to deal with unruly, unbrushable doodle coats.  I don't mind the time it takes to do this.  I take that much time grooming him anyway.

Negative--there is the same amount of time that goes into grooming however progress is very SLOW.  Months to Years.  The coats have a different way to be kept clean, wash, and DRY--oh my how long it takes to dry.  12 hours or more. If not, the coats smell and can mold.
It takes at least 6 months to One year to make a coat like this--most of the time it takes much longer to have a nice look.  The first  year the look is messy.

We can add a lot to the above P/N

Some owners thought it was masochist to try and brush out a coat that has a network of fibers at the base of the coat--which is what I find in Spud.  A THICK DENSE GAUZE-LIKE BASE.  Spud is miserable with the whole process. 

Spud HATES grooming.  It doesn't even work with his coat after a certain length. He hates hair/coat products that prevent matting.  The smells make him run and growl.  He will allow me to clean his ears now, but do not attempt to place a smelly conditioner on his curls.  In cording you use NO products, no scented or oily conditioners.  On article said, Dawn Soap was the best.   The other alternative is to keep him clipped.    We've done that... we are moving on for now. 

I've never liked the frizzy poodle look--he hates grooming and gets the frizzy poodle look. 

The pictures and videos are common in Europe and many there do cording for the wooley poodle coat, breeds of water dogs, Pulis and Komodors.  

Here are some videos on how to cord:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gMkydW5Qrs&feature=related

Komodor Puppies--these look like Doodles to me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ig7VBYnCrg&feature=related

This is my favorite--look how beautiful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebp7sTLd-XY


I'll let you know what happens.  He is not long enough yet.  My guess is that we are a month away. 

LET THE MATS BEGIN.   YES, I'm going to MAT MY DOG!

P.S.  Thanks to Nancy, Ned and Clancy, Nina, Phil and Harlow, and Shelly and Tori,  for their help and encouragement on my new project

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

[F, Calla & Luca]

I suspect this takes more work than I'd care to do. And what about cuddling, not sure those dreads are like running one's hands along "normal" soft doodle hair.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I loved the photo shoot! That was awesome. And those puppies!! They DO look like little doodles!! What do you plan to do with Spuds face? Will it be shaved like the poodles?

I wish you well with this adventure!! It sounds like Spud will really appreciate not being groomed the "old way"! Good luck!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh and how could I forget Ricki and Tara whose discussion led to this adventure. Thank you.

Well his face, legs and tail may not be able to be corded. I think I am going to have my own version of corded doodle dog....... It will be called The Dreaded Spudoodle look. His legs, ears, tail are soft fleecy curly...
He just has his own thing going on and I have to work with it I suppose.

His back is exactly like the close-ups of the pictures.

Also, our climate may not permit this year round. In the summer months it is very humid here so this may really be a disaster. So... another version may be to let him dread out to about 3 inches.

A dreaded back and head, face of a curly wooly doodle.... who knows. It is something new for me and doodles in general I think. No one has posted anything on the web of dreading/cording a doodle.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

One more thing--this is NOT for those with allergies. Many on this site--Most on this site, state allergies for purchasing a doodle ( which I think is not a good thing because they are not the most hypoallergenic in the dog world and there are much better dogs for this reason ) and keeping these dogs clean is another issue. Those with allergies would have a hard time living with cords.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Hmmm, could there be a reason no one has attempted this? Progress reports will be eagerly anticipated. We may name the result after you if successful.

[Adina P]

OHMY! How exciting... i will be awaiting photos of the progress!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Dear Joanne,

I dread to tell you my prognosis
This experiment will result in a neurosis
Don't know whether for you or Mr Spud
But I do think it may be a dud
I just hope there's no psychosis.

And then again it may be wonderful.
Your online buddy, F

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Ha Ha--- I too expect it to be a dud, however, Brushing and Grooming is also a dud so far in our world.

Running your fingers through a corded dogs is the way to pet the dog. All fingers on petting and grooming. No brush no pats. Finger tips only.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I really am curious to hear how it goes and I hope you know I'm rooting for you.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I wondered this also. I watched many videos of the corded dogs running and playing. I suspect if done correctly it would not--make sure the cords are ALL the way to the skin and skin can be seen. Watch the cords to make sure they are not networking at the skin--if so break them to prevent pulling. Heavier cords should be along the back and not to thin, and thinner cords along the legs and tail where the hair is less wooley.

I plan on keeping my eye on him. The dogs should not be scratching or biting cords--this would be a sign it is being done wrong.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I doubt it. There are multiple breeds that this is the standard look for. Komondors, Puli, even Standard Poodles. Komondors are fairly active dogs that move around a lot. I doubt it would be so common and accepted if it hurt the dog. But maybe they have tougher skin...?