Regular brushing will be necessary whether your Papillon sports the long, silky hair or a shorter coat. No matter how plentiful, your dog’s coat will inevitably trap dirt and other debris within it. Brushing removes dead hair and dander. It also helps to keep your dog’s fur from shedding all over your clothes and furniture.
Because coats can vary so much, there isn’t a universal timetable for brushing, but the task should be done at least once a week. Papillons are known for being adept self-groomers, but this is just another reason to grab that brush. You don’t want your dog ingesting the remnants of any bacteria or chemicals he has encountered recently.
To prevent hair breakage, always begin brushing by lightly misting your dog’s coat with a small amount of water or detangling conditioner. A pin-style brush works best for the Papillon because it is made specifically to reach the skin—the area where most debris settles. Other grooming tools are also useful.
Although slicker brushes are too harsh for this breed, you should have a soft-bristled brush for your dog’s delicate ears . You also may want to go over mat-prone areas with a fine‑toothed comb once you have finished with the brush. These include behind the Papillon’s ears, inside the rear legs, and the culottes (the long hair on the back of his legs).
Avoiding Hair Matting
One of the best ways to avoid hair matting altogether is to use the line-brushing method. Utilized by professional groomers, this technique is surprisingly easy, even for a novice home groomer. Starting at your dog’s foot, brush a small layer of hair upwards. This will expose a line of skin and designate a small section of fur. Brush this area thoroughly, first up and then back down. Moving upwards, brush one section of your dog’s fur at a time in this way until you have finished the entire leg.
Continue this method on your dog’s other legs, back, chest, and belly. Beware of brushing upward too intensely, however, because brushing against your dog’s hair growth can make your Papillon’s fur look puffy, a definite no-no for this breed. When you find a small section of tangled or matted hair, avoid pulling at it with your brush. Instead, try to separate the hair with your fingers, brushing through just one tiny section at a time.
Rubbing a little cornstarch into the mat and letting it work its way into the area for a few minutes before brushing is also said to help make mat removal easier. For larger knots, consider investing in a mat splitter. This sickle-shaped device helps shred the most stubborn mats; however, the remaining fur will usually be more prone to matting as it grows out, so only use this tool as a last resort. The best way to keep your Papillon free of mats and tangles is to brush him every day.
Follow up brushing by removing hair from the pads of your dog’s feet. A remarkable number of mats appear in this area, but they are easily overlooked unless an owner is vigilant. Moreover, these dense knots can make walking very uncomfortable for your tiny pet. By keeping this area well trimmed, you can prevent the mats from forming in the first place. Begin by holding your dog’s paw while you gently press the center pad to spread the bottom of his foot. This will allow you to reach the excess fur and carefully cut it away with grooming scissors or clippers. This is also an excellent time to trim your dog’s nails.