If you have a Bolonka, you know how it is. The coat is soft and curly, and three days without brushing is enough for the first knots to form behind the ears.
This is due to the breed. The hair grows continuously and hardly falls out on its own. Dead hair gets trapped in the coat. Friction from a harness, sweater, or bed, as well as moisture, adds to the problem. Small tangles can quickly turn into felt.
That is why “brushing every now and then” is rarely enough. The difference is made by the right products, the right brush, and the right technique when bathing, drying, and brushing.
Here I will show you how I do this with my own dogs. The routine is just as suitable for Havanese, Maltese, Poodles, Toy Poodles, and Tibetan Terriers.
Can you bathe a dog regularly?
Many people still think that dogs should be bathed as rarely as possible, and then without shampoo. This dates back to a time when little was known about dog skin.
Today we know that dog skin has a different pH level than ours. That is why human and baby shampoos are not suitable for regular care. On the other hand, you can use a dog shampoo that is formulated for skin and hair regularly.
With a Bolonka, coat structure is another factor. A German Shepherd has a completely different coat. Dirt does not simply fall out of our little ones’ coats, nor can it always be brushed out. Clean, well-cared-for hair remains supple and elastic. It is easier to brush and knots less.
And I see it quite practically: We don’t have farm dogs. Our dogs lie on the sofa with us and live closely with us. That is also why bathing is simply part of their care.
My recommendation: bathe every 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 1: Shampoo
I use the Silk Shampoo. Shampoo the coat thoroughly and then rinse it out well. It is better to rinse for an extra minute than for too short a time.
Step 2: Conditioner, every time
With this hair type, I would never bathe without conditioner. The Blue Ice Conditioner nourishes the hair and smooths its surface. After that, the brush glides through much more easily, and significantly fewer knots and felt form.
Massage it in and rinse it out well. You will notice: with shampoo and conditioner, half the work is already done.
Step 3: Blow-dry while brushing
Many people skip this step. But it is particularly important to me.
Do not let your dog air-dry after bathing. Damp hair contracts as it dries. Small tangles can therefore quickly turn into felt.
This is how I do it:
- Gently squeeze the excess water out of the coat with a towel. Do not rub.
- Then blow-dry it section by section while brushing through at the same time.
This makes the coat loose and fluffy. You will immediately discover small tangles while they are still small. And combing it on the following days will be much easier.
Step 4: If felt does form
Felt can still occur. Sometimes it is already there when you start, and sometimes it forms again in between. For this, I use Power Frizz:
- Spray it onto the matted area.
- Gently massage it into the felt.
- Let it work for a while.
- Carefully brush out the felt with the ActiVet brush.
I explain why I use this particular brush in The right brush for Bolonka and Havanese.
Your basic kit at a glance
| Step | Product | When |
|---|---|---|
| Bathing | Silk Shampoo | every 2 to 4 weeks |
| Care | Blue Ice Conditioner | at every bath |
| Drying | Hair dryer and brush | immediately after bathing |
| Removing felt | Power Frizz and ActiVet brush | as needed |
Every coat is a little different
What works well for one Bolonka may not work for the next one at all. But after many years with this breed, I know: coat care does not have to be a daily struggle.
If you are at a loss with knots, felt, or dry coat, write to me. It is best to send a photo of your dog along with your message. Then we can find out together what works for him.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you bathe a Bolonka?
Every 2 to 4 weeks. With a dog shampoo and always with conditioner afterwards.
Can I use baby shampoo for my dog?
Not for regular care. Dog skin has a different pH level than human skin, and baby shampoo is not formulated for it.
Can a Bolonka air-dry after bathing?
It is better not to. As the hair dries, it contracts, and small knots can quickly turn into felt. Blow-dry the coat and brush through it section by section.
What helps if the coat is already matted?
I spray Power Frizz onto the area, massage it in, let it work for a while, and then carefully brush out the felt with the ActiVet brush.