At around nine months, many Bolonkas suddenly start matting. Until then, grooming has gone well, and all of a sudden, the matting is back after two days, right against the skin. This is not a grooming error. Your dog is going through a coat change.
From puppy coat to adult coat
At birth: A Bolonka is born with predominantly topcoat. That is why puppies often have such bright colors.
The first few months: Puppy wool grows in now, for about half a year. Wool hair has fewer color pigments, making the coat look lighter and softer.
From around 6 months: The change to an adult coat begins.
At 9 to 12 months: The dead puppy wool wants to come out. Because a Bolonka cannot shed on its own, it stays in the coat. It mats, especially directly on the skin.
Afterwards: Things calm down. However, it takes quite a while for the change to be completely finished. The first two years are the hardest.
I explain why wool hair mats so easily in Does the Bolonka have an undercoat?
You are not doing anything wrong
This is important to me: Almost every Bolonka mats during this phase, even with the best grooming. Some dogs have a lot of wool, others have little. The change is therefore varying in intensity. Some Bolonkas are a tough nut to crack.
You have to bite the bullet. I can well understand if someone wants to give up during this time.
Why cutting makes it harder
When the matting gets out of hand, it is tempting to simply cut everything short. The problem: Trimming does not remove the dead wool. It stays further back at the base and mats there.
In addition, wool hair grows faster than topcoat. If you trim heavily right now, you push the topcoat back. In the long run, this makes things worse and more difficult.
How to get through this phase
Bathe regularly. Every 2 to 4 weeks with Silk Shampoo and every time with Blue Ice Conditioner. Clean, well-groomed hair knots less and is easier to brush.
Blow-dry instead of air-drying. Brush through section by section while blow-drying. How exactly to do this is explained in my grooming routine.
Brush down to the skin. During this phase, the matting forms directly on the skin. If you only brush the surface, it stays there.
Start under the ears. A lot of wool hair grows there. Also check areas where the harness or collar rubs.
Targeted mat removal. Spray on Power Frizz, massage in gently, and let it work for a short while. Then carefully brush out the matting with the ActiVet brush.
What I recommend for the initial period is in the Puppy Grooming Set.
Perhaps you have already received samples of Beauty Pure from your breeder. Then you already know the products. Feel free to contact me if you want to know how to proceed.
Later too: Spring and autumn
Even adult dogs shed their wool in spring and autumn. During these weeks, you need to comb out more than usual to prevent matting. This is normal and will pass.
Frequently asked questions
When does the coat change begin in a Bolonka?
From around 6 months. The coat usually mats most severely at 9 to 12 months.
How long does the coat change take?
This varies from dog to dog. The first two years of life are the most intense, after that it gets easier.
Why does my puppy mat despite daily grooming?
Because the dead puppy wool does not fall out on its own. It mats directly on the skin, even with good grooming. Brush down to the skin and remove the matting with a dematting tool.
Should I have my puppy shaved during the coat change?
Better not. Trimming does not remove the dead wool, and the faster-growing wool hair pushes the topcoat back further.