Grooming
Curlies are a single coated breed with no undercoat, and the small, tight curls of a show-standard dog are very easy to maintain. A Curly kept as a companion or as a hunter do not need to be elaborately groomed, but should be kept clean and free of mats for the health of the dog. Bathing should be as needed using a dog shampoo.
Show ring exhibitors normally trim feathering from the tail, ears, belly, legs, and feet. Trimming is not required when exhibiting a Curly at a conformation dog show, but most judges may discount the dog if it is not trimmed. Shaving of the body coat is undesirable.
Shedding
All Curlies shed though not to the degree that dogs with undercoats do. Females usually shed more heavily during their heat cycles, which usually occur twice a year. Males and females may also shed more in the spring, especially those living in areas with extreme seasonal temperature changes.