By Royal Canin Scientific Communications

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Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Although there's tremendous variation in size of the poodle, there is one aspect of this dog that is present across all sizes: the unique coat.

In most other breeds, the hair follicle contains both a long primary hair and multiple fine secondary hairs. A poodle's coat is composed of 80% secondary hairs. This gives the coat the appearance of "puppy hair." Another distinct characteristic of the poodle's hair is the shape of the individual strands. They take on a "curly" appearance because they contain high concentrations of sulfur-containing amino acids.

To provide the specialized care to keep this coat looking its best, routine grooming and good nutrition are essential. Regular coat clipping helps promote the health of the skin. Many breeders clip the hair at least once each month.

The diet should contain the appropriate protein necessary for the growth of the hair. The protein should be rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, as they make up over 15% of the amino acid content of poodle hair. Also necessary are omega fatty acids, which reduce inflammation in the skin and promote overall coat health. The B vitamin family is likewise important for maintaining the skin's barrier defense.