Back to Exotic ShorthairFirst-Time Owner Guide
Expert Guide
First-Time Owner Guide
for Exotic Shorthairs
Getting Started with Exotic Shorthair Grooming
Welcome to Exotic Shorthair ownership — grooming is one of the most important skills you'll develop, and starting correctly prevents years of coat problems. The Exotic Shorthair has a short, dense, plush, thick undercoat coat rated "Medium" for grooming difficulty, with a recommended schedule of every 4-6 weeks. This breed requires consistent effort — start building habits from day one rather than waiting until the coat becomes unmanageable. Clean the facial folds and under-eye area daily with a soft damp cloth — the flat face causes tears to overflow and stain, and accumulated moisture in the folds leads to yeast infections. The first month sets the tone for every grooming session that follows.
Your Essential First Grooming Kit for a Exotic Shorthair
Don't buy everything at once — start with what this coat type actually needs. For the Exotic Shorthair's short, dense, plush, thick undercoat: a rubber curry brush, a bristle brush, nail clippers, and ear cleaner (~$30–50). Add a non-slip mat, styptic powder, and high-value treats to every kit. Brush with a soft slicker brush 2-3 times per week to manage the thick undercoat and prevent it from becoming impacted.
Gear for Exotic Shorthair first-time owner guide
Coat-matched picks — buy once, use every groom.
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Building a Grooming Routine for Your Exotic Shorthair
Consistency beats intensity. Schedule grooming on the same day each week — most Exotic Shorthair owners align with every 4-6 weeks professional appointments and fill gaps with home maintenance. A practical weekly routine: Day 1 — full brush-out (15–30 minutes depending on coat). Mid-week — quick mat check of ears, armpits, and collar zone (5 minutes). As needed — nail check, ear wipe, paw inspection. Short sessions more often work better than one long monthly session for the Exotic Shorthair. Keep a grooming log on your phone — track dates, what you did, and anything unusual (skin changes, sensitivity, mat locations). This log is invaluable when your groomer or vet asks about history.
Common First-Timer Mistakes with Exotic Shorthairs
Every new owner makes these — knowing them in advance saves your Exotic Shorthair's coat. Mistake 1: brushing only the top coat. Always line-brush from skin outward in sections. Mistake 2: bathing without brushing first — water sets tangles into mats. Mistake 3: skipping conditioner on short, dense, plush, thick undercoat coats — it dries out and mats faster. Mistake 4: waiting until nails click on the floor — by then the quick has extended and trimming is harder. Mistake 5: using human products on dog skin. Mistake 6: grooming only when the dog looks dirty — by then problems are established. Use a rubber grooming glove or deshedding tool during seasonal coat changes to pull loose undercoat efficiently. Mistake 7: giving up after one bad session — puppies improve with patience and treats.
When to Book Your First Professional Groom
Book the first professional appointment within the first 2–4 weeks of ownership — not because the puppy needs a full groom, but to establish the salon relationship early. Puppies who visit the groomer at 8–12 weeks for a bath, nail trim, and gentle handling session grow into adults who tolerate grooming calmly. Many Exotic Shorthair owners handle basics at home and book professionals every every 4-6 weeks for a thorough tidy. Ask the groomer to walk you through what they're doing — good groomers welcome engaged owners and will teach you home maintenance specific to your Exotic Shorthair's short, dense, plush, thick undercoat.
Pro Tip from Groomas
Clean the facial folds and under-eye area daily with a soft damp cloth — the flat face causes tears to overflow and stain, and accumulated moisture in the folds leads to yeast infections.
S
Sarah Jordan
Verified ExpertCertified Master Groomer
With over 15 years of competitive grooming experience, Sarah ensures every guide on Groomas meets the highest professional standards.
Certified Master Groomer (CMG)AKC Safety Certified
Recommended Gear for Exotic Shorthairs
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Brush
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
An excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.