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Expert Guide
First-Time Owner Guide
for LaPerms
Getting Started with LaPerm Grooming
Welcome to LaPerm ownership — grooming is one of the most important skills you'll develop, and starting correctly prevents years of coat problems. The LaPerm has a curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves 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. Use a wide-toothed comb rather than a slicker brush — a brush can pull and separate the curls into a frizzy halo rather than maintaining the defined ringlet structure. The first month sets the tone for every grooming session that follows.
Your Essential First Grooming Kit for a LaPerm
Don't buy everything at once — start with what this coat type actually needs. For the LaPerm's curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves: a quality slicker brush, a wide-tooth comb, a greyhound comb, detangling spray, and a moisturizing shampoo/conditioner set (~$70–90). Add a non-slip mat, styptic powder, and high-value treats to every kit. The LaPerm's curls can loosen or tighten with age, humidity, or hormonal changes — don't be alarmed if the coat looks different at different life stages.
Gear for LaPerm 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 LaPerm
Consistency beats intensity. Schedule grooming on the same day each week — most LaPerm 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. During shedding season or if your LaPerm swims, add an extra brush session — curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves coats mat fast when wet. 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 LaPerms
Every new owner makes these — knowing them in advance saves your LaPerm'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 curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves 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. To refresh and define the curls between grooming sessions, lightly mist the coat with water and scrunch gently with your hands. 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 LaPerm 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 LaPerm's curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves.
Pro Tip from Groomas
Use a wide-toothed comb rather than a slicker brush — a brush can pull and separate the curls into a frizzy halo rather than maintaining the defined ringlet structure.
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 LaPerms
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.
Tool
Bio-Groom Ear-Fresh Medicated Ear Powder
Helps keep ears dry and reduces odor. Makes hair pulling easier for breeds that require ear plucking.