Back to Selkirk RexFirst-Time Owner Guide
Expert Guide
First-Time Owner Guide
for Selkirk Rexs
Getting Started with Selkirk Rex Grooming
Welcome to Selkirk Rex ownership — grooming is one of the most important skills you'll develop, and starting correctly prevents years of coat problems. The Selkirk Rex has a curly, dense, all three coat layers, plush 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 metal comb 2-3 times per week — the dense, all-three-layer curl structure is far more prone to matting than single-layer Rex coats, and mats form quickly in friction areas. The first month sets the tone for every grooming session that follows.
Your Essential First Grooming Kit for a Selkirk Rex
Don't buy everything at once — start with what this coat type actually needs. For the Selkirk Rex's curly, dense, all three coat layers, plush: 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. Avoid slicker brushes, which separate the curls into frizzy waves rather than maintaining ringlet definition; use a comb exclusively.
Gear for Selkirk Rex 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 Selkirk Rex
Consistency beats intensity. Schedule grooming on the same day each week — most Selkirk Rex 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 Selkirk Rex swims, add an extra brush session — curly, dense, all three coat layers, plush 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 Selkirk Rexs
Every new owner makes these — knowing them in advance saves your Selkirk Rex'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, dense, all three coat layers, plush 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. After each combing session, gently scrunch the curls with your fingers to reshape any that have been disturbed. 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 Selkirk Rex 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 Selkirk Rex's curly, dense, all three coat layers, plush.
Pro Tip from Groomas
Use a wide-toothed metal comb 2-3 times per week — the dense, all-three-layer curl structure is far more prone to matting than single-layer Rex coats, and mats form quickly in friction areas.
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 Selkirk Rexs
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
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
The ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.