If you’ve ever bathed a long-haired dog only to find their fur matted and unmanageable afterwards, you’re not alone. For many dog owners, bath time can feel like a tug-of-war between cleanliness and chaos. And let’s be honest—nothing’s more frustrating than trying to brush out stubborn tangles from freshly cleaned fur.

Long-haired breeds are beautiful, but their coats require a bit more TLC than their short-haired friends. Whether you’re working with a feathery Collie, a glamorous Afghan Hound, or a curly-haired Cockapoo, bathing long-haired dogs the right way makes all the difference in how their coat looks and feels afterwards.

This blog will walk you through the do’s and don’ts of giving your long-haired dog a bath that actually leaves them clean, soft, and—most importantly—tangle-free. From prepping the coat before the water even touches it to drying and post-bath brushing, here’s how to avoid that dreaded matting mess and keep your dog looking their best.

Why Tangles Happen After a Bath

A smiling black dog with wet, wavy fur stands by the water, showcasing a joyful expression against a blurred outdoor background.

It might seem counterintuitive, but a bath can actually make tangles worse if not handled properly. Here’s why:

  • Water tightens existing tangles, making them harder to loosen afterwards
  • Friction from towel-drying can cause hair to twist, knot, or mat
  • Skipping pre-bath brushing leaves loose or dead hairs to tangle mid-wash
  • Not rinsing thoroughly can leave behind residue, causing stiffness or clumps

For long-haired dogs, it’s not just about the shampoo—it’s about the entire grooming process that surrounds it.

Pre-Bath Prep: Where the Magic Begins

Before you even think about turning on the tap, detangling the coat dry is the most important step. Wetting tangled fur is like adding cement to a knot—it sets it in place and makes it nearly impossible to fix without scissors.

What You’ll Need

  • A slicker brush or pin brush
  • A wide-tooth comb for stubborn knots
  • A dog-safe detangling spray or light leave-in conditioner
  • Treats for cooperation (a must!)

Why Pre-Bath Brushing Matters

Brushing your dog’s coat while dry allows loose hairs and minor tangles to be cleared out easily. It also helps distribute natural oils, making the coat more resistant to water damage and tangling during the bath.

Take extra care in problem zones: behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar, and the tail base. These areas tend to tangle first and worst.

Choosing the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

Long-haired dogs need more than a basic rinse—they need hydration, softness, and slip. That’s where the right products come into play.

What to Look For

  • Moisturising or conditioning shampoo
  • Silicone-free formulas to avoid buildup
  • ph-balanced for dogs (never human shampoo!)
  • Anti-tangle or detangling properties are a plus

Using a separate dog conditioner after shampooing can dramatically reduce the risk of tangling. Apply it evenly through the coat and leave it in for 3–5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Bath Time: Keep It Calm and Controlled

How you wash your dog matters just as much as what you wash them with.

Tips for a No-Tangle Dog Bath

  • Wet the coat thoroughly but gently—use a handheld sprayer or jug
  • Apply shampoo in the direction of hair growth to avoid roughing up the coat
  • Use your fingers or a soft rubber brush to massage through the coat
  • Rinse thoroughly (twice if needed) to remove all product

Avoid scrubbing or swirling motions—these create knots fast. Always keep your motions smooth and in line with the coat’s natural direction.

Post-Bath Drying Techniques That Prevent Tangles

This is where most tangles happen—between bath and brush. Drying carelessly can undo all the prep work you just did.

Towel-Drying Do’s and Don’ts

  • Do: Pat dry with a highly absorbent microfibre towel
  • Don’t: Rub vigorously, especially in long or sensitive areas
  • Do: Gently squeeze excess water from the coat
  • Don’t: Let the dog shake and air-dry without brushing—this invites knots

Blow Drying Without the Fuss

Letting a long-haired dog air dry is usually a recipe for matting. A proper blow-dry helps fluff the coat, separate the strands, and avoid clumps.

Best Practices

  • Use a pet-specific dryer or a low-heat human hair dryer
  • Work in sections, starting at the back and moving forward
  • Brush as you dry to guide the fur into place and prevent tangling
  • Keep the nozzle moving—don’t hold it in one spot too long

Drying with a slicker brush in hand is a great way to keep hair flowing smoothly and avoid buildup in problem areas.

Brushing After the Bath

A child in brown attire gently brushes a fluffy white dog’s teeth in a cozy bathroom setting.

Once your dog is fully dry, give the coat a final full-body brush-out. This ensures all hair strands are separated and smoothed and allows you to catch any minor tangles that escaped earlier efforts.

Here’s how to finish strong:

  • Use a pin brush to lift and separate sections of fur
  • Follow up with a metal comb for a polished finish
  • Apply a small amount of detangling spray for added smoothness

Brushing post-bath isn’t optional—it’s the step that ensures your dog’s coat doesn’t tangle up again as they move, sleep, or play.

Coat Maintenance Between Baths

Your dog doesn’t just tangle during baths. Daily life—rolling in the grass, sleeping in one spot too long, getting wet from rain—can all cause issues if the coat isn’t maintained.

Daily/Weekly Maintenance Tips

  • Light brushing 3–4 times per week for long-haired dogs
  • Use detangling spray for high-friction areas
  • Check the ears, armpits, and groin area regularly
  • Keep the coat trimmed around legs and tail if prone to mats

If mats do form, it’s important to deal with them quickly and safely. For severe tangles, you may want to consult our practical guide on how to detangle a severely matted dog coat for safe solutions.

Tricky Breeds and Specific Needs

Not all long-haired coats are alike. Here are a few things to keep in mind based on your dog’s breed:

Double-Coated Dogs (e.g. Collies, Samoyeds)

  • Require deep brushing before and after a bath
  • Undercoat rakes are essential
  • Don’t shave—coats may not regrow the same

Silky-Coated Dogs (e.g. Maltese, Afghan Hound)

  • More prone to visible matting
  • Use pin brushes and metal combs
  • Regular trimming can help with upkeep

Curly-Coated Dogs (e.g. Poodle mixes)

  • May not shed, but tangle easily
  • Detangling sprays are your best friend
  • Must be dried and brushed thoroughly after each bath

Knowing your dog’s coat structure will help you plan better and prevent unnecessary tangling headaches.

Conclusion: Bathing That Leaves Them Beautiful

When it comes to bathing long-haired dogs, the difference between a smooth, successful bath and a knotty nightmare lies in your preparation and technique. Brushing beforehand, using the right products, and handling the coat gently throughout the process can mean the difference between hours spent detangling or none at all.

By building a bath routine that prioritises softness, slip, and care, you’ll end up with a cleaner dog, a smoother coat, and a much happier grooming experience all around.

So next time bath day rolls around, don’t dread the detangling. With the right tools and know-how, you can step into it confidently—and come out with a fluffy, mat-free pup ready for cuddles and compliments.