Black Standard Poodle hair is going straight

Question
Hi!
I've owned standard poodles all my life and all have like characteristics,
except my three year old, black female. Her soft curly hair has gone straight
and wire-like from the back of the neck to her tail while her face and legs
remain curly and soft. This transition has happened within the last six
months.  I've had her hair cut short hoping it would come back curly but it
hasn't. I've noticed there are a few white spots growing at the the bottom of
the hair follicles and when I pick them out it looks like white powder. We have
her bathed regularly and have tried many shampoos and conditioners to
combat the problem, but it hasn't helped.  I do admit she has somewhat of a
nervous personality where as she does not seem to trust anyone. . . when she
eats, she circles her food while keeping an eye on everyone, if you sit she will
sit next to you, but if you stand she will go into another room.   I wondering if
it could be a nervous condition? Could this be?
Lee Causer

Answer
Hello Lee,
Though not typical, the hair condition you described is not unheard of in some Poodles.  The hair along the back sometimes grows in more course as protection for the undercoat.  I have seen it alot in different breeds in my grooming practice.  The dogs will have a soft coat, but the coat down their back will be more course.  I would say that genetics and breeding has something to do with it.  

The white particles sound like mild dandruff to me.  You might want to decrease her baths to one every 2 months or so (unless she just happens to get dirty or stinky)because frequent bathing will strip the essential oils in her coat, drying the skin out and resulting in dry, flaky skin.  You can give her some oil on her food (about 2 tsp) once a week or so to help combat dry skin.  You can feed her sardines in olive oil, give her bacon grease on her food, or just add plain oil (perferably canola oil or olive oil as its more healthy for her) to her food.  Regular brushing will help distribute the healthy oils throughout her coat so that she doesn't look nappy.  
When you do give her a bath, let her dry naturally instead of combing her out or using a blow-dryer.  When a Poodle dries naturally, their coat tends to curl more.  Brush her before the bath, so that she won't have mats or snarls, and so that the water won't cause any mats she would have to tighten.  After the bath, lightly towel dry her and let her have a good shake.  Towel her again after she shakes, then let her dry on her own.

Yes, she sounds like she has some nervous issues.  Enrolling her in an Obedience class will be very helpful for her as it may help bring her out of her shell some.  Poodles do great at Obedience because they love to please and because its a fun way to exercise their busy mind.  You will want to look for a group lesson where she will be around other dogs and people.  
You might also take her out around people, such as to a dog park or pet store that allows dogs.  When people come up to pet her, offer them a small treat to give her, have her sit and then let them pet her if she will allow it.  
At home, you said that she doesn't mind being around someone if they are sitting, but she leaves when they stand up.  Try sitting down and petting her, then getting up on your knees and petting her.  Next, get into the croutching position and pet her.  Finally stand up and try petting her.  Praise her and give her a treat if she decides to stay.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.

Heres hoping you and yours a Happy Howliday,
and thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim