Grooming Your Doodle
Grooming is a very important part of your doodle's life, and it begins at a very young age. Learn how to keep your pup looking and feeling their best.
Why Grooming Matters
Doodles are very high maintenance dogs. They require regular brushing and combing to keep their hair tangle free, and need their haircut every 4–12 weeks depending on the hair style and length you choose and how well you are able to maintain them between appointments.
Bathing can be done as often as every 2 weeks. Be sure to choose a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo that will not dry out their skin. You will want to have a force dryer to blow dry your puppy after the bath — don't just bathe and let them air dry, as this leads to matting.
The Groomer's Perspective
Doodles have a bad rap with many groomers because owners bring them in wanting them kept long and fluffy but haven't taken care of their coats at home. If the puppy is too tangled or matted, shaving may be the only option. The good news? You can prevent this!
What You'll Need
Metal Comb
A metal comb is essential for getting all the way down to the skin. Use it after brushing to make sure you've caught every tangle.
Slicker Brush
We highly recommend the Chris Christensen coral brush. It's a little pricey but worth every penny for daily maintenance.
Conditioning Spray
Mist your puppy all over before brushing. Conditioning spray helps the brush glide through the coat and prevents breakage while you work.
The Brushing Routine
Start by misting your puppy all over with the conditioning spray. Then go over them with a slicker brush, followed up by the metal comb to make sure that you have brushed all the way to the skin.
Typically, high friction areas are the first places matting starts: armpits, back of the legs/hips, tails, ears and face. Pay extra attention to these spots.
As a young puppy, the hair will not tangle. But you want to get them used to the process so they won't mind it later on.
High Friction Areas to Watch
- 1Armpits — where legs rub against the body
- 2Back of the legs & hips — constant movement and contact
- 3Tail — swings and brushes against everything
- 4Ears — long, silky hair tangles easily
- 5Face — around the muzzle and under the chin
The Coat Change
A doodle puppy goes through a coat change anywhere from 6 to 14 months of age, with 9 to 12 months being most common. Their super soft, thinner, fluffy, easy-care puppy coat will transition into the adult coat.
During the coat change, your pup's coat may become extremely prone to knots and mats, so daily brushing is highly recommended, moving to weekly longer-term.
Long or Short?
Keeping It Long
If you want to keep the coat long as an adult, you'll need to keep it free of knots. This means daily or every-other-day brushing, especially during the coat change. The result is gorgeous, flowing doodle hair — but it takes commitment.
A Shorter Cut
If you can't keep on top of the knots, keeping the coat a shorter length will make it much easier for you, and kinder for your dog — mats can hurt! Short haircuts require only brushing of the areas with longer hair (head, ears & tail) every few days. Your doodle will be adorable regardless!
Visiting the Groomer
Start taking your puppy to the groomer as soon as they finish their final round of vaccinations. Even if you do not want any hair cut, it is very important that your puppy gets used to the process.
Grooming can be scary with barking dogs, loud dryers, new people, and unfamiliar surroundings. You want your puppy to be comfortable with all of it.
The first few visits can just be baths and light trimming if needed around eyes and anywhere else needed for cleanliness. Find a groomer you're comfortable with, and make it a positive experience for your puppy so they will enjoy going for years to come!
First Groomer Visit Tips
- 1Wait until all vaccinations are complete before the first visit.
- 2Start with just a bath and light trim — no full haircut needed.
- 3Ask the groomer to handle paws, ears, and face gently to build trust.
- 4Bring a favorite toy or treat to make the experience positive.
- 5Find a groomer you trust and stick with them — familiarity helps!
Clean, Comfortable & Loved
Being clean and comfortable is the most important thing. Your doodle will be adorable regardless of their haircut — what matters most is a happy, healthy pup.