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Coat care and style for Goldendoodles and Labradoodles
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Doodles and other designer breeds are increasing in popularity all over the country. The one thing that most of these doodles have in common is that they have a lot of hair. With Christmas coming up no doubt there will be people looking at these adorable puppies and adding them to thier homes. Lets look at the coat care, style and maintenance of a doodle.
Types of Coat
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles come in a variety of coat colors the most common being gold and black. Chocolate brown, blue, white, apricot and parti-color (think cow print) are all possible. Generally the dogs with black coats have the densest hair. The coat length varies from wire coated individuals with strait hair that shed a great deal twice a year, whose coat rarely exceeds 2", to those with soft spiral curls whose coat could grow to the floor if cared for properly. Some who favor poodles more will have tight curls and very hard coats.
Although many people advertise mini-doodles, beware that they are often mixed with cocker spaniels or just cockapoos that are being passed off as mini-doodles.
Allergen Factor
In general the curlier the coat, the less it will shed, although it is possible for curly coated doodles to have a deciduous undercoat, its not common. Also lighter colored doodles tend to produce less dander and allergens overall but no shedding dogs are completely hypoallergenic
Styles
Wire coated doodles look best in a natural coat, with the hair on the feet tidied up, the dead coat brushed out and the hair on the privates and in fron of the eyes removed. Clipping this type of coat with clippers will make it softer, duller and grow back uneven, but if you want to keep it short this is the best option.
Doodles with really curly coats can be groomed anyway a poodle can be groomed. The coat will hold a shape easily and for a long time, this coat can even be corded (dredlocks).
Doodles with soft curls have coats that need much more care to look good. The hair is beautiful but soft, so it doesnt hold a style very well, you are limited to a few styles because the hair can be heavy and leaving it too long will make it part and hang.
Frequency
Dogs who have short wire coats don't need to be styled more than every 12 weeks. They should be bathed monthly and have their privates and eyes cleared of hair. Dogs with permanant coats should be styled every 4-6 weeks on average, and bathed every 2-4 weeks. The longer you want to keep curly coated dogs, and the less brushing you want to do at home, the more frequently they need to be groomed. Doodles in full coats may need to be groomed every other week if owners intend to keep them long and fluffy like a teddy bear.
Cost
Price varies by location for grooming these big fluffballs, but I asked several different groomers in the area and it ranges from $80 - $120 in the city to $85-$150 on the main line and $90- $120 in the suburbs for full grooming. Remember that dematting is generally extra and is priced by time.
Maintenance at home
Doodles with wire coats barely need to be brushed but should be combed out every week or two to keep shedding at bay. Doodles with hard curly coats should be brushed every week and combed afterwards to make sure no matts are forming. Those with soft curls need brushing every other day along with a full comb out weekly.
Many doodles have allergies so any bathing should be done with a hypo-allergenic shampoo. Conditioner should be used sparingly because both Goldens and Labradors have oily coats and that oil is often passed on to thier doodle offspring. Doodles are also high on the ear infection watchlist, so frequent ear cleaning with a veterinary quality ear cleaner is a must.
Finding your perfect doodle
Unfortunatly many puppy mills have gained hold on these breeds and pump them out with little regard to their health. Doodles are far from hereditary defect free so you need to find a breeder who check hips, eyes and hearts at the very least. If you cant meet the mother RUN. Doodles should stay with mom until 10-12 weeks and should have been groomed once before they leave their breeder.
No matter where you get your doodle, please remember that puppies are emotionally fragile infants who do best AFTER the surge of excitment and visitors brought by the holidays has past. Any well meaning and trustworthy breeder will hold the puppy for you until after Christmas has past.
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