The big question is, How do you groom a Goldendoodle? To be honest, it’s not nearly as complicated as many people claim, but it’s not an easy task either.
Goldendoodles are often described as a hypoallergenic breed, which is partly true (this will be discussed further in the article).
Although they don’t shed much, these pups are still prone to coat changes and excess hair all around. Here’s how to put that under control.
What Kind Of Fur Do Goldendoodles Have?
Goldendoodles are one of the favorite pets among lovers of mixed-breed pups, especially those who love canines, but often have milder allergic reactions to dog hair or dander.
Although people generally consider Goldendoodles as a hypoallergenic and low-shedding breed, that might not be the case with all Doods.
The shedding feature depends on the generation of the Goldendoodles and their hair texture. That is why it’s important to categorize them before we continue discussing how to groom a Goldendoodle the right way.
First of all, we will discuss the type of coat these pups can have.
What Are The Types Of A Goldendoodle’s Coat?
These adorable pups can come in three different types of coat, with the addition of flat-coat Goldendoodles, which have become a thing over the past few years.
However, some people still regard them as straight-hair Doodles.
The texture of the pup’s fur will determine the grooming requirements as well as the number of grooming sessions per week.
Curly Coats
Goldendoodles with a curly coat are one of the Doodles that are in high demand for several reasons. First of all, their curls make them look like adorable Teddy bears, especially if they come in coat colors such as chocolate, tan, cream, apricot, or white.
Secondly, many people (and dog experts) have noticed that Goldendoodles with a curly coat shed as little as they possibly can mostly because excess hair (if any) usually ends up tangled in their curly fur.
That is exactly why dog allergy sufferers who love canines and want to own one go for a curly-coated Goldendoodle.
All this might make you think that curly Goldies are easy to upkeep in terms of grooming, but that might not always be the case.
You won’t have to deal with a brush full of dead hair, but the brushing session won’t be so smooth as you’ll have to deal with lots of tangles and knots.
Wavy Coats
If there are curly and straight-hair Doods, it’s natural to have a Goldendoodle with wavy hair as well. These pups seem to inherit the coat genes from both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle parent.
Wavy types of Goldie Doodles are quite common among this breed, and are often found as the golden mean of Goldendoodles mostly because they shed less than straight-hair pups, and have fewer mats and knots than curly pooches.
However, that doesn’t mean these puppies don’t need thorough grooming and regular brushing sessions.
Still, there is some good news for wavy Goldendoodle owners. According to groomers and experienced dog owners, wavy doggies don’t have to be brushed every day. Actually, two or three times a week will be more than enough to get all the excess hair, dander, and dirt from their fur.
Straight Coats
This type of coat is quite uncommon among Goldendoodles, which isn’t such an issue considering that they’re not very popular among dog enthusiasts.
The main reason lies in the fact that these Doodles shed more than curly or wavy pups. If you have ever owned a straight-haired Doodle or any other dog with the same type of coat, you’re surely aware of how much these pups shed.
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Although they leave lots of excessive hair around the house, a good thing about this coat type is that it doesn’t mat or tangle nearly as much as the previous two types.
Flat Coats
Essentially, flat-coat Goldendoodles share the same traits as the straight-coat pups. These canines usually inherit the coat gene from the Golden Retriever parent, which is why they appear with completely straight hair.
The best way to groom this type of Goldie is to follow the grooming requirements for Golden Retrievers.
If you don’t want to vacuum a few times a day, you can brush your dog’s hair on a daily basis and pick up the dead hair with a brush.
Flat-coat Doods should also be bathed as often as Goldens to remove dirt and keep their coat healthy and shiny.
These doggies are definitely high maintenance, and require a lot of work. If you’re not able to groom your pup at home, you can always take it to a professional dog grooming salon.
Do Goldendoodles Need Grooming?
Although they’re generally considered a low-shedding breed of canine, Goldendoodles still need to be groomed regularly.
Actually, this type of Doodle breed can be described as a high-maintenance canine as they require quite a lot of work around their fluffy, dense coat.
This might sound a bit unusual, especially since many people find this dog breed hypoallergenic, which means they shed far less than other breeds with thicker fur.
However, as we explained in the paragraphs above, the hypoallergenic feature depends mostly on the type of fur that Goldendoodles possess, which means that not all pups from this mix are hypoallergenic after all.
Still, it can be generally said that Goldendoodles are low-shedders as they usually inherit this trait from Poodles (with certain exceptions, of course).
But, that doesn’t mean your pup doesn’t have to be groomed regularly.
In order to keep their hair clean, shiny, and detangled, you need to brush and groom your pet as often as you possibly can.
In case you don’t have enough time to groom your Goldendoodle about four to five times per week, you can give up on home grooming and take your pup to a professional groomer.
On the other hand, even if you decide on at-home grooming, I’d still strongly recommend you take your puppy to a professional once in a while to get some grooming tips as well.
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Grooming Guide
When it comes to the actual grooming process of Goldendoodles, there is a range of aspects that should be considered and implemented in order to keep the fur of these puppies in a healthy and shiny condition.
Grooming is quite a broad term, which can include various processes and actions such as brushing, bathing, trimming, and cutting (nails, excess hair, etc.).
That is why it’s necessary to explain each of these procedures in detail and clarify why they should be an important part of your doggie’s life.
I’m sure you’re already familiar with some of these processes, especially if you’re a more experienced canine owner. Still, it’s always good to remind ourselves of certain practices or perhaps learn something new.
Brushing
The key point of the brushing process is to recognize the type of fur that your Goldendoodle pup has. As we mentioned earlier, there are three types of coats (plus flat coats) in Goldendoodles, all of which are quite different to brush.
It is important to gain an understanding of the various types of fur because depending on the coat that your dog has, you will most likely be required to brush out its hair in a different manner.
For instance, it is common knowledge that “mild grooming” should be performed at least three to four times a week, irrespective of the fur type.
If your Goldendoodle, on the other hand, has a curly or a wavy coat, you will need to perform this task an even greater number of times.
In a nutshell, the amount of effort necessary to groom the coat increases in proportion to the density of the curls it has.
If your pup has a thick coat that is covered with tight curls, you shouldn’t be afraid of including a detangler, along with a slicker brush, as you’ll probably come across a lot of tangles, knots, and mats.
Even the best brush for Goldendoodles won’t be able to detangle stubborn knots, which is why it’s recommended to get a full grooming kit that includes brushes, detanglers, clippers, combs, and comb attachments (which can be quite useful).
If you’re not able to get the full Goldendoodle grooming kit, or you don’t think you’ll be able to groom your pup by yourself every time, it is recommended that you visit a professional groomer at least once every two months.
Brushing your canine’s fur might seem like an easy task in theory, but in reality, it might be quite a tedious task, especially if you’re not familiar with the right tools or methods regarding detangling and dematting of the fur.
Bathing
When it comes to bathing, before we discuss the Goldendoodle’s needs, it’s important to talk about its parent breeds.
Although both breeds should be regularly groomed, when it comes to bathing, they have different requirements.
How Often Should You Bathe Poodles?
Poodles should be bathed at least once every three weeks mostly because they have thick fur with curls and waves that “trap” all the excess hair, dander, and dirt within their coat.
Therefore, if you wash their hair and skin every two to three weeks, you will keep them healthy, good-looking, and free of excess hair and tangles.
Make sure that you use suitable shampoos and conditioners for Poodles, which will soften their hair enough to be brushed while wet, but only if it’s conditioned.
Keep in mind that although Poodles should be bathed more often than the majority of other dogs, they still shouldn’t be over-bathed.
If you bathe them every day or even every week, you will strip the canine’s fur and skin from its natural oils.
How Often Should You Bathe A Golden Retriever?
Even though these canines are high maintenance as well, they don’t have to be bathed as often as Poodles.
Four to six weeks is the period that is considered optimal for bathing when it comes to Golden Retrievers. Although they have a double coat, their hair is usually either wavy or straight, which means that their fur doesn’t get tangled so much.
Still, in order to keep your pup’s fur healthy and shiny, you should use a shampoo and a conditioner that is suitable for their hair and skin.
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How Often Should You Bathe A Goldendoodle?
When it comes to Goldendoodles, although their hair resembles the Poodle’s in terms of texture and shades, their skin sensitivity is usually inherited from the Golden Retriever.
That is why these mixed-breed canines get bathed as often as their Golden parent – every four to six weeks.
It is believed that a monthly bath will benefit the pup by removing any mud, dander, grime, and dead hair from their coat while maintaining the health of their skin.
Plenty of people believe that canines should be perfectly clean on a daily basis, which is why they constantly wash and brush their fur.
However, considering that Goldendoodles have quite sensitive skin, this type of Doodle grooming might do more damage than good.
Overbathing can cause the skin to become dry and irritated over time, which might result in a chronic medical condition related to the skin.
The great news for those who live near lakes, rivers, or seas is that Goldendoodles love swimming, just like their parents, which is basically bathing – just without shampoos and other tools.
However, because they spend so much time outside, they are more likely to make a mess in your house as well.
The positive aspect of this trait, however, is that they enjoy being in the water very much, which should make the process of bathing them somewhat less difficult to manage when compared to other breeds of dogs.
How To Groom A Goldendoodle: A Step-By-Step Guide
Professional grooming is probably the best way to keep your dog’s fur healthy and shiny, but it might be quite pricey for the majority of pet owners.
That’s why most people decide to groom their pups at home, even those that have quite demanding fur, like Goldendoodles.
The whole process might be challenging in the beginning, but after you brush, bathe, and trim your pup a few times, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Brushing Guidelines
I’m sure that the first thing that went through your head right now was: “Do I really need a guideline for brushing?”
It might come as a surprise, but yes… if you want your pup to go through a brushing session without pain and discomfort, you should stick to these recommendations.
First of all, you should always make sure that the brush is clean before you begin brushing the dog’s hair, especially if you use the same brush for multiple pets.
Follow the natural direction of hair growth. Avoid brushing the hair in the wrong direction, which might cause pain as the brush will pull the fur and knots instead of brushing them out.
Goldendoodle grooming tools for brushing should include both a slicker brush and a comb, in that order.
The brush serves as the remover of excess hair and bigger tangles, while the comb is used for fine brushing and the removal of tiny knots that might have remained in the hair.
Brush smaller pieces of fur one by one as this will prevent too much pulling and discomfort. However, if you can’t brush all tangles and mats, it would be better to remove them with grooming clippers or grooming scissors.
Bathing Guidelines
• Brush – Before you give your Goldendoodle a bath, you should go over the dog’s coat with a soft brush to remove any loose hair or dirt. This will prevent additional tangling and matting, which might occur if the hair isn’t brushed before bathing.
• Shampoo – Goldendoodles should be bathed with shampoos that are specifically intended for the grooming styles of Doodles.
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A good-quality shampoo and conditioner should assist with the curls or waves that are often found in Goldendoodles.
The factor that you should take into account when choosing shampoo for your pet is the type of coat that it has. Of course, there might be other particular requirements that are based on the individual state and needs of the pup.
• Thorough cleaning – Once you begin with the actual bathing process, make sure to clean all areas of their body. However, pay attention to the more sensitive body parts, such as the ears.
Their ears should be cleaned well, but without splashing them with too much water, or else the water might get stuck inside and cause ear infections This is because their ear hairs can get tangled up easily.
Aside from that, you should make sure that you cover the entire body of your dog, and give him a good rinse when you’ve finished.
• Dry and brush – This part is crucial for the health of your Goldendoodle. Every groomer, dog expert, and experienced canine owner will agree that drying the canine’s fur and skin is an important part of the pet grooming procedure.
This is mainly because dry hair will ensure that your pup doesn’t get any infection because of excessive moisture.
It’s also recommended to brush your pup’s hair once you’re done with bathing, but only if the canine’s fur is completely dry.
Otherwise, brushing might turn into an uncomfortable experience for both you and the pet.
The Proper Way To Clip The Nails Of A Goldendoodle
The trimming of a dogs’ nails is often a nightmare for less-experienced dog owners mostly because they’re afraid they will harm their furry buddy.
However, nail trimming is really a vital step in the grooming procedure because long nails can cause strong pain in the pup’s paws every time they take a step.
This is a procedure that should be done after you have clipped the hair around your Goldendoodle’s paws, and it is something that should be done periodically (especially if your pet is always walking on flat surfaces that won’t wear off their nails).
Hold the dog calm while you trim the nails, and try not to take off too much since there are blood vessels inside the nail that, if clipped, might cause significant injury to the pooch.
The use of electric nail clippers can reduce this danger, but it might be a pricey option for pet owners who are tight on their budget.
The Proper Way To Clean A Goldendoodle’s Ears
When you are working on various parts of the dog’s body, one place that requires extra attention is the canine’s ears.
The fur on the exterior part of their ear is often cut up to one inch, which is just enough to keep them covered, but also doesn’t make them look shaggy or unkempt.
The length of the hair on the inside of the ear is typically cut to a length that is short enough to free the ear entrance and prevent ear infections caused by moisture and wet fur.
Your puppy’s hearing will enhance, along with the air circulation in their ears if you trim the fur on the inside of their ears regularly.
When trimming the inside of the ear, however, you should be extra cautious since you do not want to accidentally damage your furry companion by inserting the scissors all the way into the ear canal.
Try to stay as far as possible from the ear canal with the clippers, just so the fur isn’t too long in this area.
I’d strongly recommend you avoid using scissors in this area as Goldendoodles often get playful and move their head when you least expect it.
The Proper Way To Clean A Goldendoodle’s Paws
In most cases, the length of the fur on the Goldendoodle’s paws is shorter than the length of hair on the rest of their body.
Although their leg hair is shorter, it should be groomed just like the rest of their coat.
Trimming the fur on your pet’s paws and legs will not only let them move more freely, but it will also give them a much cleaner and healthier appearance.
During the trimming process, there is one place that is often overlooked, and that is the canine’s toes.
If you ever notice that your doggie is licking its paws excessively, there is a high chance that it is doing so because its paws haven’t been properly cleaned and trimmed.
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The ignorance of this region can cause severe pain and discomfort not only in Goldendoodles, but in any other type of canine as well.
The Proper Way To Groom A Goldendoodle’s Face And Eyes
Eyes are one of the areas that are often overlooked mostly because people focus on the hair around the muzzle, which stands out more.
However, longer hair around the Goldendoodle’s eyes can create serious health issues if not trimmed regularly. It can make your pooch uncomfortable, but most importantly, it might lead to vision impairment.
In order to prevent such conditions, you should use clippers to trim the area around your pup’s eyes, and make sure your pooch is calm so that there are no abrupt movements that might cause an injury.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pay attention to the canine’s muzzle area. Make sure that you trim all the excess hair from this part, so the hair doesn’t get into its mouth.
Goldendoodles frequently suffer from tear stains, which is commonly known as “Poodle eye” since they often appear in this dog breed.
Tear stains can appear because of a number of reasons, which include genetic background, eye or ear infections, irritated eyes, etc.
Essential Grooming Tools
After we’ve discussed the significance of grooming a Goldendoodle, and given step-by-step instructions on brushing, bathing, trimming, and keeping up their coat, it’s time to talk more about the tools that you’ll need for home grooming.
You don’t have to get all the tools from our list to groom your pup successfully, but they could definitely make your life a lot easier.
Here are some of the top solutions that may assist you in getting started with the whole grooming process.
Slicker Brush
These brushes were developed with the specific purpose of detangling your dog’s matted or tangled hair in a gentle and effective manner.
They are specially designed to manage a wavy, curly, and long coat, all of which have a greater likelihood of becoming matted or tangled.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that this type of brush is very popular not only for Goldendoodles, but other Doodle breeds as well, such as Labradoodles, Sheepadoodles, Aussiedoodles, etc.
Steel Comb
You may reduce the amount of bothersome shedding by using a comb to swiftly and simply break up mats, tangles, and knots in the Goldendoodle’s hair.
Essentially, combs like the ones from Andis, Shiny Pets, Furminator, and others are perfect for both dogs and cats of every size and any type of fur.
In case the brush does not accomplish what you need, the steel comb unquestionably will.
Many people find it as an alternative that is significantly longer-lasting and efficient in getting any tricky knots, mats, loose hair, and grime from their fur.
Dog Clippers
Giving the dog a haircut with clippers maintains its neat appearance and decreases the likelihood of tangles in its long hair.
Investing in high-quality dog clippers will make the whole grooming process a lot easier, and it will help you gain more control over your pup during trimming.
They make it possible for you to get up close and remove unwanted hair in a smooth and gentle manner, without any fear that you could harm your pooch in any way.
The density of the coat on your Goldendoodle is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. If your furry buddy has a thick coat, it is quite likely that it will require a set of clippers that are more robust and longer-lasting.
Scissors
The use of grooming scissors is not only a good alternative, but an essential grooming tool, especially if you want to clean your dog’s coat and get rid of any hair that is abnormally long.
In addition, this is a great tool for any stray hairs that might have been left behind or that you may not have been able to brush out.
However, scissors might be quite dangerous as well, especially if you have a playful pup that can’t stay still for a long time. Therefore, you should be very careful, and not use scissors for areas that you’re not comfortable with (dog clippers will do the job for sure).
If you have a chance, you can also get a grooming table, which will help you keep your back healthy, and it will also prevent your Goldendoodle from moving around a lot.
These can be quite pricey, especially since they’re not a necessity, but if you get a chance to make grooming easier for yourself, then why not?
Shampoo And Conditioner
These two products can make a lot of difference, for better or worse, depending on which brands you decide to use.
Suppose you use shampoos and conditioners that are specifically formulated for doggies with thick fur, such as Goldendoodles. In that case, you can expect your pup to have beautiful and healthy hair, filled with fluff, without any knots or mats whatsoever.
Shampoos can also have an impact on the condition of the canine’s skin. Dog shampoos usually contain beneficial components that clean the pup’s skin without irritations that turn into infections.
The use of dog shampoo is recommended for a number of reasons – one of which is the fact that it is formulated to be gentle on the skin of your pet. A dogs’ pH level is lower than that of a human’s, which results in their skin being more acidic.
On the other hand, the main reason why conditioners are used is the fact that they make detangling much easier, and keep the hair soft and shiny.
Thinning Shears
Shears intended for thinning the Goldendoodle’s fur are constructed in such a way that each cut results in a minimal loss of hair.
When used correctly, they have the ability to take sharp lines between layers or to make the transition from a clipper cut to a shear cut considerably gentler as they create a more natural flow.
Nail Clippers
Dog nail clippers are available in a wide variety of designs and styles.
There are different types of clippers that suit different types of canines. You can try different clippers until you find the one suitable for your canine.
There are two most important things when it comes to nail clippers – first of all, make sure that you get high-quality nail clippers, and that you become extremely cautious and gentle during nail clipping.
It is of utmost importance that you get clippers of high quality, and that you go with extreme caution when doing this; if you do not proceed with caution, you might give the animal severe discomfort.
When Should You Begin Grooming Your Dood?
Establishing a habit with your Goldendoodle puppy at an early age will pave the way for a lifetime of more enjoyable grooming for both of you.
A few months old is the perfect time to start training your Doodle.
As the very initial step, you may just try finger-combing your puppy’s hair. Daily petting and a calming massage will do wonders for these adorable puppies.
In addition to potty training your Goldendoodle, one of the responsibilities of caring for your adorable dog is to instruct him on proper grooming techniques.
Even if you intend to take your Goldendoodle puppy to the groomer, it is imperative that you help your puppy become accustomed to the process in advance so that both you and the groomer have the best chance of a positive experience.
If your Goldendoodle is at ease and accustomed to being groomed, then you already did a great job.
Goldendoodle Haircuts For Easier Grooming
Goldendoodles of any bloodline have a double coat, which means they will need to be brushed on a regular basis… unless, of course, they have a straight coat or a short haircut.
In comparison to the fur of other canine breeds, their hair is less likely to shed, making their coat less likely to cause allergies.
However, all dogs still produce some dander, so allergy sufferers should discuss the possibility of taking their Goldendoodle to a health professional solely because of the breed’s reputation of being hypoallergenic.
With certain Doodle haircuts, such as the ones mentioned below, you’ll be able to keep your pup’s hair in check and groom it much more easily than when it’s not trimmed.
Summer Cut
The summer cut is one of the simplest haircuts for Goldendoodles and other Poodle mixes, and it is also known as the “kennel cut”.
This type of hairstyle doesn’t require too much work as it involves shorter fur that is easier to groom and bathe.
This type of hairstyle is a favorite among many interested dog owners since it helps them save both time and money.
It is particularly suitable for busy families that want to participate in a lot of outdoor activities with their doggies, such as swimming and playing fetch, or for those who are just looking for an alternative that requires little to no upkeep.
Puppy Cut
Many people understand the term “puppy cut” to mean nothing more than trimming the hair of your Goldendoodle dog the same level all over. This keeps your dog’s coat short, tidy, and free of mats.
This is the kind of cut that you may also try to perform on your own. On the other hand, for other people, this trim is intended to give their dog the appearance of a young puppy.
For others, the term “puppy cut” simply refers to the initial haircut that your dog receives.
This haircut often consists of trimming, bathing, blow-drying, and brushing in order to acclimate your dog to the experience of being groomed.
Lamb Cut
If you want to trim your Goldendoodle dog yourself, this cut is the one that you can easily do, and it requires very little upkeep to look good.
The lamb hairstyle is characterized by a rounded, even shape that is devoid of any corners or jagged edges.
Shaved Cut
The full Goldendoodle shave is exactly what it sounds like: a shave that covers the entire body from head to toe. This is not a particularly trendy cut, but depending on the circumstances, it’s probably one of the most practical ones.
These may involve bringing your Goldendoodle dog in for a major procedure as they’re getting rid of excessive matting, or assisting your dog in surviving the stifling heat of the summer.
For pet owners who don’t have the time to brush and groom their animals every day, this is an alternative that requires very little upkeep on their part.
Medium-Length Cut
Goldendoodle owners who want fur that is not too long and overly demanding, but not so short that their dog lacks any style will find the medium-length cut to be suitable for their canine companion.
You have the flexibility to style your furry buddy whenever you choose with the medium-length cut, or you can choose to let their natural texture and shagginess show off that stunning golden hair.
Do I Need To Brush My Goldendoodle’s Teeth?
This is one of the most common questions among new owners of canines and their family members. The answer is simple and straightforward… yes.
Goldendoodles should have their teeth brushed just like any other type of doggo.
There are lots of kinds of toothpaste that are good enough for your Goldendoodle pup and its oral health.
As long as your pup has strong and durable teeth, followed by fresh breath, it will be able to eat almost anything.
Keep in mind that the only toothpaste suitable for these canines is doggie toothpaste, meaning that you shouldn’t, by any means, use toothpaste for humans as it might be toxic to your pup.
Wrapping Up
If you have ever wondered how to groom a Goldendoodle, I hope that now, you got your answer in detail, and that you’re satisfied with it.
Goldendoodles are indeed beautiful animals, but their fur doesn’t make them easy to maintain, although they have a wonderful nature.
I’m sure that after this article, you will be ready to groom your Doodle puppy at home without experiencing any major issues or challenges.
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