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Daily Care of Doodle Fur

by | Jul 24, 2019 | Doodle | 0 comments

The In’s and Outs of Doodle Fur

With Doodles becoming one of the more popular dog breeds, many are quick to highlight the differences that set them apart. With a level temperament and high IQ Doodles make it pretty easy to draw positive comparisons. There is however one major difference you can’t ignore- their fur.

Hypoallergenic Coats

Doodle coats are hypoallergenic, which is the reason many opt for them over other breads. Allergy-free and no dog hair on furniture sounds pretty appealing! Being hypoallergenic is not all upside, however. A dog being hypoallergenic means something very specific. Allergies arise when dogs shed so a dog being hypoallergenic is only a reference to how often its hair falls out. Most breeds will shed continually and their hair will never reach past a certain length. For doodles it’s easiest to think of their fur as being like human hair. Your hair will keep growing and growing until it comes time for your next haircut. In addition to getting cut, your hair needs to be brushed and cleaned almost daily to prevent damage. All is true for Doodles as well!

Are You Prepared?

The unfortunate truth is that many families are buying doodles without the full knowledge of what goes into grooming. The consequences for this can be great for both you and your Doodle. Not taking care of your puppy’s fur can cause discomfort and even lead to painful appointments with professional groomers. With all this in mind it is imperative that all doodle owners understand how to properly care for and groom their Doodles.

The Labor of Caring for a Doodle

The first mistake several owners make is not starting a routine early. Doodles won’t grow into their adult coats for about 6 months. While they’re puppies their fur is light and fluffy leading owners to believe there is little maintenance required. While this is somewhat true it is imperative that you get your puppy adjusted to their grooming rituals early so they can become acclimated to a routine.

Owners quickly find that keeping a doodle groomed can be quite the task. The bulk of the work will be brushing their coat. The frequency of brushing will depend on the type of fur your doodle has. As a rule, the curlier the hair, the more often you will have to brush them. In most cases brushing will be an everyday chore. This prevents knots from forming and keeps the coat free of debris. Additionally you will have to keep their ears and faces trimmed, nails cut, and have them bathed on a weekly basis.

Professional Grooming

You won’t be able to do everything yourself. Every 1-3 months your doodle will need to have their fur cut by a professional. Even though doodle puppies may not have their thick adult coat yet it’s important to start this process when they are still a puppy. Make sure you only give your puppy to a groomer with an excellent reputation. Communicate any concerns you may have or information about your puppy that may be helpful to them.

Conclusion

It’s easy to be intimidated but doodles are certainly capable of making up for the extra work you will need to put in. The hope here isn’t that you know how to groom your doodle but rather you know that you have to groom your doodle. Being a responsible dog owner means giving your puppy the most comfortable life possible. With Doodles, that may mean putting in a little extra work.

 

well-behaved bernedoodle

Cut the Face

Now that your goldendoodle’s coat is clean and tangle-free, it’s time to trim the facial fur. Use grooming scissors or shears to carefully trim around the eyes, ensuring your dog has clear visibility. You can also give your goldendoodle a cute “teddy bear” look by trimming the hair around their muzzle and cheeks to create a rounded appearance.

Clip and Trim the Ears

Next, let’s tackle those adorable floppy ears! Gently hold your goldendoodle’s ear and use the thinning shears to remove excess hair, being cautious not to nick the skin. Trim any long hairs around the edges of the ears with grooming scissors for a neat appearance. Finish by cleaning the ears with a dog-safe ear cleaning solution and cotton balls.

Cut the Back

For the back, use electric clippers with a blade size appropriate for your goldendoodle’s coat length. Start at the neck and work your way down the back and sides, moving in the direction of hair growth. Be sure to hold the skin taut to avoid any nicks or uneven cuts.

Trim the Legs, Feet, and Paws

Now, let’s move on to the legs, feet, and paws. Use grooming scissors to trim the hair on the legs, following the natural contours of the limbs. Be cautious around the joints, as these areas can be sensitive. Use thinning shears to blend any harsh lines, creating a more natural look.

For the feet, trim the hair between the paw pads using a small pair of grooming scissors or clippers. Make sure to remove any debris or matted fur that might have accumulated there. Then, shape the hair around the paws for a neat, rounded appearance.

While you’re working on the paws, don’t forget to trim your goldendoodle’s nails. Use a nail clipper or grinder to trim the nails, taking care not to cut the quick (the pink part inside the nail that contains blood vessels). If you accidentally nick the quick, use styptic powder or gel to stop the bleeding.

Clip the Belly, Bum, and Tail

To groom the belly and bum area, carefully use electric clippers or grooming scissors to trim the hair. Make sure to keep the skin taut and be extra cautious around sensitive areas, like the genitals and anus.

When it comes to the tail, you can choose a style that suits your goldendoodle’s personality. Some owners prefer a fluffy, plume-like tail, while others opt for a more streamlined look. Trim the hair with grooming scissors or clippers, and use thinning shears to blend any harsh lines for a smooth, natural appearance.

One More Brush and You’re Finished!

After all that trimming and clipping, give your goldendoodle one final brush to remove any loose hairs and ensure their coat looks sleek and smooth. Stand back and admire your handiwork – you’ve just given your goldendoodle a fabulous at-home grooming!

By following these steps, you’ll keep your goldendoodle looking and feeling great between professional grooming appointments. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Happy grooming, doodle lovers!