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.