Goldendoodle Grooming : How to Groom a Goldendoodle + Popular Goldendoodle Haircuts

Doodles are a popular breed of dog, and the Goldendoodle is a favorite among dog owners. Grooming a Goldendoodle at home can save you money (average cost is $50 to $200), and it’s not as difficult as you might think.

In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of Goldendoodle grooming, including how to bathe, brush, and clip your dog’s coat. We’ll also provide tips on keeping your Doodle healthy and looking his best.

Basic Goldendoodle Grooming Tools

To groom your Goldendoodle at home, you’ll need a few basic supplies. These include the following:

• Slicker brush – A slicker brush is a tool with fine, wire bristles that are used to remove tangles and mats from your dog’s coat.
• Steel comb – A steel comb can be used to remove tangles and mats, or to help straighten your dog’s coat.
• Grooming rake – A grooming rake has wide teeth that are spaced apart, making it ideal for removing tangles and mats. It can also be used to thin out your dog’s coat.
• Thinning shears – Thinning shears are scissors with one blade that is serrated, or has teeth. They are used to thin out your dog’s coat and remove dead hair.
• Blunt-tipped scissors – Blunt-tipped scissors are used to trim your dog’s hair, and can also be used to remove tangles and mats.
• Dog clippers – Dog clippers are electric shavers that are designed specifically for grooming dogs. They can be used to clip your dog’s fur, or to shave it down to the skin in areas where mats or tangles are difficult to remove.

Don’t go cheap on the Dog Clippers

When it comes to dog clippers, you get what you pay for. Unlike with Golden Retrievers, cheaper clippers will quickly overheat and burn out when used on a Doodle’s thick coat. Invest in a quality pair of dog hair clippers, such as Andis or Oster, that are designed for breeds like the Poodle and you’ll be able to use them for years to come.

Important Steps to Take Before Attempting the Clipping Process

1. Bathe your doodle – Completely bathe your Goldendoodle before starting the grooming process. This will help to remove any loose hair, dirt, and debris that could get tangled in the brush or clippers. It will also make it easier to see mats or tangles that need to be removed.
2. Dry your doodle – Be sure to completely dry your Goldendoodle before brushing or clipping his fur. Wet fur is more likely to mat and tangle, and it’s also more difficult to clip. We recommend using a high-quality dog blow dryer, such as the K-9 III, to help speed up the drying process or the more affordable SHELANDY 3.2hp pet dryer.
3. Start with a Slicker Brush – Begin the grooming process by using a slicker brush to remove tangles and mats from your dog’s coat. Be sure to go slowly and be gentle, as pulling too hard can damage your dog’s skin. We have found the best slicker brush to be the Chris Christensen Big K Dog Slicker Brush.
4. Use a Steel Comb – Once you’ve removed the tangles and mats with a slicker brush, use a steel comb to further detangle your dog’s coat. Start at the bottom of the coat and work your way up, combing through small sections at a time.
5. Rake Through the Coat – Use a grooming rake to remove any remaining tangles and mats. Rake through the coat in the direction of hair growth, taking care not to pull too hard and damage your dog’s skin.
6. Thin Out the Coat – If your dog’s coat is thick or matted, use thinning shears to remove some of the excess hair. Start at the bottom of the coat and work your way up, taking care not to cut your dog’s skin.

Once you’ve brushed, combed, and thinned out your dog’s coat, it’s time to start clipping process.

How to Groom a Goldendoodle at Home

Now that you have all the necessary supplies (and a clean doodle), it’s time to start clipping your Goldendoodle at home. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Start by making 3 or 4 passes along your Goldendoodles’ spine with your clippers, working your way down towards the base of the tail. We tend to use 1/2 inch Oster comb guard on the body for a shorter cut.
2. Start the next pass along the dog’s ribs. When clipping along the ribs, start at the top of the doodle and work your way down towards the belly in straight passes.
3. Clip the stomach by going against the hair. This will help keep the hair on the stomach a little shorter.
4. Next, move on to the shoulders and clip from the top of your doodle straight down to the top of the leg. Be careful not to clip too far down.
5. For the neck, start clipping from where the chin meets the throat and work your way down. One important note here is to be aware of any neck flaps your Goldendoodle may have.
6. For the legs, we recommend using a 1 inch or 1 1/4 inch (if you prefer longer leg hair) Oster comb guard.

For more detail regarding the face trimming (and a recap of the above) we highly suggest watching the following video:

FAQ

How often should a Goldendoodle be groomed?

Goldendoodles should be groomed every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of hair they have. If their coat is thick or matted, it may need to be thinned out and clipped more often.

What is a Goldendoodle Teddy Bear Cut?

A teddy bear cut is a style of Goldendoodle grooming that results in a shorter, more rounded haircut. This style is typically used for Goldendoodles with longer hair, as it helps to keep the hair from becoming too tangled or matted.

Do Goldendoodles need to be shaved?

No, Goldendoodles do not need to be shaved. In fact, shaving a Goldendoodle can actually be quite dangerous, as it can remove the natural oils from their skin and leave them susceptible to sunburns. If your Goldendoodle’s coat is particularly thick or matted, you may need to thin it out and clip it shorter, but shaving is not necessary.

How often should a bathe my goldendoodle?

How often you need to bathe your Goldendoodle will depend on a few factors, such as their activity level and the type of coat they have. If your dog is active and has a thicker coat, they may need to be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks. However, if your dog has a lighter coat or is less active, they may only need to be bathed every 8 weeks or so. When in doubt, ask your groomer for their opinion on how often you should bathe your dog.

If you’re thinking of getting a Goldendoodle, or if you already own one, it’s important to understand the basics of grooming.

Grooming your dog at home can save you money and help keep him healthy and looking his best. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to groom your Doodle like a pro.