Coat types in doodles and poos - what to expect

When it comes to owning a poodle cross, coat care plays a much bigger role than many people realise. Doodles and poos can develop several kinds of coats, depending on things such as their genetics and the breeds behind them. And while poodle mixes are known for shedding less than some other breeds, this isn’t true for every dog. Below, we’ll guide you through the most common coat types so you can fully understand the differences between them.

Doodle and poo coat types explained

Generally, there are three main types of coat among doodles and poos: 

1. Hair
2. Fleece
3. Wool

Hair coat - more shedding, less clipping

The hair coat most closely resembles a retriever’s or spaniel’s. It can be straight, slightly wavy, or a bit coarse - similar to a wire-haired coat. Hair coats are often double-coated, meaning they have two layers (an undercoat plus a topcoat). And moderate to heavy shedding is common, especially during periods of seasonal moulting.

• Hair coat care: This coat still needs regular brushing, but usually doesn’t require clipping as often as the more poodle-like coats. Be aware that the undercoat can also matt, particularly during shedding periods.

Fleece coat – minimal shedding, regular trims

The fleece coat is the classic doodle coat that many people associate with Cavapoos, Cockapoos, Goldendoodles and Australian Labradoodles. It can range from loose, soft waves (loose fleece) to tighter, more defined curls (curly fleece). What all fleece coats have in common is a silky-soft feel and that much-loved teddy-bear appearance.

Fleece coats are usually single-coated, meaning there’s no thick undercoat like you’d see in spaniels or retrievers. As a result, they tend to shed very little. However, loose hairs can stay trapped in the coat and quickly form matts if brushing isn’t done thoroughly and often.

• Fleece coat care: A fleece coat needs regular, thorough brushing between four to six times a week, depending on things such as the coat length, texture, and how much dirt, twigs and leaves your dog picks up on walks. The coat typically needs clipping around four times a year, while paw hair and hygiene areas should be trimmed more frequently.

Wool coat – no shedding, frequent clipping

A dense, woolly coat with small to medium curls, this is the type that most closely resembles that of a poodle. It usually sheds very little, if at all.

• Wool coat care: Frequent and thorough brushing is essential as loose hairs remain in the coat, which makes matting a real risk. This is a high-maintenance coat. Like fleece coats, wool coats also need regular clipping to keep your dog looking neat and well groomed.

Improper coat (also called “incorrect” coat or “flat” coat)

This type of coat appears in some doodles and poos when the dog doesn’t inherit the furnishing gene (RSPO2) – responsible for the classic doodle beard, moustache and eyebrows. Instead, they have a smoother, more retriever- or spaniel-like coat, which often sheds more, with shorter, flatter hair on the head and legs.

The term can sound a bit negative, as many people choose a poodle cross specifically for the soft, curly coat. When they end up with a dog without curls, some feel disappointed. It’s important to remember, though, that it’s still the same wonderful dog - curls or not.

Single versus double coats explained

Single coats: A single coat means the dog has only one layer of hair (just the topcoat), rather than two layers as seen in double-coated breeds. Many doodles and poos with fleece or wool coats have single coats, inherited from their poodle parent. Single coats usually shed less because there’s no loose undercoat, but they can matt more easily as shed hairs tend to stay trapped in the coat. This means dogs with single coats need regular brushing and more frequent clipping than double-coated dogs.

Double coats: Dogs with double coats – such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels – have a soft, loose undercoat beneath longer guard hairs. This undercoat sheds heavily during seasonal moults and creates a very different coat type. Doodles and poos with hair coats often inherit this double-coat structure from their retriever or spaniel heritage. This usually means more shedding, but often less need for clipping and intensive brushing.

The Curly Universe

Want to learn more about doodles, poos and other poodle crosses? We’ve created a Curly Universe where you can learn all about popular doodle and poo mixes, including grooming, trimming, coat care and much more.