How to care for your doodle or poo’s coat

It’s hard not to fall in love with one of these cute, curly crossbreeds. But as adorable as they are, many owners are surprised by how much grooming is required to keep a doodle or poo’s coat in check. Without proper care, matting, itching, and skin problems can become an issue for your dog - potentially leading to vet bills for you. With this in mind, here are some helpful tips on how best to care for your doodle or poo’s coat.

Why doodle and poo coats need extra care

Doodles and poos (such as Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Cavapoos and Maltipoos) are crossbreed dogs with a Poodle as one parent. The Poodle coat is quite unique: it curls, sheds very little, and keeps growing. That may sound convenient, but it also means dead hair and dirt can get trapped, leading to matts and tangles which, sadly, don’t disappear on their own.

When a Poodle is mixed with a breed that has a different type coat - for example, it sheds or has a different texture - this can lead to an animal with a coat that needs some special attention. Unfortunately, the only solution to an unkempt doodle coat is often a full shave and, suddenly, your cute teddy-bear looks more like a freshly shorn sheep. Not only that, severe matting can impact your dog’s wellbeing, causing pain, discomfort and skin problems.

Coat care is lifelong

Doodle coats come in many variations. Some are curly and woolly, others are wavy or silky soft. Occasionally, you’ll even see wire-haired types. Whatever the type, they all have one thing in common: they need regular grooming for life.

Grooming starts in puppyhood. Puppy coats are often soft and lovely, but at around six to 12 months your dog will begin to change. This is when many owners encounter their first major matting crisis. The new coat pushes out the old one, creating a tangle of dead hair that matts together. If you don’t brush right down to the skin during this period, and do it frequently, the coat can become badly matted quite quickly.

How often should you brush a doodle or poo?

The most important tool in a doodle or poo owner’s kit aren’t scissors or clippers; it’s a brush and a regular routine. Brushing your dog a couple of times a week is what separates a well-groomed, comfortable dog to a matted, uncomfortable one.

When it comes to brushing, it’s not enough to simply fluff the surface. Curly coats often hide matts close to the skin. Always brush all the way down to the skin and work outwards. It takes a bit of technique and patience, so it’s often best to do it in small stages.

Areas like the ears, armpits, back legs, and around the neck and tail matt especially quickly. That’s where dirt, dead hair and movement cause tangles fastest - and also where it hurts most if you try to fix things too late. Once you learn to feel and spot matts early, it soon becomes second nature to catch them before they become a problem.

Bathing and clipping your doodle or poo

It can be tempting to bathe your dog after they’ve had a swim in a lake or rolled in mud, but be careful. Matts can tighten when they get wet and dry again. Always brush the coat thoroughly before bathing, and dry your dog completely afterwards. Use a hairdryer, if possible, on a low heat and high airflow setting so the coat doesn’t dry in clumps.

Most doodles and poos need a visit to the groomers roughly every six to 10 weeks. The coat is trimmed evenly, and paws, eyes, ears and tail are tidied up. You can, of course, do this yourself if you’re happy to take it on.

It’s important to stress that even a professional groomer can’t magically turn a severely matted dog into a teddy bear again - unless the entire coat is clipped off. So, it’s still your responsibility to keep the coat in good condition between appointments. The same goes for getting your dog used to brushing, clipping and grooming. It’s your job to teach your puppy early on to feel safe with coat care. Grooming will be a big part of your life together, so it pays to get this right early on.

Everyday grooming can be quality time

Coat care is often seen as a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. You can make grooming into a positive experience for both you and your dog. Give your dog a chew or some treats and take it in small steps, showing plenty of patience. Many dogs learn to enjoy it, especially if you start early, use calm hands and a gentle voice.

It’s not just about the coat; it’s about connection too. When you brush your dog, you get to know their body. You notice small matts, skin changes, tender spots - things you might otherwise miss. And your dog learns that being handled is safe and pleasant.

Curls need love

While doodles and poos aren’t low-maintenance dogs, with a little time and effort you’ll be rewarded with a companion who’s sweet, soft, and, most importantly, comfortable and happy in their own body. So, while those curls may need some extra love, if you’re prepared for that, you’ll gain a wonderful dog who’ll be delighted to share their life with you.

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.