Ahh, yes. The widely debated Doodle! Last week, we discussed, “What is a Doodle and Why Are They So Popular?” Please head to that blog to learn the origins of Doodles and what makes them such an attractive breed to many people.
This week, we will discuss the Doodle Coat Types. One common misconception is that all Doodle coats are the same. It is important to remember that there are many different Doodle mixes out there; Berner Doodles, Irish Setter Doodles, Aussie Doodles and many more. All these Doodle mixes are going to have different coat types, but looking at the coat type of the non-Poodle part of the ancestry might help you use this guide to figure out your Doodle’s coat type and how to properly care for it. With this said, we will discuss the most widely recognized categories of general doodle types: the Flat or Straight Coat Type, the Curly Coat Type Doodle, the Wavy Coat Type Doodle, and what is known as the Improper or Non-Mixed Coat Type Doodle.
For this article, we will not talk about genes such as F1 or the KR71 gene as those are more specific to Goldendoodles than other breed mixes genetically. We will discuss this in a future blog so please stay tuned!
The Flat or Straight Doodle Coat Type
The Flat or Straight Coat Type Doodle (pictured above) is the Goldendoodle whose coat type most closely resembles the Golden Retriever parent. This coat has inherited that non-curly trait (although some straight coats can have a bit of a wave) and the coat is for the most part straight. Additionally, they do have some Poodle mixed in there resulting in fluffy eyebrows and a beard. This coat type typically sheds the most (yes, some Doodles DO in fact shed!). As this coat is typically shorter, they don’t require as much intensive grooming as the curlier types. However, we recommend regular brushing each week to get out excess shedding hair and a bath every couple of weeks. See below for how to properly brush your Doodle.
The Curly Doodle Coat Type
The next type is very popular - the Curly Coat (above). The Curly Coat can be the most sought after because they typically shed the least making them hypoallergenic (which also is helpful if there is someone that suffers from allergies in your home). This coat most closely resembles a Poodle coat and as such, they often have tight curls. These tight curls can mat and tangle quite easily and they should be brushed 2 to 3 times every week. These dogs also need a bath and a blow out and every 2 to 3 weeks for their health and comfort.
The Wavy Doodle Coat Type
Many doodles out there have a wavy coat (above). Some call this a “shaggy coat”. It’s basically the coat that you would imagine if you had an equal blend of the Golden Retriever coat and the Poodle coat. This coat looks like it could be less maintenance but can be difficult to maintain if the coat is wavy AND sheds which does happen to occur frequently. Although adorable, beware that this coat type can be difficult to manage! How often for bath and brushing. Any special tips? With the exception of seasonal coat changes (winter to summer and fall to winter when daily brushing with the Big K may be needed, Weekly brushing and/or bathing usually keeps this coat in good shape.
The Improper or Non-Mixed Doodle Coat Type
The last coat type, some people call the “improper coat” or "non-mixed coat". We say that it is the straightest of the coats. This coat type most resembles the Golden Retriever side of the pedigree, and many people think they look like a slim Golden Retriever. This coat type will NOT have any eyebrows or beard.This coat requires the least amount of grooming as it is very flat and has little undercoat. A shorter-pinned slicker like the Mark Slickers (12 mm pins) will do well for most dogs with this coat type. The fine undercoat will still shed from winter to summer.
Doodle Brushing and General Maintenance
No matter what type your beloved doodle might be, please sure that you are brushing them on a regular basis. We recommend these tools for Doodle brushing:
Step 1: Never brush a dry coat! When your ring gets stuck on your finger, you get something to lubricate it such as butter or oil to help slide the ring off. You want to make sure you’re always using a brushing aid like our Ice on Ice Detangling and Finishing Spray or our Just Divine Brushing Spray. This will help the brush glide through the coat with less damage although we will say that Ice on Ice will provide a little more lubrication and moisture. Both are wonderful brushing aids and are available in a ready-to-use spray and a concentrate. We love that the concentrates make 2 gallons!
Step 2: Line brush with our Big G Slicker Brush or Big G Teal Slicker Brush. This brush has 27mm long pins that reach deep into the coat. You want to make sure you are always brushing to the skin to ensure that you don’t allow the hair any chance to mat.
- Note: If your Doodle’s coat is very dense (ALL Curly Coat Types and some heavier, Wavy Coat Types - remember as they are not a breed the wave or curl can vary) then we recommend you brush with the Big K Slicker Brush.This brush has 30% less pins than the Big G Slicker Brush and will be able to work through denser coats.
- Note: If your Doodle’s coat is shorter, then use our Kärben Slicker Brush. This brush has 17mm pins that are a little shorter and less aggressive.
Step 3: Always check your work with a comb. We recommend our 7.5" Fine/Coarse Greyhound-Style Buttercomb (we also call this comb our #000 comb, we’re quirky like that. But really it says #000 on it). This comb gently glides through the coat without snagging or causing breakage so you can ensure that your dog is tangle free. If you feel any snags or snarls, simply go over the area again with your slicker brush. Repeat this process, starting with one leg and working your way around your entire dog.
Be Prepared: Doodle Puppy Coat Transition
Also, it is important that the two curlier coat types (Wavy Coat Type and Curly Coat Type) go to the groomer before they start their coat change. They can start coat change as early as 6 months – although 9 months is more typical. Therefore they should visit the groomer at least once before the 6 month mark. When these Doodle coat types change from their puppy coat to their adult coat, this can cause intense, tangling, and matting. Unfortunately, many Doodle owners are not prepared for this transition. More often than not, a Doodle who has not been groomed prior to coat change will have to be shaved down. While a shave down is needed (humanity over vanity!) owners are often disappointed that their Doodle lost all their curls. A Doodle who has not been introduced to regular grooming before coat change can be a nightmare for both you and your groomer.
For this transition, we recommend our Chris Christensen Try Me Puppy Kit to help keep your Doodle Puppy’s coat in good shape. The Try Me Puppy Kit Includes:
- Pro-Line Fair Advantage 4oz
A gentle conditioning shampoo to deeply cleanse while still maintaining moisture to the coat. Leaves a sensational body, luxurious volume, & fullness with a vibrant shine. The 2-in-1 shampoo provides the conditioning powers and detangling powers of a conditioner without the extra step that puppies are too impatient for. - Pro-Line Self Rinse Plus 2oz
Self-Rinse Plus cleans up puppy mistakes without having to bath but still getting puppies used to the grooming process. It’s the perfect waterless shampoo for spot cleaning & deodorizing. Use in between baths or as a last-minute touch-up when a quick cleanup is needed. - Fresh Faced 2oz
Gently clean faces while moisturizing delicate skin & coat with this tearless, sulfate-free face wash. - Ice on Ice RTU Detangling Spray 2oz
Introduce your new Doodle puppy to brushing with this easy-to-use detangling spray. Detangling spray encourages you the owner to brush regularly while still helping your puppy get used to the sensations of grooming. Fortifies & protects the coat while locking in moisture for a show-ready finish.
In conclusion, understanding the different Doodle coat types is crucial for proper grooming and maintenance. Whether your Doodle has a Flat or Straight Coat, a Curly Coat, a Wavy Coat, or an Improper or Non-Mixed Coat, each type has its unique characteristics and grooming requirements. Regular brushing, using the right tools and products, and being prepared for the puppy coat transition can ensure your Doodle stays healthy, comfortable, and looking its best. Stay tuned for future blogs where we will dive deeper into the genetic aspects of Doodles, including genes like F1 and KR71, to further help you understand and care for your beloved pet.