September 14th
Labradoodles may have impeccable coats (super soft, non-shedding, and hypoallergenic to boot), but that doesn’t mean they are exempt from regular grooming. Here’s what you can do to keep your Doodle looking dapper. When looking for a new puppy for sale grooming and coat type is critical to consider when getting matched with the perfect puppy for your lifestyle and unique situation.
If your looking for labradoodle puppies for sale, you may want to know what your getting into grooming wise before you buy. Here’s a quick overview of how you should shave, cut, or trim each part of your Labradoodle’s coat. Read on for a more in-depth explanation on how to achieve the ultimate Doodle ‘do.
At this point you may be imagining yourself toting around a hairdresser’s cart full of fancy diamond-tipped scissors and top-of-the-line styling products. Worry not! There are only a handful of essentials required in order to give your scruffy friend a Kennel Club-worthy cut.
Now that we have a general idea of proper grooming guidelines and the tools of the trade, let’s take a closer look at how to treat each area of your Labradoodle’s prized coat.
Body: Eliminate the mats – use thinning shears to thin them, or a bristle brush to pull them out. Trim all over with scissors to the desired length, or use your clippers to shave down to an inch. Remember that the body consists of everything except the head, tail, and below the knees. If you decide to shave your Doodle, do this twice a year. Shaving results in a lower amount of grooming needed throughout the year.
Rear: Using scissors or clippers, taper the the tush gradually from rear to tail (Do not shave the top of the tail!). Trim or shave the hair short near the private areas. In warmer weather you can cut belly hair shorter than usual to help them stay cool and to dry more quickly after swimming.
Under ears: Clean inner ears monthly. Hair should be pulled from the ear canal and the underside of the ear leather should be shaved (near the ear canal). Here is the best way to clean the ears, step by step:
These steps are crucial in preventing bacteria from taking residence inside your Labradoodle’s ears.
Outer ears: Trim the outside part of the ear flap. The hair should be layered to about an inch, unlike the long, flat ears of a cocker spaniel. To check for proper length, pull the ear forward toward the snout. The hair should end before the nose and after the canine teeth. Polish up the edges by trimming along the curve of the ear.
Muzzle: The ideal Labradoodle muzzle should NOT be long and blunt, but round, with a shorter edge beneath the eyes so their vision remains unobstructed. For the top of the muzzle (eye to nose) – at a downward angle pointing toward the face, trim one to two inches above the nose.
Below the eyes, carefully trim the fur short enough so that there is nothing blocking your Doodle’s vision. Trim or thin out the wisps along the lip line so none of the hair goes into their mouth. At most, the hair along the lip line should be one inch long below the lip itself. From chin to neck, use thinning shears to prevent mats that tend to form here. Trim the beard to create a round, circular shape with the rest of the muzzle.
Top of the head: The top of your Labradoodle’s head should look natural. Take all of the hair from the top in your hand, and gently pull forward to above where the muzzle begins. Trim two to three inches above the eyes. This will create a nice layering effect, with short hair in front for clear vision, and gradually longer hair towards the back.
Feet: Create a round, teddy bear paw look by trimming along the toe line. Next, gather all of the paw fur and pull up, then cut to approximately one inch. This method makes the feet look natural instead of blunt. Turn the paw over and trim between the pads – this is especially important in the colder months when snow can get stuck here. Finally, trim the nails.
Bathing: Use shampoo and then spray with detangler – a popular brand is Cowboy Magic. If your Labradoodle just needs a quick refresher, try a bath replacement spray such as Dry Dog Instant Clean. DON’T BRUSH! Let your Doodle air dry or dry them without brushing by scrunching with your fingers. Doing so keeps their fur corded instead of fluffy.
Teeth: Keep your Labradoodle’s smile fresh and clean by brushing their teeth monthly with a toothpaste made for dogs.
If you are unsure of your styling skills, or would rather have someone else do the work for you, simply find a picture of a nicely cut Labradoodle and take it to your local groomer, along with your furry friend. Here are some good-looking Doodles for your grooming inspiration!
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