The Goldendoodle is a hybrid dog breed or crossbreed dog resulting from mixing the Poodle with the Golden Retriever. This crossbreed’s popularity has increased tremendously in the past years. And we can see why!

The Goldendoodle is not only a fluffy, cute, and low-shedding breed. It’s personality is what makes it a great family dog. The goldendoodle is loving, affectionate with family, intelligent, kid-friendly, and even dog friendly. It actually inherits some of its best traits from its parent breeds.

THE TRUTH ABOUT GROOMING A GOLDENDOODLE

The goldendoodle requires the right grooming to keep its coat healthy, shiny, and fluffy. But a goldendoodle’s grooming needs are often overlooked by the family that is focused on the cuteness of a fluffy puppy. Many goldendoodle owners think that because this breed is mostly low shedding, it is also low maintenance. But this could not be further from the truth.

The truth is that goldendoodles do require daily grooming. This includes brushing and combing everyday or at least 3 times a week. Creating a grooming routine with your goldendoodle is vital to keeping their fluffy coat mat-free! Matting is the number one grooming problem that goldendoodle owners encounter.

Matted fur does not only look bad, but it is very painful for goldendoodles. If not removed, it can also cause other health issues including discomfort, skin disorder, flea infestation, mites, worms, and other parasites. And severe matting usually leads to a shavedown, right to the skin. Shaving a fluffy goldendoodle is actually very frustrating for a doodle owner because they may not know what they are doing wrong. So as a goldendoodle owner you need to learn how to properly care for your dog’s coat.

TOP 3 BRUSHES EVERY GOLDENDOODLE OWNER SHOULD HAVE

Before brushing and combing your goldendoodle, you need the right grooming tools. These are the top three tools that will make grooming so much easier.

1. A High Quality Slicker Brush

2. A Metal Comb

A metal comb should be used after you have brushed your goldendoodle thoroughly with the slicker brush. The end result should be the ability to get the comb from the root to the tip of the hair.

We like the Dual-length Dog Metal Comb. It is the perfect comb to add the finishing touch to your goldendoodle’s coat. It has long and short stainless steel teeth to quickly and painlessly remove any remaining tangles or knots. Its rounded head pins keep your doodle’s skin from getting scratched. And the anti-slip handle protects your dog from any slippery accidents.

3. A Dematting Tool

A dematting tool should be your last resource when grooming your goldendoodle as it is specifically designed to remove mats. That said, if you are keeping up with your grooming routine by brushing and combing your doodle at least 3 times per week, you should not need to use the dematting tool. But if for some reason, you do forget to brush your dog, the dematting tool can come in very handy before having to take your pup to the groomer for a shavedown.

The 2-in1 Dematting Tool can be a great option. It is effective at removing mats and getting deep into the dog’s coat.

Other Must-Have Goldendoodle Grooming Tool

One grooming tool we highly recommend to make each brushing routine much easier and smooth is a detangling spray. The detangling spray will help loosen all the tangles and give your dog a fresh smell between baths.

HOW TO PROPERLY BRUSH A GOLDENDOODLE AND PREVENT MATTING

1. HAIR + WATER = MATS: 

ALWAYS brush a completely dry coat. If you bathe your dog, make sure you brush your dog's hair before the actual bath and use a high quality shampoo and conditioner. We love the 5-in-1 Pet Shampoo, it is great for goldendoodle hair.

If you bathe your dog's matted hair without detangling it, it will just get worse! Wait for the fur to dry after the bath, and then brush it again. 

2. LINE BRUSH YOUR DOG: 

Grab your slicker brush to brush your dog’s hair. Do not just brush the top of the coat as this does not really do anything to prevent matting. Start at the bottom of the coat, grab a handful of hair, and brush a line of fur away. You should be able to see the skin. As you go, brush the hair down making sure that with each line you get right to the skin. Do not drag the brush across the dog’s skin, but do a pull-away type of stroke. Move up as you go along, and make sure you brush your dog’s entire coat. Don’t forget about the tail and armpits.

You may use a detangling spray as you brush your dog to make the process faster. 

Clean your brush after every use. Use your metal comb to remove all the hair from the slicker brush.

3. FINISH WITH A METAL COMB:

After brushing with the slicker brush, take your metal comb, and comb your dog’s coat thoroughly until the comb moves easily through the hair. If the comb gets stuck in any particular section, go back and brush out the tangle with the slicker brush.

4. EXTRA STEP:

If there are more tangles and matting after brushing and combing, you may want to use the dematting tool. Use the 9-rounded-teeth side. Hold the matted fur closest to the skin with your fingers before brushing or pulling at the mat. Start at the end of the mat and work your way up. Always do small strokes when combing through a matted area. 

5. CONSISTENCY:

Create a positive grooming routine and make sure you brush and comb your goldendoodle at least 3 times per week.

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 Goldendoodle FAQ's

1. What is the best type of brush for a Goldendoodle?

The best brushes for Goldendoodles are a slicker brush and a metal comb. The slicker brush is ideal for removing loose hair, preventing tangles, and smoothing the coat. A metal comb helps to work out deeper mats and tangles that a slicker brush may not reach. A dematting tool is also useful for removing tough mats from their curly or wavy coats.

2. How often should you brush your Goldendoodle?

You should brush your Goldendoodle at least 3-4 times per week, though daily brushing is recommended for dogs with curlier coats. Regular brushing helps to prevent tangles, mats, and keeps their coat healthy and clean.

3. Are Goldendoodles supposed to be brushed?

Yes, Goldendoodles must be brushed regularly. Their coats tend to mat easily, especially if they have curlier Poodle-like fur. Regular brushing helps to keep their coat tangle-free and reduces matting, which can cause discomfort and skin irritation.

4. What is the best thing for Goldendoodles' hair?

The best thing for a Goldendoodle’s coat is a combination of regular brushing, proper diet, and conditioning products. Regular grooming, including the use of a detangling conditioner, helps maintain the softness and health of their fur. Additionally, feeding them a high-quality diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports coat health.

5. Why is my Goldendoodle’s hair so frizzy?

Goldendoodle hair can become frizzy due to lack of moisture, frequent bathing, or using the wrong grooming products. Over-bathing can strip the coat of natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Using a good conditioner and brushing regularly can help keep the hair smooth.

6. How do I make my Goldendoodle’s hair soft?

To keep your Goldendoodle’s hair soft:

   - Use a leave-in conditioner after bathing.

   - Brush regularly to distribute natural oils.

   - Avoid over-bathing and use a gentle dog shampoo.

   - A balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids will also contribute to a soft, shiny coat.

7. How to keep doodle fur fluffy?

To keep your Goldendoodle’s fur fluffy:

   - Brush regularly to prevent matting and maintain volume.

   - Use a blow dryer on a low heat setting after baths to fluff the coat while drying.

   - Apply a light leave-in conditioner or detangler to keep the coat soft and fluffy.

8. How do groomers get dogs so soft and fluffy?

Groomers achieve a soft and fluffy coat by:

   - Using high-quality shampoos and conditioners designed for dogs.

   - Blow-drying the coat while brushing to lift the hair.

   - Finishing with a light trim and conditioning spray to maintain softness.

9. Why is my Goldendoodle’s coat so dry?

A dry coat can result from frequent bathing, poor diet, or the use of harsh grooming products. Bathing too often strips away natural oils, while a lack of essential fatty acids in the diet can lead to a dull, dry coat. Ensure that you’re using a gentle shampoo and providing a balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids.

10. What is good for Goldendoodle coats?

For a healthy Goldendoodle coat, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, brush regularly, and feed a diet high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or a detangling spray to keep the coat smooth and shiny.

11. Should you brush a Goldendoodle wet?

No, you should avoid brushing a Goldendoodle’s coat when it's wet. Wet brushing can cause breakage and worsen matting. Always dry the coat first, then brush to detangle and smooth it out.

12. Can I let my Goldendoodle air dry?

While you can let your Goldendoodle air dry, it’s not ideal if they have a thick or curly coat. Air drying can lead to matting and leave the fur tangled. It’s better to use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process and fluff the coat as it dries.

 

By incorporating these grooming tips, you can help maintain a healthy, soft, and fluffy coat for your Goldendoodle.

 

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