Doodles and other poodle mixes have unique coats that really do best with a steady grooming routine to keep them comfortable and looking their best. Their hair grows nonstop thanks to their Poodle lineage, and if it isn’t brushed regularly, it can get dry, knotted, and hard to manage. Whether you have a Mini Goldendoodle, big fluffy Bernedoodle, or any variation in between, my doodle grooming guide walks you through the same proven methods professional groomers, myself included, use for every coat type.
Understanding Doodle Coat Types
Doodle coats usually fall into one of these categories. Each doodle is unique, so expect your grooming routine to depend heavily on your doodle’s coat type.
•Curly Coat
Tight curls, which are very similar to a poodle.
Benefits: minimal shedding.
Challenges: These doodles are at high risk of matting, requiring frequent brushing and routine trims.
• Wavy Coat
Soft, open wave pattern.
Benefits: easier to maintain than tight curls.
Challenges: hidden mats can form behind ears and under collars.
• Fleece Coat
Looser curl with more volume and texture.
Benefits: often more manageable with fewer trimmings.
Challenges: tends to shed slightly more and may develop a seasonal undercoat.
Proven Grooming Schedule for All Doodle Types
When I managed a doggy day care and grooming, we would encounter matted doodles. Some were so far gone that we would have to shave the poor pup down to the skin. These owners were not happy. If only they followed these simple steps:
• Everyday
Quick tangle check behind ears, collar area, chest, and armpits.
These high-friction zones will mat the fastest. Once a mat forms, it’s tough to brush out and may even require cutting it out.
Looking for mats but someone just wanted pets
• Brushing
Brushing should be done every few days using a slicker brush, moving from root to tip. The brush must glide effortlessly all the way through; if it catches, the coat is not yet fully detangled. Follow up with your metal comb to thoroughly check for any remaining tangles.
• Ear cleanings
Periodically, check inside your pup’s ears, especially if they have floppy ears (most doodles do). Dog ear cleaning solution can be found at most places where you get their dog food.
• Nail Trims
About every 3-4 weeks. I would suggest dog-specific nail clippers. If you want to get fancy, you could use a nail Dremel. I have both and always just go back to the regular nail cutter.
• Professional Grooming
Depending on how long you like your doodle coat, you will need to schedule a professional grooming appointment. The professionals can do everything, from a bath and blowout to sanitary trim and gland expression. Doodle coats grow about half an inch per month, so regular trimming prevents dense knots.
Below is a picture of my poodle, Wednesday, who got herself into a bit of a mess! I certainty wasn’t going to tackle grooming and took her to a spa day at the groomers.
Essential Grooming Tools for Doodles
These tools are widely recommended by DIY to professional groomers specializing in doodle coat care. Super inexpensive and very easy to find.
• Slicker Brush
This brush gets loose hair and begins detangling. Choose one with long, flexible pins designed for dense coats. These do not hurt dogs, although they can look intimidating at first!
• Greyhound Comb/ Metal Comb
The metal comb is how you know the tangles are gone. If it snags, you’ve found a knot, and that means brushing is incomplete! Keep working at it until the comb passes through with zero resistance.
• Detangling Spray
Reduces friction and makes brushing much easier. I would suggest a Poodle/doodle coat-specific detangling spray. I love the brand ‘We Love Doodles’ because, as the name suggests, it’s designed for your complex doodle coats.
• Dematting Tool (for spot use)
Helps with isolated knots. These are essentially a hard-core version of a slicker brush.
• High Quality Shampoo
Again, I suggest choosing formulas designed for curly or combination coats. My curly-headed dog has sensitive skin, so we’ve been using an oatmeal-based formula. I haven’t noticed a difference when using conditioners after shampoo. I still use it because I’m not letting my money go to waste.
Bathing Doodles the Right Way
Bathing wrong is a huge cause of matting. These steps should help prevent that.
–Always brush your doodle before the bath! Wet tangles tighten and turn into mats just like with human hair (ask me how I know).
-Use warm water (not hot!) and massage shampoo all the way to the skin because Doodle coats are dense, and shampoo needs to reach the base. Then wash again. The second wash will get what you missed the first time.
-Rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo causes irritation and buildup.
-Quick dry with a towel so they aren’t dripping wet. Spray your preferred detangler, then blow-dry as you brush. There are lots of dog-specific dryers because human hair dryers are far too hot for your doodle pup.
Have you ever felt your dog still had that “wet dog” smell even after washing? It’s almost always because your doodle isn’t fully dry which leads to mildew. Do not skip drying.
Bath time
Nap during dry time
Puppy Grooming Timeline for All Doodles
• Eight to twelve weeks old
Introduce gentle brushing sessions.
Touch ears, paws, tail, and muzzle to build handling confidence. I definitely start this before pups go home, and I tell families to continue these tasks.
• Twelve to sixteen weeks old
Early grooming visit for a face tidy, sanitary trim, and introduction to the salon environment. The earlier the better! This first visit should be kept short. After your appointment, you should give lots of love and maybe even a treat.
• Four to six months old
First full grooming session. Most doodles hit their dense adolescent coat at this stage, which requires more brushing. Starting early prevents fear and behavior struggles later in life.
When I took my dogs to the groomers, all of our pups got a special treat and lots of praise. That way, they would associate grooming days with something a little more enjoyable. They all would strut their stuff because they knew they looked fabulous!
Recommended Haircut Lengths
• 3/8 inch (Blade #4) or shorter: Easiest for busy families. Minimal brushing needed. Most common
• 1/2 ( Blade #3) to one inch: Requires regular brushing but keeps a fluffy look.
• Longer than one inch: Highest maintenance option. Daily brushing is needed to prevent mats.
Owners should pick a coat length they can realistically keep up with, not just the one they think looks cutest. It saves everyone stress and keeps the dog’s coat healthy.
When to See a Professional Groomer
We all love a good DIY project, but sometimes it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Help is recommended for:
-Ear issues like odor or redness
-Specialty cuts or breed-specific styles
-Blowouts on thick coats
-Any matting larger than small spots
-Dogs that become anxious during home grooming
Don’t have your husband drop off your dog, or you will be disappointed! My poor Wednesday was buzzed cut and her beautiful top knot removed because her dad was not clear.
Dog groomers use tools designed specifically for dense, curly, or combination coats, which allows a gentle and thorough groom. Plus, sometimes life happens, and we just don’t have the time or patience. A good groomer is worth their weight in gold!
Final Thoughts
A doodle’s coat isn’t just about looks because even mats can look totally fine on the surface. Maintenance is part of your doodle’s comfort and happiness! Brushing, gentle grooming, and the right products help keep mats and skin irritation at bay, so your pup can feel their best. I’m always looking for new products to try out, so I’ll try to update this blog ^_^
