Managing Your Doodle's Coat

Caring for your doodle’s coat is crucial for their health, comfort, and appearance. Doodles typically have curly, wavy, or mixed-texture coats, which can mat and tangle easily if not properly maintained. Here at Colonial Village Labradoodles, would love to offer you some tips as your care for your Doodle’ coat!

1. Brushing
   • Use a slicker brush or pin brush to detangle and remove loose hair.
   • Work in sections, starting from the bottom layers and moving upward, being gentle to avoid tugging.
   • Pay attention to areas prone to friction, like the chest, under the collar, and legs.
   • For thicker or curly coats, follow up with a metal comb to find hidden mats.
   • Focus on common trouble spots: behind the ears, under the legs, tail, and chest.
   • If your Doodle has a curly or thick coat that is prone to matting, we recommend that you brush their coat every two to three days.
   • Keep an eye on their skin for irritation or dryness during brushing.
2. Detangling Mats
   • If you find a mat, work it out gently with your fingers or a mat splitter before brushing.
   • Use a detangling spray to make the process easier and gentler!
   • Bathe your Doodle every 4–6 weeks (or more often if they get dirty).
   • Be careful not to over-bathe, as this can dry out the skin.

3. Shampoo & Conditioner

• Use a high-quality, dog-safe shampoo and conditioner formulated for sensitive skin or their coat type. At Colonial Village Labradoodles, we recommend using Aroma Paws dog shampoo and conditioner! 
• Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue, which can irritate the skin.
• Thoroughly dry the coat after bathing with a blow dryer on a low heat setting while brushing to prevent mats from forming.

Be sure to reward your Doodle with treats and praise during and after their brushing session to help create a positive experience! 

Multi-generational Australian Labradoodles are a cross between many different parent breeds. The breed originated in Australia in the 1980s with the intent of creating an allergy-friendly service dog for the blind. Australian Labradoodles are a combination of a Poodle, Labrador Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, and Irish Water dogs. These breeds were hand-selected for specific breed qualities to create the ideal service dog for those with allergies. Since then, the breed has continued on and spread across the world. Australian Labradoodles are now considered their own breed with its own breed clubs (ALAA and WALA).