Since Labradoodles have one Labrador retriever parent and one Poodle parent, their coats can vary wildly. From an abundance of super dense curls to slight waves, they can sport all kinds of hairstyles, but given their high activity level, the most popular Labradoodle cuts are comfortable and low-maintenance.
Regardless of the cut you choose, make sure you check your dog’s coat two to three times weekly for matting and use a slicker brush to remove tangles, focusing on the chest, under the neck and armpits, and behind and under the ears. These areas are most susceptible to matting. You may miss tangles close to your dog’s skin if you only brush the surface, so be sure to part the hair and brush from the base of the coat in small sections.
To help you decide on the best cut for your pup, we’ve gathered together some hairstyle options—we hope you find one that tickles your (and your pup’s) fancy.
Top Labradoodle Hairstyles
1. Short Clip
Simple and straightforward, the short clip for a Labradoodle is pretty self-explanatory—their hair is cut short! It’s generally around one inch long all over the body, which is excellent for keeping them clean and tangle-free.
Though you won’t have to do quite as much brushing, you will have to think about frequent maintenance trims. Unless you get some clippers and learn to do this style yourself, you’ll be spending a lot of time and money making sure this cut stays looking good. Alternatively, you could allow your doodle’s short clip to grow out into our second hairstyle—the long clip!
2. Long Clip
The long clip accentuates the Labradoodle’s luscious curls but requires more brushing to keep it tangle-free. It’s essentially the same cut as the short cut, just longer. The hair is cut at about two inches all over your dog’s body.
Lots of labradoodle parents like this cut because it makes their pups look like cuddly teddy bears! It’s certainly a cute look—just make sure you brush your dog’s coat every couple of days to keep it free from tangles, dirt clods, and debris.
3. Teddy Bear Cut
A little longer than the Puppy Cut, the Teddy Bear is a fuzzy, adorable style that compliments every four-legged friend. You’ll need to trim the hair down to 2 to 3 inches all over the body, leaving the face and the ears with longer hair. You’re also going to want to trim the head into a rounded shape—to really give it that stuffed animal feel!
You may want to take your dog to a trusted groomer for the first time, to ensure you get the right look. But if you’re feeling brave you can try to do the grooming yourself, so long as you invest in some nice clippers and shears.
Regardless of the cut you choose for your Labradoodle, we know that their incredible coif is part of what makes this breed so much fun. It’s up to you to decide what style best suits their personality, and what’s the best match for your lifestyle, family, and wallet.
Does your dog dislike being brushed?
Many dogs love to be brushed, but not all do. And unless they got a lot of practice with it as puppies, they may be suspicious when you first introduce them to the brush. Approaching brushing slowly, with positive, non-threatening interactions, is more likely to result in a smoother grooming routine. Here’s how to get your dog to accept—and perhaps even enjoy—brushing:
- Before you even set brush to fur, let your pup make friends with the tool. Start by placing the brush on the ground and throwing high-value treats around and on top of it, encouraging your dog to investigate the funny new object at their speed.
- The simple act of reaching for your dog with the brush can be scary for some dogs. Next, work on reaching out with the brush to very lightly touch your dog’s body with the edge of the bristles. Each time you reach out with the brush, immediately follow it with a high-value treat. Be sure to take extra care (and time, if needed) when brushing around the ears, legs, and genitals.
- When your dog is comfortable with step 2, move on to brushing the fur. Start lightly, alternating each stroke with a reward. Over time, work your way up to pressing more firmly and brushing for several strokes in a row.
Source: Daily Puppy
Source: The Happy Puppy Site