Hard
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle — originally bred in Australia in the 1980s as an allergy-friendly guide dog — is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle, producing a friendly, energetic companion with an often low-shedding coat. Like the Goldendoodle, coat type varies by generation and individual genetics: early-generation dogs may shed moderately, while later-generation dogs with more Poodle influence tend to have tighter, non-shedding curls. The coat grows continuously and requires regular clipping to prevent matting.
Coat Type
Wavy to Curly Single or Double Coat (varies by generation)
Groom Every
Every 6-8 weeks
Styles Available
3 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Teddy Bear Cut
The coat is scissored to an even 2–3 inch length with rounded, soft shaping on the face and a consistent fluffy body finish. This is the most popular style for pet Labradoodles and showcases the breed's natural coat volume and texture.
2
Puppy / Kennel Cut
A shorter, more practical trim with the body clipped to 1–1.5 inches and the face and legs finished neatly. Ideal for active dogs or during warmer months, and significantly reduces the frequency of mat formation.
3
Sporting Trim
The body coat is kept at a medium length (2 inches) for practical ease of movement, the face is trimmed shorter and neater than in a teddy bear cut, and the ears and tail are tidied. A good balance between appearance and practicality for working or sporting Labradoodles.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Brush every day or every other day — Labradoodle coats mat faster than most owners expect, and the fluffy surface hides developing mats against the skin that only a metal comb reaching the skin will find.
- The armpits, behind the ears, collar zone, and under the tail are the highest mat-risk areas for Labradoodles — check these specific spots every day, not just during scheduled brushing sessions.
- Establish professional grooming appointments every 6–8 weeks from the very first week you bring a Labradoodle puppy home — early exposure to the grooming process makes every subsequent appointment easier and less stressful for the dog.
- A Labradoodle ear infection is often preceded by a mat inside the ear leather — the floppy ear compresses the hair, traps moisture, and creates a canal environment that breeds yeast and bacteria; have ears cleaned and any canal hair removed at every professional groom.
- Shedding varies enormously between individual Labradoodles — if your dog sheds heavily, a de-shedding treatment bath with a high-velocity dryer between regular clips will make a significant difference in house cleanliness.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
BrushThe ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.
$40 - $60
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Deep Dives
Labradoodle Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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