Why Doodles Aren’t Low Maintenance: What Every Owner Needs to Know

I can tell you from experience—these dogs are as sweet and wonderful as they are high maintenance. I’ve met countless doodle parents who come in with big hearts and even bigger surprise at how much work their dog's coat truly is. And I get it. They’re cute, smart, full of personality, and you’ve probably heard that they don’t shed. But here’s the truth: doodles are not low maintenance. In fact, they might just be the most high maintenance clients I see in my grooming salon.

Let me walk you through what every doodle owner needs to know—not to scare you off, but to prepare you for success. Because when you know how to care for that gorgeous coat, your doodle can thrive, and so can your relationship with them.

Understanding the Doodle Coat: It’s Complicated

Doodles inherit their coat from both the Poodle and the other parent breed, usually a Golden Retriever, Labrador, or Australian Shepherd. That combination creates a wide variety of coat types, even within the same litter. Some coats are curly like a Poodle’s, others are loose and wavy like a fleece blanket, and some are more straight with an undercoat like their non poodle parent.

What these coats all have in common is that they require regular, dedicated grooming. Curly coats mat easily and need daily brushing. Wavy coats look soft and fluffy, but they’re deceptive. Those waves tangle and trap debris quickly. And straight coated doodles often have a thick undercoat that sheds and mats just like a double coated breed.

Unfortunately, there are a few common myths about doodle coats that catch many owners off guard. One I hear often is, "My doodle doesn’t shed, so I thought grooming would be easy." While it's true many doodles shed less, their coat type requires more maintenance than most shedding breeds. Another is, "She’s still a puppy, I figured I’d wait a few months before grooming." But puppy coats can mat just as badly as adult ones, and early grooming introduces your dog to sounds, tools, and handling in a gentle, positive way.

Lastly, many new owners assume, "He just got shaved at the breeder, I’ll bring him back when it grows out." Unfortunately, waiting too long after that initial shave means you miss the opportunity to build grooming comfort and get ahead of potential mats.

In my salon, no two doodles are alike. I always do a coat assessment before grooming to figure out what kind of maintenance is required. That’s how unpredictable these mixes can be, and why consistent care at home is so important.

Matting: The Groomer’s Emergency Call

Let me be honest—some of the hardest conversations I have with clients are about mats. Owners come in hoping for a tidy-up, only for me to find dense matting close to the skin. At that point, brushing or detangling isn’t safe or effective. We have to shave the coat.

Matting isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It’s painful. It pulls at your dog’s skin with every movement. It traps moisture and bacteria, leading to infections, hot spots, and skin damage. I’ve seen dogs come in with mats so tight they’re limping, flinching, or unable to fully move their legs.

When I do a shave-down, I always explain that it’s for the dog’s comfort—not because the owner failed. But I also offer guidance on how to prevent it from happening again. And trust me, with the right habits, it can absolutely be avoided.

What Grooming a Doodle Really Looks Like

Here’s what I recommend to all my doodle clients.

Brush your dog every day or at least every other day. Not just a quick surface brush. Use a slicker brush to start—these have fine, short wires close together and are designed to remove loose hair and gently untangle knots. Always brush in the direction of hair growth, starting at the legs and working your way up. Use short, light strokes, and pay extra attention to areas where mats form easily, like behind the ears and under the arms. Once you've completed a full pass with the slicker brush, follow up with a metal comb to check your work. If the comb doesn’t go through smoothly, you’ve got tangles hiding in the coat that need more brushing.

Combing is just as important as brushing and is often the step that gets skipped. After you've gone over the coat with a slicker brush, always follow up with a metal comb. This tool helps you check your work. The comb should glide through the coat from roots to ends with no resistance. If it snags, there’s still a tangle or mat that needs attention. Pay close attention to high-friction areas like behind the ears, under the collar, the armpits, and between the legs. These are the trouble zones where mats like to hide, even if the rest of the coat looks fine.

What if a mat does show up? This is where a mat splitter can be a lifesaver. It's a specialized grooming tool with a guarded blade designed to safely slice through a mat, making it easier to gently break up the tangle without pulling on your dog’s skin. I always recommend using it with patience and care—never yank or dig. Work from the outer edge of the mat and use short strokes to separate the hairs. After splitting the mat, follow up with your slicker brush and then your metal comb to ensure it’s completely cleared. While a mat splitter is not a substitute for daily brushing and combing, it’s an excellent backup when things get ahead of you.

Bathing? Every 4 to 6 weeks, minimum. And brushing before the bath is absolutely essential. Wetting a tangled coat just tightens the mats. Use a quality shampoo and conditioner, and fully dry your doodle after. If you air dry, you’re inviting tangles. That is why I use a high velocity dryer in the salon. It is one of the best tools for coat maintenance.

Professional grooming appointments should also happen every 4 to 6 weeks. Not just for trims, but for nail care, ear cleaning, and keeping the coat at a length you can manage. If you’re brushing regularly, you can keep it longer. If you’re more casual, a shorter cut like a Teddy Bear or Puppy Cut is your best friend.

The Real Costs: Time, Money, and Tools

Grooming a doodle is a real investment—both of time and money. Plan to spend 10 to 20 minutes a day brushing and schedule grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks. Costs usually range from $50 to $150, depending on your location and the size and coat condition of your dog.

You’ll also need the right tools at home:

Grooming Kit Must-Haves:

• Slicker brush

• Stainless steel comb

• Detangling spray

• High-powered pet dryer (optional but helpful)

Cheap brushes won’t do much and can even irritate your dog’s skin. Quality tools matter. They save time, reduce stress, and help protect your dog’s comfort.

How to Make Grooming Easier for Everyone

Here’s what I tell every doodle owner. Start brushing when they come home. Handle their feet, ears, and tail gently every day. Make brushing part of your bonding time, not a chore. Keep grooming tools in an easy to reach place so you stay on top of it.

Find a groomer you trust and stick with them. Communicate about what you want, and be open to their advice. We’re not here to judge. We want to help your dog feel great and look adorable.

Stick to a schedule, even if your dog looks fine. Mats form under the surface, and by the time you notice, it’s often too late.

Final Thoughts from a Groomer Who Cares

I love doodles. I really do. They’re joyful, loyal, goofy little companions, and they’ve completely stolen my heart. But they come with a lot of coat. And if you want that coat to stay soft, fluffy, and manageable, it takes real effort.

Grooming doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools, a regular schedule, and a groomer who understands your dog, it becomes something better. A chance to connect, to care, and to show your doodle the love they deserve.

If you’re willing to put in the time, the reward is a dog that feels good, looks amazing, and brings endless happiness to your home. So grab that brush, book that appointment, and let’s keep your doodle looking fabulous together.