The Ultimate Guide to Goldendoodle Haircuts: Which One Is Right for Your Dog?

Do you have a goldendoodle? If so, you know that they are one of the most adorable crossbreeds around. And like all other dogs, they need haircuts and regular grooming to keep their coats looking neat and tidy. But with so many different types of goldendoodle haircuts and styles available, which one is right for your dog? In this article, we will discuss the different types of goldendoodle hairstyles and help you decide which one is best for your dog!

Goldendoodles (a cross between a purebred golden retriever and a purebred poodle) have such soft coats, which is why they are one of the most sought-after designer crossbreeds and mixes of dog. They gained popularity in the 1990s. They were bred as a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, and became known as a "designer breed".

In addition to their gorgeous coats, they also have a lovable temperament and easygoing personality. Goldendoodles are active dogs with (for the most part) fluffy hypoallergenic coats and a lot less dander than most other breeds. But with all of that hair and fur comes the need for regular haircuts. And heavy brushing!

Goldendoodles have a lot going for them. With a blend of golden retriever and poodle parentage, they have the former's frisky and friendly nature and the latter's superior smarts, so they're easy to train. They have loving personalities and many desirable traits.

Goldendoodles are beautiful dogs, too, especially when you opt for one of the many goldendoodle haircuts you'll find ahead. Goldendoodles have one of the most challenging dog coat types to maintain and require professional grooming, so choosing the right cut for them is important for pet parents.

What Type of Coat Does a Goldendoodle Have?

The first thing you need to know about goldendoodles is that they have a very special type of coat. It is a cross between the poodle parents' curly coat and the golden retriever’s straight, finer coat. Goldendoodles can have a variety of coat types, including curly, wavy, straight, or flat. The type of coat a Goldendoodle has is determined by the genes it inherits from its parents.

This means that their coats can be either curly or straight, or somewhere in between. Depending on the type of coat your goldendoodle has, you will need to choose a different type of goldendoodle haircut.

Introduction to Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are a delightful crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, celebrated for their friendly, intelligent, and affectionate nature. These charming dogs have quickly become a favorite among families, first-time dog owners, and those looking for a low-shedding companion. The unique blend of characteristics from their parent breeds makes Goldendoodles not only versatile but also highly adaptable to various living situations.

Originating from the desire to combine the best traits of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, Goldendoodles have inherited the Golden Retriever’s gentle and friendly demeanor along with the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. This combination has resulted in a breed that excels as a family pet, therapy dog, and even a service animal. Their playful and loving nature makes them excellent family dogs, while their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train.

In this section, we will explore the fascinating world of Goldendoodles, delving into their history, temperament, and physical characteristics. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pet parent, you’ll find valuable insights into what makes Goldendoodles such beloved companions.

Coat Types and Characteristics

Goldendoodles can inherit a variety of coat types from their Poodle parent, ranging from curly to wavy to straight. This diversity in coat types means that each Goldendoodle is unique, with its own grooming needs and characteristics. One of the most appealing aspects of Goldendoodles is their potential for low-shedding coats, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. However, it’s important to remember that every dog is different, and some Goldendoodles may still trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

The curly coat, often inherited from the Poodle parent, is typically the most hypoallergenic and requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Wavy coats, a blend of the Poodle’s curls and the Golden Retriever’s straight fur, also require consistent grooming but tend to be less prone to matting. Straight coats, more reminiscent of the Golden Retriever, may shed more and require frequent brushing to manage loose hair.

Regardless of the coat type, regular grooming is crucial for maintaining a Goldendoodle’s coat health. This includes brushing several times a week, regular baths, and professional grooming every few months. By understanding the specific needs of your Goldendoodle’s coat, you can ensure they remain comfortable, healthy, and looking their best.

Do Goldendoodles Have Hair or Fur?

Goldendoodles are typically considered to have “hair” rather than “fur” because their coat, inherited from their Poodle parent, is usually single-layered and considered to be more like human hair, meaning they shed significantly less than dogs with a double coat like a Golden Retriever; this also makes them a popular choice for people with allergies.

Key points about Goldendoodle coats:

• Hair type: Can be straight, wavy, or curly depending on the genetics they inherit from their parents.

• Shedding: Low shedding due to their Poodle lineage.

• Grooming needs: Regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats, and occasional trims to maintain desired length. Regular grooming should also include trimming the dog's ears to prevent infections and maintain a youthful appearance.

Golden Retriever Influence on Goldendoodle Coat

The Golden Retriever’s influence on the Goldendoodle’s coat is significant, as they can inherit the Golden Retriever’s thick, double coat. This can result in a Goldendoodle with a thicker, more shedding coat, especially if they inherit more Golden Retriever traits. However, the Poodle’s low-shedding genes can help to reduce shedding, making them a great choice for those with allergies.

Goldendoodles with a stronger Golden Retriever influence may have a coat that is more prone to shedding and requires more frequent brushing to manage loose hair. These coats can also be thicker and denser, providing excellent protection in colder climates but necessitating regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Understanding the Golden Retriever’s impact on your Goldendoodle’s coat can help you tailor your grooming routine to meet their specific needs. Regular brushing, professional grooming, and the use of high-quality grooming products can help manage shedding and keep your Goldendoodle’s coat healthy and beautiful.

What is the most sought after Goldendoodle?

F1B Goldendoodles

An F1B Goldendoodle is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle. The specific traits of F1B Goldendoodles are largely influenced by their poodle parents, contributing to their low-shedding coats. This generation has become the most popular generational breed largely because F1B Goldendoodles are non-shedders most of the time. Because of this, F1Bs make excellent family dogs and are great for people with mild to moderate allergies.

What are the Different Sizes of Goldendoodles, including Miniature Goldendoodles?

Petite range: Height: below 14 inches. Typically 25 lbs.

Miniature range (also known as a miniature goldendoodle or mini goldendoodle): Height: over 14 but under 17 inches (35cm to 42cm) at wither. Typically 26-35 lbs.

Medium range: Height: over 17 but under 21 inches (43cm to 52cm) at wither. Typically 36-50 lbs.

Standard range (also known as a standard goldendoodle): Height: over 21 inches (53cm to 63cm) at wither.

Miniature Goldendoodle Coat Considerations

Miniature Goldendoodles, being a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Golden Retriever, can inherit a variety of coat types. Their coat can be curly, wavy, or straight, and may require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Miniature Goldendoodles are often considered a great choice for families with allergies, as they tend to shed less than their standard-sized counterparts. However, it’s essential to note that every dog is different, and some Miniature Goldendoodles may still trigger allergies in some individuals.

The smaller size of Miniature Goldendoodles makes them an excellent option for those living in apartments or homes with limited space. Despite their smaller stature, they still possess the same friendly and affectionate nature as their larger counterparts. Their coat, whether curly, wavy, or straight, will require regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance.

For Miniature Goldendoodle owners, establishing a consistent grooming routine is key. This includes regular brushing, bathing, and professional grooming sessions. By staying on top of their grooming needs, you can ensure your Miniature Goldendoodle remains comfortable, healthy, and looking their best.

What is the Most Popular Goldendoodle Haircut?

There are many different types of goldendoodle haircut styles, but some of the most popular ones include the puppy cut, teddy bear cut, the lamb cut, doodle cut or the poodle cut.

Goldendoodle Teddy Bear Cut

The most popular haircut for a Goldendoodle is the "Teddy Bear Cut," which features a rounded face trim with a short, even coat across the body, giving the dog a cuddly, teddy-like appearance; this style is considered one of the top choices due to its cute look and manageable maintenance level. 

the term "Teddy Bear" typically refers to a shorter style on the face that is more rounded. It does not refer to the style of the body haircut at all. There is a lot of personal interpretation here.

There's another benefit to this look: it's a good way not to poodle your doodle. Many goldendoodle owners don't want their doodles to look like poodles but don't know how to avoid that. Poodles have big fluffy heads, which are called top knots, so having a shorter teddy bear-style head will help maintain the classic doodle look.

Keeping your dog's ears short is another way to avoid giving your doodle a poodle look. Poodles have long, fluffy ears, so trimming your goldendoodle's ears shorter and following the ear's natural shape will help keep your doodle looking like a doodle.

Key points about the Teddy Cut:

• Rounded face: The defining feature is a rounded, fluffy face trim. 

• Short coat length: Typically, the body fur is clipped to a length between 0.5 - 2 inches. 

• Easy maintenance: While regular brushing is still needed, this cut is relatively low maintenance compared to longer styles.

Other Popular Goldendoodle Haircuts

Puppy Cut:

A similar style to the Teddy Bear cut, but with slightly longer hair on the face and body, providing a more "puppy-like" look. A puppy cut sounds simple enough, right? But it's been called a rather "controversial" clip in the grooming world. It seems that if you want to get technical about it, this canine coif is a recognized style used on poodles, which creates some confusion and debate around this name. However, what a ‘puppy cut’ means for most pet cuts is a style where the dog’s coat is about the same length all over, as it would have been when they were a puppy.

Intended as a low-maintenance 'do, a puppy cut can range in length from 1/8 of an inch to an inch or longer. Of course, there's a trade-off if you don't opt for a shorter puppy cut. The longer the length of the cut, the more difficult it is to maintain.

The Lamb Cut

Another coif that is technically a poodle hairdo, the lamb cut in this case is a very flattering style that many doodles rock The ideal blend of easy upkeep and dapper design, this cut is about keeping the goldendoodle's hair shorter on the body and longer on the legs.

Many times we want a short haircut on our pup, but taking the legs as short as the body can leave our dog with ‘chicken legs’ that are not flattering. By leaving the legs slightly longer than the body, we can provide a low-maintenance clip that leaves our pups looking much more balanced and beautiful.

"Doodle" cut:

A more natural look that maintains the Goldendoodle's characteristic wavy coat with minimal trimming, often with slightly longer hair on the ears and tail. 

"Poodle" style:

For owners who prefer a more sculpted look, a poodle-inspired cut with a shorter, even coat across the body and neatly trimmed face. 

Asian Fusion/Donut Muzzle Cut:

Just like the way your dog's ears are trimmed affects their expression, so will the way their muzzle is trimmed. This Asian Fusion cut includes a jazzy donut muzzle, which is created by scissoring the hair into an oval shape. It gives this fellow a chic and classy look that's still totally cute. You can also opt for a short and round muzzle shape on your doodle, or short and square.

One thing recommended by many dog groomers is not going with a long beard on your dog. It can get really tangled and dirty, and can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to various problems.

Why Get a Haircut for your Goldendoodle?

A Goldendoodle should be professionally groomed regularly because their unique coat type is prone to matting, which can lead to skin irritation and discomfort if not properly managed; professional grooming helps prevent this by keeping their coat clean, tangle-free, and properly trimmed, while also allowing the groomer to check for potential health issues like skin problems or ear infections during the process.

Key reasons for professional grooming of a Goldendoodle:

Mat prevention:

Goldendoodle coats can easily mat, especially if not brushed frequently, and a groomer has the expertise to remove mats safely and efficiently. 

Skin health:

Regular grooming can identify and address potential skin issues like irritation, redness, or parasites that may be hidden within the coat. 

Ear cleaning:

A groomer can properly clean and remove excess hair from the dog's ears, which can help prevent ear infections.

Nail trimming:

Professional nail trimming ensures proper length and prevents discomfort from overgrown nails. 

Coat maintenance:

A groomer can tailor the haircut to your preference, considering the length and texture of your Goldendoodle's coat. 

Early health detection:

During grooming, a groomer can check for potential health concerns like lumps, bumps, or unusual changes in skin or behavior.

What Are The Best Products for Goldendoodle Haircuts?

When it comes to pet parents choosing the right products for your goldendoodle's haircut, you want to make sure that you use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner that is designed specifically for dogs. First time dog owners can educate themselves on the proper products for this breed's no to low shedding coat or what to expect during their first haircut for a goldendoodle puppy.

If your goldendoodle is a first generation goldendoodle and has a shedding coat, they need will definitely need a de-shedding shampoo, which helps with removing the loose fur and undercoat when in the bath.

We recommend: THE SHEDDER by PRIDE+GROOM. This natural dog shampoo is formulated to moisturize and nourish both the coat and the skin beneath. Each PRIDE+GROOM formula contains unique blend of all-natural essential oils, signature scents and sustainable ingredients for dog's specific coat + skin types that provide healing, hydrating, cleansing, nourishing and beautifying benefits.

If your goldendoodle has more of the poodle coat from their parent breeds, resulting in non-shedding coats, we recommend a non-shedding specific shampoo to nourish the hair of your pup.

We recommend: THE NON SHEDDER by PRIDE+GROOM. Known as "The Doodle Shampoo," this is specifically created for your dog’s hair-coat. THE NON SHEDDER skillfully heals, detangles and restores shine. 

Last, but certainly not least, always use a dog conditioner to extend the life of your groom, and ease any brushing woes you have. Goldendoodles get many knots and tangles, and require regular brushing with a slicker brush on their curly or wavy coats. Especially when they have longer hair. Using a conditioner on your goldendoodle will seal in long lasting shine and manageability, while making brusher much easier.

We recommend: THE FINAL COAT by PRIDE+GROOM. This all-natural conditioner will untangle and nourish any coat, no matter who’s wearing it. It's made with all natural ingredients include marshmallow root, lavender, sage, safflower seed oil, and hemp seed oil.

For those times when you are in between grooming or bathing sessions, a waterless dog shampoo is the perfect solution.

We recommend: THE MANE TAME waterless shampoo by PRIDE+GROOM which provides a quick way to clean and refresh the golden doodle's coat. It's light, foamy and super easy to use, and no water is necessary. This product is a quick and surprisingly thorough way to extend the life of a groom or just freshen up a coat that's been around the block just a few times too many. THE MANE TAME is great for cats too!

Important Tips For Caring For a Goldendoodle's Coat:

Brushing

Brush your Goldendoodle at least a couple of times a week with a slicker brush or a comb for curly or wavy hair. Brushing prevents mats and tangles, and distributes natural oils. Brush your Goldendoodle daily for 5-10 minutes with a high-quality slicker brush. This routine prevents mats and tangles and keeps their coat looking its best. Consider using a dry or waterless shampoo every few days to freshen up their coat without the need for a full bath.

Starting your goldendoodle puppy on a brushing routine early on will get them used to the feeling of being brushed in adulthood.

Bathing

Bathe your Goldendoodle every 4–6 weeks, or more frequently if they're dirty. Use a gentle, dog-specific, all natural shampoo and conditioner. Bathing too often can strip the coat of its natural oils. Using the waterless shampoo that we recommended earlier will be a gentler options for more frequent bathing and cleaning up. 

Drying

After bathing, thoroughly dry your Goldendoodle's coat with a towel or a dog-friendly hair dryer on the lowest setting. Damp coats are more likely to mat. Shorter hair and hairstyles will be easier to dry.

We recommend: THE TOWEL by PRIDE+GROOM, a handsome, thick and thirsty microfiber towel cleverly designed with pockets to make drying your pup much faster & easier than a regular towel. It’s the only towel you need for bath time and all their wet & wild adventures.

Trimming

Trim your Goldendoodle's hair every 6–12 weeks, focusing on areas like the ears, eyes, and paws. Trimming helps prevent infections and mats. 

Ear cleaning

Clean your Goldendoodle's ears regularly with a vet-approved ear cleaning solution. Ear infections are common in Goldendoodles because they often have floppy ears which come from their golden retriever parent. 

Nail trimming

Trim your Goldendoodle's nails every 2–4 weeks. Long nails can curl and grow into the pads of their feet, which can be painful. 

Conclusion

As we have learned, Goldendoodles are beautiful dogs, especially when you opt for one of the many goldendoodle haircuts that have become popular among groomers. Whether you have a goldendoodle puppy or want to keep your adult goldendoodle outfitted with shorter hair, goldendoodles have one of the most challenging dog coat types to maintain. As long as you enroll them in professional grooming, you will eventually find the right cut that works for you and your dog!

WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?

PRIDE+GROOM was born because a group of New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.

With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house.

PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.

IN DOG WE TRUST

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