CNRFarms Doodles
Along with their delightful personalities, Australian Labradoodles are known for being some of the most adorable dogs on the planet. However, their coats require regular grooming to keep them healthy and looking their best. We’re going to dive into some essential grooming tips with CNR Farms, including maintaining their coat and managing their shedding.
Understanding the Australian Labradoodle Coat
Australian Labradoodles have three primary coat types: wool, fleece, and hair. The wool coat is curly and similar to a Poodle’s coat, the fleece coat is wavy and soft, and the hair coat is straighter and more like a Labrador’s coat. Each coat type has its own grooming needs, but all Labradoodles benefit from regular care. I primarily breed for a fleece coat as it is my preferred coat and the easiest to maintain with routine grooming.
Regular Brushing
It’s important to brush your Labradoodle’s coat at least 2-3 times per week. With wool or fleece coats, you may need to add to the frequency of brushing. You don’t want their coats to get matted. Line brushing is my favorite brushing method. Use a slicker brush for breaking up the hair and removing tangles and mats. Then finish with a comb to finish and check for any hidden knots. I find most loose hair will come out in your comb. For Labradoodles with hair coats, a bristle brush can help keep their coat shiny and smooth.
Bathing
Bathing your Labradoodle every 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient unless they get particularly dirty. Overbathing can strip their coat of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Use a high-quality, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Avoid human products, as they can be too harsh for your dog’s skin and coat. I personally love Life’s Abundance Shampoo, Bobbi Panter Nourishing Shampoo, or Blueberry Facial shampoo.
Dealing with Shedding
Australian Labradoodles are often considered low shedding, but this doesn’t mean they don’t shed at all. Think about human hair. Our dead hair has to come out or we would get matted hair. They are much the same. In the very rare occasion I find hair it will be little tumbleweeds often around their crates. Regular brushing and grooming will help manage any shedding and keep your home cleaner.
Trimming and Clipping
Depending on the coat type and desired length, your Australian Labradoodle may need a trim every 4-8 weeks. Regular trims help maintain a manageable length and prevent mats and tangles.
Ear and Nail Care
Australian Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleaning is essential. Use a dog-specific ear cleaner and gently clean the ears once a week. Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal; just clean the visible part. I find as long as you are cleaning ears after they get in water and do routine cleaning ear infections are rare. I do also get my groomer to thin their ear hair if they have really thick hair in the ear canal so that they can get airflow.
Regular nail trimming is crucial for your dog’s comfort and health. For my puppies I like to trim their nails weekly or bi-weekly. My adult dogs I trim their nails every 4 weeks using dog nail clippers or a dremel. If you’re unsure how to do it, ask your vet or groomer for a demonstration.
With these grooming tips in mind, you can help get your Australian Labradoodle on a good routine, so they can enjoy being clean and happy. Grooming is extremely important for Australian Labradoodles, so you must follow these steps if you want to keep your Australian Labradoodle free of mats and have a healthy coat. I know how important grooming is for the lifetime of your dog so I start your puppy out right with weekly nail trims and baths and mini grooms beginning around 3-4 weeks of age.
Want to learn how to groom your doodle at home? I have a virtual grooming class available. Contact me for more information on that.
Contact CNR Farms at 912-665-3208 today or visit us online for more information about our Australian Labradoodle puppies for sale.
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