Doodle and Poodle coats and how to groom them

Poodles and doodles are great family pets. There are different sizes and colours, but they all have one thing in common - their fur coats are high maintenance! We have come up with a basic guide to help you care for your dog’s coat properly.

What are the characteristics of a Poodle/Doodle coat?

Poodles or poodle-mix dogs are the teddy bears of the dog world, known for their goofy, playful nature and trademark cuddly coats.

Poodle puppies have a soft, wavy coat that eventually sheds, with the adult coat growing thicker and curlier. Your dog’s adult coat can be anything from smooth and wavy to dense and curly depending on the breed mix.

People think that because poodles are known to be low-shedding that they are also low maintenance. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Regular washing and clipping at the groomers is non-negotiable, and daily coat maintenance at home essential to prevent matting.

Poodles and doodles dogs are also praised for being hypoallergenic. This can be true, but it depends on the person, the dog, and the breed mix.

Dog breeds which have this type of coat

Poodles come in three sizes, with similar coat types. Popular colours include white, apricot, red, brown, sable, blue, silver, grey, black, and black/white.

• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Standard Poodle

Doodles are mixed-breed dogs, meaning a poodle has been bred with another dog breed, and so the appearance of their coat types can vary.

Here are some popular doodle dog breed mixes:

• Cavapoo - Poodle & Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Cockapoo - Poodle & Cocker Spaniel
• Labradoodle - Poodle & Labrador
• Goldendoodle - Poodle & Golden Retriever
• Schnoodles - Poodle & Schnauzer
• Jackapoo - Poodle & Jack Russell

Why have poodle coats evolved this way?

What purpose do Poodle coats serve? Poodles were bred to be water-retrievers. Their job was to retrieve ducks from the water for hunters. Physical characteristics, like webbed feet, physique, and the thick, water-resistant coats were bred into the breed to help them swim and move easily in the water.

Even the familiar “poodle haircut” was originally clipped for a “working” purpose. Long, thick fur around the chest, ankles, and head kept vital body parts warm. Legs and the body were shaved short to aid agility in the water.

How to care for a Poodle/Doodle fur coat

Poodle coat upkeep at home is important. Tangles and knots lead to serious matts very quickly and can be painful. They also trap dirt providing the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and leading to skin conditions, infections, and sometimes costly trips to the vet!

At home

If you have a puppy, get them used to regular home-grooming to reduce stress later on. Establish a relaxing routine of daily brushing, focussing on areas where the most friction occurs, like the arm-pits, or anywhere a harness might rub.

At the groomers

Plan into your budget a monthly visit to the groomer to keep your dog’s coat at optimal condition. A coat that is clipped short will reduce daily brushing and help keep the coat clean in between visits.

Useful grooming products for Poodles and Doodles

Here are our top recommendations for essential grooming products that you need to maintain your poodle or doodle dog’s beautiful coat at home.


Red Berry Performance Shampoo (or Aloe and Avocado)

An everyday wash that is great for woolly coats, freshening your dog between visits to the groomer. Providing a deep clean, our shampoo is ideal for dogs that are naturally drawn to muddy puddles and ponds. It is pH balanced and vitamin-enriched with Argan Oil and Pro-Vitamin B5, keeping fur strong, healthy, extra-manageable and clean with degreasing and deodorising properties.

Medium Slicker Brush + Extra Long Pin Slicker Brush

This combination of brushes makes the perfect team for a stress-free home grooming experience. Ergonomically designed for your comfort and with your dog’s thick woolly fur in mind, the soft pads and angled flexible pins ease out knots without scratching and dragging on the coat.

“The Neat” Course Comb

A comb is a must-have home-grooming tool, and our Teflon-coated comb is designed to deter the build up of static, gliding through for the perfect finish.

Glide Spray

Make your life a whole lot easier with our detangling and conditioning misting spray. Use it on wet or dry fur to help release knots and condition the coat, keeping it fruity-fresh, residue-free, and full of shine.

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