Labradoodle; doesn't it sound cute? Well, this dog breed looks cute too. But what is a Labradoodle? It is a hybrid dog or designer dog breed where two purebred dogs are bred with one another. Here, to make a Labradoodle, a breeder will take a Standard or Miniature (toy) Poodle and mix it with a Labrador Retriever. Since this breed is still in its developing phase, few of their characteristics are too early to predict. Hence, their behavioral and appearance can differ. But one thing's for sure, they are gentle, friendly, energetic, and do well among families with kids. On the other hand, Labradoodle grooming is easier than expected. That was a little information about Labradoodles. Now we go over some tips that will give you details about their grooming requirements.

Tips for Grooming Labradoodles

Before we go any further, I would like to discuss a little bit more about these Labradoodles. We know that they are one of the Poodle mixes and they come in a variety of coats (texture and colors). You will find either woolen, fleece, curly, straight, and wavy coats. Which is why, many dog owners wonder if that will affect or include any specific grooming tips. And that is why we have put together some specific steps. Take a look.
  • For grooming Labradoodles, you'll require - a mat comb, 10 blade, tweezers (blunt), nail clippers, dog shampoo, natural bristle hair brush, small coat shaver, and raw, meaty bones. Once you have the items, go to the next step.
  • If you Labradoodle has a fleece coat, which is common in puppies, all you need to do is brush his/her hair once a week.
  • When the hair is extremely matted, then brush twice a week. Just use a natural bristle hair brush and mat comb to do so. You need to brush so from when he/she is 8 to 14 months.
  • For once your Labradoodle is an adult, he/she will have a wool-coat as the fleece coat is replaced. This is the time when you can easily reduce the shedding to an almost non-existent.
  • All you have to do is use the natural bristle hair brush to prevent matting. This works well for woolen coats.
  • To bathe them, less is always better. As their coats have oil in them for protection, once every 6 weeks is ideal. When they do get dirty, then and only then bathe them.
  • The point here is that this mixed dog breed is fairly clean as their coats can easily remove dirt once it is dry. Also, they don't require much grooming.
  • To bathe them, use any dog shampoo and squeeze it throughout the coat. Don't rub the shampoo over the coat. Rinse with water and let them air dry.
  • Once dry, use the natural bristle hair brush and matting comb (if required).
  • For trimming their nails, you need to get to them every 2 to 3 weeks' time. Use the nail clippers on their nails but make sure you stay away from their cuticles as it can bleed.
  • There are different grooming styles for their hair. You need to shave the hair near the ears every 2 to 3 months as it can create ear infections.
  • You can also pluck their hair from inside the ear canal with the help of the blunt tweezers. This is a good practice as it will increase the air flow in their ears.
  • Now coming back to the hair grooming styles. You need to trim the hair near their ears and muzzle. Use a 10 blade to give the right look.
  • And finally, the teeth. Give your dog a meaty bone which is raw so that his/her teeth won't develop tarter and can remain shiny.
Australian Labradoodles

The Australian Labradoodle is another hybrid dog obtained from Standard or Miniature Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Irish, Water Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and Curly Coat Retriever. Wow, quite a few of them, huh? These dogs' breeding standards have to be kept really high, they have a good temperament (they adapt well with families and children), and they don't shed. Grooming an Australian Labradoodle is fairly simple; it follows almost the exact lines of the Labradoodles we discussed above. However, there can be health concerns due to their parent breeds.

It is known that Australian Labradoodles can suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy which is a disease that causes blindness. This disease is inherited by them due to their parent breeds - Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Poodles. And hence, Australian Labradoodles are tested for DNA to make sure this disease isn't passed on to them or further on.

A Labradoodle is a good inclusion in your home. But you, as its owner, need to be aware of all the grooming requirements and temperament. Only then you can keep him/her healthy, strong, and live long.