A goldendoodle is a hybrid dog breed that has the DNA of both a golden retriever and a poodle. This type of pet has become increasingly popular due to its hypo-allergenic coat, which usually does not shed. The fur of this breed can be straight like a golden retriever or curly like a poodle. A long-haired, curly goldendoodle will generally require more extensive grooming, but all of these dogs can benefit from regular attention. Grooming a goldendoodle typically consists of bathing, combing, and trimming the dog's coat.
Many breeders and veterinarians recommend that goldendoodles start getting groomed as young puppies. Grooming can be a stressful experience for a dog, but starting it when one is young will give it time to get used to the process. To this end, puppies should be combed daily and bathed when necessary. A goldendoodle's coat can change a lot during its first months of life, and does not normally need to be cut during this time, but clippers can be held close to the puppy in order to familiarize it with the sound and vibration.
Goldendoodles generally do not need to be bathed too often unless they become very dirty. Most can be given a bath twice a month, at the most. Bathing this breed too much can strip the oil from its coat and cause skin irritation. A gentle shampoo is best for a goldendoodle's skin and fur, and a light detangling spray can be applied to make combing easier.
While grooming a goldendoodle, its ears should be checked for excess hair and dirt build-up. These dogs can be prone to ear infections but regular cleaning can help prevent such a problem. Ear hair should be plucked out as gently as possible using fingers or canine forceps.
Combing and brushing is an important aspect of grooming a goldendoodle. The dog should be brushed daily to prevent tangling and matting of its fur. A comb can be used after a bath to gently remove any knots that may have formed in the coat. The combs and brushes needed for grooming a goldendoodle can usually be purchased at a pet supply store.
There is not a standard hairstyle for this breed. Many owners prefer to keep their goldendoodle's coat slightly long on the top of the head and the body, with a trimmed face, legs, and paws. The hair around a goldendoodle's eyes should be kept short so it does not grow into the eyes and cause a problem, like corneal abrasion. The fur under the tail and on the belly should also be kept short for sanitary reasons. Many people find grooming a goldendoodle easy to do at home, but the dog can also be taken to a professional dog groomer.