If you share your home with a Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bernedoodle, Cockapoo, or purebred Poodle, you already know: their coats are absolutely beautiful — and absolutely high-maintenance. At Robin’s Groomingdales in Dunwoody, Doodles and Poodles make up a large portion of our clientele, and we’ve learned that most owners have the same questions. This guide answers all of them.

Why Doodle Coats Are Different

Poodles were bred with a coat that grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally. When Poodles are crossed with retrievers, spaniels, or other breeds, the resulting Doodle typically inherits a coat that falls somewhere between wavy and tightly curled — and that coat also keeps growing. Unlike a Labrador that sheds excess fur, a Doodle’s coat holds onto shed hair within its curls, which is exactly what causes matting.

Matting isn’t just cosmetic. Severe mats restrict skin airflow, trap moisture, and can hide underlying skin infections. In extreme cases, mats pull painfully on the skin with every movement. Prevention is always better — and easier — than treatment.

How Often Does a Doodle Need Professional Grooming?

The answer depends on your dog’s coat type and how much brushing happens between appointments, but a general rule is:

• Full groom: Every 6–8 weeks
• Maintenance trim or brush-out: Every 3–4 weeks for dogs kept in longer styles
• Puppy’s first groom: Around 4–6 months, shortly after completing vaccinations

Dogs kept in shorter cuts (often called a “puppy cut” or “teddy bear cut”) can sometimes stretch to 8–10 weeks between full grooms. Dogs in longer, flowing styles need more frequent professional attention to stay mat-free.

The #1 Mistake Doodle Owners Make

Waiting too long between appointments — and skipping daily brushing in between — is the most common issue we see. When a Doodle hasn’t been brushed in weeks and then comes in for a groom, the entire coat may be densely matted against the skin. In those cases, the most humane solution is often a very short “shave-down,” removing the matted coat entirely so the skin can breathe and the coat can grow back healthy.

We know that’s not the look anyone wants. That’s why we always recommend:

• Brushing your Doodle at least 3–4 times per week (daily is ideal for longer coats)
• Using a slicker brush and a metal comb — work through to the skin, not just the surface
• Paying extra attention to friction zones: behind the ears, under the collar, under the armpits, and around the groin

Popular Doodle Grooming Styles

There’s no single “official” cut for Doodles since they’re mixed breeds, but here are the styles our clients request most often:

• Teddy bear cut: Rounded face, even body length (usually 1–2 inches), soft and cuddly look — the most popular choice
• Puppy cut: Similar to teddy bear but shorter overall; very easy to maintain
• Poodle cut / continental clip: More elaborate, with shaved sections and rounded pom-poms on the legs and tail; traditional for purebred Poodles
• Kennel cut: Very short all over for low-maintenance owners or warm summer months

At Robin’s Groomingdales, we’ll work with you to choose the style that fits your lifestyle and keeps your dog comfortable year-round.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

A full Doodle groom at our Dunwoody salon typically includes:

• Pre-bath brush-out to remove loose tangles
• Bath with a shampoo suited to curly or wavy coats
• High-velocity blow-dry to straighten the coat for an even cut
• Full scissor or clipper cut to your requested style
• Nail trim, ear cleaning, and finishing touches

Because Doodle coats require more time than most breeds, we do recommend booking in advance — especially for first-time clients or dogs that haven’t been groomed recently.

Breed-Specific Tips for Poodle Mixes

Every Doodle is a little different. Here are a few notes on the most common varieties we see:

• Goldendoodles: Often have wavy-to-curly coats; mat easily around the face and ears
• Labradoodles: Coat can range from flat and straight to tightly curled — even within the same litter
• Bernedoodles: Thick, dense coats that hold heat; especially important to groom regularly in summer
• Cockapoos: Smaller dogs with tight curls that look adorable but mat quickly
• Standard & Miniature Poodles: Consistent, predictable coat that responds beautifully to professional styling

Ready to Book Your Doodle’s Grooming Appointment?

Robin’s Groomingdales is Dunwoody’s trusted grooming salon for Doodles, Poodles, and all curly-coated breeds. Our experienced groomers understand the unique needs of these dogs and will make sure your pup leaves looking — and feeling — their best.

Visit us at 2482 Jett Ferry Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Call us at (770) 396-8902
Book online at robinsgroomingdales.us
Open Mon–Sat, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM