How Often Should You Groom a Labradoodle?

Most Labradoodles need a professional groom every six to eight weeks. Dogs with tightly curled wool coats need grooming every four to six weeks. Dogs whose owners brush them thoroughly at home every day can sometimes stretch to eight to ten weeks, but this requires consistent daily brushing without exception.

Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Depending on which genes your dog inherits, the coat can be curly and wool-like, wavy and fleece-like, or straighter and more Labrador-like. The first two types grow continuously and do not shed in the way a Labrador does, which means the hair accumulates close to the skin.

Without regular brushing and trimming, this accumulation forms mats. Mats are dense, tangled clumps of hair that pull on the skin and trap moisture. They are painful for the dog, cause skin irritation and, in severe cases, can lead to infection underneath.

A Labradoodle that arrives at the groomer with heavy matting often needs a full shave-down rather than a styled trim. This takes longer, costs more and is more stressful for the dog. A regular six to eight week schedule prevents this entirely.

Not all Labradoodles have the same coat. Here is what to expect from each type:

Skipping or delaying grooming appointments has a compounding effect with Labradoodles. Here is what typically happens:

• The areas behind the ears, under the armpits and around the collar mat first. These spots are easy to miss when brushing at home.
• Once matting starts, it spreads quickly. A dog that looked fine two weeks ago can arrive at the groomer in a state that requires significantly more work.
• In severe cases, mats sit directly against the skin and cannot be brushed out. The only option is clipping them off, which often means a shorter, less styled cut than the owner wanted.
• The cost of a dematting session or full shave-down is considerably higher than a standard groom. Keeping to a regular schedule is cheaper overall.

Professional grooming every six to eight weeks only works if you maintain the coat at home between appointments. For Labradoodles, this means:

• Brushing at least three to four times a week for fleece coats, and daily for wool coats.
• Using a slicker brush followed by a metal comb to check you have reached all the way through to the skin.
• Paying extra attention to the ears, collar area, armpits and the backs of the legs where mats form first.
• Checking the area around the eyes and trimming fringe if it is blocking vision.
• Bathing every four to six weeks at home if needed, but always brushing fully before bathing. Water tightens existing knots, so any tangles should be removed before the dog gets wet.

At Grooming by Ilona in Harpenden, a full groom for a Labradoodle starts from £65 for medium dogs and £93 for larger dogs, with final pricing based on coat condition and length. Dogs that come in regularly and are well-brushed at home will always be at the lower end of the price range.

The best approach is to ask your groomer directly. At the first appointment, a professional groomer will assess your Labradoodle's specific coat type and condition and recommend a schedule that fits. Stick to it, keep up with brushing at home, and your Labradoodle's coat will stay healthy and manageable year-round.