Doodle Grooming Guide: How Often to Groom a Goldendoodle (and Stop Matting)

Doodles are everywhere in the Bay Area, from Crissy Field to the trails in Los Gatos. They're friendly, smart and often low-shedding, but that beautiful coat comes with one big job: keeping it from matting. This guide covers how often to groom a Goldendoodle, Labradoodle or Bernedoodle, and the at-home routine that keeps grooming visits short and comfortable.

Why doodle coats mat so easily

Most doodles inherit some of the Poodle's curly coat. Curly and wavy hair doesn't fall out the way a Lab's does; loose hair gets trapped in the coat and twists into knots. Those knots tighten every time the dog moves, gets wet or rubs against a harness. Mats form fastest in friction spots:

• Behind the ears and around the collar
• Armpits and the inside of the legs
• Under the harness and along the belly
• Paws, tail and the backs of the thighs

Tight mats pull on the skin, trap moisture and can hide irritation, which is why they're more than a cosmetic problem.

How often should you groom a doodle?

Most doodles do best with a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks. If you like a longer, fluffy style, plan on every 4 to 6 weeks, because longer coats tangle faster. A shorter cut can stretch the time between visits.

The at-home brushing routine that prevents mats

• How often: daily for curly coats, every 1 to 2 days for wavy coats, a few times a week for straighter coats.
• Tools: a slicker brush plus a metal comb. The comb is the test: if it doesn't glide from skin to tip, there's a tangle.
• Technique: brush in small sections, all the way down to the skin (called line brushing). Brushing only the top of the coat leaves mats hiding underneath.
• After water: dry the coat fully after beach days or rain. Damp curly hair mats quickly.

Need the full routine? Our at-home brushing guide walks through it step by step.

Popular doodle haircuts

• Teddy bear cut: a rounded face with a fuller, even coat on the body. The most requested doodle look.
• Puppy or kennel cut: short and even all over. Easy to maintain and great for summer and foxtail season.
• Lamb cut: shorter on the body, fuller on the legs.
• Poodle-style face: a clean, shaved face for dogs whose beards collect food and water.

Tell your groomer how long you want the coat and how much brushing you can realistically do. The best haircut is the one you can keep up with between visits.

What if my doodle is already matted?

Never try to cut a mat out with scissors at home; it's easy to cut the skin. A professional will either work light mats out or, if the coat is tightly matted to the skin, recommend a short shave so the coat can grow back healthy. It's the kindest option for the dog. At Woofers, a dematting or shave-down add-on is $45, and we always talk with you before we start.

Bay Area doodle tips

• Beach days at Ocean Beach or Fort Funston leave sand and salt in the coat. Rinse and dry the same day.
• Foxtail season runs from spring into fall. Keep paws and ears trimmed and check after every hike; see our foxtail guide.
• The rainy season means muddy legs and bellies. A shorter leg trim makes winter much easier.

What doodle grooming costs

Mini doodles are usually our Large size (16" to 20" at the shoulder) and standard doodles are usually X-Large (20" or up). A full haircut is $179 for Large and $199 for X-Large, with the nail trim included. See every size in our price guide.

Ready for a fresh doodle? Book online and we'll come to your door.