Labradoodle grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding
A practical grooming routine for the Labradoodle: coat care, baths, nails and ears.
Grooming is the most underestimated part of owning a Labradoodle. Fleece and wool coats don't shed much, but that means loose hair stays in the coat and forms mats, especially behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits and around the legs. Brush right down to the skin with a slicker brush and a comb at least three times a week, and daily if the coat is thick or curly.
Most owners book a professional groom every six to eight weeks, often choosing a shorter trim that is easier to maintain at home. Keep hair clear of the eyes, and remember that hair in the ear canals can trap moisture, so check and clean ears weekly and after swimming. Flat-coated Labradoodles shed like Labradors and need far less trimming, but they still need regular brushing.
Labradoodle grooming in numbers
This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.
| Task | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Brushing | 4 to 5 times a week |
| Bathing | Every 3 to 6 weeks |
| Shedding | Light |
| Nail trim | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Ear check | Weekly |
| Teeth | Daily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful |
Coat
Varies by generation, from a flat, shedding Labrador-like coat to a wavy fleece or tight curly wool, most often a loose wavy fleece that sheds little.
Grooming needs
Shedding
Drooling