Figuring out the differences in coat types!

[Gayl Talbert]

Could someone help me figure out what to expect with regard to coat type when the breeder says that the puppy will have a "flat" coat? I know that probably way elementary for you guys but I have no idea!! Thanks. Gayl

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

A true "flat" coat would be very short, straight and smooth, like a Labrador Retriever's; there are some F1s with coats like that, they look very lab-by...they usually only have longer hair around the face, legs, and tail.
There are some F1s like my Jack, who have straight hair, but it's long like a golden retriever's...a breeder might call that "flat', but that's incorrect; it's technically a "straight" coat. It usually does have some fluff, fullness, & wave to it.
Both types will shed, and are usually less expensive and less desirable than the doodles who have curlier fleece or wool coats.
Here's a great article with photos of the different types of coats:
http://www.acmecreekkennels.com/Acme%20Creek%20Labradoodles/labrado...

[shelly]

okay... So now it's clearer. People never believe that she doesn't (well almost) shed. I think Tori has a fleece coat.. but she does shed - only as wispy tumbleweeds- I think only during the change of seasons - and never on clothes or furniture. But I have noticed just this week, and only 2 weeks after her last grooming, that she is matting again - and on her upper back, near her butt. Hmmmm... maybe her loose hair is getting caught in her hair???? She's also been so hard to brush. She fights me tooth and nail - she used to be so good as a puppy, but now... Any way - thanks for the clarification of coat types.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My DH holds/hugs Ned so that I can brush him. He holds perfectly still and even naps in Skip's arms but WILL NOT just lay still for me to brush! Ned does have mats after grooming too. I suspect that the groomer uses a mat buster or whatever it is called, and loose hairs that turn into little tiny knots are left.

[1xar0x2rcx0li]

I assume you are talking about F1 generation.

There are 3 types of coat 1) hair, sheds, straight or wavy, 2) fleece, non/low shed, straight/wavy or spirals, and 3) wool, non shed, spirals or curly.

By describing it as "flat", it can be a hair coat that will shed or a straight fleece that may not. Predictions will depend on how it feels. It is more likely a hair coat, but I have a puupy that had a "flat" coat that ended up with a straight/slightly wavy fleece non shed coat.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

What kind of coat does Samantha have? I never coud get it right.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Samantha's is like Jack's I think; if you look at my link above, you can compare it with the photos. (I think JD & Sammie are most like the third or fourth photos.) It looks like a hair coat to me; I have never been able to figure out how she doesn't shed, though!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

That is the Doodle G-ds watching over me! We had a GR with the most gorgeous feathers - she shed like the dickens! I swore I would never have another shedding dog in my home. The Doodle G-ds must have heard me somewhere, sometime! LOL

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Thanks Karen, wavy coat is Samantha's body but her head has the curls on her head.
Charli is another story - her coat has as many personalities as Sybil had. Her head has tight, thick curls; her belly is soft as Natalie's bottom (long, straight, fleece); the front of her legs are soft and straight, the back are long, tight curls like long worms; her back is curly but not as tight as her head.
It truly makes grooming her an experience. I just never know what I am going to find! But, at least, she doesn't shed.

[Adina P]

Natalie's bottom -- teeeeeheeee =)

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

she has a hair coat~

[Karen & Lucy]

OK, here is Lucy and I always thought she had a fleece coat, but looking at those pics she looks more like a curly coat with maybe some fleece too. This is hard. And I would not think that Sam or Jack had a flat coat???? Hmmmm, I don't know what they are, except SAM and Jack TeeHeeHee :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No Sammie & Jack don't have flat coats. But the hair coats, which they do have, can be flat.