Why are short haircuts rare for Doodles? I am considering a Doodle and love the idea!

[Erin S]

Hi everyone,

I have been researching dog breeds and reading your forum, and I'm wondering if a Labradoodle/Goldendoodle is the right dog for me. From my research, a standard size Doodle seems like a fantastic dog, and the best match to what I am looking for in health, temperament, and trainability. These factors are my top priorities. 

 

I have never owned a long haired dog before. I love the idea of having a lower shedding dog, and I am okay with trimming his hair regularly and/or taking him to a groomer. However, I have always preferred the look of shorter hair dogs (especially short hair around the face with no beard) and I am interested in keeping my dog's hair as low maintenance as possible. So, if I got a Doodle, I envision keeping the hair on his body on the shorter side, like a summer cut, probably keeping it between ~ 1/4" and 2". I would like to keep the hair on his face very short, as is often done with poodles. (I live in a warm climate, and plan to take my dog hiking, camping, etc, so I think this would also be comfortable for him.) 

 

I realize most of you adore the look of your longer haired Doodles (and some of you might think I'm crazy), but I wanted to get some advice on maintaining my dog with a nontraditional cut. Is there a practical reason people don't typically clip their Doodles this way? Or is it simply aesthetic preference that the hair is typically kept long, especially around the face? I would appreciate any advice, I want my dog to be happy. :) Thanks so much!

 

Here is an example photo of the type of cut I'm talking about (I really like this look!):

[F, Calla & Luca]

Looks great.

[GBK]

I don't usually keep Kona's face this short, but she was crated for over a month because of injury and needed a total shave... I did get a lot of compliments on how sweet she looked in her short coat and I don't think I would hesitate to groom her like this again. I do my own grooming. I think you would be just fine with a doodle, and the curlier coats are more forgiving when trimming. They curls also shrink up tighter when wet and left to dry, so the shorter "look" lasts a little longer. Good luck in your choice, I can't wait to see what you decide :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

I love Lona's shooter "do" and I hope she's feeling fine.

[GBK]

I gotcha F :)  Thanks and she is so very much better!