Scissor Cut vs Clipper Cut

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I am taking Timbow to be groomed (from 7 1/2" to 2 1/2") and my groomer uses clippers. I have always thought that I would have him groomed with a scissor cut. Is it going to make a huge difference? I've only had mini grooms on him so far (face, belly, feet) and he looks great every time and I feel like my groomer listens to my list of instructions I leave her (yes, I am THAT person..haha). I'm so nervous about his first hair cut and want it to go smoothly for both of us. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

If your doodle has a fleece coat that can be made to be very straight, then the groomer will be able to use an extension on her blade that will give you the 2 to 2 1/2 inch length you are looking for. If you doodle is curly wool, that isn't going to happen. Curly wool coats will stand out straight from the body when fluffed and need to be scissored as no long blade will go thru. Straight fleece coats hang no matter what treatment you give them. There are very different grooming methods depending on the coat.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Thank you so much Barb! My doodle has a hair/fleece coat. It's long and wavy, no wool at all. I don't really have a reason for wanting a scissor cut, it's just what I always thought I would do. I am going to talk to the lady that grooms him and make sure she knows what I want. It will also help that I am taking two pictures of his half siblings for further guidance. :)

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Your doodle sounds a lot like my F1. You should be able to get a good hair cut the length you want with a clipper and an extension. I use a 1 1/4 inch one on my doodle with a similar coat. Good luck!

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Will you attach a picture of your doodle on here? I'd love to see his/her cut! :)

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

This is the only picture I have of her with a fresh haircut. This one was taken a while back as I did this cut at grooming school. lol Not bad for a newbie. I often tell people I teach my dogs to stay on a box, so here is a good example of that. Trine was 8 months old.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

Barb, Was this photo taken after you groomed with the clippers and the 1 1/4 extension? I really like it! This is the look I want for Hunter for the summer.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Yes it was the 1 1/4 inch extension but I scissored her legs. I think. Seems like a long time ago.

[Maria Taylor]

Hi Barb.

I am new to the group. This may be a silly question but how do you know if your doodle's coat is wool or fleece? My Amber looked like a sheepdog (10mos old) when we took her in. She came out looking more like a standard poodle....lots of curls on the body...her legs were straight/way ...they left her hair longer there. Thanks.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

From the little picture, your puppy looks like a wool coat. Wool has a matte finish [ too bad it is the same word for tangles]. It is spongy to the touch. Dogs with long coats feel like sheep.
Fleece is smoother and shinier. Usually the curls are bigger loops or the coat might be quite straight. Often, but not always, a doodle with a straight coat has a hair coat that sheds a bit.

[Maria Taylor]

Thanks Barb. Your grooming group is already a big help.

[Joy & Buddy]

Barb, does the beautiful chocolate doodle in your small picture have a fleece coat? Buddy's coat is very similar. And I am assuming that the soft fuzzy hair closer to his skin (that mats up so incredibly) is his puppy coat that I am slowly combing out. Is that right?

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

Yes, Aquamarine has a fleece coat..quite curly. She never had that fine a textured coat, so didn't have that fuzzy layer. If your doodle is around 8 months old, that would be puppy coat. Here is her adult pic and her baby who has a nice fleece coat.