short-haired doodle

[Judith and Addie]

Well, now that I have moved, I took my little girl to a new groomer, recommended by a neighbor. I discussed with the groomer how I wanted Addie groomed. In our long move *six weeks of living with various relatives across three states) Addie started growing in her adult coat. I also discovered that halters = mats. So before grooming, Addie's body coat was about 2.5 - 3 inches and her head was about 4 inches & legs around three inches. I asked to have her groomed 2" overall. The groomer said her chest had quite a bit of matting, her head had knots, and she had some mats around her knees. I now have a short-hair doodle. Her body is 1/2 inch, and her head is 2". Her legs are okay length.

So, do short-haired 10 month old doodles need sweaters when it is 18 degrees outside? (and a new groomer)

before

after

 

[Robin & Josie]

For what it's worth, I have seen MUCH worse. We had a groomer shave our previous dog's entire body, but left her head long. She looked ridiculous and I was humiliated for her, even if she didn't realize it herself.

Your dog actually looks adorable. I wouldn't change groomers. This one didn't shave her, which would have REALLY made you unhappy.

I can't answer about the coat thing authoritatively, so I'll leave that to someone else. We usually put a coat on Josie (who is small and has about 2" long hair) when it gets below 20 and especially if it's windy. I also just bought her some "Mushers" cream for her feet. Last year I didn't use anything and I think the salt bothered her feet.

[Judith and Addie]

Thanks. I'll look into the Mushers cream. I don't think she'll let me use booties. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

It's always so shocking to see them after such a drastic cut but I agree about keeping your groomer. I think she has potential. At least she knows what a doodle cut is and knows how to avoid a shave down even if there are mats. These are big pluses.  But I'll leave that to you! :)

I put as sweater on Tara at that temperature. She has a very thin coat and no undercoat and does seem to get cold.  But I do have to really watch for mat build up with a sweater or coat. Like a harness/halter, any place the sweater rubs creates a  mat.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Oh, I forgot to add that Addie is adorable! I love her markings!

[Judith and Addie]

Thank you. Tara is pretty darn cute, too!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

:)

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I for one, think Addie's groomer is a real keeper! She turned out great considering the mats she had going in. For the record, your Addie's 'after' cut is much longer than I typically keep my doodles. I groom them myself and just don't want to deal with mats.

[Judith and Addie]

Thank you, all. By consensus, I should keep my new groomer. So I will try again, in a couple months when her coat grows in again.

Since Addie is under 30 lbs and she has no undercoat, and her coat is so short, I think I will look for a coat for the cold days.

With her coat short, hopefully I will be able to keep her mat-free and knot-free. She went from having one small mat by her collar area to mats and knots. I guess her adult coat is finally coming in.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Judith it sounds like a good plan!  The coat change is a tough time to avoid mats and the shorter coat really does help save your sanity! LOL  Have fun shopping for a coat!

[Linda And Loo]

Good plan! For a short cut, I think she looks GOOD!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I think I would keep the groomer.  She did a terrific job for the condition you say she was in.  My groomer will not demat a dog that is seriously matted.  She maintains it is too painful for them and taking them all the way down is easier on them.  It sounds like your cute doodle is going through the coat change.  It is so much easier to keep up on the brushing when they are at this stage.  Addie is sure a cutie!

[Gail and Bailey]

She looks beautiful and I bet she feels like velvet!