Matt Dodson's Page

Welcome! Congratulations. This is a great place to learn/share about doodles. There are many groups that you can join. For example, there are groups for grooming, nutrition, health/medical, types of doodles, puppy groups etc. Look at the top of your page and click on Groups - check them out. Enjoy!

As you probably know, most of the F1's shed.  I would say if you want minimal shedding that you go with an F2B.  At least that is what I have heard.  Others may have a different opinion.  However, remember no matter what you chose, you can also choose the hair cut and style you want to keep.  You may want to learn to groom yourself and then you can keep the coat short or however you want.  If you go to a groomer, you can probably plan on $60 - $100 a pop (every 8 weeks) for grooming!

We have two multigenerational Australian Labradoodles and they do not shed.  Mine  both have what is called a fleece coat in the ALD world and I was under the impression that this is the easier coat to take care of over the curvy fleece or wool.  However, that being said, I do brush their heads, legs and tails daily - really it does not take long if you do it daily and I mainly do it because I cannot imagine not brushing my own hair at least every other day!  LOL  Around the 8 mo. old mark, their adult coat starts to come in and that requires diligently brushing in order to get that puppy coat out and it does take several months.  As with any of these dogs, if left untended (and sometimes even when you are tending), they will start to mat and if that gets really bad, most groomers will shave them down). 

Now that Charlie is an adult, I still brush his head and tail daily and get through his coat at least every 4 or 5 days if it is long.  I like to keep him in a cute puppy clip because it is so much easier to brush through.  He has been as long as 5", but it requires more upkeep than I want to do since I now have two.  Both of our doods have wonderful temperaments and have been very easy to train and quick to learn obedience.  They are laid back and very loving sweet boys!  

Many doodle owners do have shedding doodles and it might be that they do not have to do as much grooming since the coat is falling out on its own, but then you have all that hair around the house.   It is a personal choice that is for sure!  

I hope some of this info might help. Good luck in your search. 

Hi Matt ~ I see you are thinking about getting a doodle. I applaud you for investigating before actually getting a doodle.  When you get chance be sure to check out the groups section and join as many as you like.  There is a ton of info on this site about doodles, their grooming needs especially and etc., etc.  Welcome to Doodle Kisses!