Why white is a difficult coat colour for Labradoodles

[Wanda Klomp]

I've said it before: the white coats of Labradoodles require the most maintenance.

That is, if they're curly or curly fleece coats (which they usually are).

Not just because white Labradoodles love nothing more than to roll around in puddles, mud, sand, etc.

But rather, because white hair is porous, and tangles more easily than brown or black hair.

If this type of coat gets wet and dries by air (or central heating), it’s very susceptible to felting,

especially if the dog is on the floor, rolls around or scratches himself as he's drying up.

What I should clarify is that it's not just white coats, but stray (patches of) white hairs in a brown, apricot or black coat (along with all the other possible colours) are just as vulnerable.

A lot of Labradoodles may seem evenly coloured from a distance, but upon a closer look you will discover a white undercoat below some fluffy patches.

Many apricot or cream coloured Labradoodles have a snow-white underlying layer of fur at the edge of their ear.

Nine out of ten times, these ears are felted because they are not being brushed properly.

This applies equally to the forechest, neck, side, back and the thighs.

The tail is also just as susceptible to frequent tangling, as it's in constant motion.

And let's not forget about the bum. Many coats around the anus end up felted because they often get wet and dog

owners shy away from brushing it because their Labradoodle doesn't approve of or like it.

The same is true for white bellies and white legs.

What it comes down to is that all white parts in an otherwise coloured coat have a risk to felt, because the coat structure is fluffier and softer than the rest of the hair.

Keep this in mind and use a coarse comb after brushing to see if the coat is tangle-free, along with a pet dryer to dry up the wet or dirty parts.

The above, along with having your Labradoodle groomed (or do it yourself) regularly (every 8 weeks), should keep the

coat healthy, shiny and full, rather than weak dull and dead, and keep those nasty tangle issues at bay.

Have fun grooming!

Best wishes, Wanda & Joy

[Wanda Klomp]

Hi Diane,

So great to hear from you!

It sounds like you are keeping your Doodle very well groomed. My compliments for that! That will surely keep the tangles off ;-)

Also, the wavier and thinner the coat is, the less it is prone to tangles and mats. 

Every coat is different, so I would need to see and feel a coat from up close to really be able to give a right grooming consult, but what I am writing about is what is most common.

So funny that you have Dutch genes Diane! I honestly don't know where Steenwijk is. I am in the center of Holland. But I will keep my eye open for Steenwijk from now on :-)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Actually my caramel doodle who has very fine hair generally mats easier than my white doodle, who has thick wavy fleece. Anyway we love them all. Thanks for your helpful advice blogs.

[Diane and Alma]

Hi Wanda,  I wonder if there is a big difference between labradoodle and goldendoodle fur.  Alma is a goldendoodle.  After reading your blog it seems we are very lucky because Alma's fleecy, white fur never mats.  I never brush her but she does get groomed every 8-10 weeks or so.  She loves rolling in the grass on a daily basis but remains white.  Maybe she has an OxiClean gene :)   But she does absorb water like a sponge.  After her morning walk, she usually sits on the top step of our pool to cool off.  (We live near Sacramento, CA so it's usually hot here.)  I towel dry her paws but she remains damp for hours afterwards.  

I see you live in Driebergen, Netherlands.  My maiden name is Steenwyk.  My grandparents came from the town of Steenwijk, Netherlands.  A cousin of mine was just there for a visit.  And I think it's not too far from where you live.

Take care, Diane and Alma