Coat comparison: 8 mons vs 13 mons

[BG and Gavin]

A few weeks ago someone posted asking about coat change and how their golden doodle had coarse hair on their back and wondered if it would take on a different look over time.   I just couldn't locate it in a search so I am posting a before and after photo of Gavin.  As you can see his coat has changed alot in colour, style and texture.  Only one problem...it's matting like crazy right now.  How long does the matting stage last :( ??

 

Gavin at 8 months

 

Gavin at 13 months

 

[Helen]

Wow, is that the poodle coming through? My old Golden Retriever got darker with age and ended up the color of her ears. Can you still see the Golden color closer to the skin?

In other posts I have been reading the matting gets worse when they change from puppy coat to adult.

I have a 7 month old who is the same color as Gavin. I wonder which way he will go?

[BG and Gavin]

Yes, his roots are a bit darker than his tips. Maybe he is sporting his summer "beach blond" look lol.

[F, Calla & Luca]

The matting is worst when the puppy coat change occurs but my two, both ALDs, 2 years and a half and 1 and a half still matt. Luca got much lighter over time than when he was a pup. Gavin still looks great as does the scenery.

[shelly]

They actually will mat forever... if you don't keep up with the brushing AND combing. BUT... the worst part happens with their coat change over night! One day you'll have just a few mats, and the next WHOA! the whole body is one big MAT! If Gavin is fine with brushing, do it as often as you can several times a day. I would suggest finding a GOOD groomer NOW, before you actually need one immediately. This will give you some time to interview them and discuss what you would like to do with Gavin's coat - as far as length.... MANY will just shave them down and tell you that is best, but coats CAN be saved if you find the right groomer... there was quite a few discussions on this... try looking in the grooming group, or put in "coat change" in the search box, and I will try and find the most recent ones and post the links up here!. Good luck! Gavin is GORGEOUS!!

[Tom Newell]

By what age do you have a handle on if their coat will be tight curl, wavy or straight look?
Thanks

[shelly]

I would say probably as their coat goes thru' the dreaded coat change or right after to the novice eye... but breeders usually can tell before they leave them. I'm sure some breeders will hop and and give you all better answers than I can. the look of Tori's coat didn't really change much. But - her hair definitely got softer - kind of like mohair. It's so soft now, if you blow on her back, you can actually separate it with the air. When she was a puppy, it was flatter and wavy - kind of like a Golden Retriever. Soft - but not so fly-away-ish... if that's even a word - lol I don't know if you can see that from her earlier pictures, but you can try and look.

[shelly]

BruceGirl ~ Here's one discussion... I'll try and find the others
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/im-freaking-outmurphy-has

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

If I can sit on this deck I will groom Gavin for you.

[BG and Gavin]

Anytime Joanne, anytime! i will even supply the cold beer ;)

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Better be careful Joanne-he could turn out to be another Spud!!! Of course 10 days on THAT deck wouldn't be TOO hard to take!

[Camilla and Darwin]

My thoughts exactly. LOL. Gorgeous view!

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Joanne, Ricki and Camilla - that is our little slice of heaven - our cottage on beautiful Georgian Bay.