ALD's Coats

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

What type of coat does your ALD have? How would you describe the coats type? Brianna is 'feather light' soft silky curl and Duncan is 'very thick' silky curl. They have quite a difference in the thickness of their coat and I love them both. But very different to brush out.

[Libby, Rufus & Jacoby]

Rufus has a very curly coat, it's also very soft - unfortunately he hates to be brushed. He lies down and puts his paws over his eyes, so sad....
Jacoby has a combable coat and loves the interaction - also very soft and silky! He'll be a groomer's dream...

[2hqvciajyb51y]

Dempsey has a curly fleece coat. Quite curly, but feathery soft. I "attack" him every 3 days or so with my les pooches red handled mat zapper brush, LOL! At least that's what it feels like to me, but he tolerates it very well, and loves to be brushed under his chin and neck. I put him up on top of the washing machine - that's our grooming table.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Fur is a big deal to those of us new doodle owners. I am open to any and all advice about doodle fur. I am not a first time dog owner and have a springer that must be brushed to prevent mats and also goes to a groomer, but doodle fur is a total mystery to me.Guessing what type of mature fur will develop; guessing what to do when they reach the matting stage; to trim the fur or not or even when. I asked around. I asked Patti Barnes of Log Cabin Labradoodles because my doodle looks much like some of hers and Ned's dad is from there. She said Ned's fur looks like "curly fleece" (from a picture of course). I am very concerned about how to brush him and what tools to use but I don't intend to try to cut his fur myself - heck I can't even trim my bangs straight! I noticed that Kate Papas has written an article about grooming your dog and it is on her site. Why am I so befuddled - don't know, but I don't think I am alone.

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Hi Nancy, you are not alone at all. I have acquired quite a quiver of tools over the passed year. Before I got Brianna, l did objectively lurk forums and read breeders sites 'a ton' for tips and info. But then I was waiting for a pup and was pupdoodle crazy! Then once I got Brianna, I just tried several methods and found what works, then the coat changes aahh, then you buy several types of Matt Breaker tools in different sizes and shapes. By the way, your Curly Fleece guy is a handsome fellow! love his color too!

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I have started a gooming group. Hopefully we can exchange lots of information on there.
Barb

[Cindy]

Macy has a crazy-thick wavy fleece coat. She mats if you look at her wrong. She hates to be groomed -- by me or the groomer. (The groomer, by the way, is an evil woman who called Macy a "mutt" and trims her to look like a big chunky poodle or scottie, no matter what you ask her to do -- we're looking for a new one!) We had her sheared for the summer and it was great from the "ease of care" standpoint -- but it was fairly scary looking at first, lol. Even when sheared, she managed to develop a "top knot" and matted ear tips no matter what we did! I must have all the wrong tools -- the more I brush her, the more she mats -- static? Even her breeder was amazed when she visited last summer at how quickly she mats all over the place seemingly overnight! It's like trying to brush cotton balls! I bought a mat breaker that is a piece of junk. Help!

[Libby, Rufus & Jacoby]

I sympathize about your "evil groomer". We had a similar experience - every time (4 before I gave up) we went I would tell her what I wanted and she always did just the opposite!! And she was mean to Rufus!!! I don't think she liked grooming doodles... Sorry, I don't have any advice for you - I just wanted to sympathize.......

[Barbara Burrows]

Abby's coat is very curly on her back and spiral on her legs. The curls are harder to comb or brush. She hates being brushed....it would take about 5 minutes a day if I had a grooming table. I comb or brush her daily..She is loosing her puppy coat now. I have only trimmed around her eyes myself. Her groomer said she is very good for them and they do a good job.

[Patty Barnes]

A quick tip regarding mats: saturate the mat with conditioner and let sit for up to an hour, longer if need be, then rinse. Buy the least expensive conditioner available and apply generously. Angela at Tegan Park shared this with me. That reminds me, a couple of my dogs need conditioner therapy today!

[Libby, Rufus & Jacoby]

Thanks Patty, this tip is a "keeper"!!!

[Jessica]

I think this is a great idea Patty - for my hair! It's way coarser and more woolley than Finn's, and that's saying something because Finn has a coat like a sheep - an old one...all except for his top-knot, which is a soft nest of curls, minus the eggs! He never mats or knots, sheds or smells. I'm telling you, I have the dog from heaven!

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Great tip, for those times that you try to towel them off after a play in the snow Ozzy ends up with matts from me and my towel.