Labradoodle Coat Types

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hi everyone!

I'm pretty overwhelmed by all of the different coat types that are out there for labradoodles. I consider myself pretty educated but just when I think I've got it all sorted out, another website will have me doubting myself! So I thought it could be a little fun, and definitely helpful, if we discuss (with pictures, please!) the different coat types. I'm aware of wire-y or hair coats which have a higher chance of shedding and the glorious fleece coat (but curly, wavy, tight, or loose?). I just don't feel confident that if I see an un-labeled pic of a dood that I'll be able to tell for myself just what type of coat they have! I see a lot of contradicting stuff out here on the world wide web... Do you think you can help me?

[Laurel & Sophie]

Sophie has the incredibly thick soft fleece. Quite wavy with tight curls under the neck. And best of all No Shed! =)

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

http://www.sunsethills.biz/australian_labradoodle_coat_types.shtml

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

ALAA

Typically, breeders and owners will refer to their Labradoodles as Hair Coated, Fleece Coated or Wool Coated Labradoodles. These pertain to physical coat properties described in the Labradoodle Breed Standard.

The descriptors are common, but, the grading process is complicated. The Labradoodle Breed Standard for the Hair Coated Labradoodle, Fleece Coated Labradoodle and Wool Coated Labradoodle are found below. The specifics of each generation (grading scheme) are also below.
Labradoodle Breed Standard 1997
(under revision, to be voted by membership in 2006)

Although the Hair Coated Labradoodle, Fleece Coated Labradoodle or Wool Coated Labradoodle breed Standard is under revision at this time, the following attributes are consistent with the Australian Labradoodle Breed Standard

Labradoodle Origin Grading Scheme 2006
(approved by membership 2-2006)

Origin Labradoodles can be a Hair Coated Labradoodle, Fleece Coated Labradoodle or Wool Coated Labradoodle. For example to present a LO1, LO2pp, LO3 with a fleece coat you would refer to the dog as a Fleece Coated Labradoodle First Generation OR a Fleece Coated Labradoodle Second Generation OR a Fleece Coated Labradoodle Origin. A Sixth generation or higher Labradoodle Origin to Labradoodle origin mating would result in a Purebred Labradoodle Or in this case a Fleece Coated Labradoodle, Or Fleece Coated Purebred Labradoodle.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

There are three main coat types (Hair/Fleece/Wool) with some variation found within the coat types noted below.

The Hair (Dog hair texture either feathering, scruffy, or wavy) is a shedding coat in varying degrees and will need a quick brushing/combing about once a month depending on the density and length of the coat. NEVER shave your hair coat's body. A light trimming might be required with scissors but usually not.

The Normal Fleece (Soft Angora type texture wavy or loose spiralling coat) is an allergy and asthma friendly coat and will need to be brushed/combed thoroughly about every two-three weeks. This coat usually requires trimming one-two times a year.

The Micro Fine Fleece (Supper soft and fine texture in wavy or spiralling coat) is an allergy and asthma friendly coat, if kept well groomed. Because this coat is finer and softer if it gets mats that aren’t brushed out regularly eventually some of the mats will ball up into little “tumble weeds” and come out of the coat. It is recommended to thoroughly brush/comb this coat about once a week and don’t let the coat length to get past about three inches in length with trimming two to three times a year.

The Original Wool (Dense curly coat with a lambs wool texture) is an allergy and asthma friendly coat with the highest rate of success of the three coat types (Hair/Fleece/Wool). It will need to be brushed/combed thoroughly about once a week. This coat also requires trimming about three-four times a year.

The Cotton Wool (Super dense curly-straight coat with a softer texture than the original wool or loose wool coats) This coat is reminiscent of a giant cotton ball when groomed out and is so dense that it almost keeps it self standing straight up. This coat is an allergy and asthma friendly coat with the highest rate of success of the three coat types (Hair/Fleece/Wool). It will need to be brushed/combed thoroughly once a week. This coat also requires trimming about four times a year.

The Loose or New Style Wool (spiralling coat that easily opens to the skin with a lambs wool texture) is an allergy and asthma friendly coat with the highest rate of success of the three coat types (Hair/Fleece/Wool). It will need to be brushed/combed thoroughly about every two to three weeks. This coat usually requires trimming two to three times a year.

All allergy and asthma friendly labradoodles have a coat change from puppy to adult usually between 10-14 months of age. Because they do not "shed out" the old coat you must groom the old dead coat out or it will cause severe matting in the new coat. During their coat change it is recommended that you groom them daily. The coat change can last anywhere from a week to several weeks. (This is usually the time when owners decide that their beautiful furry doodle needs a shorter look.)

Note: Not all Labradoodles are Allergy and Asthma friendly. The Australian Labradoodle has been very successful with being allergy and asthma friendly but they are not 100% guaranteed. They have had an extremely high success rate so far! We do recommend that if you have the opportunity to meet one of these wonderful dogs in person that you should check to see if you have any reactions before you make your decision in purchasing your new puppy. We recommend that any family or person who suffers from dog related allergies or asthma should look into a Wool coated labradoodle as they have the highest success rate.

[Robin & Bedford]

I wanted to chime in on our experience. Bedford is a 5 month ALD, soft fleece. When he arrived at 15 weeks...I was holding my breath in a big way. My sister-in law & nephew have profound dog allergic reations. His itchy hives, hers...swelling of the throat. Not small issues. So we visited them the day after we got him and my sister-in-law said Bedford is the very first dog ever that she hasn't reacted to. It was a big "Whew".

So the next hurdle is when he loses his puppy coat but as of now I do label him completely shed-free & dander-free.

Grooming trick from Kate Pappas...
I give him a generous dallop of peanut butter or cream cheese in his Kong while grooming. It works wonders...him being focused on something he loves while I'm using the clippers on his paws or underside or cleaning his ears. I also talk real low & soft and massage him much vs. strong arm him...which makes grooming him a negative and difficult battle for us both.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Breeders are able to be more precise in regards to coat types with the multi-generational and Australian dogs but there are still no guarantees.....The F1 and F1b coat types are less predictable......

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

yes based on the experience of the breeder most good breeders can tell what type of coat their puppies have at birth. Some will be able to predict coat type prior to breeding as well.

Although some breeders will call their dogs fleece when they truly are wool.

[1w755zser5f1d]

Thanks for all of the info. I have a 10 month old dood that recently matted so badly in a 2 week period that I had to have her shaved. Better for her and the groomer. I will keep up on her brushing when she grows out, she has the wavey fleece coat but it looks like it is coming in more curley. She is an f1b. Have any thoughts?

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

YES! they are high maintenance! They must be brushed weekly. If you skip a week you might have a few mats but you can brush them out. The important thing is to make sure you are brushing them properly every week. Most owners just brush the top coat and mats form underneath.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

I have come up with a wonderful system for brushing and maintaining a mixed coat mostly through trial and error.....Brush her thoroughly with a slicker brush every other day until her softer puppy coat has grown out...( Around 1 year of age)...Especially if she is playing with other dogs as the saliva of the other dogs will exacerbate the matting problem.....Make sure that you brush out the ears!!...When dogs play they tend to play bite around the head, neck and ears and the ear hair tends to be softer and mats more easily.....I also recommend that you "back brush" against the natural direction that her coat is growing in.....This is critical because sometimes they will mat deep down at the skin and back brushing ensures that you are really getting down to the skin....


SLICKER BRUSH

Slicker Brush - These dog brushes have fine wire pins that are secured to a flat base. The pins are bent at an angle approximately halfway down the pin.Slicker Dog Brushes are available in a variety of sizes and degrees of pin stiffness.A slicker dog brush is usually used on long-coated dogs. A slicker is an ideal brush for removing loose hair and mats. They can also be helpful in dematting long and curly coats.Part the coat and start brushing out from the skin in short stokes. DON"T FORGET TO BACK BRUSH! The heavier and thicker the coat, the stiffer the pins should be.

BRISTLE BRUSH

I recommend that you use a Bristle Brush for the belly, genital area and legs- A bristle brush is best used for everyday grooming to remove surface dust and dirt especially once any mud or wetness has dried out and feels good to the dog!..They actually enjoy being brushed with this particular brush. On a long-coated dog a bristle brush can be used to finish the coat and bring out its natural luster and shine.A combination Pin/Bristle Brush - These dog brushes provide the convenience of two brushes in one.

COURSE TOOTHED "POODLE" COMB

For the beard I recommed using the bristle brush to remove suface debris and the go through with a course toothed comb
The Rotating Medium/Coarse Tooth Comb features two types of stainless steel tines that rotate to reduce snags. The fine-spaced tines remove small debris and help smooth coats while the wide-spaced tines help remove tangles and knots. The grip is contoured and cushioned for comfort.

[Barbara Burrows]

Hi Nancy...You are going through what I did when I decided to get a dog. After all the reading I did, the breeder helped me decide what coat was right for me. Allergies were a biggest concern for me, as was size. Abby's adult coat has much more curl than the puppy one. She has had only 2 mats in the 9 months we have had her. She doesn't take a lot of grooming, her puppy coat is still coming out and I spend about 5 minutes a day brushing her. I will take her to a groomer until I find the perfect cut for her. I print the pictures of a cut that I like and take them when she is groomed. They tell me if it is right for her. [The same way we find a picture of a hair style and ask a stylist if it would work for us]. I also printed a grooming check list from the Internet. Abby is 18 inches tall and weighs 21 pounds, She has changed a lot since the last time you saw her at the mall, more of an adult look. Hope to see you soon...

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I agree with you about being overwhelmed about the different coat types and coat care. Any thing to do with doodle fur/hair has been the biggest and most anxiety producing area for me. I am not a novice dog owner but my other dogs have had entirely different fur. Ned is 7 months and began matting at about 6 months. I really like the shaggy look and in the 4 months we have had him, he has been groomed 3 times with a bit of trimming. He had mats 24 hours after the last grooming! I keep getting advice about grooming products etc but the bottom line is that NED MATS and I have to wrestle with him daily to get him brushed and he still has mats. I only hope this is temporary or the shaggy look won't be in Ned's future and I will be sad.