trimming hair above eyes

[Jen W]

My puppy (6 mos old) has never had a hair cut but will be going in soon.

 

I'm confused on whether or not I'm supposed to be trimming the hair above her eyes.  Right now it's a miracle she can see anything, but I heard (somewhere) that you are supposed to let this hair grow out so that it naturally parts over there eyes eventually.  Kind of like growing out your bangs I guess.

Does that sound right?  Or should I have it cut?

[Bonnie and Kona]

One of my doodles can handle the longer "bangs" and it parts somewhat. The other one does not have that luxury and has to have his cut short. It depends on how the hair grows. I want to be able to see my dogs' eyes and for them to be able to see the world. I would definitely vote for cutting the hair so your dog has clear vision. Others will chime in I'm sure. Good luck. 

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

What a cutie!!!!  I am going to give you my opinion and what I have read or heard and I imagine others will probably do the same.

The hood area can be cut back sufficiently so the doodle can 'see' and it can be kept a bit longer (as you said, like bangs).   What I have experienced is when Hurley's hood is sufficiently trimmed so he can clearly see he is not as hesitant around new people.  That being said, Hurley is shy around new people anyway so having his hood back a bit has helped to alleviate some of that shyness.  I, personally, like the hooded look as long as it is not to long and I think that is part of the doodle uniqueness.

Having said all that I believe it is a personal decision.  Whatever you decide I strongly recommend you find pictures of other doodles of how you want your little one groomed so you can show the groomer as you articulate, exactly what you want.

The first time I took Hurley to a groomer I had about 8 color photos of other doodles with the same type of coat as Hurley has and I believe it made a difference as he came out just the way I wanted him to.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

It really depends on what kind of hair she has. I have two Doodles and two very different hair types. Lucy is F1 and you can see that her hair is a little longer and "parts" naturally in the middle, out of her eyes. Daphne F1b has a softer more poodle like hair and if we let it grow, she would not be able to see. The bottom picture is right before she got groomed.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I think the only reason you might 'need' to cut the hair above the eyes is to allow the doodle to see. Personally, I like seeing the eyes, and it kind of bothers me when I see doodles whose eyes you can't see. Just a personal pet peeve of mine! I've always cut away the hair around my doodles eyes, top and sides, not just the top, but they both have curlier coats and the 'hood' would never fall down and part naturally on either dood.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Here are my 2 doods... its difficult to see Oscar's eyes at this angle, but the hair you see in front of his eyes is really his muzzle hair.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

It boils down to hair type, personal preference, and hygiene.  My dog has a "hair" type coat and the only hair that has ever been trimmed is that that is between his pads.  I figure if I can his eyes, he can see where he's going and there is no matting as I clean his eyes daily.  Besides, I love the scruffy look of my dog. 

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

I caved......I am so angry at myself!  I allowed peer pressure to grab the scissors and trim the hair above Stanlee's eyes.  Yes, Peer Pressure did the trim, not me. 

I HATE IT!!!!   ARGGGGGG

At least it will grow back. The Hubs and I were out of town for almost a week and it already looks better.

 

before and after

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Oh I actually love it! You can see his beautiful eyes! Also love his big Beautiful nose!!!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

For me, I like the 'after' so much better, but then, I like seeing a doodle's eyes! Is that a long, pointy beard I see? Lol...

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

His beard is so long I can grab it with my fist to bring him in for a big, wet, nose smackeroo!  (And yes, that's dirt in that beard, too.)

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

LOL!  I love Stanlee's stately look :)  Sorry you don't like it.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

He looks cute both ways. Personally I like the scruffy look better but I like Stanlee with scruff and without it. I bet somewhere in between is going to be perfect.