Facial Hair?

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

I am having a tough time trying to decide what to do about Casey's facial hair and beard. He is blond, a "typical" golden doodle that ALWAYS has a wet, dirty face.  I really hated to cut off his beard, but finally did that several months ago. That helped some, but he still has a wet, dirty face.  Also, the hair grows upward around his nose and eyes and within 2-3 weeks after a haircut, his eyes are totally covered.  I have considered just having his body cut with a #4 blade, but getting her to just go ahead and shave his face. I know that will make him look more like a poodle, but just unsure what to do. Has anyone done this?

[Joan Bollaert]

If you can stand the poodle face on a Labradoodle, shave it off. :)    It seems to bother you to have long facial hair so you might find it to be a relief to have it gone.

An evil groomer cut off my doodle's entire beard and whiskers and I about died .  She didn't even look like herself and is just now beginning to be recognizable. It's been 2 months.  

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Joan, thanks for your reply. :) No, it really doesn't bother me to have long facial hair - in fact, I really love the long beard and full face - I just hate that it is always wet, drippy and dirty looking.  He HATES to have his face combed. Seems like his always gets a drink of water then comes and wipes his face on me.  He is SUCH a clown.

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

I'm one of those who has gone to doing the poodle thing on their faces and feet, more for ease of maintenance than for how they look. Declan's coat isn't bad, but Lach is one of those with such incredibly thick hair that his face was permanently wet and stinky. I think all three of us are happier without all that mucky wet hair that has to constantly be washed and combed.

It helps that I really don't mind how they look - both boys have such nice poodle faces and feet under all that hair!

[BG and Gavin]

He really looks adorable.  Seeing him makes consider cutting my guy;'s face too.

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

Thanks, BG! I really like it - but if you don't, it grows back fast.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Jen, thank you SO much for posting his picture. His coloring is almost the same as Casey.  His coat is thick and "bushy". Guess you would more accurately describe him as wavy.  Cody is my black doodle that is always mistaken for a poodle anyway! His coat is curly. TIGHT curls that make him a challenge to comb, especially because he HATES to be combed. I really think having both of them cut like your guy will make life easier on all of us!  By any chance - do you groom them yourself, or have them done professionally? I have always had them done professionally, but if I get them cut really short, I MAY attempt it myself if I can gather the courage.

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

Joyce - that's precisely why I go short with my guys - it's easier on all of us! <grin> These guys love playing in the wet and muck, but not so much fans of being combed. This way I don't stress about it, but just snatch 'em bald every few months.

I do all of their grooming myself. You'll be surprised, once you give it a try, how easy it is! It's a bit time-consuming, but my guys really enjoy most of the process (they're not so keen on the bath) and I like having the opportunity to really go over their skin from stem to stern to spot any potential problems.

In all honesty, the first time I decided to go naked was with Lachlan and two separate events within a week made me roll my eyes and break out my clippers. The first was one morning, when I was rushing to get ready for work. I'm supposed to be in my office at 6am, it was pouring down rain, and he had to go out and pee. Needless to say, at 6am I was frantically trying to dry him because I couldn't leave him wet - he'd have been wet all day. The second was when he got a sore on his head. His coat is so thick that I couldn't tell if this was just a single spot or if he had something else going on. Out came the clippers and I've never regretted it.

[Joan Bollaert]

I'm sure they feel wonderful being clipped down especially in the summer.  I do keep my Cooper who is curly, shorter than Millie who has a luxurious soft wavy fleece coat that never matts.  She's the one who has the outstanding beard and whiskers that I'm allowing to grow back.  She had the most gorgeous head until the groomer scalped her.  I never would have recognized her in a lineup. lol   I just prefer the longer coat on her.  Shorter is ok for curly Cooper. :)

[Samina, Snickers and Duke]

I keep Snickers & Duke clipped short, just as Jen does.  I love the fuzzy face look, but Snicky & Duke always looked so scruffy & ratty with the wet faces & food & all, that I gave in & had our groomer keep it short.  I have to admit that I really to like the doodle face & I'm letting theirs grow out again to see if I can stand it!

[Joyce (Casey &amp; Cody's mom)]

That's exactly where I am. I love that doodle face with the full beard, but simply cannot take the wet, sloppy, stinky beard. Whatever - I think they will be fine, I will be happier and they will be just as sweet and loving no matter what. Their appointment is tomorrow morning. I'm sure the groomer isn't going to be surprised since with every cut, we have gone just a bit shorter.

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

I can't wait to see pictures!

[Joyce (Casey &amp; Cody's mom)]

Here he is - before and after! What a handsome dude!