Goldendoodle Dog Grooming Guide

Goldendoodle Facts & Characteristics

Goldendoodles were first bred in the 1990s by crossing a Golden Retriever and a Poodle to combine the Retriever’s friendly nature with the Poodle’s low-shedding coat. The result? A playful, loyal, and highly intelligent companion perfect for families and allergy-sensitive owners.

They’re not officially recognized by the AKC or UKC, but the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) has established breed standards to maintain responsible breeding and coat predictability.

💡 Fun fact: Goldendoodles are sometimes called Groodles in other parts of the world!

Generation Parentage Coat Type Shedding Level Notes
F1 Golden Retriever × Poodle Wavy Moderate Classic Goldendoodle cross
F1B F1 Goldendoodle × Poodle Curly or Wavy Low More hypoallergenic
F1BB F1B Goldendoodle × Poodle Curly Very Low Best for allergy sufferers
F2 / F2B Goldendoodle × Goldendoodle Varies Low–Moderate Diverse coat types

Goldendoodles have three main coat textures:

  • Curly – tight Poodle curls; minimal shedding but high-maintenance brushing.
  • Wavy – the most common coat, blending both parent breeds.
  • Straight – flatter, Golden Retriever-like texture with mild shedding.

Though marketed as hypoallergenic, not all Goldendoodles are fully non-shedding. Regular grooming and coat care are still key.

Goldendoodle Sizes

Goldendoodles come in several sizes depending on their Poodle parent — from tiny “teacups” to large, energetic family companions.

Type Height (inches) Weight (lbs) Description
Teacup / Micro Goldendoodle 9–12 in 8–15 lbs Smallest size; ideal for apartment living
Mini Goldendoodle 13–20 in 15–35 lbs Playful and manageable; very popular
Medium Goldendoodle 17–21 in 35–50 lbs Balanced size and energy
Standard / Giant Goldendoodle 22–26 in 50–90 lbs Active, affectionate, family-friendly

💡 Tip: Your Doodle’s final size often depends on whether the Poodle parent was Toy, Miniature, or Standard.

Goldendoodle Coat Colors

Goldendoodles come in a rainbow of coat colors, from traditional golden to rare merle and chocolate.

Common Colors: Apricot, Red, Cream, Chocolate, White, Black
Rare Variants: Merle, Phantom, Parti, and Sable Goldendoodles

Goldendoodle Color Chart

Image Color Description
Apricot Goldendoodle Apricot Warm peachy tone, common in F1Bs
Red Goldendoodle Red Deep, rich coat similar to Irish Setter
Cream Goldendoodle Cream / White Light and soft appearance
Chocolate Goldendoodle Chocolate Deep brown coat that may lighten with age
Merle Goldendoodle Merle Rare, patterned coat with mixed shades

Color doesn’t affect temperament or coat texture but can influence coat care. Darker coats sometimes show dust or dandruff more easily.

Bathing

The first step in goldendoodle grooming is the bath. Some doodles will love the splashes while others may not be so tickled. Use a leash if you must, and speak calmly to your dog. 

Use a shampoo and conditioner combo that’s approved for your dog breed. A good shampoo will lather nicely and rinse easily, cleaning and conditioning in the process. Take your time with your dog’s bath! Make sure the water is a comfortable temperature, and have fun!

Of course, you’ll want to make sure you avoid getting soap in your dog’s eyes! Give your puppy a little massage while you lather, if you like, then rinse the cleanser thoroughly. 

Brushing

Next, brush your goldendoodle and dry her thoroughly. This is critical to the goldendoodle grooming process! Attempting to use clippers on a dog with mats or tangles can pull her hair and cause a great deal of pain – you may even injure your dog. Use a blow dryer or a quick-dry towel to remove water from your pup’s coat, then use a comb and slicker brush to remove all mats and tangles. 

Pro Tip: We Love Doodles’ Deshedding and Waterless Shampoos are formulated specifically for Doodle coats — gentle on the skin but effective on curls.

Goldendoodle Grooming Kit Essentials

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Dog Deodorizer, Cologne & Perfume (Lavender)
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Dog Grooming Scissors
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Slicker Brush for Dogs Large
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Slicker Brush for Dogs Small
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How Often Should Goldendoodles Be Groomed?

It’s recommended that you brush your Goldendoodle every day or every other day to prevent matting.  You should cut your Goldendoodle's hair every 6 – 12 weeks depending on when it starts to get tangles.

For curlier coats (like F1B or F1BB), brushing several times weekly and trims every 4–6 weeks can help prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.

Goldendoodle Haircuts & Grooming Styles

Here are some of the most popular Goldendoodle grooming styles:

Image Style Description
Teddy Bear Cut Goldendoodle Teddy Bear Cut Rounded face, fluffy body, the classic Goldendoodle look
Lamb Cut Goldendoodle Lamb Cut Short body with longer legs, easy to maintain
Puppy Cut Goldendoodle Puppy Cut 1–2 inch uniform length; simple and cute
Kennel Cut Goldendoodle Kennel Cut Very short; perfect for hot climates or easy maintenance
Long Wavy Trim Goldendoodle Long/Wavy Trim Keeps natural curls soft and full for a plush look

Common Goldendoodle Grooming Problems

Without consistent care, Goldendoodles can face coat or skin issues:

  1. Mats and tangles (especially behind ears or legs)
  2. Itchy, dry skin from harsh shampoos or over washing
  3. Tear stains around the eyes
  4. Ear infections from trapped moisture
  5. Shedding (especially F1s or F2s with more Retriever genes)

Extra Info: Cost and Maintenance

Owning a Goldendoodle can be an investment. The breed typically costs $1,500–$3,500 depending on generation, color, and breeder reputation. Monthly grooming expenses average $50–$100, depending on coat length and professional grooming frequency.

Conclusion

If you’re new to goldendoodle grooming, the process may take a while. The tools and the wiggly dog can be intimidating, and you (and your dog) may be hesitant to begin the process.

Don’t worry! Goldendoodle grooming may take a little time in the beginning, but as you get comfortable with it, you’ll complete the steps in no time at all! In fact, we think you’ll find that the process is fun, and it provides a great opportunity to spend time with your dog. Of course, it doesn’t help that you’ll save a lot of money in the process!

Explore more breed-specific grooming tips and product recommendations in our Doodle Dog Grooming Guide Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most popular haircut for a Goldendoodle is the "Teddy Bear Cut," which features a rounded face trim with a short, even coat across the body, giving the dog a cuddly, teddy-like appearance; this style is considered one of the top choices due to its cute look and manageable maintenance level.

By keeping up with brushing, bathing, and trimming your goldendoodle on a regular basis, you can help them look their best. Your doodle will look well-maintained and healthy when you groom their coat often, and your doodle can show off different types of haircuts if you choose, too.

Keep your Goldendoodle smelling fresh by brushing regularly and bathing every 4–6 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo. Between baths, use a dog-safe cologne or perfume to neutralize odors — never human sprays. Try our We Love Doodles Dog Cologne for a light, clean scent that’s safe for sensitive coats.

After bathing, gently towel your Goldendoodle by pressing out the water from head to tail. Then use a low-heat blow dryer while brushing to keep the coat soft and tangle-free.