Labradoodle Dog Grooming Guide

Labradoodles are friendly, smart, and full of personality — a perfect mix of the gentle Labrador Retriever and the intelligent Poodle. Known for their playful nature and allergy-friendly coats, these dogs have become one of the most popular Doodle breeds. In this complete guide, you’ll learn all about Labradoodle grooming, coat care, size, temperament, haircut styles, and maintenance tips — plus recommended grooming tools to keep your Doodle happy and healthy year-round.

Labradoodle Facts & Characteristics

Labradoodles were first bred in Australia in the late 1980s to create a service dog with the Labrador’s friendly temperament and the Poodle’s low-shedding coat. Their affectionate and outgoing personality makes them wonderful family companions and therapy dogs.

Lifespan: The average Labradoodle life expectancy ranges from 12 to 15 years, depending on size and genetics.

Labradoodle Generations & Coat Types

Just like Goldendoodles, Labradoodles come in different generations — which affect coat type and shedding levels.

Generation	Parentage	Coat Type	Shedding Level	Notes
F1	Labrador Retriever × Poodle	Wavy	Moderate	Classic Labradoodle cross
F1B	F1 Labradoodle × Poodle	Curly or Wavy	Low	More hypoallergenic
F1BB	F1B Labradoodle × Poodle	Curly	Very Low	Ideal for allergy sufferers
F2 / F2B	Labradoodle × Labradoodle	Varies	Low–Moderate	Mix of coat types

Coat Types:

Curly: Dense and Poodle-like; best for allergy sufferers.
Wavy: Most common, with a soft, flowing texture.
Straight: Easier to maintain but tends to shed more.

Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?

Labradoodles are considered low-shedding and allergy-friendly, but no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. F1B and F1BB generations are the best choices for families with mild allergies.

Labradoodle Size Chart

Labradoodles come in several sizes depending on their Poodle parent.

Type	Height (inches)	Weight (lbs)	Description
Mini Labradoodle	14–17 in	15–30 lbs	Small and playful, great for apartments
Medium Labradoodle	18–21 in	30–50 lbs	Ideal family size and energy balance
Standard Labradoodle	22–25 in	50–80 lbs	Active and social, loves outdoor play

💡 Tip: Larger Labradoodles may need more frequent brushing and bathing due to thicker coats

Labradoodle Coat Colors

Labradoodles come in a range of shades and patterns — from classic cream to rare merle.

Image	Color	Description
	Cream / Apricot	The most common Labradoodle color
	Red	Rich and warm, often fades slightly with age
	Chocolate / Brown	Deep tone that can lighten over time
	Black	Elegant and glossy
	Parti or Merle	Two-tone or patterned coat, considered rare

📊 A Labradoodle Color Chart with real-life coat examples will be added soon.

Bathing

The best way to start Labradoodle grooming is by bathing your dog. Washing with a cleanser and conditioner makes it simpler to brush which because it will remove tangles and mats. If you’ve never given your dog a bath, it’s very simple. Splash some water on your dog and rub in the shampoo and conditioner like you would for a normal shower! Try to stay away from your dog’s eyes as they are normally a sensitive area to clean. Next, rinse the shampoo off your Labradoodle with water and apply the hair conditioner. Lastly, rinse your pooch and dry them with a towel.

Brushing

Regular brushing keeps your Labradoodle’s coat clean, soft, and tangle-free. Brush 3–4 times a week using a slicker brush and a detangling spray — daily if your dog has a curlier coat.

💡 Always brush before bathing or trimming. Wet mats are harder to untangle and can cause discomfort, and tangled fur can jam grooming scissors or clippers. Start by gently working through your dog’s coat with a slicker brush to loosen mats, then switch to a metal comb for detail work. Once most tangles are removed, your Labradoodle will be ready for a clean trim or haircut.

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

Labradoodle Grooming Kit Essentials

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White We Love Doodles Dog Cologne and Perfume bottle with a lavender label and spray cap. A mint tag reads Made in USA. Lavender stems and yellow calendula flowers sit at the base on a white background.

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Dog Deodorizer, Cologne & Perfume (Lavender)

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Dog Grooming Scissors

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A person brushes a shaggy dog with a blue slicker brush. The square pad and long bent metal pins are visible near the shoulder.

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Slicker Brush for Dogs Large

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A person uses a blue small slicker brush on a tan long haired dog. The bent pins are visible while grooming against a neutral beige background.

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Slicker Brush for Dogs Small

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How Often Should a Labradoodle Be Groomed?

Your Labradoodle should get a full professional grooming every 6–8 weeks, which includes a trim, ear cleaning, and nail clipping. For curly coats or active outdoor dogs, light touch-ups every 3–4 weeks keep them neat and mat-free.

Labradoodle Haircuts & Styles

Popular Labradoodle grooming styles include:

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

Labradoodle Puppies

Labradoodle puppies require gentle grooming early on to help them get used to brushes and bathing. Start brushing your puppy around 10–12 weeks old using a soft brush and mild shampoo to build positive grooming habits.

Labradoodle Rescue

Many wonderful Labradoodles are looking for second homes. Adopting from a Labradoodle rescue organization is a great way to find a loving companion while supporting responsible rehoming.

Organization	Location	Contact Information
IDOG Rescue	Houston, Texas	Email: rescue@idogdoodlerescue.org
Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR)	Reinholds, Pennsylvania	Phone: (717) 484-4799 Email: intake@dvgrr.org
Doodle Rescue Collective, Inc.	Warwick, Rhode Island	Email: rescue@doodlerescue.org
Doodle Dandy Rescue	Dallas, Texas	Must reside within approx. four-hour radius of DFW for adoption
Poodle & Pooch Rescue of Florida	DeLand, Florida	Contact via their website
Labs and More	San Diego Area, California	Contact via their website
Sugar Pine Doodles	Pioneer, California	Phone: 209-217-7116
NorCal Poodle Rescue	Northern California (Grass Valley)	Phone: (925) 322-0223
Carolina Poodle Rescue	Northern South Carolina	Email contact listed on their website

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle

Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles share Poodle heritage, but their personalities and coat textures differ slightly

Labradoodles are more energetic and outgoing.

Goldendoodles tend to be softer and more affectionate.
Both are loyal, smart, and excellent family pets — grooming needs are nearly identical.

Common Labradoodle Grooming Problems

Labradoodles can face a few coat and skin issues without proper maintenance:

Matting and tangles, especially in dense curly coats
Dry skin from harsh shampoos
Ear infections due to moisture
Tear stains or eye discharge
Shedding in straight-coat Labradoodles

Use detangling sprays and grooming wipes to keep your Doodle’s coat clean and comfortable.

Conclusion

On the off chance that this is your first time, Labradoodle grooming might seem incredibly troublesome since it will probably take you a few hours. Try not to stress! The procedure gets quicker once you have the correct tools and your Labradoodle becomes acclimated to grooming. Once you get good at grooming your dog, you can usually finish in just over an hour. Labradoodle grooming isn’t just fun for dog owners because you can create your own hairstyles, but you’ll also save money and gain valuable quality time with your dog.

Explore more breed-specific care guides in our Doodle Dog Grooming Guide Hub for expert grooming tips, tools, and tutorials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Labradoodle hypoallergenic? Are Labradoodle hypoallergenic?

Labradoodles are considered hypoallergenic for their low or non-shedding coats, but F1b Doodles (the result of a Labradoodle being bred back to purebred Poodle) are 75% Poodle, so are generally thought of as more suitable for those with allergies.

Why are Labradoodles bad? Why are Labradoodles bad?

Labradoodles aren't inherently bad dogs; rather, their negative perception stems from health problems caused by poor breeding practices, high exercise needs that can lead to destructive behavior, a predisposition to separation anxiety, and a strong need for consistent grooming. The "designer dog" trend led to overbreeding, exacerbating genetic issues from both parent breeds, while their high energy can be a challenge for unprepared owners.

How long do Labradoodles live? How long do Labradoodles live?

Labradoodles typically live for 12–15 years, though this can vary by size, with smaller Labradoodles often living longer than larger ones. Factors such as diet, exercise, routine vet care, and genetics play a significant role in their lifespan.

Do Labradoodles shed? Do Labradoodles shed?

Yes, Labradoodles can shed, but the amount of shedding depends on their coat type and genetics.