Double Doodle Grooming: Coat Care

Meta Description: Complete Double Doodle coat care guide from professional groomers. Learn how to identify, brush, bathe, and maintain your Double Doodle’s unique coat type.

Target Keywords: double doodle coat care, double doodle grooming, double doodle coat types, how to groom double doodle, double doodle brushing tips

Double Doodles are the wildcards of the doodle world. Cross a Goldendoodle with a Labradoodle—or any combination of two doodle breeds—and you get one of the most unpredictable coats in dogdom.

Why? Because you’re mixing genetics that are already mixed. Both parent breeds are hybrids themselves. The result is coat roulette.

At WoofSpark, we’ve groomed Double Doodles with loose waves, tight curls, and everything in between—sometimes in the same litter. This guide breaks down what you’re dealing with and how to keep that coat healthy, mat-free, and gorgeous.

What Exactly is a Double Doodle?

A Double Doodle is typically a cross between:
– Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle) and Labradoodle (Labrador x Poodle)
– Or any combination of two doodle breeds

This means your Double Doodle has genetics from:
– Poodle (doubled up—both parents are part Poodle)
– Golden Retriever
– Labrador Retriever

That Poodle influence is strong. Most Double Doodles inherit the continuously growing, low-shedding coat that makes doodles popular. But the specific texture, density, and curl pattern? That’s where things get interesting.

Why Double Doodle Coats Are So Variable

The Genetic Mix

Every doodle coat is unpredictable. With Double Doodles, you’re stacking unpredictability on unpredictability.

First generation doodles (Goldendoodle or Labradoodle) already have variable coats. Each puppy can inherit different combinations of Poodle and Retriever coat traits.

Double Doodles combine two of these variable mixes. The result:
– Siblings from the same litter can look completely different
– Some inherit mostly Poodle traits (tight curls, no shedding)
– Some lean toward Retriever traits (wavy or straighter, more shedding)
– Most land somewhere in between

The practical upshot: You can’t predict your Double Doodle’s adult coat until it actually develops. Puppies often have softer, different-textured coats that change between 6-12 months.

The Coat Transition Period

Many Double Doodle owners are caught off guard when their puppy’s coat changes.

What happens:
– Puppy coat is often softer and easier to manage
– Adult coat emerges around 6-12 months
– New coat may be denser, curlier, or more prone to matting
– Matting often increases dramatically during transition

What to do:
– Start consistent brushing habits early
– Increase frequency during the transition period
– Don’t assume a “easy” puppy coat means an easy adult coat
– Book more frequent professional grooms during this phase

Identifying Your Double Doodle’s Coat Type

After grooming thousands of doodles, we classify coats into three main types. Your Double Doodle will fit one of these—or land somewhere between.

Wool Coat (Tight Curls)

How to identify:
– Dense, springy curls throughout the coat
– Hair feels thick and textured
– When wet, forms tight ringlets
– Looks most Poodle-like

Shedding: Minimal to none

Maintenance level: Highest. This coat mats fastest.

Brushing required: Daily. No exceptions.

Professional grooming: Every 4-6 weeks

Common in: Double Doodles with strong Poodle genetics from both parent breeds

Fleece Coat (Soft Waves)

How to identify:
– Soft, flowing waves throughout
– Silky texture when touched
– When wet, forms loose waves as it dries
– The classic “doodle look”

Shedding: Low to moderate

Maintenance level: Medium. More forgiving than wool, but still needs attention.

Brushing required: Every 2-3 days (daily is better)

Professional grooming: Every 6-8 weeks

Common in: Most Double Doodles fall into this category

Hair Coat (Mostly Straight)

How to identify:
– Straighter texture with possible slight wave
– May feel coarser than fleece
– Possible undercoat present
– Resembles Retriever parent breeds more

Shedding: Moderate to high

Maintenance level: Lower for matting, but requires shed management

Brushing required: 2-3 times weekly

Professional grooming: Every 8-10 weeks

Common in: Double Doodles with stronger Retriever genetics

The Combination Coat Reality

Here’s something breed guides rarely mention: many Double Doodles don’t have one consistent coat type.

We regularly see Double Doodles with:
– Curlier coat on the body, wavy on the legs
– Fleece texture overall with woolly patches
– Straight topcoat with curly undercoat
– Different textures in different colour patches

What this means for you: Check each area of your dog’s coat. The ears might mat faster than the body. The armpits might need daily attention while the back can go longer. Adapt your routine to your specific dog.

Quick Coat Test

Not sure which type you have?

The Wet Test:
Get your Double Doodle wet and watch the coat dry:
– Springs into tight ringlets → Wool coat
– Forms loose, flowing waves → Fleece coat
– Hangs relatively straight → Hair coat

The Feel Test:
Run your fingers through the dry coat:
– Dense and springy → Wool
– Soft and silky → Fleece
– Coarser, possibly layered → Hair

Daily Care Routine by Coat Type

For Wool Coats (Daily Brushing)

Time required: 15-25 minutes

Daily routine:
1. Mist lightly with detangling spray
2. Line brush entire body, working from skin outward
3. Pay extra attention to friction zones (behind ears, armpits, under collar)
4. Check with metal comb—if it catches anywhere, brush more
5. Quick visual check for debris, mats, or skin issues

Weekly additions:
– More thorough full-body session (30-40 minutes)
– Ear check and cleaning if needed
– Eye area wipe

Skip a day? Don’t. Wool coats can mat within 2-3 days without brushing.

For Fleece Coats (Every 2-3 Days)

Time required: 15-20 minutes per session

Every 2-3 days:
1. Light mist with detangling spray
2. Line brush entire body
3. Focus on trouble spots
4. Verify with metal comb

Weekly:
– Thorough full-body session (25-35 minutes)
– Check friction zones more carefully
– Ear and eye area maintenance

Can you skip more than 3 days? Not recommended. Fleece coats are forgiving but not bulletproof. A week without brushing often means mats.

For Hair Coats (2-3 Times Weekly)

Time required: 15-20 minutes per session

2-3 times weekly:
1. Start with undercoat rake if your dog has an undercoat
2. Follow with slicker brush
3. Pay attention to feathering areas (legs, chest, tail)
4. Check with comb

Weekly:
– Full brush session
– Shed management during heavy shedding periods
– Skin check under the coat

During coat blowout seasons: Increase to every other day and add deshedding sessions.

Essential Grooming Tools

Must-Have for Every Double Doodle

Slicker Brush
Your most important tool. Choose one with flexible pins appropriate for your dog’s coat type:
– Wool coats: Firmer pins that reach through dense curls
– Fleece coats: Medium flexibility
– Hair coats: More flexible pins to avoid scratching

For larger Double Doodles, invest in a larger brush. A tiny brush on a big dog means tedious, incomplete grooming.

Metal Comb (Greyhound Style)
Your quality control. After brushing, run this through the coat. If it glides through without catching, you’re done. If it snags, you missed something.

Detangling Spray
Never brush a dry doodle coat. Detangling spray adds slip, reduces static, protects the hair shaft, and makes brushing more comfortable for your dog.

Dematting Tool
For working through tangles before they become solid mats. Use gently—the goal is to separate fibres, not rip through.

Additional Tools by Coat Type

For Wool Coats:
– Pin brush for finishing
– Mat splitter for stubborn tangles

For Fleece Coats:
– Same basics usually suffice

For Hair Coats with Undercoat:
– Undercoat rake
– Deshedding tool for seasonal blowouts

For All Coats:
– Rounded-tip scissors for trimming around eyes, paws, and sanitary areas
– Ear cleaning solution and cotton balls
– Nail clippers or grinder

The Proper Brushing Technique

Surface brushing is the mistake we see most often. Owners glide a brush over the top of the coat, see it pass through smoothly, and assume they’re finished. Meanwhile, mats are forming at skin level.

Line Brushing Method

This is how professional groomers actually brush a doodle coat.

Step 1: Prepare
– Mist the section you’re about to brush with detangling spray
– Don’t soak—just a light mist

Step 2: Part the coat
– Use your free hand to hold the coat above where you’re brushing
– Create a horizontal “line” exposing a section of coat down to the skin

Step 3: Brush from skin to tip
– Start at the skin, not the surface
– Brush small sections outward
– You’re brushing one “line” at a time

Step 4: Move systematically
– Drop the held coat and part the next section above it
– Repeat the process, working up the body
– Cover the entire dog this way

Step 5: Verify with comb
– Run a metal comb through each brushed area
– If it catches, you missed something—go back with the slicker brush
– No shortcuts here

Why This Works

Surface brushing only addresses the outer layer. On a doodle coat, mats form closest to the skin where friction, moisture, and shed hair collect. Line brushing reaches these problem zones.

How Long Should Brushing Take?

Double Doodle Size	Quick Maintenance	Thorough Session	After Swimming/Bathing
Mini/Small	10-15 minutes	20-30 minutes	+15 minutes
Medium	15-20 minutes	30-40 minutes	+20 minutes
Standard/Large	20-25 minutes	40-50 minutes	+25 minutes

If you’re finishing in 5 minutes, you’re not brushing thoroughly enough.

The Trouble Spots: Where Mats Hide

Every doodle has predictable matting zones. Check these areas first and more often.

High-Priority Zones (Check Every Session)

Behind the Ears
Fine hair that tangles quickly. Hidden by the ear flap—easy to forget, first to mat.

Armpits
The #1 matting spot on any doodle. The friction from walking creates mats even on well-maintained dogs. Part the front legs and look—you’ll often find mats here when the rest of the coat is fine.

Under Collar and Harness
Remove the collar before brushing. Friction from walking creates mats in these zones daily. If you use a harness, check where all straps contact the coat.

Groin and Inner Thighs
Another friction zone. Part the back legs and check. These mats hide well.

Secondary Zones (Check Weekly)

Chest and Belly
Soft hair that tangles easily, especially on dogs who lie on hard floors or carpet.

The “Pants” (Back Legs)
Those fluffy back legs look adorable but mat readily. Don’t skip them.

Tail
Especially if your Double Doodle has a plume tail. Can mat without attention.

Beard and Muzzle
If your dog has facial furnishings, food, water, and drool collect here. Mat risk plus odour if not cleaned.

Bathing Your Double Doodle

The Pre-Bath Rule (Non-Negotiable)

Always brush before bathing.

This is critical. Wet mats tighten. Water acts like glue, making mats nearly impossible to remove without cutting. If you bathe a matted dog, you’re guaranteeing either a shave-down or a painful dematting session.

If you find mats while preparing to bathe:
– Work them out first
– Or call your groomer before the bath

Bathing Steps

1. Thorough brush and comb
Remove all tangles before water touches the coat. Metal comb should glide through everywhere.

2. Wet the coat completely
Double Doodle coats are dense. It takes longer than you’d expect to saturate fully. Don’t rush—work water through to the skin.

3. Apply shampoo
Use a quality dog shampoo diluted according to directions. Work through the entire coat including legs, belly, chest, and beard.

4. Rinse completely
Residue causes itching, dullness, and skin irritation. Rinse longer than you think necessary.

5. Condition (recommended)
Conditioner makes post-bath brushing easier and adds softness. Especially helpful for denser coats.

6. Final rinse
Until water runs completely clear.

Drying: The Step Most Owners Skip

Never air dry a Double Doodle.

Their dense coat stays damp for hours—sometimes an entire day. This creates perfect conditions for:
– Hot spots and skin infections
– That lingering “wet dog” smell
– Mats forming as the coat dries tangled

Best option: High-velocity dryer (what professionals use). Blasts water out, separates the coat, and speeds drying significantly.

Home option: Regular blow dryer on cool or low heat setting. Keep it moving to avoid heat damage. This takes significantly longer than you’d expect on a doodle coat.

Essential: Brush while drying. This prevents tangles from forming as the coat dries and removes loose hair.

Bathing Frequency

Coat Type	Typical Frequency
Wool	Every 4-6 weeks
Fleece	Every 4-6 weeks
Hair	Every 6-8 weeks (or as needed)

Adjust based on:
– Activity level and dirt exposure
– Swimming frequency
– Skin condition
– Odour

Over-bathing strips natural oils and can cause dry, dull coats. Under-bathing leads to buildup, odour, and skin issues. Find your dog’s balance.

Common Double Doodle Coat Problems

Matting

The most common issue by far.

Why it happens:
– Infrequent brushing (the #1 cause)
– Surface-only brushing (missing the base layer)
– Moisture without proper drying (swimming, rain, baths)
– Friction from collars, harnesses, lying down
– Coat transition from puppy to adult
– Seasonal coat changes

Prevention:
– Brush properly using line brushing technique
– Check trouble spots every session
– Dry completely after getting wet
– Remove collar and harness during brushing
– Increase frequency during coat changes

When you find mats:
– Small tangles: Spray with detangler, hold mat at base (protecting skin), gently work through with slicker brush
– Larger mats: Use mat splitter to separate into smaller sections, then brush out
– Severe matting: See a professional. Attempting to brush out painful mats causes suffering—shaving is often the kindest option.

The “Pelted” Coat

When matting gets severe, individual mats can grow together into a solid layer of felt covering large areas of the body. This is called pelting.

Signs:
– Can’t get fingers through to skin
– Coat feels like a solid mass
– Lifting the “fur” pulls skin underneath

What to do:
– Don’t attempt to brush this out at home
– Don’t bathe (water makes it worse)
– See a professional groomer immediately
– Humanely shaving is often the only option

Prevention:
– Regular brushing prevents this entirely
– If you fall behind, get professional help before it pelts

Seasonal Coat Changes

Double Doodles with any undercoat may experience seasonal shedding or “coat blowout”—typically in spring and autumn.

Signs:
– More loose hair than usual
– Tufts of fur coming out
– Coat feels thicker or different

What to do:
– Increase brushing frequency
– Add deshedding sessions with appropriate tools
– Consider professional deshedding treatment
– Don’t panic—it’s temporary

Dull or Dry Coat

Common causes:
– Poor nutrition
– Over-bathing
– Low-quality grooming products
– Underlying health issues
– Not rinsing shampoo completely

Solutions:
– Add omega-3 fatty acid supplements to diet
– Use moisturising, quality shampoo and conditioner
– Reduce bathing frequency if overdoing it
– See your vet if issues persist despite changes

Skin Issues Under the Coat

Dense doodle coats can hide skin problems until they become serious.

Watch for:
– Hot spots (red, moist, irritated patches)
– Excessive scratching
– Flaky skin or dandruff
– Unusual odour
– Hair loss in patches

Prevention:
– Check skin during brushing
– Keep coat clean and dry
– Don’t let them stay wet
– Book vet appointment for persistent issues

Professional Grooming Schedule

Recommended Frequency

Coat Type	Frequency
Wool	Every 4-6 weeks
Fleece	Every 6-8 weeks
Hair	Every 8-10 weeks

Adjust based on:
– Home brushing consistency
– Coat condition between visits
– Desired style length
– Season

What Happens at a Professional Groom

A full Double Doodle groom typically includes:
– Bath with appropriate shampoo and conditioner
– High-velocity blow dry
– Full brush and demat
– Haircut to your preferred style
– Face, feet, and sanitary trim
– Ear cleaning
– Nail trim
– Finishing cologne

Time required: 2-3 hours depending on coat condition, style, and dog size. Double Doodles with matting or longer styles take longer.

Talking to Your Groomer

Help your groomer help you. Share:
– Your brushing routine and frequency
– Areas that mat fastest
– Any skin sensitivities or allergies
– Your lifestyle (active, swimming often, etc.)
– Your realistic brushing commitment

Be honest: If you can’t commit to frequent brushing, say so. Your groomer can suggest styles that work with your actual routine rather than an ideal one.

Seasonal Considerations (Australian Climate)

Summer (December – February)

Challenges:
– Heat stress under dense coat
– Swimming season (wet coat management)
– Beach visits (salt and sand)
– Hot spots from humidity

What to do:
– Book a summer clip (shorter is cooler)
– Rinse thoroughly after swimming—every time
– Fresh water rinse after salt water
– Dry completely after swimming
– Check for grass seeds in paws and ears
– Watch for hot spots
– Provide shade and water constantly
– Exercise in early morning or evening only

Autumn (March – May)

Challenges:
– Coat starts thickening
– Leaves and debris stick to coat
– Grass seeds still present

What to do:
– Good time to let coat grow slightly
– Increase brushing as coat thickens
– Continue checking for debris after walks
– Book groom before coat gets too thick

Winter (June – August)

Challenges:
– Fuller coat tangles more easily
– Wet weather creates muddy dogs
– Owners often assume less grooming needed

What to do:
– Maintain brushing frequency (winter coats mat too)
– Dry thoroughly after wet walks
– Consider a belly clip for mud management
– Don’t skip professional grooms
– Check for burrs and debris from outdoor adventures

Spring (September – November)

Challenges:
– Winter coat may blow out
– Grass seeds everywhere
– Allergy season for some dogs

What to do:
– Increase brushing frequency
– Check thoroughly for grass seeds after every walk
– Book pre-summer groom
– Watch for allergy-related skin issues
– Consider deshedding treatment if heavy shedding

Popular Double Doodle Styles

The Teddy Bear Cut

What it looks like:
– Medium length all over (1-2 inches)
– Round, full face
– Fluffy ears
– Classic “doodle look”

Maintenance: High. Requires consistent home brushing to prevent matting.

Best for: Owners committed to regular brushing who love the fluffy look.

The Puppy Cut

What it looks like:
– Shorter, even length all over (1/2 to 1 inch)
– Clean face with some fluff
– Shorter than teddy bear, same shape

Maintenance: Moderate. Still needs brushing but more forgiving.

Best for: Active dogs, busy owners, warmer weather.

The Lamb Clip

What it looks like:
– Body shorter
– Legs left longer
– Poodle-inspired but less formal

Maintenance: Moderate. Legs need regular attention.

Best for: Active Double Doodles who need a practical but stylish cut.

The Short Clip

What it looks like:
– Short all over (under 1/2 inch)
– Face may be slightly longer or also short

Maintenance: Low. Minimal home brushing needed.

Best for: Owners who struggle to keep up with brushing, very active dogs, hot climates.

Choosing Your Style

Be honest about your routine. There’s no shame in keeping your Double Doodle short. A well-maintained short coat is far better than a neglected long coat.

Questions to ask yourself:
– How often will I realistically brush?
– Does my dog swim often?
– Is my dog highly active outdoors?
– Do I have time for 20+ minute grooming sessions regularly?

If the answer is “not often enough for a teddy bear cut,” go shorter. Your dog will be more comfortable, and you’ll avoid mat-related drama.

Products We Recommend

Based on what works in our salon:

For Brushing:
– Large slicker brush designed for curly coats
– Metal greyhound comb
– Professional detangling spray

For Bathing:
– Sensitive skin shampoo
– Coat conditioning treatment

For Maintenance:
– Daily freshening cologne
– Skin & Coat Omega supplement

The Bottom Line

Double Doodles are wonderful dogs with unpredictable, often demanding coats. The mixed genetics mean no two are quite alike—and neither are their grooming needs.

Success requires:
1. Identifying your specific dog’s coat type (and accepting it might vary across their body)
2. Building a brushing routine that matches your coat type’s needs
3. Using proper technique, not just surface brushing
4. Investing in quality tools
5. Drying thoroughly after swimming and baths
6. Maintaining a relationship with a professional groomer
7. Being honest about what you can maintain

The equation is simple:
– Regular proper brushing + professional maintenance = gorgeous, healthy coat
– Skipped or surface brushing + delayed appointments = mats, shave-downs, and frustration

If you commit to the care, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning, mat-free Double Doodle. If you can’t commit to frequent brushing, keep them in a shorter clip that works with your real life.

Your Double Doodle’s coat is unique. Learn it, care for it properly, and it will reward you with years of fluffy, healthy beauty.

Need Professional Grooming for Your Double Doodle?

Our team at WoofSpark specialises in Doodle breeds. We understand the unique challenges of Double Doodle coats and can help you find the right care routine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my Double Doodle?

It depends on coat type. Wool (curly) coats need daily brushing. Fleece (wavy) coats need brushing every 2-3 days. Hair (straighter) coats need 2-3 times weekly. When in doubt, brush more often—you can’t over-brush a doodle.

Why does my Double Doodle mat so quickly?

Doodle coats mat because the continuously growing hair tangles with itself and with shed undercoat. Friction zones (armpits, behind ears, under collar) mat fastest. If mats form quickly despite regular brushing, you may be surface brushing rather than reaching the skin with line brushing technique.

Can I shave my Double Doodle in summer?

Yes, and many owners do. A short summer clip keeps your dog cooler and reduces grooming demands. The coat grows back. If you’re struggling to maintain a longer coat, going shorter isn’t failure—it’s practical.

How do I know if my Double Doodle has an undercoat?

Part the coat and look at the hair structure. If you see a softer, fluffier layer beneath a coarser outer layer, that’s undercoat. Double Doodles with more Retriever genetics often have undercoat. Those with more Poodle genetics typically don’t.

My puppy’s coat is easy—will it stay that way?

Probably not. Most doodle puppies have softer, more manageable coats that change between 6-12 months. The adult coat is usually denser and more prone to matting. Start good brushing habits early so you’re ready for the transition.

How much does professional Double Doodle grooming cost?

Pricing varies by location, dog size, and coat condition. Expect to pay more than smaller breeds due to coat density and time required. Severely matted dogs typically cost more due to extra work. Ask your groomer for a quote based on your specific dog.

Free Download: The Complete Doodle Grooming Checklist — A printable guide to keep your doodle’s coat mat-free between professional grooms.

Have questions about your Double Doodle’s coat? Reach out—we love helping fellow doodle owners figure out what works for their unique pups.

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