Clarewood Labradoodles

1. Are Labradoodles Non Shedding?
2. Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?
3. How often do I need to groom my Labradoodle?
4. When should my new puppy go to the groomer?
5. What are the best brushes to use on my Labradoodle?

1. Are Labradoodles Non Shedding?

Technically there is no such thing as a non shedding coat, even in Labradoodles.  However, there are some breeds that will not shed and leave hair around the house or on your clothes.  Poodles are an example of this.  Whilst they do lose hair, it is more like human hair in that they only loose a few hairs at a time.  This hair generally due to the curly nature of the coat gets caught up in the other hairs and comes out when brushed. 

Labradoodles can be the same.  But you do need to be wary.  You have a substantially higher risk of a shedding dog, if it is a F1 (first cross) or flat coated dog.  Ethical breeders who have spent years developing their lines, and consulting with the DNA results of their breeding stock, have managed to eliminate the shedding of the Labrador lines.  Generally, a multi generational labradoodle from an experienced breeder will shed hair in the way a Poodle does.

Are breeders lying when they say their dogs don’t shed?

From a breeder’s perspective when we are writing an advertisement for our puppies, to qualify the minimal shedding, so that the lay person understands the dog will not drop hair in the house, is very difficult.  When I am speaking to perspective breeders about our Labradoodles, I do call them non shedding, but during our conversation, I always clarify that with an explanation.

 

 

2. Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?

Yes they are.  The reason being is that a lot of people are allergic to the dander of dogs and cats.  Dander is basically dead skin cells that we all shed.  When a dog sheds hair around the house or on your clothing, there will be dander attached to that.  So whilst it is still possible to have an allergic reaction to a Labradoodle, it will be much more unlikely compared to a shedding breed of dog.  It is also important to remember that some people are allergic to the saliva and or urine of dogs.  If you are a highly allergic person, who would dearly love a dog but you are unsure if a Labradoodle would suit you, I suggest you speak with your trusted breeder and visit with the dogs a few times before making a final decision.

3. How often do I need to groom my Labradoodle?

Your Labradoodle should visit the groomer for a complete bath, blow-dry and clip every 6-8 weeks depending on how long or short you like their coat.  Labradoodle hair grows constantly and doesn’t fall out, so to avoid painful mats, you must be dedicated to a routine.  If you keep your Labradoodles coat relatively short, your home grooming sessions will be much easier and using a slick brush a few times a week should be all that is needed.  If you prefer your Labradoodle with a long coat, you will need to allow around 60 minutes a fortnight to ensure that the coat is knot free right down to the skin.  You will need to first slicker brush the top coat, and then carefully comb through down to the skin.  Remember knots hurt when you pull on them!

If your dog is very active and swims in creeks and rivers, or runs through bush and paddocks, you will need to add in an extra wash between grooms and ensure that all debris is out of their coats, with a quality brushing session.  Don’t brush the coat wet as it is quite elastic and it can promote matting.  If these are the kinds of activities you regularly do with your Labradoodle, I would recommend keeping their coat on the shorter side.  Don’t hesitate to ask your groomer for tips if you are not sure about keeping your dogs coat free from matting between grooms.

Important to Note**

** If when you take your dog to your groomer, he or she is matted the groomer will have no option but to shave your dog close to the skin. This is because it is extremely painful for the dog to be de-matted.

** If your dog frequents areas with grass seeds, I highly recommend clipping their feet right out during the summer and autumn months.  Grass seeds easily get trapped between toes and work their way into the skin, causing painful injuries.

When should my new puppy go to the groomer?

We suggest to our families that as soon as your puppy has completed the wait period after his or her vaccination schedule to take them to the groomer for a socialisation visit.  During this visit your pup will most likely have a bath, blow dry and light trim around their sanitary area.  This is important for your puppy to realise that it is safe and not a scary place to be.  It is a good idea while you are waiting to pick your puppy up, to be asking for recommendations for a groomer close to you.  Preferably from other Labradoodle owners, once you have decided on your groomer book your puppy in for when your puppy turns 16 weeks old.  Some groomers have very tight schedules and booking ahead is a must.

I highly recommend using home brushing as a calm bonding experience with your puppy each evening when you get home.  While you are sitting watching tv with your pup resting on your lap, start small sessions of gentle grooming.  Its truly a lovely way to end the day with your pup.

What are the best brushes to use on my Labradoodle?

A slicker brush is a must with your Labradoodle.  The slicker brush is much more effective when there are knots over a pin brush for example.

A metal toothed comb is very helpful to separate the coat while you are slicker brushing and then to ensure that the coat closest to the skin is also knot free.

You may think a commercial hair dryer is an extravagance, but seriously if you have dogs like mine that frequently play outside in wet paddocks etc, it’s a dream come true!  They do not have to cost a fortune for home use but be aware that some of the cheap ones are extremely noisy and your pooch wont appreciate that!  Ensure you do not have the temperature set on hot, warm or neutral temperatures settings are best because dogs have limited ways to regulate their body temperature. You do not want to distress your dog and have grooming become a negative experience.