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Goldendoodles remain among the most popular and sought-after designer breeds, specifically selected for their blend of intelligence and low-shedding potential. As a cross between Golden Retriever and Poodle parents, these dogs often inherit an adorable, fluffy coat that mirrors the Poodle’s texture but carries the size and playfulness of a Retriever.
However, my years with my Standard Poodle, Angus, taught me that Poodle-influenced hair is far more than an aesthetic choice—it’s a functional commitment. For those considering adoption, it is vital to understand that the “teddy bear” look requires a structured maintenance protocol to prevent skin irritation and health complications. To properly care for a Goldendoodle, one must move beyond the role of a casual owner and become a well-informed researcher of their specific coat type.
If you are still exploring the diverse world of Doodle hybrids, you can find a wealth of information in our comprehensive Poodle Mix Guides, where we break down the traits of various crosses.
Grooming A Goldendoodle: Step by Step
Goldendoodles are known for their hypoallergenic and low shedding hair, but Goldendoodles need a great deal of grooming and upkeep. However, Ignoring regular grooming can lead to a tangled and matted coat.
So how do you groom a Goldendoodle?
- Prepare your workspace
- Give Your Goldendoodle A Sanitary Trim
- Pluck your Goldendoodle’s ears
- Bathe Your Goldendoodle Thoroughly
- Comb Once More and Trim Your Goldendoodle
- Brush Your Goldendoodle’s Hair
Grooming your Goldendoodle at home may seem a little intimidating, especially when attempting it for the first time. However, following these simple steps will help make grooming your Goldendoodle a breeze!
If you’re more of a visual person, consider viewing this video first to gain a better perspective on the Goldendoodle grooming process before you begin.
While a Goldendoodle’s curly or wavy hair can look stunning, without proper grooming, the coat can quickly become unmanageable. Read on to find specific grooming techniques you should be using to keep your Goldendoodle happy and clean.
1. Prepare your workspace
Since Goldendoodles are medium to large-sized dogs, trimming them on the kitchen counter, or ideally, a foldable dog grooming table tend to be the best options for your dog’s grooming session.
You should keep your Goldendoodle comfortable with blankets and towels, so they know they’re allowed to settle in and stay awhile. If your dog has to lay on a cold metal table, he will be miserable, so find a safe, secure spot to groom him properly.
I recommend the Flying Pig 38″ Medium Size Foldable Dog Pet Grooming Table. I like that this product is extremely well made and folds up to conserve space when not in use. To see more information and the current price, check it out on Amazon at the link above.
2. Brush Your Goldendoodle’s Hair
Keeping your Goldendoodle’s Hair brushed is one of the most important steps in the grooming process. Brushing prevents knots that may have to be cut out if they get too knotted up and tangled. Dogs cannot brush the tangles and the mats out of their hair, so they are depending on their owners to care for them.
Gathering the required Tools
Begin the brushing process by gathering the right tools for the job. You will need to get a brush that can properly brush out your dog’s hair. Having the right brush is essential to keeping your Goldendoodle looking its best and saving you valuable time down the road.
If you are looking for a great brush to purchase to groom your Goldendoodle, consider the YIRU Large Slicker Brush, found on Amazon. This brush is specifically designed for thicker hair found in your Goldendoodle’s coat.
Check out the article I wrote on the best hair brushes for Poodles. In it, you’ll find exactly what brush you should be using for your Poodle or Doodle to get professional grooming results from home.
Brushing Your Goldendoodle
Begin by brushing your dog by pushing the bristles down to the skin, and lifting up. By brushing this way, you can be sure no mats or knots are hiding in your dog’s hair. You’ll want to be able to see the skin when you gently brush to ensure you are brushing the whole length of their hair. Do not forget to brush their tail and armpits.
If you find a matted spot or a knot, it’s okay to cut it out. This can prevent the matting from growing worse. While cutting out the matted section of hair, make sure your Goldendoodle is calm, feels safe, and will be able to sit still long enough for you to successfully and safely cut the matted area out.
Brushing your Goldendoodle daily will help to prevent matting and knots from appearing and getting worse. If you only have time to thoroughly brush your Goldendoodle once or twice a week, make sure that while your dog is laying on the couch by you, that you are either brushing through their hair with your hands or a nearby brush.
TIP: Begin brushing your puppy’s hair regularly as soon as you adopt him into your family. This will help him get used to the grooming process and he may even learn to enjoy the experience
3. Give Your Goldendoodle A Sanitary Trim
Goldendoodles have curly or wavy hair (some Goldendoodles can have straight hair) inherited from their Poodle parent. The curly and wavy hair makes your dog prone to matting or even infections. Even if you are planning to let your Goldendoodle’s hair grow out, you should still give your dog a sanitary trim.
A proper sanitary trim for Goldendoodles should include trimming::
- The corner of the eyes
- The ears
- The pads of the feet
- The groin and anus
- The abdomin or underbelly area
Your Goldendoodle’s belly and the genital area should be trimmed or shaved clean. This will help keep your dog in a happy and clean state.
Ensure no hair is covering the inside of the ears as this can result in ear infections or other issues in your dog. Additionally, be sure to trim the hair surrounding the ears properly to prevent problems.
It’s important to remove hair around the eyes and on the pads of the feet as well. Excess hair around the eyes can result in eye irritation or infection down the road if not removed. Similarly, trimming the pad of the feet can reduce the risk of injury or painful sores.
When cutting out mats and knots, you should make sure your Goldendoodle is calm and feels safe. While you are shaving his sensitive areas, you will want to make sure you are being very careful and your Goldendoodle remains very still.
Watch this video to learn the correct way to give your Goldendoodle a sanitary trim:
4. Pluck your Goldendoodle’s Ears
Dogs can grow hair in their ears which traps moisture and can cause infections. When plucking their your dog’s ear hair, make sure that you do it before the bath. You do not want your dog’s hair to be wet while attempting to pluck it out. Plucking ear hair can be accomplished by simply grabbing the hair with your pointer and thumb finger. Be gentle, but pull fast and hard to get it out smoothly. Only pull out the inner ear hair.
If you are planning on bathing your Goldendoodle directly after plucking their ear hair, you will want to put dry cotton balls in their ear canals to prevent water from going in. Remove the cotton balls directly after bathing time is done.
5. Bathe Your Goldendoodle Thoroughly
Bath time can either be a relaxing bonding experience or a scary and horrible experience for your Goldendoodle. Make sure you take the time to show your Goldendoodle love and care before, during, and after bath time. This will ensure a better, more positive experience for both you and your pet.
Preparation
You will want to begin by making the necessary preparations for your dog’s bath. Being prepared will help things run smoother and cause less stress for both you and your dog.
You should gather these materials for your Goldendoodle’s bath:
- Dog shampoo/conditioner
- A rinsing cup
- A comb
- An ample supply of towels
- A blow dryer
Part of the preparation is prepping your pup for the experience. Make sure that you have followed the previous steps to make sure your pup is thoroughly groomed and ready for his bath. This will likely be a smoother bath experience if your pup has previously been brushed and groomed.
While preparing for bath time, try to promote a positive bonding experience for you and your dog. Make sure you are using a positive and excited tone throughout the bathing process. This will ensure your dog is excited and ready for bath time.
Bath Time
Now you are ready to wash that pup! Make sure while washing his hair to thoroughly wash out all the shampoo from the hair. Any leftover shampoo in a Goldendoodle’s hair can cause skin problems such as irritation or skin allergies.
Make sure you are maintaining that positive tone in your voice during bath time to remind your dog that everything is alright. The good news for you is that Goldendoodles come from parent breeds that both are at home in the water. Hopefully, your pup has inherited this trait and will enjoy bath time from day one.
Drying
If you want to use the blow dryer to help dry your dog’s hair faster, make sure the blow dryer is 12 to 18 inches from your dog’s body. You also want to adjust the heat setting to “warm” not “hot” or “high”. You do not want to accidentally burn your dog. Test the heat with your hand to ensure the dryer will not burn your dog.
Move the blow dryer in a quick motion across your dog’s body while your other hand is fluffing and combing through their hair. This will help prevent knots that the blow dryer may cause while also efficiently drying the hair. When completely dry, you can turn the blow dryer on cool to chill your dog’s coat.
TIP: When beginning the drying experience, drain the bath and keep your dog in the tub. You can then begin drying your Goldendoodle in the tub with a towel to prevent water from soaking onto the bathroom floor.
Once dry, you can now brush through your dog’s freshly bathed hair. Make sure you only brush their hair in the direction of the growth. While brushing through his hair, feel for any damp spots. You will need to thoroughly dry all damp spots to prevent any matting. Damp areas will quickly become matted and it will become difficult to brush out.
Do not let your dog dry naturally as he will get cold and uncomfortable. A negative drying experience can prevent him from wanting to bathe at all in the future.
If you choose to dry your Goldendoodle with a towel instead of a blow dryer, make sure you are not ruffling your dog’s hair. You do not want to rub with the towel as this can cause damage and knots in your dog’s hair. Instead, you should firmly pat the hair to dry him.
6. Comb Once More and Trim Your Goldendoodle
Once your Goldendoodle is completely dry, comb through his hair by again brushing from the bottom to the top and making sure the brush is going through all the hair.
After brushing them thoroughly, you should start trimming your dog’s hair, starting at the head. You should trim all of your dogs hair. Make sure that you are using proper dog grooming clippers to cut your dog’s hair to get them trimmed down and clean. Keeping your dog’s hair neatly trimmed will prevent matting and knots.
While you are already trimming your dog’s hair, you should groom your dog’s nails as well. Grinding the tips or simply clipping them off (not too close to the root) should be done regularly to prevent any accidental scratches your Goldendoodle may cause.
Check out this video to learn how to properly trim your Goldendoodle:
Caring For Different Goldendoodle Hair Types
As previously mentioned, Goldendoodles can come in three different hair types curly, wavy, or straight. Knowing how to properly care for your Goldendoodle’s hair type can make your life easier, and your dog’s life more enjoyable.
Curly Coat Types in Goldendoodles
The curly hair type mostly results from genes from the Goldendoodle’s Poodle parent. These curls in your dog’s hair could either be tight kinks or loose ringlets. A curly coat is a fairly common hair type in Goldendoodles.
Grooming a Goldendoodle with curly hair can be very demanding and needs constant care. Brushing your dog’s hair once a day is a minimum to keep them fully groomed and free of matting and knots.
Although this coat type is very demanding and will need to be thoroughly brushed at least once a day, curly hair is low shedding. This is a huge benefit and a must-have for many dog owners. If you require a non-shedding dog and you have the time and commitment to brush your dog at least once a day, a curly Goldendoodle is the right dog for you!
Wavy Coats Types in Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles with wavy hair are the most common. This hair type is often referred to as a wavy or shaggy coat. This is one of the easiest coats to care for and takes less work to keep looking nice and groomed.
If your dog has wavy hair, you need to groom him at least once a week. This is a lot less frequently than in Goldendoodles with curly coats. When you groom your Goldendoodle, ensure that you are properly brushing them as explained above. Due to the low frequency of grooming, you want to make sure that when you do brush your dog, you are fully brushing out all mats and knots.
Wavy-haired Goldendoodles are often very low-shedding dogs. Some may not even shed at all.
When deciding to adopt a dog into your family, it can be difficult to choose the right one. If you do not think you will be able to 100% commit to thoroughly brushing your dog each day, having a lower maintenance hair type like a wavy-haired Goldendoodle is the right dog for you!
Straight Coat Types in Goldendoodles
Straight-haired Goldendoodles are the most unique kind. These dogs get their straight coats from their Golden Retriever parent. Without a Goldendoodles typically curly or wavy hair, these dogs look very similar to Golden Retrievers and show little resemblance to their Poodle side.
One of the great things about straight hair is the extremely low maintenance required to keep them properly groomed. Straight-haired Goldendoodles only require minimal brushing, plan on brushing this dog thoroughly about once every two weeks.
Although these dogs are so easy to groom, you do not get the commonly sought-after “teddy bear look” that curly or wavy Goldendoodles have. On top of this, straight coats on Goldendoodles will mildly shed.
Common Mistakes in Goldendoodle Grooming
Even the most well-intentioned owners can fall into traps that make grooming more difficult for both the human and the dog. As a researcher of the “Poodle Brain,” I’ve found that many issues stem from a misunderstanding of how curly hair behaves under tension and moisture.
- Bathing a Matted Dog: This is perhaps the most frequent error. Many owners think a good soak will help loosen tangles. In reality, water causes the hair cuticles to swell and lock together, essentially “setting” the mats. Always ensure your Goldendoodle is 100% tangle-free before they touch the water.
- Surface Brushing Only: Because Goldendoodle coats are so dense, it’s easy to spend 20 minutes brushing the top layer while leaving a thick “pelt” of mats against the skin. I recommend the “line-brushing” technique—pulling the hair up and brushing small sections from the skin out. My Standard Poodle, Angus, was a prime example of why this matters; his thick black curls could hide a walnut-sized knot right against the skin that was invisible from the surface.
- Using the Wrong Tools: A standard human hairbrush or a cheap plastic comb won’t cut it. To maintain a Doodle coat, you need a high-quality slicker brush with firm pins and a metal “greyhound” comb to check your work. The AKC’s guide to grooming tools emphasizes that the right mechanical advantage prevents skin irritation.
- Forcing the Process: Goldendoodles are highly intelligent. If you force them into a grooming position without using a “Negotiation-Based” approach, you risk creating a “Cognitive Gap” where the dog views the brush as an enemy. Utilizing Fear Free techniques—like offering high-value rewards during paw handling—is essential for long-term cooperation.
When to Worry: Spotting Grooming-Related Health Issues
Grooming isn’t just about the “teddy bear” look; it’s a full-body health scan. While most sessions are routine, there are specific red flags that require a shift from home care to professional veterinary consultation.
- Persistent Ear Odor or Redness: Goldendoodles are notoriously prone to otitis externa due to their heavy, hairy ears. If you notice a “yeasty” smell, dark discharge, or if your dog winces when you touch their ears, it’s time to stop plucking and see a vet. The AVMA warns that chronic inflammation can lead to permanent thickening of the ear canal.
- Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis): If you find a patch of skin that is red, oozing, or missing hair, it is likely a hot spot. These often occur when moisture is trapped against the skin by a mat. According to PetMD’s research on hot spots, these can spread rapidly and often require antibiotics or a “Metabolic Reset” to calm the inflammatory response.
- Ear Hematomas: If your Goldendoodle is shaking their head violently after a bath or a clip, check the ear flaps for swelling. A hematoma (a pocket of blood between the skin and cartilage) can form from the trauma of excessive shaking. This is a medical emergency that often requires surgical drainage, as noted in the Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Lumps and Bumps: Thick Doodle hair is excellent at hiding new growths. Use your grooming sessions to perform a “palpation sweep.” Any new, firm, or rapidly changing lump should be mapped and checked by a professional. Early detection is a core pillar of the Independence Protocol for senior canine health.
- The “Hybrid Variety” Factor: Because Goldendoodles are a mix, their skin sensitivity can vary wildly depending on which parent they take after. To see how the Goldendoodle stacks up against other popular crosses in terms of maintenance and health, check out our guide to the 50 best Poodle mixes, which includes detailed pictures and coat descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I groom my Goldendoodle? The frequency of grooming depends heavily on your dog’s coat type. Goldendoodles with curly coats require daily brushing to prevent severe matting. Wavy-haired dogs generally need a thorough brushing once a week, while straight-haired Goldendoodles are lower maintenance and can typically go two weeks between sessions.
What tools do I need for at-home grooming? At a minimum, you should have a high-quality slicker brush (designed for thick or curly hair), dog-safe shampoo and conditioner, professional grooming clippers, a rinsing cup, and a blow dryer. A dedicated grooming table can also help keep your dog secure and at a comfortable height for you.
Why is a sanitary trim so important? A sanitary trim focuses on sensitive areas like the eyes, ears, paws, and groin. Keeping these areas clear of excess hair prevents irritation, reduces the risk of eye and ear infections, and ensures your dog stays clean and comfortable.
Should I pluck my Goldendoodle’s ear hair before or after the bath? Ear hair should always be plucked before the bath while the hair is dry. Plucking wet hair is difficult and can be uncomfortable for the dog. After plucking, place dry cotton balls in the ear canals to prevent water from entering during the bath.
Can I let my Goldendoodle air dry after a bath? It is not recommended to let a Goldendoodle air dry. Damp spots in curly or wavy hair quickly turn into difficult mats. Additionally, air drying can make your dog feel cold and uncomfortable, which may lead to a negative association with bath time.
What is the best way to brush out a knot? When you encounter a mat or knot, push the brush bristles down to the skin and lift upward. If a mat is too tight to brush out safely, it is better to carefully cut it out with grooming shears while the dog is calm to prevent the tangle from pulling on the skin.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Mastering the art of grooming a Goldendoodle at home is an essential skill for any owner of this popular designer breed. While their hypoallergenic coats are a significant draw, the unique mix of Poodle and Golden Retriever genetics creates a coat that demands consistent, researcher-level attention and the right techniques.
By establishing a routine that includes regular line-brushing, careful sanitary trims, and proper bathing practices, you ensure your dog remains healthy, comfortable, and free from the circulation issues caused by painful matting.
My own journey into understanding these complex coats began with my Standard Poodle, Angus, whose intelligence taught me that grooming is less of a chore and more of a “Negotiation-Based” partnership. Beyond the physical benefits, grooming serves as a powerful opportunity for bonding.
Approaching each session with patience and a positive tone transforms what could be a stressful task into a rewarding experience for both you and your pet. Whether your Goldendoodle has tight Poodle-like curls or a shaggy, wavy coat, your commitment to their upkeep will keep them looking their best and strengthen the lifelong partnership you share.
Medical & Veterinary Disclaimer: PoodleReport.com is an informational resource for Poodle owners and enthusiasts. We are not veterinarians. The content on this website is not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s medical condition, diet, or overall health.