A Labradoodle can look like a fluffy teddy bear one week and a tangled mop the next. This friendly Lab and Poodle mix is a common sight on Brooklyn sidewalks, from Prospect Park to Brooklyn Bridge Park, and its coat is the reason so many owners start searching for a groomer. Labradoodle grooming is not complicated, but it is regular. This guide covers coat types, brushing, popular haircuts, ear care, and what grooming costs at Brooklyn Pet Spa.
Understanding the Labradoodle Coat
No two Labradoodles are exactly alike, because the coat depends on which parent it favors. Most fall into one of three types:
- Wool coat: Tight, dense curls like a Poodle. Low shedding, but it tangles fast.
- Fleece coat: Soft, wavy, and silky. This is the classic Labradoodle look, and it mats easily if brushing slips.
- Hair coat: Straighter and closer to a Lab. It sheds more and is easier to keep tidy.
Many dogs are a mix of two types. Puppies also go through a coat change somewhere between six and twelve months, when the soft puppy fluff turns into the adult coat. That is when mats often appear overnight, so keep brushing consistent during those months. Labradoodles also come in standard, medium, and mini sizes, and size affects both grooming time and price.
Do Labradoodles Shed?
Quick answer: Many Labradoodles shed lightly, but low-shedding does not mean no hair. Loose hair often stays trapped in the curls and turns into mats instead of landing on your floor. Straighter coats shed more.
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Dander and saliva still cause reactions in some people, so spend time with the specific dog before you commit.
How to Brush a Labradoodle
Plan on brushing every other day, and daily if the coat is kept long. Skipping a week is how a small tangle becomes a mat.
Tools You Need
- Slicker brush: Works through the coat and lifts loose hair.
- Wide-toothed metal comb: Checks that you reached the skin.
- Detangling or conditioning spray: Cuts breakage and makes brushing more comfortable.
Line Brushing, Step by Step
- Part the coat with one hand so you can see the skin.
- Brush a small section from the skin outward.
- Run the comb through that section. If it snags, go back with the slicker.
- Move the part up an inch and repeat until the whole dog is done.
Pay extra attention to behind the ears, under the collar, the armpits, the belly, the back legs, and the base of the tail. Brushing only the top layer makes the coat look neat while mats grow underneath. Never bathe a matted dog, because water tightens mats, and never cut them out with scissors. Our guide on preventing mats in Brooklyn has more tips for in-between care.
Popular Labradoodle Haircuts
- Teddy bear cut: An even trim of about one to two inches with a rounded face. The most popular choice for a reason.
- Puppy cut: One length all over, simple to maintain and great for active dogs.
- Short summer clip: A close trim that works well in a humid New York summer or as a reset after a matted winter.
- Longer natural style: Beautiful, but it needs near-daily brushing and more frequent visits.
Most Labradoodles can be clipped short safely, but your groomer will check the coat type first. The longer the style, the more brushing it needs. If your schedule is busy, a shorter cut is the kindest choice for your dog.
Bathing and Drying
A bath every four to six weeks suits most Labradoodles. Drying matters as much as washing. A damp curly coat that is left to air-dry can hold moisture against the skin, which leads to odor, irritation, and tangles. At the salon we use a high-velocity dryer and a full brush-out so the coat dries straight and fluffy, not clumped. If you want to see how it compares to home care, read our tips on how often to take your dog to the groomer.
Ears, Eyes, and Paws
Ears
Floppy ears trap moisture, and Labradoodles often grow hair inside the ear canal. Check ears weekly for redness, dark wax, or a sour smell, and have your groomer remove excess ear hair when needed. Our step-by-step guide to cleaning your dog’s ears shows the safe way to do it at home. Shaking, scratching, or a strong smell means a vet visit.
Eyes and Face
Wipe around the eyes with a soft damp cloth, and keep hair trimmed short enough that it does not poke the eyes. Light-colored beards can pick up stains from water and food, so a quick face wipe after meals helps.
Nails and Paws
Trim nails every three to four weeks and keep the hair between the pads short. In winter, that hair collects ice and road salt, and in spring it picks up mud and burrs.
How Often Does a Labradoodle Need a Groomer?
Most Labradoodles do best with a professional groom every six to eight weeks in a short style, and every four to six weeks if the coat is kept longer. Start young. A puppy who has a gentle first visit is far easier to groom for life, so see what happens at a puppy’s first grooming appointment.
If you share your home with another doodle or poodle mix, our guides to Goldendoodle care, Cockapoo grooming, Cavapoo grooming, and Poodle grooming cover similar coats, and our doodle grooming tips give a broader overview.
When to See a Professional Groomer
- You feel mats behind the ears, in the armpits, or at the back legs.
- The coat is tight against the skin or feels hot or damp.
- Your dog is going through the six to twelve month coat change.
- Ears smell, or hair is growing deep in the ear canal.
- Nails are clicking on the floor.
- It has been more than eight weeks since the last groom.
A full groom at Brooklyn Pet Spa includes a shampoo and conditioning, a thorough blow dry and brush-out, a haircut, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and a quick skin and coat check. We are a cage-free salon, and our groomers take their time with nervous or wiggly dogs.
Labradoodle Grooming Cost in Brooklyn
These are Brooklyn Pet Spa starting prices from our dog grooming breed rates page:
| Service | Labradoodle | Mini Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Grooming haircut + bath package | $98+ | $93+ |
| Groomer’s bath | $68+ | $58+ |
| Wash N Go | $53+ | $43+ |
Final pricing depends on your dog’s size, coat condition, matting, and temperament. A matted coat takes much longer to work through, so regular visits are the best way to keep costs predictable. Most grooming visits take two to four hours.
At-Home Labradoodle Grooming Checklist
- Brush every other day with a slicker brush and comb, all the way to the skin.
- Check behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, and back legs for mats.
- Dry the coat fully after baths, swims, or rainy walks.
- Check and clean ears weekly.
- Wipe the face and beard after meals.
- Trim nails every three to four weeks.
- Book a professional groom every four to eight weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a Labradoodle be groomed?
Every six to eight weeks for a short style, and every four to six weeks for a longer coat, with brushing at home every other day.
Do Labradoodles shed?
Many shed lightly because loose hair gets caught in the curls, but straighter coats shed more. Low shedding does not mean low maintenance.
Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic. Some Labradoodles trigger fewer reactions, but dander and saliva can still cause symptoms.
What is the best haircut for a Labradoodle?
The teddy bear cut is the most popular, and a shorter puppy cut is the easiest to maintain. Your groomer can recommend a length based on the coat type and your schedule.
Why does my Labradoodle’s coat mat so easily?
Curly and wavy coats tangle where hair rubs, such as behind the ears, under the collar, and in the armpits. Skipping brushing for even a week can start a mat.
How much does Labradoodle grooming cost in Brooklyn?
At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a Labradoodle haircut and bath package starts at $98, a groomer’s bath at $68, and a Wash N Go at $53. Size, coat condition, and matting can affect the final price.
Ready for a fresh, fluffy, tangle-free Labradoodle? Book a grooming appointment at Brooklyn Pet Spa or call us at +1 (718) 768-0293. We are a cage-free salon serving Brooklyn since 2008.
