If your pup belongs to the “Oodle” family, you’ll know the importance of an effective grooming schedule. A hybrid cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, Groodles are known for being non-shedding dogs. But what does this mean when it comes to grooming a Groodle?
Here we’ll look specifically at Groodle grooming and how to style your pooch’s coat. Check out our guide below for advice on all aspects of grooming your fluffy four-legged friend!
Yes, Groodles need regular haircuts. If they’re left unclipped, a Groodle’s coat can grow to a whopping 20 cm in length! Although this won’t bother your dog, long fur is notoriously difficult to look after.
That long and luscious coat can begin to collect grass, debris, and twigs, as well as develop tangles and mats that can be impossible to detangle.
This depends on each dog – just like your own hair, how regularly you have it cut depends on how quickly it grows back and your personal preference. That said, most Groodles will need a haircut every 6-8 weeks. The longer the fur, the more often it will need grooming.
Some owners prefer longer fur on their Groodles, but shorter fur is much easier to maintain. Keeping your pooch’s coat short can make it easier to manage the appearance and health of its coat.
This is especially true if your Groodle has a wool coat. This is because wool coats tend to mat quite easily, unlike a fleece textured coat. However long your pet’s coat is, you’ll need to clip the hair around the eyes, in between the pads, and under the belly every six weeks.
The teddy bear cut is the most popular Groodle haircut. This cut gives the dog a short coat length that measures 2-5 cm. It usually includes trimming around the ears and the eyes, a tail cut, and feet trimming.
If you’re looking for a unique haircut for your Groodle, the lion cut is a good choice! As the name suggests, it’s meant to make your Groodle resemble a lion. Don’t worry if you don’t like it, though, as you can switch back to a teddy bear cut!
Looking for a cool and trendy haircut for your Groodle? If so, check out the mohawk cut! Not only is it stylish, but it’s also easier to maintain than other cuts.
The kennel cut is essentially a short and even shave around the entire body. This type of cut is the most practical – fewer groomer visits, easier to bathe, and less grooming until the fur grows past 2 cm in length.
However, it’s not the most stylish cut, and it should only be done on Groodles with single coats.
While taking your Groodle to the salon can leave your dog with a professional look, here are a few grooming tips to help you groom them at home.
Regular brushing at home is quite straightforward. As long as you keep on top of daily or weekly brushing with a comb, you’ll find it easy to maintain your pup’s coat in between haircuts. However, if you fall behind on the brushing, it can be difficult to regain control of the ever-growing Groodle coat!
Be sure to brush down to the skin rather than just brushing the top layer, especially if your pooch has a wool coat. To keep knots at bay, use a detangler spray. If you do find any small mats, use a slicker brush to gently tease them out.
Routine bathing isn’t usually needed, but if your pooch decides to roll in something unpleasant, a quick soak is a good idea! Always use a vet-approved and gentle shampoo that won’t strip any natural oils from the skin or fur.
After rinsing, towel dry your pooch, then finish off with a blow-dry. If you want to make your Groodle’s coat super fluffy, brush the fur as you blow-dry!
While the haircuts and washing a Groodle are rather time-consuming, the work doesn’t stop there. Here are some additional grooming requirements for this fluffy breed.
Nail clipping is one part of grooming your Groodle that needs to be done to prevent your dog from seriously injuring itself. This particular chore can make your dog quite anxious, so it needs to be done with the utmost care.
Groodles tend to have black nails, which can be very difficult to clip. This is because the colour makes it hard to tell where to cut without causing the nail to bleed. To clip your dog’s black toenails:
Hold your dog’s paw gently but with a firm grip
Place the clippers to cut the nail from top to bottom (never side to side)
Cut a tiny length of the nail
If your dog has a very active lifestyle, nail trimming won’t be needed too often. To keep them worn down naturally, take your dog for regular walks on hard surfaces. For those less active, a nail trim may be needed once every few weeks.
Cleaning your Groodles teeth can start off as a difficult task, but as your pooch becomes used to it, most actually end up enjoying it.
Start by holding the bottom lip down and brush the lower teeth. Start at the front and then move to the back and sides. Repeat this on the top teeth – start at the front and move the sides and the back.
Daily brushing is ideal, but some dogs may not tolerate this. If this is the case, 2-3 days a week is ideal for keeping the teeth and mouth clean and healthy.
Cleaning your Groodle’s eyes and ears is vital in preventing infections. Here’s how to attend to your Groodle while cleaning these sensitive areas.
Get into the habit of gently pushing your dog’s ears back to check the inside. Look for signs of infection or unpleasant smells. Wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton pad soaked in a suitable dog ear cleaner to remove debris.
Do the same with the eyes – gently wipe away any discharge with a cotton ball soaked in warm water.
To prevent ear infections and sore eyes, wipe them once or twice a week to keep your dog comfortable.
You can start grooming your Groodle puppy as soon as you bring it home. Start touching and lifting its paws to expose the nails, and lift its head to brush the chest and underbelly to get it used to being groomed. You can start taking your pup to the groomers once it’s had all of its vaccinations.
Whether your Groodle has a fleece coat or a wool textured coat, bathing will only be needed when it’s necessary. You normally won’t need to do it more than once a month. Regular grooming is usually enough to keep the fur healthy and clean.
Yes, regular trips to the dog grooming salon are necessary for Groodles. Grooming isn’t just about making the dog look pretty – it’s essential for their health. A professional groomer will be able to spot any potential health problems as well as make your dog’s coat look healthy and vibrant.
No, if your Groodle has a double coat, it should not be shaved. This can cause permanent damage to the coat and skin and can prevent the dog from regulating its body temperature. These coat types are designed to protect the dog from both hot and cold weather, and shaving means it won’t grow back properly.
Although dog grooming can be time-consuming, keeping on top of it can make life much easier. Regular visits to a professional grooming salon can also keep your pup in tip-top condition!
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