Quick Answer:
Labradoodles need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, costing $55-$90 per session. They come in three coat types (wool, fleece, and hair), with wool and fleece requiring daily brushing. The teddy bear cut is the most popular style. Labradoodles are one of the most grooming-intensive breeds due to their dense, mat-prone coats.
Labradoodle Coat Types
As a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, Labradoodles can inherit a range of coat types. Understanding your Labradoodle's specific coat type is the key to proper grooming. There are three main coat types:
Wool coat: Tight, Poodle-like curls that are dense and springy. This is the lowest-shedding type but the most prone to matting. It requires daily brushing and professional grooming every 6 weeks.
Fleece coat: Soft, wavy to loosely curled texture that is the most common and most sought-after type. Low shedding with a silky feel. It also requires daily brushing and regular professional trims.
Hair coat: Straight to slightly wavy, most similar to a Labrador. This type sheds the most and requires less styling but still needs regular brushing 2-3 times per week.
Labradoodles range from 15 to 65 pounds depending on whether they are miniature, medium, or standard size. Larger Labradoodles cost more to groom due to the additional time and product required. Their grooming needs are very similar to Goldendoodles, another popular Poodle cross.
| Coat Type | Shedding | Brushing | Mat Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Very low | Daily | Very high |
| Fleece | Low | Daily | High |
| Hair | Moderate | 2-3x per week | Low |
Step-by-Step Home Grooming Routine
Step 1: Thorough Brushing
Use a slicker brush to work through the coat in sections, brushing all the way down to the skin. Many owners only brush the top layer, leaving mats to form close to the skin. Follow with a steel comb — if the comb cannot pass through smoothly, there are still tangles that need attention. Focus on behind the ears, under the legs, the belly, and around the collar.
Step 2: De-Matting
For small mats, apply detangling spray and work them apart with your fingers or a mat splitter. Hold the fur between the mat and the skin to avoid pulling. If mats are widespread or close to the skin, do not attempt home removal — see a professional groomer. Severe matting is painful for the dog and requires careful, experienced handling.
Daily brushing is the single most important grooming habit for Labradoodle owners
Step 3: Bathing
Bathe every 4-6 weeks using a moisturizing dog shampoo. Always brush out all mats before bathing. Work shampoo thoroughly into the dense coat and rinse completely — soap residue causes itching and flaking. Apply a conditioner designed for curly coats to reduce tangling and make post-bath brushing easier.
Step 4: Drying
Blow-dry completely using a high-velocity dryer while brushing through the coat. Never air-dry a Labradoodle — their dense coat traps moisture for hours, which can cause skin irritation, hot spots, and a musty odor. Fluff-dry for the best results and to prevent the coat from drying into tight, tangled clumps.
Step 5: Nails, Ears, and Teeth
Trim nails every 2-3 weeks. Clean ears weekly and check for excess hair growth inside the ear canal that can trap moisture. Labradoodles with floppy ears are prone to ear infections, so keeping ears clean and dry is essential. Brush teeth 2-3 times per week with dog-safe toothpaste.
Labradoodle Grooming Cost
| Service | Cost Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Full groom (bath, cut & style) | $55-$90 | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Bath & brush only | $40-$65 | Between full grooms |
| Mat removal (add-on) | $15-$40 | As needed |
| Nail trim (add-on) | $10-$20 | Every 2-3 weeks |
Expect to spend $440-$780 per year on professional Labradoodle grooming. Standard-size Labradoodles cost more than miniatures due to additional time and product. Severely matted coats may incur extra fees. For more details, see our dog grooming cost guide.
When to See a Professional Groomer
- Every 6-8 weeks for haircuts: Labradoodle coats grow continuously and need regular professional trimming
- Severe matting: A professional can safely shave down or de-mat without injuring the skin
- Coat type assessment: A groomer can identify your Labradoodle's coat type and recommend the right home care routine
- Ear infections: Groomers can clean ears thoroughly and pluck excess ear hair
- Puppy's first groom: Start professional grooming by 12-16 weeks to establish a positive grooming routine early
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How often should a Labradoodle be groomed?▼
Labradoodles need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Wool and fleece coats require daily brushing at home, while hair coats need brushing 2-3 times per week.
What are the three Labradoodle coat types?▼
Labradoodles have wool (tight curls, lowest shedding), fleece (soft waves, low shedding), and hair (straight/wavy, most shedding) coat types.
How much does Labradoodle grooming cost?▼
Labradoodle grooming costs $55-$90 per session for a full groom. Annual costs range from $440-$780 depending on size and coat condition.
What is the best haircut for a Labradoodle?▼
The teddy bear cut is the most popular Labradoodle style, with a rounded face and body kept at 1-2 inches. The puppy cut and lamb cut are also common choices.
Do Labradoodles need to be shaved in summer?▼
Labradoodles do not need to be shaved, but a shorter summer trim (1-2 inches) helps them stay cool and reduces matting. Unlike double-coated breeds, their coat can be clipped shorter without damage.
The Bottom Line
Labradoodles need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, costing $55-$90 per session. Their curly or wavy coat is low-shedding but extremely high-maintenance. Daily brushing all the way to the skin, regular professional haircuts, and diligent mat prevention are non-negotiable for keeping your Labradoodle comfortable and healthy.
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