Breed Guides

Goldendoodle Grooming Guide: Costs, Cuts & Care Tips (2026)

Complete guide to Goldendoodle grooming including costs, popular cuts, grooming frequency, and professional care tips.

Updated January 202610 min read
Fluffy Goldendoodle with teddy bear cut

Goldendoodles are known for their fluffy, teddy bear-like appearance that requires dedicated grooming

Quick Answer:

Goldendoodle grooming costs $80-$150 every 6-8 weeks. Coat type affects both price and maintenance: wavy coats are easiest, curly coats require more work. The Teddy Bear Cut is the most popular style. Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting.

Goldendoodle Grooming Costs

Here's what to expect for professional Goldendoodle grooming based on size and service type:

SizeWeightBasic GroomFull Groom
Mini Goldendoodle15-35 lbs$80-$120$110-$160
Medium Goldendoodle35-50 lbs$100-$140$140-$190
Standard Goldendoodle50-90 lbs$120-$150$160-$225

Annual grooming costs: $800-$1,500 (based on grooming every 6-8 weeks).

For comparison with other breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide.

Goldendoodle Coat Type & Care

Goldendoodles can have three coat types: straight (flat), wavy, or curly, depending on which parent they take after. Wavy is most common. Coat affects shedding, matting tendency, and grooming needs.

Coat TypeWavy/Curly
SheddingLow to moderate (varies by coat type)
Grooming FrequencyEvery 6-8 weeks
BrushingDaily to every other day
Grooming DifficultyHigh

Popular Goldendoodle Haircuts

Here are the most popular grooming styles for Goldendoodles:

Teddy Bear Cut

Best for: Classic doodle look

Body hair trimmed to 1-2 inches while face is scissored into a round, fluffy shape. Most popular doodle cut.

Maintenance: Medium - daily brushing required

Puppy Cut

Best for: Easy maintenance

Uniform length (1-2 inches) all over including face. Less sculpting than Teddy Bear.

Maintenance: Low-Medium - brush every 1-2 days

Lamb Cut

Best for: Stylish with less face maintenance

Body clipped short while legs left fuller. Face trimmed shorter than Teddy Bear.

Maintenance: Medium - regular brushing on legs

Summer Cut

Best for: Hot weather, active dogs

Shorter all over (1/2 to 1 inch). Much easier to maintain and keeps dogs cool.

Maintenance: Low - easier to maintain

Lion Cut

Best for: Unique, statement look

Body shaved short while head, chest, and tail tip left full to resemble a lion.

Maintenance: Low-Medium - less overall coat to maintain

Goldendoodle Grooming Schedule

Follow this schedule to keep your Goldendoodle looking and feeling their best:

  • Professional grooming: Every 6-8 weeks (4-6 weeks for curly coats)
  • Brushing: Daily to every other day
  • Bathing: Every 3-4 weeks or at professional groom
  • Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
  • Ear cleaning: Weekly (prone to ear infections)

Puppy Grooming

Start grooming habits early. Puppy coats are softer but establish brushing routines from 8 weeks. First professional groom typically at 12-16 weeks after vaccinations.

Senior Dog Grooming

Older Goldendoodles may have reduced coat density. Consider shorter cuts for comfort. Mobile grooming reduces stress for seniors with mobility issues.

Find a Goldendoodle-experienced groomer

Search our directory for professional groomers experienced with Goldendoodles and similar breeds.

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Common Goldendoodle Grooming Problems

Severe Matting

Goldendoodles mat more than purebred Poodles due to their mixed coat texture. Mats form quickly in friction areas.

Prevention: Brush daily without exception. Check behind ears, armpits, under collar, and rear end every session.

Ear Infections

Floppy ears and hair in ear canals trap moisture, leading to frequent infections.

Prevention: Weekly ear cleaning. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing.

Coat Transition

Puppies transitioning from puppy to adult coat (4-12 months) mat more easily.

Prevention: More frequent brushing and grooming appointments during coat change.

At-Home Goldendoodle Grooming

Between professional grooms, here's what you need and how to maintain your Goldendoodle's coat at home.

Essential Tools

  • Slicker brush for daily brushing
  • Metal comb for checking tangles
  • Detangling spray
  • Dematting tool for small tangles
  • Ear cleaner
  • Nail clippers or grinder

Grooming Tips

  • Use line brushing technique - part coat in sections, brush from skin outward
  • The comb is your quality check - if it doesn't glide smoothly, you missed tangles
  • Brush to the skin, not just the surface
  • Remove collar regularly to brush underneath
  • Dry thoroughly after baths or swimming to prevent matting

Finding a Goldendoodle-Experienced Groomer

Not all groomers are equally experienced with every breed. Here's what to look for when choosing a groomer for your Goldendoodle:

  • Ask how many doodles they groom weekly
  • Request portfolio photos of Goldendoodles specifically
  • Look for honest communication about coat condition
  • Good groomers help, not shame, about mats
  • They should teach you proper brushing technique

For more tips, see our Signs of a Good Dog Groomer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to groom a Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodle grooming costs $80-$150 per session. Mini Goldendoodles cost $80-$120, Medium $100-$140, and Standard $120-$150. Matted coats add $30-$75.

How often should you groom a Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Curly coats may need 4-6 weeks. Daily brushing at home is essential.

What is the best haircut for a Goldendoodle?

The Teddy Bear Cut is most popular, leaving 1-2 inches of fluffy fur with a rounded face. For easier maintenance, try the Puppy Cut or Summer Cut.

Why do Goldendoodles get matted so easily?

Goldendoodles mat easily because their coat combines Poodle curls with Golden Retriever texture, creating a unique coat that tangles quickly.

Should you shave a Goldendoodle in summer?

A shorter cut is fine, but don't shave completely. Their coat provides insulation and sun protection. A 1-inch summer cut keeps them cool while protecting skin.

Can I groom my Goldendoodle at home?

You can do daily brushing, face cleaning, and baths at home. Haircuts require professional training. Most owners brush at home and visit groomers for cuts.

The Bottom Line

Goldendoodle grooming requires professional appointments every 6-8 weeks, with costs ranging based on size and service level. Regular at-home maintenance between appointments keeps your Goldendoodle looking and feeling their best.

Find a groomer experienced with Goldendoodles, establish a consistent grooming schedule, and maintain regular brushing at home. Your Goldendoodle will thank you with a healthy, beautiful coat.

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