Coat Types
Pictured below are the three Labradoodle coat types found in the breed. We have chosen pictures of the coats types in a similar colour range so as not to distract from the “look” of the coats themselves:
Hair: also known as flat or slick coat, this is a shedding coat and is NOT allergy friendly.
Fleece: also known as wavy, an allergy friendly coat.
Wool: also known as curly, an allergy friendly coat.
While these photos are excellent examples of the differences the three coat types have in their “look” it is key to remember that there are variations still found within the coat types themselves, it is not just the “look” of a coat that determines the coat type but most importantly the texture of the coat determines this. Not all breeders are experienced in selecting coat types so make sure that you find a breeder who not only knows the look but also the correct texture of the coat type you are looking for. Below we have provided pictures of both Puppy and Adult dogs in all three coat types in a similar colour range.
The Australian Labradoodle requires varying degrees of grooming depending on their coat type. There are three main coat types (Hair/Fleece/Wool) with some variation found within the coat types noted below.
The Hair
(Dog hair texture either feathering, scruffy, or wavy) is a shedding coat in varying degrees and will need a quick brushing/combing about once a month depending on the density and length of the coat. NEVER shave your hair coat’s body. A light trimming might be required with scissors but usually not.
The Normal Fleece
(Soft Angora type texture wavy or loose spiraling coat) is an allergy and asthma friendly coat and will need to be brushed/combed thoroughly about every two-three weeks. This coat usually requires trimming one-two times a year.
The Micro Fine Fleece
(Supper soft and fine texture in wavy or spiraling coat) is an allergy and asthma friendly coat, if kept well groomed. Because this coat is finer and softer if it gets mats that aren’t brushed out regularly eventually some of the mats will ball up into little “tumble weeds” and come out of the coat. It is recommended to thoroughly brush/comb this coat about once a week and don’t let the coat length to get past about three inches in length with trimming two to three times a year.
The Original Wool
(Dense curly coat with a lamb’s wool texture) is an allergy and asthma friendly coat, It will need to be brushed/combed thoroughly about once a week. This coat also requires trimming about three-four times a year.
The Loose or New Style Wave
(spiraling coat that easily opens to the skin with a lamb’s wool texture) is an allergy and asthma friendly coat with the highest rate of success of the three coat types . It will need to be brushed/combed thoroughly about every two to three weeks. This coat usually requires trimming two to three times a year.
All allergy and asthma friendly labradoodles have a coat change from puppy to adult usually between 10-14 months of age. Because they do not “shed out” the old coat you must groom the old dead coat out or it will cause severe matting in the new coat. During their coat change it is recommended that you groom them daily. The coat change can last anywhere from a week to several weeks. (This is usually the time when owners decide that their beautiful furry doodle needs a shorter look.)
Note: Not all Labradoodles are Allergy and Asthma friendly. The Australian Labradoodle has been very successful with being allergy and asthma friendly but they are not 100% guaranteed. They have had an extremely high success rate so far! We do recommend that if you have the opportunity to meet one of these wonderful dogs in person that you should check to see if you have any reactions before you make your decision in purchasing your new puppy.