There’s no two ways about it, grooming is a real challenge for the Labradoodle owner. The consistency and make up of a Labradoodle’s coat will vary from dog to dog depending on which of its parents passed on the strongest fur-making genes, but it’s a safe bet that every Labradoodle in existence will suffer from matted hair if they are not brushed on an almost daily basis. Left unchecked, your dog could end up looking like a canine Bob Marley; you might think that would be cool, but matted fur is not pleasant to stroke, can pull uncomfortably on your dog’s skin, and may be bumpy for it to lie on; it also looks scruffy.
One of the things that draws people to Labradoodles is the promise of a dog that does not malt. Whilst it is true that Labradoodles will not malt nearly as much as, say, a Labrador, you will, in my experience, still find balls of hair gathering under tables or in the corners of rooms. The price we pay for the reduced shedding, however, is mats. Mats are formed by dead hair, that would normally be shed on your carpet (and sofa if you’re a lax parent such as I!) that instead get caught within the fur.
Lest you think that I am sitting with the angles and admonishing the sinners, I should point out that I am fairly awful when it comes to grooming. After getting home from work, it’s normally all I can do to take Oscar for a walk and give him his dinner; as a result mats form in his coat and I get told off by professional groomers on a regular basis.
So, if there’s one tip I can give, its practice makes perfect. A good brush once every day or two will keep your dog mat free and the canine equivalent of Nicky Clarke. You will also be able to take your dog to have its hair cut without being victim to the quiet resentment of the groomer.
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