Aussiedoodles have beautiful coats that vary greatly depending on whether the dog inherited his coat from his Poodle or Australian Sheppard parent. Good grooming practices are important to keep your dogs coat healthy and clean.
Aussiedoodles must be regularly groomed, roughly every 8-12 weeks. They should be brushed at least once per week to prevent mats. Brushing your Aussiedoodle daily will establish good habits. Bathing can be done every one to two months, provided your dog isn’t visibly dirty.
The breed is known to be a low-shedding type of dog but it is by no means a low-maintenance dog and will require thoughtful preparation and planning to ensure they receive the proper care for their beautiful coats.
Different Aussiedoodle Coat Types and What it Means
Because an Aussiedoodle is a mixed breed, its coat will vary from dog to dog, and so will the particular attention you will need to take of it.
A Poodle has tight, curly hair that doesn’t shed at all but can easily mat and lead to discomfort. An Australian Shepherd has a soft, straight coat that, while it doesn’t tend to tangle, does shed more often.
The mixed breed of an Aussiedoodle will have some variation of these two coats, and as puppies, it is nearly impossible to say which it will be.
It will be important when planning what grooming you will need to consider for your dog to understand what the main types of coats in this breed are, whether your dog is more prone to shedding or to matting. There are three main types of coats in Aussiedoodles.
Curly Coat
As was mentioned before, this coat most closely resembles that of the Poodle parent. It consists of tight curls that must be brushed daily to prevent unsightly or uncomfortable matting or tangling of the hair. These coats rarely shed but are high maintenance.
Shaggy or Fleece Coat
This coat is seen by many to be the ideal Aussiedoodle coat. It has loose curls that are a bit easier to keep neat and do not shed as much as a straight coat.
You will still need to devote time and money to keep these coats up, but of the three types, they are the easiest to take care of.
Straight Coat
Aussiedoodles with this coat resemble the Australian Shepherd the most. The coats are sleek and soft, and they don’t tend to mat. However, they are the most likely to shed and so prove to be a bit less hypoallergenic.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Your Aussiedoodle Groomed
Your Aussiedoodle will have to be extensively groomed every 8-12 weeks, depending on the coat type. If you choose to go to a professional groomer, be sure to do your research first.
Not all groomers are familiar with the breed and won’t have a good understanding of the haircut you may want.
On average, be prepared to spend quite a bit of money on a quality groomer. Depending on your area, it could cost you anywhere from $50- $100 per grooming session.
Essential grooming should include a bath, a full haircut, cleaning your dog’s ears, and clipping his nails.
You will also want to consider before bringing your dog to a groomer is the style of haircut you want for your dog. There are several types to choose from, the most common ones being the puppy cut, the teddy bear cut, the poodle cut, and the terrier-inspired cut.
You can find examples and photos of these cuts online and bring them to your groomers as templates for them to work off.
Grooming an Aussiedoodle Yourself
Some Aussiedoodle owners opt for learning how to groom their dogs themselves. In the long run, it saves a lot of money, and with practice and the aid of YouTube tutorials, you can become quite proficient at it.
It consumes much more of your time than simply dropping your dog off at the groomers, but it is worth it for some owners to do it themselves.
There are a few necessary supplies you are going to need to groom your dog yourself properly.
• Dog safe shampoo
• Detangler spray
• A slicker brush
• A de-matting comb
• Clippers (wired or battery-powered) and the appropriate guards
• Dog grooming scissors
• Feathering scissors (optional, but aids in an overall even and clean look)
• Nail clippers
Aussiedoodle Grooming Basics
You will want to bathe your dog every 2-4 weeks. It would help if you used only pet-safe shampoos and detanglers. When you brush your dog after his bath, be sure you brush his hair to the skin.
Frequently owners only brush the top layer of an Aussiedoodle’s coat. The underlayer is left to mat, potentially causing distress to the dog as the skin becomes sensitive to the pulling and matting.
For beginners new to cutting their own dogs’ hair, you will want to watch several tutorials to get a solid understanding of how to properly and safely cut your dog’s coat. A very basic cut would be to use a #1 clipper over most of your dog’s body.
Over the lower legs and chest, you may choose to go a bit shorter since Aussiedoodles’s hair tangles worst under their legs and in the chest/belly region. If you use clippers over most of their body, it will mean less scissoring later, which can save time.
For the face, however, you will only use a clipper on your dog’s muzzle. Everywhere else, you will use dog scissors or fathering scissors.
You will want to ensure there is no hair over your dog’s eyes and that the ears are well-kept for your dog’s optimum comfort.
When clipping or scissoring your dog’s tail, be very, very careful, especially at the tip. In general, the hair should not exceed an inch or two when you are done.
Some owners, especially those who have Aussiedoodles with curly coats, will shave their dog’s hair even shorter so that it is easier to take care of the tight, mat-prone coat.
Lastly, be sure to regularly clip your dog’s nails and keep his ears and eyes clear and clean. There are many grooming eye wipes and ear solutions available to keep your dog healthy and clean.
Some owners will brush their dog’s teeth as well, but dental chews and toys are available that do just as good a job if you are uncomfortable brushing dog teeth.
Always ensure that everything you get for grooming your dog at home is dog-specific and pet safe. Always take the time you spend grooming your pet to inspect his body and skin for any irregularities.
In Closing
Aussiedoodle’s require regular attention to grooming. Their coats are high maintenance, despite what type of hair it is. Be sure to start your grooming routine, whether at home or a groomer, early on in your puppy’s life so that he grows accustomed to the processes.
Use the time you spend brushing your dog at home to bond with your dog and make it enjoyable for both of you. Proper and regular grooming is essential if you want to maintain your Aussiedoodle’s cuddly appearance and keep him as comfortable and healthy as possible.
Regular brushing will make future grooming easier on both you and your pet, and it’s a great way to spend quality time with your special friend.
Despite all the grooming, it’s all worth it to have that cute, sweet-smelling, happy Aussiedoodle!
