Petite Goldendoodle Grooming

The Petite Goldendoodle (also called the Mini Goldendoodle) is often considered the foremost "designer mutt." This hybrid has both Toy and Miniature Poodle, Golden Retriever, and various Spaniel breeds in its parentage; even so, its coats is usually like that of the Poodle, with perhaps a bit more wave and less curl. Overall, Petite Goldendoodle grooming will take a moderate amount of work, but usually not as much as a purebred Poodle.

See below for further details on maintaining the Petite Goldendoodle coat (including info on brushing and bathing), along with descriptions of popular hairstyles.

While these hybrids have several breeds in their lineage, the genes for the Poodle coat are dominant--so a Petite Goldendoodle has a more "Poodle-esque" coat (though usually not quite as curly). Overall Mini Goldendoodle grooming will take a moderate amount of work: the coats are usually low-shedding, but they can mat or tangle rather easily, so brushing is needed 3-4 times per week; baths are necessary every 3-4 weeks, unless the dog gets especially dirty or stinky; and like the Poodle, numerous hairstyles are possible.

Brushing: Owners will need both a slicker brush and a good 2-in-1 comb. Brush as follows: first wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, with a bit of de-tangling solution mixed in if desired. Then starting at the shoulders, go through the entire coat section by section with the slicker brush. If you encounter a tangle or mat, first separate it with your fingers, then continue working it out with the comb if needed. Finish by going through the hair on the head, ears, and face with the comb.

Bathing: These dogs can be bathed in the kitchen sink, a bathtub, or in an outdoor kiddie pool using a garden hose. Make sure to use canine shampoo and conditioner, as the kind made for humans will severely irritate a dog's skin. To bathe: first give the coat a thorough brushing, then wet it completely. Apply a small amount of shampoo to the dog's back,then lather well, working downward as you go. (Don't forget the legs, underbelly, and tail!) Use a washcloth to clean the head, ears, and face to avoid getting soap in the dog's eyes. Rinse thoroughly, then repeat with conditioner. Towel- and/or blow-dry the coat, then finish with another quick brush-through to make the coat look clean and neat.

Haircuts: Lots of great styles can be done on these adorable crossbreeds, especially if the coat is very Poodle-like. Though owners can learn to give the various cuts at home, most rely on professional groomers. In any case, it's a good idea to take your Petite Goldendoodle to a groomer at least once, as the groomer can offer tips on how to groom a Mini Goldendoodle in general.

Since these dogs' coats are similar to a Poodle's, lots of Mini Goldendoodle haircut styles are possible--and most owners use professional groomers to do them. A few of the most popular Mini Goldendoodle grooming styles:

• Puppy Cut: The Mini Goldendoodle Puppy Cut sees the hair clipped all over to 1-2 inches, with the hair on the head, legs, and tail sometimes left a bit longer. A "low-maintenance" cut that's good for hot summer weather.
• Lion Cut: Makes the dog resemble a lion. The rear half of the body, the hind legs, and most of the tail are shaved close; the head, chest, and front legs are left at full length; and decorative, rounded "poms" are sculpted on the feet and tail tip.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, except the head, face, legs, and tail are carefully rounded and sculpted to resemble a stuffed animal.
• Schnauzer Cut: Also like a Puppy Cut--but the hair on the legs is shaped into an "inverted taper," and the facial hair is left longer. The overall look is like that of a Schnauzer.