Coats

Coats, Terminology & You
Rochelle Sundholm
Spring Creek Labradoodles
www.springcreeklabradoodles.com

Don’t be misled by common claims that all labradoodles will have non-shedding or allergy friendly coats regardless of generation. This is simply not true. Breeders can better sell their puppies to you if you believe that all coats are the same . Labradoodles can have coats that shed a lot, coats that shed a little, and coats that do not shed at all. There are differences you should be aware of that would better help you determine which coat you would prefer living with.

Just for reference, here are some of the current terms being used to describe coats by some breeders. Hopefully understanding the way these terms are being used will be helpful to you.

Wavy or Hair coat - A coat that varies in thickness and length, but typically is straight or minimally wavy. Very low maintenance as far as brushing goes. Some will be heavy shedders, others very light shedders.

Borderline or Fleece coat - Loose curls over entire body, has a soft feel, should not feel like hair and not like wool. Puppy coat is easy to care for, but during transition to the adult coat becomes very high maintenance. The final adult coat may or may not be easy care after puppy transition has been completed, and may or may not stay soft. Many times non-shedding, but some have been known to shed. Should be fairly friendly for those with allergies.

Curly or Wool coat - Tight curls like a poodle. Coat feels like a poodle coat. High maintenance when long, at least ½ hour or more each night of grooming. Can be kept trimmed short for easier maintenance. Non-shedding coat. Usually allergy friendly.

You need to decide what is most important to you. The questions below are designed to help you determine which coat is probably the best for you in light of shedding, allergy and grooming needs.

If you answer the following questions in the positive, then the curly/wool coat is probably best for you.

Do you absolutely want or need to have a non-shedding coat?
Do you have severe allergies that require the most allergy friendly coat?
Are you willing to spend a significant amount of time grooming and keeping a coat matt free? Or, willing to keep your labradoodle clipped very short?

If you answer the following questions in the positive, then the borderline/fleece coat is best for you.

Do you have only mild allergies that tolerate some dogs, but not others?
Would a coat that may or may not shed very minimally be okay?
Are you willing to spend an average amount of time grooming your dog’s coat? 3-4 times weekly.

If you answer the following questions in the positive, then the wavy/hair coat is best for you.

Do you want an easy care coat that needs very little grooming or brushing on a regular basis?
Are you allergy free?
Are you okay with a coat that may shed anywhere from a very little to quite a bit?

Once you have determined which things are most important to you, then you are better prepared to communicate with a breeder about what you are looking for in a coat. Also, terminology for coats is different depending on whom you are speaking to. In my opinion, the best thing you can do is to communicate with your breeder about what you are looking for in regards to grooming maintenance, allergy needs and shedding issues. Too many people want the wavy or loosely curled coats because they are beautiful, and assume they will get a non-shedding coat no matter what. It’s time for breeders to be honest about what coats are like with labradoodles. Each dog is special and unique. Each dog is perfectly suited for someone out there. Which coat perfectly suits you?