Why doodles mat so fast

A doodle coat mixes a poodle's curly, ever-growing hair with a retriever's shedding undercoat. The shed hair doesn't fall out, it gets trapped in the curls and felts into mats, starting at the skin where you can't see it.

Where mats hide

Behind the ears, in the armpits, under the collar, the inner thighs and the base of the tail. The top can look perfect while the undercoat is one solid pelt, which is why 'he doesn't look matted' and a slicker-brush check can disagree.

The routine that works

Ten minutes, three times a week: mist lightly with a conditioning spray, line-brush with a slicker down to the skin in sections, then confirm with a metal comb, if the comb won't glide to the skin, keep working that spot. The comb is the truth-teller.

What we do at the salon

Every doodle groom includes a thorough dematting check. Light tangles are worked out as part of the groom; anything past 15 minutes adds a dematting fee. If a coat is pelted, the humane call is a short fresh start, it grows back fast, and we'll set you up with the right brush and schedule so it doesn't happen again.

The schedule that keeps them fluffy

Full groom every 6–8 weeks, home brushing in between, and a Mini Doodle Neat & Tidy between full grooms if you like the shaggy look. Book your doodle's spot online, every doodle groom is quoted personally for size and coat.