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Writer's pictureLiza Marie Moon

Shaved Goldendoodles: The Naked Truth

Updated: Apr 16


kali the brown beige goldendoodle in a short hair cut standing in a field at dusk in texas
Kali, the Goldendoodle, in a short hair cut.

Shaving a Goldendoodle can be a controversial topic among pet owners and breeders. Some argue that shaving a Goldendoodle is necessary for the dog's health and comfort, while others believe it is unnecessary and can even be harmful.


Primarily, Goldendoodle owners often panic at the thought of their beautiful teddy bear Goldendoodle turning into a hideous naked mole rat at the hands of a malicious groomer!


Let's dive into the topic of Goldendoodles shaved down! I want to share the naked truth with you.


We love shaving our Goldendoodles!


Pros:

  • One of the main benefits of shaving a standard poodle is that it can help to keep the dog cool in hot weather. Doodles have thick, curly coats that can trap heat, making them uncomfortable in warm temperatures. Shaving the coat can help to reduce this heat buildup and keep the dog cool.

  • Regular grooming and shaving can also help to prevent matting and tangling of the coat. Doodles have a lot of hair that can become matted and tangled if not properly groomed, which can be uncomfortable for the dog and lead to skin irritation and infection.

Cons:

  • Shaving can make Goldendoodle susceptible to sunburn and overheating during the first week or two after a complete shave-down. Take caution during this time to ensure that your Doodle is not exposed to full sun for long periods of time.

  • Shaving will change the appearance of your dog. Goldendoodles are known for their unique and distinctive look, which is created by the curls of their coat. If you shave your Goldendoodle, do not treat them any differently. They might feel a little different at first and display bashful behaviors, or even walk funny! Let them adjust to these changes on their own and don't make them feel silly.

Myths:

  • One of the main concerns about shaving a Doodle is that it can damage the coat. This is false. Shaving your Doodle will not damage their coat.

  • Some pet owners, and even some professionals, will argue that long-coated dog breeds have fur that protects them against both extreme heat & cold. This is just not true. Goldendoodles will overheat quickly if exposed to hot temperatures with a long coat. Long coats are for insulating against cold, not heat.


kali the brown beige goldendoodle shaved hair cut running through tall grass in texas
Kali the Goldendoodle sporting a short hair cut.

We love our dogs without the teddy bear haircuts


It's important to base your decision to bring a Goldendoodle into your family based on temperament and suitability for your lifestyle rather than looks alone. Goldendoodles have coats that require a lifetime of extensive grooming. If their stellar temperaments and low shedding qualities are more important to you than the way that their hair looks, then consider low-maintenance short haircuts.


We chose to own and breed Goldendoodles because we love their temperaments and we love the fact that they don't shed much or have an odor. We choose to shave our Goldendoodles because we have a very active lifestyle, with much of our time being spent outdoors. Short, low-maintenance haircuts are what we prefer. And we think our dogs look super handsome with these hair styles.


sadie the cream apricot aussiedoodle swimming in a creek in texas
Sadie, the Aussiedoodle, in a short hair cut.

Ultimately, whether or not to shave a standard poodle is a personal decision that depends on your own preferences and the needs of your dog. Before making a decision, it is important to speak with a veterinarian or a professional groomer to understand the potential risks and benefits of shaving.

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