Are Doodles Double Coated and What You Need to Know

Doodles, being a cross between a Poodle and another breed, can inherit some of the Poodle's characteristics, including their famous double coat.

Poodles have a unique double coat that consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, longer outer coat. This double coat is designed to help them swim and hunt in cold water.

The double coat of Poodles requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, and Doodles may inherit this need for regular grooming.

Doodles can inherit the Poodle's double coat, but the extent of their double coat can vary depending on the other breed involved in the cross.

Take a look at this: How to Groom a Double Coated Dog

A double coat is made up of two layers of coats - a shorter undercoat and longer topcoat, also known as guard hairs.

The undercoat is usually denser and has a softer, more wool-like texture than the guard hairs.

Guard hairs are usually longer, and the hair strand itself is thicker.

Having a double coat helps a dog regulate its body temperature, as the undercoat acts as insulation.

In the winter, an undercoat keeps a pup warm, while in the summer, it protects them from excess heat and sun exposure.

Double-coated dogs tend to shed, which can make a difference in their grooming routine.

This might not work for people who suffer from allergies.

Most Doodles inherit softer hair, which can come in fleece, curly, or wavy coats. Genetics play a key role in determining a Doodle's coat type.

Doodles can be either single or double-coated, but thanks to the Poodle genes, even double-coated Doodles shed a lot less than their double-coated purebred parents. This is a major advantage of Doodles, making them a popular choice for people with allergies.

F1b Doodles, which have a higher genetic makeup of Poodle genes, tend to be very low to non-shedding. They may have an undercoat, but it's less common in pups with curlier hair.

Related reading: Poodle Doodle Miniature

There are over 40 different types of Poodle mixes, known as doodles. These dogs are born from Poodles with other purebreds like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, or Cocker Spaniels.

Even within the same litter, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, and other Doodles can have various coat types. Some doodles may have hair, while others have fur.

Hair is typically longer, thicker, and smoother than fur, growing less densely. It can be curly, wavy, or straight, and is often associated with dander that can trigger allergies.

There are 36 dog breeds that have hair instead of fur, according to the American Kennel Club.

Genetics play a key role in determining a Doodle's coat type, as they're hybrid breed dogs that can inherit traits from either parent.

Most Doodles inherit softer hair and can come with either fleece, curly, or wavy coats, depending on their genetic makeup and generation.

Some Doodles end up with curly Poodle-like coats, while others inherit the coat type from the other parent breed, and some have coats that fall somewhere in between.

Related reading: Curly Coated Retriever

F1b Doodles usually shed the least compared to other Doodle generations, making them a popular choice for those looking for a hypoallergenic pup.

If you suspect your Doodle has a double coat, you can try brushing their hair and comparing the hairs to determine if they have two types of hair.

To do this, brush your Doodle's hair with firm strokes, collect the hair from the brush, and spread it out on a white surface to see if the hairs all look the same or not.

A responsible breeder should be able to tell you the type of hair puppies get, although there's always room for surprises, thanks to proper DNA testing and experience.

Here's a rough guide to help you understand the different Doodle generations and their shedding habits:

Keep in mind that a puppy won't have the same coat once it's fully-grown, and you can expect a Doodle puppy to start shedding its puppy coat around 6-8 months old.

On a similar theme: Goldendoodles Puppies

Doodles require regular grooming, regardless of their coat type. They need regular upkeep – brushing, hair trimming, bathing, and more.

Doodles with curly, Poodle-like hair are prone to knots and tangles. If you don’t regularly brush the hair out, your beautiful Doodle will soon struggle with matted hair.

Brushing your Doodle's hair daily is essential, especially if they have an undercoat. If loose hair gets trapped, it can form tangles and eventually result in matted hair.

You should introduce your puppy to daily brushing as soon as you bring them home. This will help them get used to it and prevent anxiety later on.

The best thing you can do is use the right brush and comb for your Doodle's coat type. A slicker brush and comb are vital for Doodles with undercoats.

Brushing will help avoid pain to the dog later on, as well as unnecessary shaving. Good brushes, as well as good brushing techniques, are important.

Here are some essential grooming products every Doodle owner should have:

Remember, grooming is an essential part of being a Doodle owner. It's not just about looks – it's also about keeping your dog healthy and happy.

Doodles can have either a single or double coat, with the double coat consisting of a wooly and dense undercoat and a layer of longer hairs on top.

A double coat on a dog means it has two layers: the wooly and dense hairs hidden under a layer of longer hairs.

Canines with double coats don't mind either hot or cold temperatures since their hairs repel the moisture, keep the body warm, and the top coat doesn't get very dirty.

Despite these benefits, dog owners shouldn't get excited just yet, as double-coat breeds require a somewhat exhausting session of grooming.

Doodles have an undercoat, and it needs to be combed out, not just brushed over the top of their coat.

A slicker brush and comb are vital for Doodles, and a full body brush out can take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on their coat.

Doodles can have various coat types, including flat, straight, wavy, or curly, and some may even have double coats.

Genetics play a key role in determining a Doodle's coat type, and they can end up with a coat that resembles either of the parent pups.

Most of the time, we can expect a Doodle puppy to end up with soft hair that's either wavy or curly.

Shaving double-coated dogs has been a controversial topic, and it might not be suitable for pups who have very harsh and wiry hair with undercoats.

It's rare for a Doodle to have a double coat with harsh hair, as they're often bred to achieve a low to non-shedding coat.

Brushing is a must for Doodles, as they need regular upkeep to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing will help prevent pain to your dog later on, as well as unnecessary shaving.

You'll need a variety of brushes and combs to tackle different areas of your Doodle's coat. An undercoat rake is great for double-coated Doodles, while a slicker brush is perfect for untangling longer and thicker hair around the butt.

A comb is essential for pulling out dead or loose hair from the top layer, and a bristle brush can make the coat look shinier. Don't be afraid to get a bit aggressive with the brushing, especially if your puppy tries to bite you - it's all part of the learning process!

Here are some must-have grooming products for every Doodle owner:

Remember, grooming is an essential part of Doodle care, and regular upkeep will help prevent matting, tangling, and skin problems.

Bernedoodles are one of the most versatile breeds out there, coming in different coat types, colors, and textures.

Countless American families love them for their uniqueness and unmatched personality.

Low-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities are just a few of the benefits of this charming designer breed.

If you're considering getting a Bernedoodle, be prepared for the possibility that it might be a double-coated dog.

This can mean more frequent grooming, especially if your dog sheds heavily.

Ultimately, it's hard to predict whether your Bernedoodle will have an undercoat until it's around 6-8 months old.

On a similar theme: Bernedoodle Coat Types