When it comes to finding the best shampoo for Goldendoodles (something that’s frequently overlooked), you are faced with a multitude of similar-sounding products, all claiming to do exactly the same things. Wading your way through all those fancy words and impossible-to-understand ingredients can be a serious challenge. Well we’ve done hours and hours of research to find out everything anyone could ever want to know about dog shampoos. And we’ve done all this just so we can provide you, our dear readers, with the very best product recommendations to enable you to find the very best shampoo for Goldendoodles. Whether you’re constantly dealing with mats and tangles, dry and sensitive skin, or perhaps your Goldendoodle tends to shed a tad more than you’d like to, we’ve got some great recommendations lined up for your pooch for almost any concern. You are welcome 😉
Table of Contents
- Different Types Of Goldendoodle Shampoos: A Quick Overview
- Best Shampoo for Goldendoodles: Buyer’s Guide
- Best Shampoo for Goldendoodles: Reviews
- Honorable Mentions: Other Highly Recommended Goldendoodle Shampoos
- Best Conditioners to Use with Your Goldendoodle Shampoo
- 5 Tips for Keeping Your Goldendoodle Looking Their Best
- Best Shampoo For Goldendoodles: Frequently Asked Questions
Top 6 Shampoos Goldendoodle Owners Swear By
Here are the very best of the very best Goldendoodle shampoos – and at very affordable prices to boot. Click on the links to find out where you can get them. For more details on exactly what each product does, keep scrolling to see our in-depth reviews.
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Pick #1:
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner. With powerful botanical ingredients and soothing herbal extracts, Buddy Wash’s deep cleaning shampoo and conditioner in one is a definite winner in our book.
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Pick #2:
BioSilk Silk Therapy Detangling Dog Shampoo. Silk-infused proteins and enriching vitamins are combined in this excellent detangling blend that cleans, hydrates, protects, and restores shine for a beautifully soft coat.
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Pick #3:
Cowboy Magic Rosewater Pet Shampoo. Fast-action ingredients in this fab formula break down dirt, dander, and other unwanted matter for truly squeaky clean hair that’s healthy and shiny too.
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Pick #4:
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo. Specifically designed to relieve itchy, dry skin, Earthbath’s Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo is mild, soap-free, and pH-balanced, making it great for sensitive pups.
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Pick #5:
Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner. Perfect for outdoorsy hounds, Nature’s Miracle formula not only neutralizes odors and deodorizes bad smells but also provides exceptional cleaning and conditioning.
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Pick #6:
Burt’s Bees 2-in-1 Shampoo for Puppies. Made with the highest quality ingredients and with puppies in mind, too, Burt’s Bee’s Puppy blend soothes skin and softens hair with no tears, absolutely guaranteed.
Different Types Of Goldendoodle Shampoos: A Quick Overview
When it comes to picking out your own shampoo, you likely opt for one that best meets your needs – long hair, deep conditioning, frizz control, dealing with dandruff. There really is something for everyone. The same is true when it comes to dog shampoo, too.
While every dog is an individual, some breed commonalities can point you towards the best product for your pup. Here are some of the different types of shampoos that Goldendoodle owners often recommend.
All-Natural Shampoos
While it definitely isn’t always the case that natural trumps man-made in terms of functionality (if you’re looking for flea and tick control, for instance), natural ingredients do tend to be a little milder and, therefore, a little healthier for a dog’s coat and skin. This makes them better for regular use.
Plenty of today’s shampoos have all the cleaning power of previous ones but contain mild botanicals and essential oils that won’t cause skin reactions. This is especially important for Doodles as they often inherit the Poodle propensity towards allergies, intolerances, and just general all-around sensitivity to harsher ingredients.
Soothing Shampoos
To take things one step further, for dogs who won’t stop scratching even with a mild shampoo, go for a skin-soothing blend. These contain various (usually natural) ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, and tea tree oil that are known to both hydrate and actively relieve inflamed, itchy skin.
Another function of what is known as ‘soothing shampoos’ is to help promote a feeling of calm in hounds that are particularly nervous of the tub. These products make use of essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and mint that are particularly well known for their calming effects. Best of all, it can help the washer to destress almost as much as the washee!
Medicated Shampoos
Unfortunately, some dogs can suffer from coat problems that are just a little more severe than some dandruff or a bit of irritation. For instance, parasites such as ticks and fleas can be a real problem, as can bacterial and fungal skin imbalances. These can all lead to dry, red, inflamed, and itchy skin that will drive your pal around the bend.
If symptoms are on the less severe side, you can simply pick up a medicated shampoo designed to deal with the specific problem your pup is having (given that you know just what that is). However, if that doesn’t work, things worsen, or you’re just not sure what you’re dealing with, it’s always best to consult your vet.
2-in-1 Shampoos
If you get started early with bathing your pet, you can likely get to a stage where they tolerate it pretty well, even if they don’t actively enjoy being washed (as very few dogs do!). Even so, it’s best to get through it as quickly as you can to keep stress levels (both yours and your dog’s) to an absolute minimum.
This is where 2-in-1 shampoo plus conditioners shine. A quick dunk, rub in the product, rinse well, and you’re done. No muss, no fuss. Many canine coat products these days are designed just like this. However, if your pup has particularly thick, long, or curly hair, then you may find that these blends simply do not offer enough conditioning action to keep tangles at bay.
Best Shampoo for Goldendoodles: Buyer’s Guide
So, now we’ve taken a look at some of the shampoo categories, let us narrow down on what makes a good shampoo specifically for Goldendoodles:
Coat type is arguably the most crucial factor when shopping for the best shampoo for your Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles, like most other Doodles, can inherit one of three types of coat:
- A thick, straight (often double) coat
- A curly, coarse single coat
- Or a wavy mix of the two
The latter is by far the most common, especially in first-generation dogs.
Choosing The Best Goldendoodle Shampoo For Straight-Coated Pups
When it comes to the thick, straight double coat (from the Golden Retriever side of the equation), the biggest issue you will likely be dealing with is shedding. For that reason, you are going to want to opt for a super-cleaning shampoo formula that can easily wash away loose hair and dander, so you’re not left picking it off your furniture. The great thing about this type of hair is that you won’t find yourself dealing with tangles, so conditioning is less important.
Goldendoodle Shampoos For Curly-Haired Doods
However, if your pup has the low-shed Poodle curly coat, knots, tangles, and matting are going to have you pulling your own hair out unless you learn how to deal with them! While regular brushing is the only way to guarantee an unshaven coat, the right shampoo/conditioner combo can take a lot of the work out of grooming. Look for products that mention hydration, nourishing, and silk proteins.
Wavy-Coated Goldendoodle Shampoos
Finally, that gorgeous teddy bear-like wavy coat…this is likely to be the lowest maintenance of the three. Any shedding will be pretty light, and tangles aren’t too much of a problem either. You should be able to get by with a regular 2-in-1 shampoo plus conditioner. Just pay special attention to whether your pal requires any help with other issues like odor. That wet dog smell is common in breeds with longer hair. Opt for a shampoo that does more than mask foul odors with strong perfumes. After all, your pup’s sense of smell is much more acute than yours – it could easily drive them mad!
Best Shampoo for Goldendoodles: Reviews
Now that we’ve covered the basics of different types of dog shampoos and what you should keep in mind when choosing the best shampoo for your Goldendoodle, it’s time to get into the reviews. Below you’ll find some of the best tried and true Goldendoodle shampoos that we’ve picked out according to different needs these Doods may have. Whether you’re looking for specific formulas for odor control or tangle-prone hair, or perhaps a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, we’ve got you covered.
Best Goldendoodle Shampoo for Regular Use
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
We’ve selected Buddy Wash’s Lavender and Mint Shampoo for our top pick as it’s an excellent all-around shampoo and a great place to start when you’re still learning about your pup’s particular coat quirks. The 2-in-1 formula conditions as it cleans, and the coconut, aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil soothe dry, itchy skin. Moreover, the added wheat protein extract acts as a natural deodorizing agent, while the lavender and mint are great for soothing an anxious bath time dog.
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Reviewers are seriously impressed with how well this product works. Despite being soap-free, this shampoo lathers up nicely, which means you only need a little, so a bottle lasts a good long time. It also rinses well for a squeaky-clean, super-soft finish. The scent is pleasant but not overwhelmingly perfume-y, and the blend is mild enough that you can use it regularly without drying your pet’s skin and coat.
Pros
Is there anything this shampoo doesn’t do? Well, it probably won’t help with actual skin conditions…but for everything else, it’s got you covered.
Cons
Some pet parents were disappointed that the fragrance wasn’t more apparent on their dog after bathing.
Best Goldendoodle Shampoo for Tough Tangles
BioSilk Silk Therapy Detangling Dog Shampoo
Tangles can be a real problem for all dogs descended from the curly-haired Poodle. Innocuous-looking knots can quickly transform into entire sections of matting. When that happens, you’ll find yourself waving bye-bye to that beautiful Doodle hair. However, certain shampoos, like BioSilk’s Detangling blend, can be a BIG help with avoiding this less than desirable outcome. The shampoo’s high-quality ingredients, which include silk and enriching vitamins, add enough moisture to help you effectively remove knots in the early stages.
While many shampoos claim to have detangling properties, not all of them live up to the hype – this one definitely does. Those that have purchased this fab product have been impressed with the human-grade ingredients that seemingly have magical powers! A little of this mildly-scented shampoo goes a long way, leaving behind nothing but an impressively shiny, tangle-free, soft, and gorgeous-looking coat.
Pros
The formula is effective without being harsh on sensitive skin. It makes future brushing much more effortless.
Cons
The shampoo is a little more costly than similar ones, but it more than makes up for it on time saved on grooming alone.
Best Goldendoodle Shampoo for Super Cleaning
Cowboy Magic Rosewater Pet Shampoo
One of the best-kept secrets of the Doodle world, Cowboy Magic is an excellent brand for horses, pets, and people alike. Their concentrated Rosewater Shampoo, which also contains silk conditioners, is fast working, deeply conditioning, and creates an excellent shine, as it restores the vibrant beauty of even the most dry and damaged coat. Only a tiny amount is needed per wash, meaning that it lasts and lasts. You won’t be sorry to give this great product a go.
Pet parents love the quality for the price of this shampoo. It suds up nicely rinses out clean, leaving nothing behind but a subtle, pleasant smell. Above all, it transforms curly, coarse coats into fabulously soft and huggable ones. We’ve selected it as our top cleaning shampoo because review after review mentions just how effective this product is, with its super-concentrated formula, even on truly messy, truly stinky hounds.
Pros
Great quality, great functionality, great versatility, great price!
Cons
Issues seem to be with the bottle itself (which can leak) rather than the product inside.
Best Goldendoodle Shampoo for Itchy Skin
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo
As touched on earlier, skin issues can be common in dogs with Poodle parents or ancestry. So, don’t be concerned if your pooch gets a little scratchy from time to time. However, you may consider switching out their shampoo to see if that helps any. We love Earthbath’s Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo. Its skin-soothing ingredients have been selected specifically to deal with this problem. Plus, the formula itself is soap-free, so won’t cause irritation or excessive dryness.
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Reviews for this fabulous product are overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of buyers saying they would recommend this shampoo to their pet-loving friends. The thing they seem to love most about it, aside from the effectiveness of the non-itch formula, is the simple, all-natural ingredients and light, delicate scent of the product. It works well on even the most sensitive of canine souls.
Pros
A straightforward shampoo blend that does much more besides simply relieving dry, damaged skin.
Cons
While the cleaning is good, the conditioning action might not be enough for particularly thick-coated pups.
Best Goldendoodle Shampoo for Combating Odor
Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
No dog shampoo recommendation list is complete without a smell-reducing option – and this is ours. We love Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Shampoo for its many benefits, which include “supreme odor control, exceptional cleaning, enhanced hair softness, and reduced static electricity.” So not only do dogs smell better, but they look better too. Moreover, oatmeal (as we touched on above) is an excellent ingredient for soothing sore skin and neutralizing bad smells – a win, win!
Reviewers dealing with odor as well as sensitive skin love, love, LOVE this product. (See – the oatmeal makes all the difference). They are impressed not just with the shampoo’s ability to reduce bad smells but also by the fact that the scent left behind is subtly yet clean. The product is clearly not simply masking the odors as lesser products might.
Pros
A good product at a great price. It lathers up nicely and works well at what it says it does.
Cons
Again, the issue seems to be with the fragrance, which didn’t suit some pet parents.
Best Goldendoodle Shampoo for Puppies
Burt’s Bees Puppy 2-in-1 Shampoo for Puppies
While many shampoos these days are generally mild enough for puppies, it’s always best to go for one blended especially for younger pups, if you can. This way, you can take care of specific puppy skin and coat care needs in one fell swoop. Burt’s Bees is a well-recognized brand, and for this reason, and the excellent product reviews too, their offering is in demand among new pet parents. The fact that it is made with 97% mild, natural ingredients doesn’t hurt either.
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Gentle yet effective, you might not get the suds action of other shampoos (because of the type of ingredients included), but you sure do get the cleaning power according to reviews. This shampoo is soothing (with buttermilk) as well as cleaning and hydrating. You never know; your pup may even come to love the tub, and what a relief that would be!
Pros
This shampoo has puppies in mind with every carefully selected ingredient.
Cons
Getting it right through a curly coat could be a little tricky – we recommend a bath time brush to make it a little easier.
Honorable Mentions: Other Highly Recommended Goldendoodle Shampoos
With so many excellent shampoos out there, we couldn’t help adding in an extra couple. These help with less common issues for Goldies but still may be helpful for you to know about.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo, formulated with Benzethonium Chloride to help eliminate bacteria and Ketoconazole to treat fungus, is aimed at dealing with skin infections such as dermatitis and pyoderma.
If you do find your Doodle is shed prone, especially at certain times of the year, check out FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs. This ‘premium bathing solution’ helps protect against excessive shedding.
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Best Conditioners to Use with Your Goldendoodle Shampoo
While our original top pick is a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, if you are still battling knots come grooming time, you might find that you need a little more matt combat firepower. We recommend following it up with the Isle of Dogs Silky Coating Dog Conditioner. This deep conditioning product moisturizes and revitalizes for snuggly-soft, tangle-free hair.
Cowboy Magic Rosewater Pet Conditioner is an excellent alternative for super active hounds. What we love about this super formula is that it contains ingredients that dissolve mineral and chemical build-up that make for dull, lifeless, and lackluster hair. It also adds both body and moisture to hair and skin while reducing static. So not only is your dog’s coat softer and more tangle-free after using this product, but it looks great too.
5 Tips for Keeping Your Goldendoodle Looking Their Best
You’ll be relieved to hear that Goldendoodles, even curly-coated ones, aren’t considered particularly high-maintenance dogs. Just a little time here and there should be enough to keep them in good condition. Here’s how to make bathtime a breeze:
- Get your Goldie used to being handled and bathed from as early an age as possible. This will make life easier for the both of you. Introductions should be handled slowly and patiently. Give your puppy plenty of time to explore the bath and shower. Add in a few treats, and they should take to it like the proverbial duck to water.
- Give your pup a thorough brush before taking them anywhere near the tub. Adding water to tangles can make them dang near impossible to remove. Make sure you check all those cracks and crevices, such as armpits and behind the ears, as this is where knots often accumulate the most.
- Make sure that you have everything you need on hand before giving any indication to your hound that it’s bath time. Trying to hold down a struggling mass of canine while frantically groping for bottles and brushes is NEVER going to be fun.
- Plop a little bit of peanut butter (or something equally as sticky and tasty) on the side of the bathtub while you get busy with the products. This will keep your pooch distracted (not to mention happy) while you ensure that the shampoo, conditioners, and other products are carefully applied and thoroughly rinsed.
- Once the bathing is done, aim to get your pet as dry as possible and as quickly as possible (especially important in a cold climate – for obvious reasons). Pat them down with a towel, but never rub curly hair as this will lead to knotty madness. If your pup will tolerate a blow dryer on a reasonably cool setting, then this really is the best way to go.
See Also:
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Best Shampoo For Goldendoodles: Frequently Asked Questions
While we chose Buddy Wash’s Lavender and Mint shampoo, the truth is there is no best answer to this question. While you might strike it lucky with this great product, you might also have to shop around a bit to find one that perfectly suits your pet’s coat. For instance, longer or curlier-haired hounds might require a super-strength detangler, while outdoor-loving pups will probably benefit from a deeper cleaning or odor-eliminating formula.
Unless they are the type of dog to frequently find and roll in something nasty, you shouldn’t really be bathing your Goldendoodle more than once a month. While regular bathing is okay for people, it can all too easily strip essential oils and moisture from your pet’s coat, making it dry and damaged and irritating their skin.
It may seem harmless to use your own shampoo on your pup if you suddenly find that you have run out. However, people shampoo and canine shampoo have completely different formulas. This is because our skin is slightly more acidic than dogs’ skin. So anything created for us will have a drying effect when used on a pet. The exception here is SOME baby blends that are pH balanced.
All dogs are individuals, and so the type of shampoo to best suit your Goldie is one that will suit their highly individual needs. While we can take some cues from the breed of the dog (and hence the type of hair they have), it may be that a formula that works very well on one is utterly terrible for another. The best thing to do is start with a smaller bottle of a product with good reviews and simply see what happens.
A slight doggy smell is a fact of life for pet parents. While you can do your best to keep them clean and well-groomed (pay special attention to anything that gets trapped in their coat), dogs are going to smell like dogs. There are a few things you can do between baths to keep them fresher (check out our article on best waterless shampoos). However, if you are noticing a thoroughly foul stench, this could indicate an underlying health condition, and you should speak to your vet.
Keeping your dog clean is an integral part of pet ownership and an area you definitely shouldn’t shirk on if you want to keep your dog (not to mention your house) smelling good. Luckily these days, there are a ton of great coat care products on the market that make bath time as effortless as it can be. These were our top picks – we hope they help you find the best shampoo for your Goldendoodle.
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