Best Shampoo for Goldendoodles: Groomer and Owner Recommended

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

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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.

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: 

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. 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. 
5. 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.

Best Shampoo For Goldendoodles: Frequently Asked Questions

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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.