This article is mandatory reading for all current and future Sheepadoodle owners. After all, with a gorgeous coat like this, a Sheepadoodle needs regular upkeep and grooming. Of course, this means that Sheepadoodle grooming costs can add up pretty quickly. So, why not take matters into your own hands?! By the end of this article, you’ll know all about Sheepadoodle grooming and can refer to a photo gallery full of Sheepadoodle haircut pictures for inspiration. Let’s dig in!
Understanding A Sheepadoodle’s Coat
Before you get grooming your Sheepadoodle, it’s important you understand the type of coat your pup rocks. Sheepadoodles inherit their coat from their Old English Sheepdog and Poodle parents. As we’re dealing with two different types of coats, Sheepadoodle puppies naturally will have inherited characteristics from both parents.
So why is your pup’s coat type important when it comes to Sheepadoodle grooming? Different types of coats benefit from different types of brushes and other grooming tools. Additionally, some haircuts work better on a specific coat type.
Poodle-Type Coat (Wool Coat)
Sheepadoodles who inherit the Poodle curly coat, or wool coat, have very curly and dense hair. What’s great about curly coats is that they shed very little and are considered (mostly) hypoallergenic.
On the other hand, as Poodle-type coats mean less or no shedding at all, they are more prone to knots and tangles. Regular brushing is an absolute must to avoid matting and to keep your pup healthy. We recommend brushing your Doodle every day or at minimum three times a week. For very curly Poodle-like hair, the best brushes are pin brushes, slicker brushes, and combs.
Sheepdog-Type Coat (Straight Coat)
The Sheepdog-type coat, or straight coat, has a more relaxed look than the Poodle-type wool coat. However, this also means that a Sheepadoodle with this type of coat may have an undercoat and shed more hair.
In case your Sheepadoodle has inherited the English Sheepdog look, you will obviously need to have a different approach when it comes to grooming – namely, making sure that you remove all loose, shedded hair from your dog’s coat to avoid matting. For that, pin brushes and slicker brushes are great options.
Mixed-Type Coats (Fleece Coat)
Since the Sheepadoodle is a mix of two breeds, mixed coats are very common. This type of coat combines both the Poodle-type coat and Sheepdog-type coat, creating a wavy, fleece-y mixture of the two. Even with fleece coats, regular brushing is crucial to keep your Doodle looking fresh.
Types of Sheepadoodle Haircuts
Be sure to check out these two posts for tons more Doodle haircut pictures: Part 1 (Doodle Body Haircut Styles) and Part 2 (Doodle Haircut Variations).
It’s now time for Sheepadoodle grooming inspiration! These are the most popular Sheepadoodle haircut styles that you can try out on your Doodle. And if you don’t like it, rest assured that the hair will always grow back and you can try another style next time.
Different groomers may have different ideas of what the following types of cuts are. It’s best to show your groomer a picture of exactly what you want to avoid any misunderstandings. If any of these pictures represent what you want your Sheepadoodle to look like, be sure to bookmark this page for easy access when dropping them off at the groomer!
Kennel Cut/Shaved Sheepadoodle
The shaved Sheepadoodle cut is super functional and practical. Many Sheepadoodles prefer a lighter coat during summer months, especially if you live in a hot climate all year round. And, it makes their features pop!
Teddy Bear Cut
The Sheepadoodle teddy bear cut is super popular, but it’s also one of the most difficult cuts to achieve at home. We recommend you try this once you’ve had plenty of practice with easier haircuts and feel comfortable with all the grooming tools.
Shaggy Sheepadoodle
We absolutely adore the shaggy Sheepadoodle look. This haircut is suitable even for beginners, as you can easily hide any mistakes.
Long Puppy Cut
The long puppy cut is considered the best haircut for Sheepadoodles with Sheepdog type coats. Just a little bit of trimming and your Sheepadoodle will look all bouncy, fluffy, and ready to go.
Tools You Absolutely Need To Groom Your Sheepadoodle at Home
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Tool #1:
Brush – Your main buddy is a basic brush. Whether you opt for a pin brush, slicker brush, or a bristle brush, you will need at least one of them. Here you can read more about the best brushes for Sheepadoodles.
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Tool #2:
Comb – Another essential Sheepadoodle grooming tool. A high quality steel comb is great for gently detangling any knots. Remember, the sooner you deal with knots and tangles, the smaller the chance of matting.
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Tool #3:
Dog clippers – As we know, all Doodles require regular grooming. Obviously, doing everything with scissors is just not thinkable. We recommend you invest in high-quality dog clippers and don’t just go with the cheapest available option. With grooming tools, you get what you pay for. Here you can find the best clippers for Doodles.
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Tool #4:
Scissors – Scissors are great for those hard to reach areas like the eye area, paws and ears. We recommend you choose scissors that come with rounded tips so you won’t accidentally hurt your Doodle. Here you can find the best grooming scissors for Doodles.
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Tool #5:
Thinning shears – Thinning shears make giving your Sheepadoodle a cute haircut a breeze. They help blend different hair lengths, so the next time it will look like your pup has been to a professional groomer.
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Tool #6:
Detangler sprays – An absolute must for Doodles with all types of coats. Whether you’ve missed a few brushing sessions or your pup just gets knots very easily, detangler sprays make your job a lot easier. Here you can find recommendations for best detangler sprays.
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Tool #7:
Shampoo – Obviously, an important part of your Sheepadoodle’s grooming routine is bath time. Depending on your Doodle’s needs, there are tons of different dog shampoos on the market – shampoos for dogs who shed and even hypoallergenic shampoos for dogs with sensitivities and skin problems. Here’s our Sheepadoodle shampoo guide.
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Tool #8:
Nail clippers – Regular mani-pedi routines are crucial. You don’t want your Doodle’s nails to overgrow and cause pain or joint problems. Here is our ultimate guide to nail clipping.
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Tool #9:
Ear treatment or cleaning tools – With those cute floppy ears, Sheepadoodles are prone to ear infections. Most Doodle owners find regular ear hair trimming and properly drying and cleaning the dog’s ears enough to prevent it. Here you can read all about Doodle ear infections and prevention.
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Tool #10:
Grooming tables – Even though some might view purchasing a dog grooming table a bit too much, it actually makes grooming easier for both you and your Doodle. Using a grooming table will put a lot less strain on your back and make the whole grooming process a lot more comfortable. Additionally, grooming tables come with a grooming arm that helps keep your pup still and safe while you groom. Have a look at our favorite dog grooming tables or build a DIY grooming table!
How To Groom A Sheepadoodle From Home
First and foremost, brush your Sheepadoodle everyday or every other day. This will prevent matting and save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run. It’s easier to prevent matting than to deal with it later on. Think of it as a relaxing massage for your Doodle and a bonding experience for the both of you.
If you’re planning on trimming your Doodle’s hair, make sure to give them a good bath beforehand. You’ll definitely find our Doodle bathing guide helpful.
When it’s bath time, start with thorough brushing to get rid of any loose hair, tangles, and knots. If your pup has just been outside, brushing will help you get rid of dirt as well. We recommend that you line brush your Doodle. Have a look at our in-depth article about line brushing. This is by far the best way to thoroughly brush and detangle your pup’s coat.
Another Sheepadoodle grooming hack is to use a detangler spray before bathing to make sure you get out even the toughest knots and tangles.
Once you’re done bathing your dog, get ready for another brushing session. However, always let their hair fully dry to avoid pulling hair and hurting your Doodle. While your pup dries, you can clean and gently dry their ears from the inside to avoid any moisture and bacteria getting trapped and causing ear infections.
And if you feel comfortable enough to start trimming and clipping your dog’s hair, make sure you have all the necessary grooming tools we mentioned above. A bit later on in this article you’ll find our step-by-step video course for at home grooming.
Keep in mind that some dogs might get anxious around grooming tools. A useful little hack is to introduce your dog to the tools beforehand. Give your pup the chance to sniff and inspect the tools. And of course, remember to keep a positive attitude and praise your Doodle.
With every grooming activity, don’t forget the smaller and more delicate areas. For instance, when brushing your Doodle, also pay attention to areas like the paws and where the collar sits.
How Often Do Sheepadoodles Need To Be Groomed?
How often you should groom your Doodle depends on a variety of things. For instance, bathing frequency depends on how long your dog’s coat is, how often and how rough they play outside, whether they have any skin sensitivities, and so on.
Naturally, the longer your dog’s coat, the more dirt can get trapped between the hairs. This in turn can cause knots, tangles, infections, and problems with smell. Some owners wash their Doodles every week. However, most of the time, bathing every 4-8 weeks is perfectly enough. This timeframe also typically aligns with hair trimming frequency.
Moreover, don’t forget to trim your Doodle’s nails. For maintenance, every week should work well. However, some Doodles require nail trimming every 3-4 days. Be sure to check out our dog nail trimming guide for all the tips and tricks.
Sheepadoodle Grooming Tutorials
Before you get your clippers and scissors and start grooming, make sure you know all the Sheepadoodle grooming basics. To make things easier for you, check out our online video course on how to groom Doodles at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
The more regularly you do it, the easier it will be. Firstly, regular upkeep means that you have less tangles, knots, and undercoat to deal with. Secondly, practice makes perfect. Over time you’ll definitely figure out some tips and tricks of your own when grooming your Sheepadoodle.
For the face, use smaller grooming tools like scissors and handle them with caution. We recommend you groom your Doodle’s face last, as dogs enjoy this part of grooming the least. Here you can find all of our face grooming articles.
It depends on the type of coat your Sheepadoodle has. If your Doodle has inherited the Sheepdog-type coat, they most likely have an undercoat.
To groom your Doodle at home, you need the correct tools and equipment. Consider your Doodle’s coat type and their unique needs. Do they have sensitive skin? Are they prone to matting? Does your Doodle have an undercoat? This will help you determine what types of brushes and other tools you will need. Have a look at our at-home Doodle grooming articles.
In conclusion, Sheepadoodle coats need regular care and can get high maintenance at times. However, grooming your Sheepadoodle regularly ensures that they look, feel, and stay healthy and happy. And it’s another great way to bond with your pet!
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What is your favorite Sheepadoodle grooming tip or haircut style? Let us know in the comments below!