Understanding the Different Types of Labradoodle Coats

One of the defining characteristics of the Labradoodle breed is its wavy or curly coat. This particular trait is largely inherited from the Poodle side of the breed’s genetics, but not without influence from the Labrador Retriever side. What you may not realize is that Labradoodles come in three distinct coat types – keep reading to learn more about what these types are and which Labradoodles have them.

The Three Labradoodle Coat Types

As you may already know, the Labradoodle is a designer dog breed which means that it is a cross between two pure breeds – the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. Not all Labradoodles are a 50/50 mix of these two breeds which means that each litter of Labradoodles will be slightly different. For the most part, however, Labradoodles exhibit three coat types:

• Wool – Also known as a curly coat, the wool coat type for Labradoodles is the most allergy-friendly because it sheds the least. This type of coat features tight curls very similar in appearance to the curls seen in the Poodle breed but they have a slightly softer texture.
• Fleece – The fleece coat type has a kinked or wavy appearance, but not to the point of being curly. Fleece coats are soft and free-flowing and it still sheds minimally, making it a good option for allergy sufferers.
• Hair – This type of coat is also known as a slick or flat coat – it might have some degree of wave or curl to it but the texture is closer to that of the Labrador Retriever than that of the Poodle. This means that the coat will shed, so it may not be a good choice for allergy sufferers.

In addition to coming in a variety of coat types, the Labradoodle also comes in a wide range of colors. Labrador Retrievers are generally black, brown, or gold but Poodles come in all colors including cream, gold, red, brown, apricot, gray, silver, black, and everything in between. The three Labradoodle coat types are not associated with any colors in particular – it all has to do with the colors of the two dogs used in the crossing.

Grooming the Different Coat Types

Although the Labradoodle is generally a friendly and fun-loving breed, it cannot be considered low-maintenance. In addition to needing plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation, the Labradoodle also requires regular grooming. Even wool and fleece coat types which shed minimally need to be brushed on a regular basis to keep the coat in good condition and to prevent mats and tangles. The wool coat type is particularly difficult to groom due to the tight curls – many Labradoodle owners choose to keep their dog’s coat clipped short for easy maintenance. Fleece coats are a little easier to brush because they tend to be wavy rather than curly – this coat is still prone to matting, however, so trimming is generally recommended. The hair coat type, though it sheds the most of the three, is the easiest to brush but it needs to be brushed the most often to reduce shedding.

Each of the three Labradoodle coat types has its own set of pros and cons. If you are looking for a non-shedding dog, the fleece or the wool coat types are your best options. If you want a dog with a coat that is closer to that of the Labrador Retriever, the hair coat is your best bet.

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