Mini Goldendoodle Haircuts: Adorable Styles and Grooming Tips

Mini Goldendoodles are, and yes, we are a little biased here, one of the best breeds of dogs out there. First off, any pup mixed with a Golden Retriever is bound to be an absolutely lovable goofball, but pairing it up with the smart and curly-coated Poodle results in a dog that is heaven-sent… the mini part is another tiny cherry on top. Their curly golden coats give them an absolutely stunning appearance, but all this fur must be managed. Haircuts are a way to accomplish that, so here are some styles and general grooming tips.

Does My Dog Need Professional Grooming?

The answer is yes. There is a major misconception going around that a dog doesn’t need any sort of grooming for the first year of their life except for the occasional brushing. This is 100% false.

Dogs, just like us (more than us, we’d argue), get dirty. The only way to get rid of the dirt and all the things their fur picks up is a good ol’ bath. When you take your dog to a professional groomer, they not only give your dog a haircut but also perform other necessary aspects of dog grooming, which include bathing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, etc.

Starting the grooming process after the dog has already turned one will only make it difficult, as the dog won’t react well to it. The chances of them feeling anxious, fearful, or even becoming violent increase greatly, and every dog groomer can tell you that it’s a nightmare situation for everybody involved to try and give an aggressive dog a bath or haircut. So, it’s best to introduce them to the process early on, as they’re going to need baths and haircuts their entire lives.

Must My Goldendoodle Get a Haircut?

Yes, all dogs, including Mini Goldendoodles, must get a haircut every so often. It is perfectly fine to choose not to get a stylized hairstyle, but a basic haircut is needed. Haircuts help get rid of loose and damaged hair. The curly coat of the Goldendoodle tends to get matted and tied up in knots easily, which becomes quite irritating for the dog and creates a haven for pests. Breeds like our star of the day—Poodles or Shih Tzus—have hair that grows to the extent that it impedes their vision and even gets inside their ears, so that needs to be taken care of.

A haircut gets rid of loose fur, prevents tangles and mats, and helps the dog feel comfortable. Haircuts are extra important if you live in warmer regions as, it’s not hard to imagine, such heavy fur isn’t particularly comfortable.

Popular Mini Goldendoodle Haircuts

Grooming is an art, so there are many interpretations of the cuts, and every groomer has their own unique style and way of performing their art. It is best to communicate clearly what you want, what you don’t, and show them as many photos as possible so they have a solid idea of what you’re looking for. Now, with that out of the way, here are some of the most adorable and practical Mini Goldendoodle haircuts to consider:

The Puppy Cut

Sounds innocent enough, but the puppy cut often creates quite the controversy in the world of grooming—not because of any negative associations, but simply because groomers don’t seem to have a set definition of what it really is. However, generally speaking, the puppy cut is as the name suggests: giving your Mini Goldendoodle the same appearance as it did when it was a puppy. To achieve this look, the coat must be trimmed uniformly all over the body, giving them that youthful appearance. It’s the haircut that many owners opt for, as it’s easy to perform, easy to maintain, feels light for the dog, and works well in both warm and cool weather.

The Teddy Bear Cut

Doodle parents aren’t particularly happy when their Doodles are called Poodles. They want their Doodles to maintain their own charm. To accomplish this, the teddy bear cut is often chosen. First off, it gives your Doodle that classic Doodle appearance, making them look just like a stuffed bear with their rounded faces, furry tails, and body fur trimmed short. Secondly, the rounded face makes them appear distinct from Poodles. Lastly, it’s easy to maintain and comfortable for the dog as well.

The Lamb Cut

Yet another haircut where the name reveals it all. This is one of the most common Mini Goldendoodle haircuts, largely due to it being low-maintenance while still looking unique. This style makes the pup resemble a lamb, with furrier legs and a slightly trimmed body paired with a furry head, neck, and tail. This gives them that lamb-like appearance, as the name might suggest. The length of the coat can be adjusted based on preference, and the maintenance levels increase with the length, so keep that in mind.

The Summer Cut or "Take It All Off" Cut

Consider this the buzz cut of the dog world. This is by far the easiest haircut to maintain for your dog. This cut is all about—you guessed it—taking it all off. The coat is trimmed very short all over the body. Sometimes, a little fluff is left on the tail, head, and ears to keep a cute look, but the legs will stick out no matter what. Sure, it may not be the cutest cut in the world, but that’s not the goal; it’s practical. It is low-maintenance and reduces the chances of your dog overheating or getting heat rash if you live in a hot area.

The Lion’s Cut

If you’d like something extravagant, the lion’s cut is probably what you’re looking for. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the name says it all. The groomer will give your doodle the haircut that makes it look like its cosplaying a lion. This entails, no pun intended, the slimmer body, a mane, a tail with a furry end—the whole shebang. It looks the best on Goldendoodles that have apricot or tan-colored coats. Also, this cut is extensive, so you’re going to need a specialist.

Grooming Tips for Mini Goldendoodles

Mini Goldendoodle haircuts, even the best ones, are unnecessary unless basic grooming is performed. So, here are some essential grooming tips for all Doodle parents:

• Brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week. More than that is good; less is simply not enough. Their coat is prone to tangles and matting, so they require extra attention, especially in areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.

• It’s a good rule to give your pup a bath every month to keep their coat clean and healthy. Use a dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner, and rinse all of it out properly.

• If your dog is quite outdoorsy, their nails may naturally file themselves. However, if that isn’t the case, long nails become uncomfortable and can even cause joint issues over time. Trim them every 3-4 weeks or as needed. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, a groomer or vet can help.

• Mini Goldendoodles are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears. Check their ears weekly for dirt, wax buildup, or redness, and clean them with a vet-recommended ear cleaner.

Adjust your Mini Goldendoodle’s haircut based on the season. Shorter cuts are ideal for summer to keep them cool, while longer cuts can provide extra warmth during colder months.

Conclusion

So, these were just a few of the many Mini Goldendoodle haircuts available out there for you to choose from. Before getting any sort of haircut though, remember your priority should always be your dog’s comfort, and everything else comes second. Don’t keep them too fluffy in warm weather and too short in cold weather. Find the right balance between practical and aesthetic to keep both yourself and the dog happy.

FAQs

How Often Should I Groom My Mini Goldendoodle?

It depends on what you mean by grooming, so we’ll break it down. Brushing should be done 2-3 times a week, if not more often. Bathe them once a month. Professional grooming appointments can vary between 6-8 weeks, depending on the hairstyle you choose and how quickly their hair grows back.

Can I Groom My Mini Goldendoodle at Home, or Should I Go to a Professional?

Sure! Certain grooming tasks like brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and more can be done at home, and we recommend introducing your dogs to these as early as possible. However, for extensive haircuts—or haircuts in general—it is best to go to a professional groomer to get a polished look and address any matting or skin issues.

How Do I Prevent Matting in My Mini Goldendoodle’s Coat?

Get yourself a slicker brush or a comb designed for curly coats and focus on areas prone to tangles, like under the legs, behind the ears, and around the tail. Regular brushing is the best and easiest way to prevent matting. If, however, you do find mats, carefully work them out using a detangling spray, cut them if they’re too stubborn, or simply seek the assistance of a professional groomer.