The mini goldendoodle is one of the most popular dog breeds around because it’s an offshoot of the popular goldendoodle. These dogs are popular because of their intelligence, ability to learn commands, and how they love to bond with their owners. Mini goldendoodles are also a little smaller than your average goldendoodle, so they’re perfect for a wider range of home living situations.
That said, mini goldendoodles do have some upkeep you must consider. Luckily, we can show you how to groom a mini goldendoodle to ensure that hair stays off that sofa. Read on to learn more, and for more advice on how to care for a mini goldendoodle beyond just grooming, be sure to check out this breed guide.
Can You Groom a Mini Goldendoodle Yourself?
Absolutely! Mini goldendoodles aren’t difficult dogs to care for if you’re patient and have the right tools. You can groom them yourself by trimming their nails, bathing them, brushing their teeth, and cleaning their ears. The only time we recommend against grooming a mini goldendoodle yourself is if you have to get their hair cut. In these cases, it’s better to go with a professional for an even cut.
6 Ways to Groom a Mini Goldendoodle
There are a few things you need to do when it comes to grooming a mini goldendoodle. You have to manage their dental health, the needs of their coat, and much more. Learn about the best ways to groom your mini goldendoodle below.
Before you begin:
- Gather your supplies: Brush, comb, dog shampoo (if needed), towel, clippers (optional), dog nail clippers, ear cleaner, and treats.
- Choose a location: This could be your bathroom, laundry room, or outdoors on a nice day.
1. Brushing and Dental Care
Mini goldendoodles have thick curly fur, which makes it easy for their fur to get knotted or matted without a good brushing routine. We recommend using a slick brush or a metal comb to brush your mini goldendoodle daily if possible. If you’re unable to do this daily, you can always brush them three to four times per week to keep their coat healthy.
Maintain your Mini Goldendoodle’s oral hygiene by brushing their teeth regularly with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. This helps prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath. You can also offer dental chews or toys to help keep their teeth clean.
2. Bathing
Bathing is a great way to clean your mini goldendoodle’s coat but it’s not something you have to do every day. We recommend bathing your mini goldendoodle every 4-6 weeks for the best results. However, if they play in the mud and get dirty you can bathe them more often.
The reason for the longer period between bathing is that the goldendoodle has natural oils in its coat that prevents it from getting dirty.
When it comes to the shampoo, make sure it’s gentle enough for their skin and ensure that all the shampoo is washed away to avoid any problems with their skin.
3. Trim and Clipping Nails
Mini goldendoodles need to have their nails trimmed. While their nails can be managed with walks, it’s best to keep them short if you can. To trim their nails, you need a nail grinder and a dog nail clipper. Start by trimming the tips of the nails with your nail trimmer. Then, work your way down and continue going piece by piece until they’re short enough. From there, use the grinder to grind down the tip of the nails for a smoother finish. This should be done every 3-4 weeks or whenever your dog needs it.
(Note: avoid cutting nails too short as doing so risks cutting the quick, causing bleeding or infection.)
4. Hair Trimming
Depending on the type of coat they have, Mini goldendoodles will have to have their hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. For the best results, we recommend having this done by a professional as you want the haircut to be even, or it will grow back wrong.
5. Oral and Ear Care
One part of grooming that many people seem to overlook is oral and ear health. Try to brush your mini goldendoodle’s teeth a few times per week or get them treats that function as a dental cleaner. As for their ears, make sure you trim around them to prevent any irritation and clean them if you notice any gunk developing in them. Make sure you use a vet-approved ear cleaner for the best results. Cleaning their ears regularly is important as their floppy ears can trap moisture.
6. Regular Checkups
Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your Mini Goldendoodle’s overall health and address any grooming-related issues or concerns. Your vet can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs.
Additional Tips:
- Make grooming a positive experience for your dog by offering them treats and praise throughout the process.
- If your dog is uncomfortable or squirms excessively, take a break and try again later.
- If you have any concerns about your dog’s grooming needs, consult with your veterinarian.
Groom Your Mini Goldendoodle Today
Mini goldendoodles are great companions but you do have to manage their grooming needs. While they don’t need a lot of work, it’s important to brush them to avoid any knotting in their fur and you should clean their teeth to avoid oral diseases. You might also want to bring out the vacuum more often during their intense shedding seasons as well. That said, if you stick to a plan and maintain your mini goldendoodle’s coat you shouldn’t have any problems.
Additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-grooming/
- The Association of Professional Dog Groomers: https://nationaldoggroomers.com/
(FAQs) about grooming a Mini Goldendoodle:
- How often should I brush my Mini Goldendoodle?
- It’s recommended to brush your Mini Goldendoodle’s coat every day or every other day to prevent matting and tangles. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils and keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
- What type of brush should I use for my Mini Goldendoodle?
- A slicker brush or a pin brush is ideal for grooming a Mini Goldendoodle. These brushes are gentle on the coat and effectively remove tangles and loose fur without causing discomfort.
- How often should I bathe my Mini Goldendoodle?
- Mini Goldendoodles typically need to be bathed every 4-6 weeks or as needed, depending on their activity level and how dirty they get. Use a gentle dog shampoo that is suitable for their sensitive skin.
- Do Mini Goldendoodles need professional grooming?
- Yes, Mini Goldendoodles benefit from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain their coat length and overall appearance. Professional groomers can also provide services such as trimming, ear cleaning, and nail clipping.
- How do I prevent matting in my Mini Goldendoodle’s coat?
- Regular brushing is key to preventing matting in a Mini Goldendoodle’s coat. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail. Use a detangling spray or conditioner if needed.
- How do I trim my Mini Goldendoodle’s nails?
- Use a pair of dog nail clippers to trim your Mini Goldendoodle’s nails, being careful not to cut into the quick (the pink area inside the nail). If you’re unsure, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian for guidance.
- What should I do if my Mini Goldendoodle’s ears are dirty?
- Clean your Mini Goldendoodle’s ears with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution and cotton balls to remove dirt and wax buildup. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal and consult your veterinarian if you notice signs of infection.
- How can I maintain my Mini Goldendoodle’s dental health?
- Brush your Mini Goldendoodle’s teeth regularly with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Offer dental chews or toys as additional means of maintaining oral hygiene.
