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Puppy Coat Types
The Labradoodle Coat
THE LANGUAGE OF COATS
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The Cu Locus (Curly hair) trait test reliably determines if a dog has a curly, wavy or straight coat and if and which traits this will pass on to their offspring
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The L Locus (Long Hair/ Fluffy) trait test reliably determines if a dog has long hair like a golden retriever or short hair like a lab. This gene determines how soft the coat will be.
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The IC Locus (Improper coat/Furnishings) trait test reliably determines if a dog has improper coat or a proper coat. Furnishings are facial hair. This trait test is a breeder's best indication for shedding.
Hair, Fleece or Wool?
NOT all labradoodles will have non-shedding or allergy friendly coats. Labradoodles can have coats that shed a lot, shed a little, and that do not shed at all. There are differences you should be aware of to help you determine which coat would be better suited for you and your family.
It can be difficult for a breeder to predict coat-types for first and second generation (F1 or F1b) labradoodles. Some pups are wavy when born and have produced very fleece type coats when they got older. Some pups are straighter haired when born and end up with a beautiful fluffy non shedding coat. Then there are some pups that appear like they have a wavy coat, but end up shedding, or a pup that looks wavy but ends up curly as an adult.
The only way to know for sure what coat you are getting from an F1b litter, is to have the coats DNA tested. Doodle Sweethearts includes this in their breeding program using Paw Print Genetics!
Wavy Fleece / Teddy Bear Coat
What is a Soft Fleece Coat?
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The fleece coat is low to non shedding, depending on 1 or 2 furnishings;
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tends to look shaggier than wool and
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it hangs in silky, light, loose locks which flow and ripple when the dog moves.
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Some feel this is the ultimate labradoodle coat or teddy bear coat.
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Puppy coat is easy to care for, but during transition to the adult coat, it can become very high maintenance due to matting.
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The final adult coat may or may not be easy care after puppy transition has been completed.
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Mostly non-shedding, but some have been known to shed minimally.
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Should be fairly allergy friendly
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Should be no doggie odour.
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Typically seen in F1B labradoodles or second generation and multigen lines. There are different types of fleece coats as well, some fine or thick, some wavy, curly or straight.
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As a puppy this sometimes can be hard to differentiate between a fleece coat or a wool as an adult, but with DNA coat testing, this can be determined. Fleece and wool coats can be kept short or long depending on your lifestyle but generally need to be clipped 6-10 times a year (every 6-8 wks)
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Weekly brushing is required to clear any mattes
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Curly Soft Wool Coat
What is a Curly Soft Wool Coat?
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Wool is generally non shedding; it is denser and thicker, curlier and soft ... similar to sheep's wool and looks more poodle.
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Fleece and wool coats can be kept short or long depending on your lifestyle but generally need to be clipped 3-4 times a year (every 8-10 wks)
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Weekly brushing is required to clear any mattes
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Unlike some other breeds, dogs with fleece and wool coats shed very little dander (skin cells) a common cause of allergies in humans which makes them excellent for households with allergies.
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