Have you considered grooming your Sheepadoodle at home? Fortunately, there are plenty of Sheepadoodle options to choose from. However, you’ll need a few tools and tips to execute the perfect look for your Doodle, as we’ll cover in this Sheepadoodle grooming guide.
Before reading this guide, “Sheepadoodle Grooming Guide,” check out: When is a Sheepadoodle Full Grown? (2023) and Types of Sheepadoodle Coat Colors! With Pictures! (2023).
Sheepadoodle Grooming Styles
Need help determining which haircut you want for your pup? Here are the most common Sheepadoodle grooming styles and what they look like.
Sheepadoodle Puppy Cut
Despite the name, you can perform a Sheepadoodle puppy cut no matter your dog’s age. The title of this haircut comes from the adorable puppy-like appearance this grooming style gives.
You’d cut the coat evenly for a puppy cut, measuring one to three inches in length. When done correctly, there shouldn’t be any visible clipper lines or harsh edges. The goal is to have your Sheepadoodle look like a soft, fluffy puppy.
This style has less upkeep with minimal grooming required between appointments. The Sheepadoodle puppy cut is ideal for dogs that don’t do well with longer grooming sessions.
Sheepadoodle Teddy Bear Cut
The Sheepadoodle teddy bear cut and puppy cut are similar, though there are some notable differences. However, some professional groomers don’t differentiate between the two.
With the teddy bear cut, the Sheepadoodle will have longer facial hair around the ears, eyebrows, and muzzle. The fur around the eyes will be shorter to ensure your pup can comfortably see without hair getting in its eyes.
The smooth and clean body cut will be the same as the puppy cut but will blend into the longer hair near their head and face.
Sheepadoodle Summer Cut
As the name suggests, the summer cut is ideal for Doodles living in warmer climates or active dogs that spend a lot of time in the sun. It’s a shorter haircut that some Sheepadoodle owners like to keep year-round.
The length varies slightly between groomers, though it’s roughly half an inch over most of the body, with slight differences in the tail or head.
Some groomers may leave the hair near the face or tail slightly longer, while others keep the same length all over the body. If you have a preference, be sure to let your groomer know.
Sheepadoodle summer cuts are more practical than other styles because they are easier to keep clean and require significantly less grooming between visits.
Shaggy Sheepadoodle Cut
The shaggy Sheepadoodle cut is one of the more high-maintenance cuts. Unlike the other options, this grooming style is longer than others, so you’ll need to be sure to keep up on brushing and trimming in between sessions.
To achieve the shaggy cut, you’d use scissors on individual hairs to create a purposefully messy look with an average length of at least two and a half inches.
If you want to groom your Sheepadoodle at home, the shaggy cut is easier to achieve. Because the locks are varying lengths, if you accidentally cut a piece of hair too short or leave it too long, it won’t be as noticeable.
On the other hand, this isn’t an ideal cut for Sheepadoodles who get impatient during their grooming sessions due to the time and effort required.
Shaved Sheepadoodle
A shaved Sheepadoodle is different from the other cuts on this list. As the name implies, this cut is characterized by shaving your pup down to its skin.
Typically, the only reason you’d need to shave your Sheepadoodle entirely is if there is extreme matting that’s impossible to brush out.
Close shaves can be hard on your dog’s skin and make it tough for them to stay warm in cooler weather. However, if your Sheepadoodle does have mats, it’s best to remove them entirely.
Avoid matting by brushing your Sheepadoodle regularly throughout the week. This is an essential task because mats can restrict airflow to the skin and cause bruising, cuts, or even skin infections. It can be incredibly painful for a dog to have mats.
With that said, don’t be too hard on yourself if your groomer suggests shaving your pup. Some owners will avoid shaving them due to embarrassment. Removing the mats will make your dog feel much better, and its coat will grow back before you know it.
Sheepadoodle Personality Cuts
If you want to add a little flair to your Sheepadoodle’s coat, consider one of the options below. Rather than offering functionality, personality cuts give your pup a unique look.
Sheepadoodle Lion Cut
The lion personality cut gives your pup the look of a cuddly lion. For this style, you or your groomer will trim the coat short, leaving longer flowing hair around the head and neck.
Sheepadoodle Topknot
You may have seen a topknot grooming style from other breeds, like the Pekingese. The topknot comprises a coat cut mid-length along the body with a chunk of long hair atop the crown.
Your groomer may also add other trims around the topknot area to accentuate the look.
Sheepadoodle Mohawk
Rock ‘n’ roll lovers will love this adorably funky look for their dog. To achieve the Sheepadoodle mohawk, you’d keep an even length trim throughout the entire body.
However, you’ll leave a chunk of fur between its ears to form the mohawk. Unlike human hair, you won’t need gels or creams for styling; their springy fur will stand up all on its own.
Start Grooming a Sheepadoodle While They’re Young
Start getting your Sheepadoodle used to you touching body parts you’ll be trimming or shaving. Regularly touch your dog’s sensitive areas like the tail, mouth, ears, and paws.
Once they become more comfortable, you can move closed scissors toward them and touch them. Repeating the above will familiarize your pup with the tools you use.
After your puppy receives all its shots, take them to get a puppy trim, even if they don’t “need” one yet. Their puppy trim will allow them to become familiar with the sights, sounds, and sensations of a grooming session.
Once they’re between half a year and a year in age, you can schedule their first full-length grooming appointment. Wait until they have their full-grown adult coat to avoid damaging it.
How to Groom a Sheepadoodle at Home
It may be tempting to attempt a DIY approach to your Sheepadoodle’s grooming. Although it takes some getting used to, once you get the hang of it, you’ll have a stylish pup and save a lot of money.
Here are the steps to grooming a Sheepadoodle at home.
Brush
Brush your Sheepadoodle thoroughly to remove any knots or mats. Be sure to notice hidden spots like the underarms, belly, chest, or behind the ears. Even if you keep up with brushing, it’s best to run the brush through right before you plan to groom.
As you thoroughly brush your dog, you’ll start to catch the areas where they’re more prone to mats. A de-matting brush can work wonders if you see a mat you didn’t notice before. With this brush, it’s crucial to pay attention to ensure you don’t accidentally nick the skin with the brush’s blades.
Bathe
After you’ve removed any knots or stubborn mats, you will want to give your pup a good cleaning. Bathing before cutting or shaving prevents any debris from dulling your blades.
Use a dog shampoo that’s ideal for your dog’s skin and fur. Gently wash the face, careful not to get any water in its eyes or ears. Use an ear cleaner to remove excess wax or debris in the ears.
Dry
Once your pup finishes bathing, you’ll need to dry your Doodle completely. Because Sheepadoodles have thick coats that can take a while to dry, use a specialized blow drier.
You may try to use one of your standard hair blow dryers. However, your Sheepadoodle’s hair is much thicker and will take longer to dry.
Shave or Cut
Your Doodle is clean, dry, mat-free, and ready for its haircut. You’ll need a pair of scissors made to use on a dog’s fur and a razor.
Shaving can take a while, especially if you have an antsy dog who needs a few breaks. Because the razor may be on for a while, check the temperature to ensure the blades stay cool.
If the razor heats up too much, it can burn your pup’s skin. Touch the razor to your skin from time to time to ensure it hasn’t overheated.
There are also a few clipper cooling sprays on the market you can try as well. Otherwise, take a few breaks to let the razor cool down.
With that said, let’s get into the grooming technique.
- Ensure your dog sits comfortably on the table or surface you’re grooming on. Only begin the grooming process if your dog seems relaxed and calm; otherwise, grooming may induce anxiety.
- Use scissors for delicate areas around the tail, eyes, paws, and mouth. You may want to snip a bit of fur off the ears. Take your time to avoid any accidental contact with the skin.
- Attach the appropriate blade to the razor. It’s a good idea to start with a more extended size to see how you like the cut and go shorter from there.
- Start at the top of your Sheepadoodle’s back and slowly make your way down toward the tail.
- Move your dog into a standing position to work on the belly. You can get a saddle or stand to help your dog maintain its position while you shave.
- Switch to a smaller blade to move around the feet and paws. Remember to get underneath the paws to remove those hard-to-brush hairs that can mat easily.
- Use a larger blade for portions of the face area. Start from the crown of your dog’s head and slowly move downward, avoiding sensitive areas.
Once your pup has a fresh cut, you can trim the nails. Use dog nail trimmers and cut the excess length of the nail off, avoiding the quick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding the Sheepadoodle grooming guide.
Sheepadoodles need regular brushing at least three times weekly. Your pup will require a full groom at least every two to three months.
You can take your Sheepadoodle to a professional groomer or do it yourself at home. You’ll need a shaver, clippers, and a good brush to get started at home.
Yes, Sheepadooldles require frequent haircuts. Unlike many dogs, Sheepadoodles do not shed and grow long hair like ours.
It’s a good idea to trim your Sheepadoodle between grooming appointments. Ideally, give your pup a trim every four to six weeks to keep its hair from getting too long.
Wash, trim, shave, clean ears, and cut your Sheepadoodle’s nails every two to three months. Depending on its hair length, you will need to brush daily to keep knots at bay.
Sheepadoodles have coats that require regular care, making them more on the high-maintenance end. If you don’t mind the upkeep, Sheepadoodles make great pets for the whole family.
It’s best to bathe your Sheepadoodle every two to three months, though closer to the three-month mark is best. This allows them to build up the natural oils in their fur without stripping them away, which can cause dry skin.
Conclusion for “Sheepadoodle Grooming Guide”
Grooming your Sheepadoodle properly is vital for their wellbeing. Grooming also encourages a healthy coat and skin. Ensure you follow these steps closely and you’ll have a happy and healthy pup.
If you find this guide, “Sheepadoodle Grooming Guide,” helpful, check out:
- What Is a Golden Sheepadoodle? (2023)
- The 150+ Best Sheepadoodle Names! (2023)
- What is a Reverse Sheepadoodle? (2023)
Learn more by watching “Grooming a Sheepadoodle” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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