Goldendoodle Haircuts: 11 Stylish Cuts For Every Season

The Ultimate Guide to Goldendoodle Haircuts

Goldendoodles, with their adorable teddy bear looks and friendly personalities, have captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. These popular designer dogs—a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles—are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and most distinctively, their gorgeous, versatile coats. Whether your Goldendoodle has inherited more of the Poodle’s tight curls or the Golden Retriever’s wavy locks, one thing is certain: their coat requires regular grooming and maintenance.

The good news is that Goldendoodles can rock various haircut styles that not only keep them comfortable but also enhance their natural cuteness. From practical cuts that minimize maintenance to stylish trims that turn heads at the dog park, the options are endless. Let’s explore some of the most popular Goldendoodle haircuts that will have your furry friend looking their absolute best while keeping them comfortable throughout the seasons.

Teddy Bear Cut

The Teddy Bear Cut is perhaps the most requested Goldendoodle style, and for good reason. This adorable cut maintains a uniform length of approximately 1-2 inches all over the body, with slightly longer fur on the face to create that signature cuddly teddy bear appearance. The rounded face and fluffy body truly make your Goldendoodle resemble a living stuffed animal!

This versatile cut works well for Goldendoodles of all ages and coat types. It’s particularly beneficial for dogs with curly coats as it prevents matting while still preserving the soft, plush look that makes doodles so irresistible. The moderate length also strikes a perfect balance—short enough to reduce grooming time but long enough to maintain the breed’s characteristic fluffiness.

For maintenance, expect to brush your Goldendoodle 2-3 times weekly and schedule professional grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks to maintain this popular style. The Teddy Bear Cut is ideal for any season, though you might opt for a slightly shorter version during summer months and a longer one during winter.

Take It All Off Cut

Sometimes called the Summer Cut or Shaved Cut, the Take It All Off style involves trimming your Goldendoodle’s coat very short—usually less than half an inch all over. This ultra-short cut isn’t just a style choice; it’s often a practical solution for severe matting or for keeping your dog cool during hot weather.

While this cut might seem dramatic, especially if your doodle previously sported a fluffier style, it offers several advantages. First, it’s incredibly low-maintenance, requiring minimal brushing between grooming sessions. Second, it allows you to start fresh if your dog’s coat has become unmanageably matted. Finally, it provides maximum cooling during summer months, which can be a blessing for dogs that tend to overheat.

Keep in mind that without their protective coat, Goldendoodles with this cut may need sunscreen on exposed skin during extended outdoor activities. They might also need a doggy sweater during colder weather. Despite these considerations, many owners find this style practical and appreciate watching their dog’s coat gradually grow back with proper care.

Puppy Cut

The Puppy Cut is a classic, all-purpose style that keeps your Goldendoodle looking perpetually youthful. Similar to the Teddy Bear Cut but slightly less styled, this haircut maintains an even length of approximately 1-2 inches over the entire body, including the face, ears, and tail. The uniform length gives your dog a neat, clean appearance while preserving their puppy-like charm.

This low-maintenance cut works beautifully for Goldendoodles of all ages and activity levels. It’s particularly popular among owners who want a practical cut that doesn’t require extensive daily grooming but still looks tidy and cute. The Puppy Cut also makes it easier to spot ticks, burrs, or skin issues that might otherwise be hidden under longer fur.

To maintain this style, brush your Goldendoodle several times a week to prevent tangles, and expect to visit the groomer every 6-8 weeks for a trim. Many owners find this cut to be the perfect middle ground—not too short and not too long—making it suitable for year-round wear.

Lamb Cut

The Lamb Cut offers a sophisticated look that combines practicality with style. This distinctive cut features shorter fur on the body (typically ½ to 1 inch) while leaving the legs with fuller, longer hair. The contrast between the trimmed body and the fluffier legs creates a silhouette reminiscent of a lamb, hence the name.

This haircut is particularly flattering for Goldendoodles with well-built legs and good proportions. The shorter body hair reduces matting in the areas most prone to tangling (like the belly and chest), while the fuller legs add dimension and character. The face can be styled in various ways with this cut—some owners opt for a clean face, while others prefer to keep the facial fur a bit longer for that classic doodle expression.

The Lamb Cut requires moderate maintenance. While the shorter body fur is relatively easy to care for, the longer leg hair needs regular brushing to prevent tangles. Plan for grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks to maintain the distinctive shape of this elegant cut.

Puppy’s First Haircut

Your Goldendoodle’s first grooming experience sets the tone for a lifetime of grooming sessions, making it crucial to approach this milestone with care and consideration. Most professional groomers recommend scheduling your puppy’s first haircut between 4-6 months of age, once they’ve completed their vaccinations but before their adult coat begins to come in.

For this inaugural grooming session, it’s best to keep things simple and positive. A light trim rather than a dramatic style change helps your puppy adjust to the grooming process without feeling overwhelmed. The goal is to familiarize your young Goldendoodle with the sights, sounds, and sensations of grooming in a gentle, non-threatening way.

Before the appointment, help prepare your puppy by regularly touching their paws, ears, and face at home. Introduce them to the sound of clippers or a hairdryer gradually. Most importantly, find a patient, dog-friendly groomer who specializes in working with puppies and understands the importance of making this first experience a positive one.

Long Ears Cut

The Long Ears Cut is all about accentuating one of the Goldendoodle’s most adorable features—their expressive ears. This style keeps the ear fur longer than the rest of the body, creating a dramatic frame around your dog’s face that draws attention to their soulful eyes and sweet expression.

There are several variations of the Long Ears Cut. Some groomers trim the ears straight across at the bottom for a neat appearance, while others prefer a more natural, rounded shape. The length can vary from moderately long to quite dramatic, depending on your preference and your dog’s comfort level. When paired with a clean-cut face or rounded teddy bear style, long ears can add a touch of elegance to your Goldendoodle’s overall look.

Be aware that longer ear fur requires extra care. The hair can easily become tangled or soiled from food and water, necessitating daily brushing and occasional cleaning to prevent matting and ear infections. However, many owners find that the adorable results are well worth the additional maintenance.

Short Ears Cut

For a more practical yet equally charming option, the Short Ears Cut offers a low-maintenance alternative that still preserves your Goldendoodle’s expressive features. This style keeps the ear fur trimmed close to the natural shape of the ear leather, creating a neat, tidy appearance that’s easier to maintain than longer styles.

Short ears give your Goldendoodle a youthful, spirited look while reducing the risk of matting and ear-related hygiene issues. Professional groomers can shape short ears in different ways: some trim them straight across, others prefer a rounded shape, and many follow the natural shape of the ear leather itself. The latter approach helps distinguish your Goldendoodle from Poodles, which typically have oval-shaped ears created by longer fur.

One significant advantage of this cut is that it helps prevent your dog’s ears from dragging in food and water bowls. It also requires less daily maintenance, making it perfect for active Goldendoodles or busy owners who prefer a more practical grooming routine.

Asian Fusion/Donut Muzzle Cut

For Goldendoodle owners looking to make a stylish statement, the Asian Fusion style with its signature donut muzzle offers a unique and eye-catching option. This creative grooming approach combines elements of traditional Asian grooming techniques with modern styling to create a distinctively chic appearance.

The defining feature of this cut is the donut muzzle, created by skillfully scissoring the facial hair into a perfectly rounded oval shape. This technique frames your Goldendoodle’s face beautifully and gives them a sophisticated, almost whimsical expression. The rest of the body can be styled in various ways to complement the distinctive muzzle, from a shorter practical cut to fuller, more sculpted fur.

While undeniably adorable, this style requires considerable skill to execute properly and more frequent grooming appointments to maintain. It’s best suited for dogs that tolerate grooming well and owners who are committed to the upkeep. Professional groomers generally advise against leaving a long beard on your Goldendoodle, as it can trap food, moisture, and bacteria, potentially leading to skin problems and hygiene issues.

Lion Cut

The Lion Cut transforms your friendly Goldendoodle into a majestic, lion-like companion with its bold and distinctive styling. This dramatic cut involves leaving longer fur around the head and neck to create a lion’s mane effect, while the body and legs are trimmed significantly shorter. Some variations also leave a pom-pom of fur at the end of the tail to complete the lion-inspired look.

This eye-catching style is perfect for owners who want their Goldendoodle to stand out from the crowd. Beyond its visual impact, the Lion Cut offers practical benefits for warm weather, as the shorter body fur helps keep your dog cooler while the mane preserves some of their distinctive doodle character.

Maintenance for this cut involves regular brushing of the longer mane area to prevent tangles, while the shorter body requires less intensive care. Plan for grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks to maintain the dramatic contrast that defines this style. The Lion Cut works best on Goldendoodles with thicker, curlier coats that can hold the shape of the mane effectively.

Mohawk Cut

For the Goldendoodle with rock-star personality, the Mohawk Cut delivers an edgy, playful look that’s sure to turn heads. This fun style features a strip of longer fur running from the top of the head down along the spine, while the rest of the body is trimmed shorter. The result is a mohawk-like crest that showcases your dog’s spirited character.

This unique cut can be customized in various ways—from a subtle, modest mohawk to a more pronounced strip of standing fur. Some groomers add creative touches like coloring the mohawk with pet-safe dyes for special occasions or leaving the ears and tail fluffier to balance the overall look.

While not as common as some of the more traditional cuts, the Mohawk style is gaining popularity among owners who want something different for their Goldendoodle. It’s relatively low-maintenance compared to all-over fluffy cuts, with only the mohawk strip requiring regular brushing to keep it looking its best.

Kennel Cut

The Kennel Cut, sometimes called the Sporting Cut, offers maximum practicality for active Goldendoodles or those living in warmer climates. This no-nonsense style features short, even-length fur all over the body (typically ½ inch or less), creating a clean, uniform appearance that’s incredibly easy to maintain.

This cut significantly reduces grooming time and helps prevent matting, making it ideal for dogs that swim frequently, enjoy outdoor adventures, or tend to collect debris in their fur. It’s also perfect for managing the transition period when a Goldendoodle’s puppy coat is changing to an adult coat—a time when matting can become particularly problematic.

While some owners worry this cut might make their Goldendoodle look less distinctive, a skilled groomer can maintain elements of doodle charm even with shorter fur. The Kennel Cut requires minimal home maintenance beyond occasional brushing and typically needs refreshing only every 8-10 weeks, making it one of the most practical options available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How often should I get my Goldendoodle groomed?

A: Most Goldendoodles need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, though this varies based on coat type and chosen style. Between appointments, regular brushing (2-3 times weekly for longer cuts) is essential to prevent matting and maintain coat health.

Q: At what age should a Goldendoodle puppy get their first haircut?

A: The ideal time for a puppy’s first grooming experience is between 4-6 months of age, after completing vaccinations but before their adult coat begins to come in. Start with a simple, light trim to make the experience positive.

Q: Which Goldendoodle haircut is best for hot weather?

A: The Take It All Off Cut, Kennel Cut, and shorter versions of the Puppy Cut work best for hot weather as they remove excess fur that can cause overheating. Just remember that very short cuts may require sunscreen on exposed skin during extended outdoor activities.

Q: How do I prevent my Goldendoodle’s fur from matting between grooming appointments?

A: Regular brushing is key—use a slicker brush followed by a steel comb to reach through all layers of the coat. Focus on problem areas like behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, and between the legs. Consider a shorter cut if matting is a persistent issue.

Q: Can I groom my Goldendoodle at home?

A: While basic maintenance like brushing, bathing, and minor trims can be done at home, most detailed cuts are best left to professional groomers. If you want to try home grooming, invest in quality tools and consider taking a pet grooming course to learn proper techniques.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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