Grooming your (wonderful!) Doodle

Doodles have exploded in popularity over the past decade, with breeders creating “no-shed” versions of our favourite breeds—think Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Labradoodles, Sheepadoodles … the list goes on! They're definitely cute, but don't forget: Doodles need regular grooming, which can get expensive. I probably spend more time and money on Zoe, my Poodle/Bernese mix (with a little Australian Labradoodle thrown in), than I do on the rest of my family combined. Unless you really know what you're doing, your best bet is to head to a well-referred groomer. Since Doodles don't shed, they need to be bathed, brushed and trimmed so that their fur doesn't grow too long and mat. Between grooming appointments, brushing your dog is essential to reduce matting. And, as beauty isn't everything in life, it's important to do your research when you're looking for your ideal Doodle; they can have wildly different personalities, and many require generous lifetime servings of exercise and stimulation. A good breeder—or a responsible person in a good shelter—will work with you to find the perfect dog to suit your lifestyle. (Julie Matlin)