Australian Labradoodle Coat Types
Australian Labradoodles are known for their soft, allergy-friendly coats, but not all coats are the same. There are three main coat types, each with its own texture, grooming needs, and level of allergy-friendliness:
1. Wool Coat (Curly)
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Texture: Tight, dense curls — similar to lamb’s wool
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Allergy-Friendly: ✅ Highly allergy-friendly
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Shedding: Very low to non-shedding, even during coat transitions
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Grooming Needs:
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Requires frequent brushing (at least twice a week) to prevent matting
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Professional grooming recommended every 6–8 weeks
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Ideal For: Allergy sufferers who are willing to commit to higher grooming maintenance
2. Fleece Coat (Wavy or Soft Curl)
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Texture: Silky and soft; can be wavy or loosely curled
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Allergy-Friendly: ✅ Allergy-friendly
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Shedding: Low to non-shedding
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Grooming Needs:
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Needs weekly brushing to maintain coat condition
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Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is recommended
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Ideal For: Families looking for an allergy-friendly dog with a soft, low-maintenance coat
3. Hair Coat (Straight or Wiry)
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Texture: Straight or slightly wiry, more similar to traditional Retriever fur
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Allergy-Friendly: ❌ Not considered allergy-friendly
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Shedding: Moderate to high shedding
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Grooming Needs:
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Requires occasional brushing (every few weeks)
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Infrequent grooming required
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Note: This coat type is uncommon in multigenerational Australian Labradoodles and more often found in first-generation crosses (F1 or F2). Ethical breeders working within associations typically breed away from this coat type.
At Australian Labradoodles of Ireland, we exclusively breed dogs with the soft, wavy fleece coat — the most popular and family-friendly coat type.
Tip for Puppy Owners:
All Australian Labradoodles go through a puppy coat transition (usually between 6–12 months of age), which may cause tangling or matting. Increased brushing during this period is essential, especially for fleece and wool coats.