Why Your Doodle's Groom Costs More

The Lies, The Myths, and the Reality

Doodles are marketed as the best of both worlds—non-shedding, allergy-friendly, easy-to-maintain family pets. But groomers across the country will tell you the truth: doodles are one of the most difficult and labor-intensive coat types in grooming. And that’s before factoring in their size, temperament, poor at-home upkeep or misinformation from breeders.

At Roman’s Empire, we price based on time, labor, coat condition, and complexity—not breed discrimination. Doodles consistently require more of all four, which is why they have a higher price tag.

A Personal Note from Roman’s Empire

I speak from experience—Roman, the namesake of Roman’s Empire, is a Shih-Poo. By definition--a doodle (poodle mix).

Roman is incredibly special to me. He’s sweet, bright, and endlessly loyal. He has my heart and soul. But he’s also naturally timid and fearful by temperament—not the bold, outgoing personality many doodles are known for. This is a result of unethical breeding practices as reputable breeders temperament and health test both parents--something you very rarely get with doodles. Even with temperament and health testing, it is simply not guaranteed  given the nature of early crossbreeding.

Despite being introduced to grooming at 8 weeks old and kept on a consistent, fear-free schedule, it took a lot of time, patience, and trust-building to get him comfortable with the grooming process.

Because of poor breeding, Roman developed periodontal disease within his first year of life and lives with a collapsed trachea. He requires regular maintenance and health monitoring, and his grooming needs are more demanding than the average dog’s.

There are currently no ethical doodle breeding programs—no consistent health testing, temperament screening, or breeding standards. This leads to unpredictable coat types, variable temperaments, and chronic health issues. It makes every doodle a gamble on all fronts—one that affects not just the owner but the dog’s overall well-being.

I understand the love people have for doodles—I love Roman with my whole heart. But loving a doodle means taking responsibility for their care, grooming, health, and emotional needs. It’s a commitment that goes beyond their appearance.

Roman is living proof with proper grooming introductions, care, training, maintenance, and frequency--even the most nervous doodles can become accustomed to grooming and find it relaxing. He falls asleep while drying, brushing, trimming, etc.

The Coat Conundrum

Doodle coats are a genetic wildcard. You might end up with loose, flat hair like a Golden Retriever, tight curls like a Poodle, or—most commonly—a dense, inconsistent hybrid coat that mats at lightning speed.

These coats:

• Trap debris, dander, and dead hair
• Mat down to the skin if not brushed properly and consistently
• Need frequent professional grooming to stay healthy and manageable

Add to that the size and density of most doodles, and a single groom can take triple the time and physical effort of a small, long-haired dog.

The “Low/No Shedding” Lie

One of the biggest marketing myths Doodle owners hear is that their dog is hypoallergenic or doesn’t shed. This is flat-out false.

All dogs shed—including doodles. What varies is how they shed.

Doodles often inherit a curly or wooly coat that doesn’t release loose hair easily into the environment. Instead, it traps it in the coat, where it tangles and turns into mats. So, while your doodle might not leave fur balls on the furniture, they’re still shedding—it just doesn't leave the coat by itself. And that “invisible” shedding is actually harder to manage.

This misinformation makes owners think grooming isn’t needed as often or that brushing is optional. The result? Painful matting, irritated skin, and severely neglected coats—not to mention grooms that take hours longer and require coat removal instead of maintenance.

Breeders using “low/no shedding” as a selling point are setting both the dog and owner up to fail. Shedding is natural. Doodles just hide it well—until it becomes a problem.

Temperament Trouble

While I love animals of all temperaments, it’s important to be honest: many doodles have royally unpredictable behavior. That’s not their fault—it’s the result of backyard breeding with no concern for temperament, genetics, or behavioral and mental soundness.

Without proper socialization, training, or exposure to handling from a young age, many doodles become fearful, overstimulated, or outright aggressive on the grooming table. They’re often too smart for their own good, but without boundaries or guidance, that intelligence turns into resistance or anxiety.

Doodles are among the most common breed to not have training, not be properly introduced to grooming at a very young age, come in completely neglected and end up fearful of grooming, which can look like unruliness, unpredictability, reactivity and aggression.

Learn the dangers of aggression and unruliness in the salon here.

This is compounded by a common misunderstanding from owners: that grooming should be “gentle,” “natural,” or unstructured. The truth? Structure, training, and repetition prevent trauma—they don’t cause it.

The Myth of Hand Scissoring

Another breeder-fueled myth is that doodles need to be hand-scissored to “protect the coat.” This is not only inaccurate—it’s dangerous.

Hand scissoring is a styling choice, not a necessity. It’s not better for the coat. In fact, with double-coated or curly hybrid coats, it can be more damaging and more dangerous if the coat is matted underneath. Clippers, when used properly, are just as safe and often more efficient and humane.

And to clarify-- I do not offer hand scissoring to any and all dogs, they must be a good candidate (proper grooming introduction, on a regular schedule with correct brushing done at home, and cooperative and not fearful on the grooming table). I prioritize your pet’s comfort, skin health, and safety over aesthetics pushed by online trends or fantasy "breed" expectations. Yes, I said it--doodles are not a breed and do not have a breed standard. This is fact.

This aids in the confusion and chaos with the subjective grooming terms and names of cuts or styles, there simply is no breed cut for doodles nor specialized cuts for them. You may get annoyed by our asking you to specify what you want, but the terms you give us often don't mean what you think they do or vary vastly from person-to-person.

Haircuts Don't Ruin the Coat—Neglect Does

Breeders and online forums love to parrot the idea that grooming “ruins” a doodle’s coat, especially if done before a year old. This is categorically false.

Coat texture and quality are dictated by genetics, not grooming. What actually ruins the coat—and the dog’s trust—is matting, neglect, and forced dematting from owners trying to avoid a necessary haircut.

By delaying grooming or brushing improperly, you’re making it more likely your doodle will end up needing to be shaved, stressed, or sedated down the road. Starting grooming early, keeping it consistent, and building positive routines is what creates a healthy coat and confident dog.

Learn why shaving matting isn't optional and how delaying introducing professional grooming until outside of puppyhood comes with both physical and emotional consequences.

What You're Actually Paying For

When you book a doodle groom with Roman’s Empire, you’re not just paying for a bath, trim or haircut. You’re paying for:

• Evaluation of coat type, growth stage, and condition
• Handling of dense, high-maintenance, coat-trapping texture
• Behavior management and fear-free handling for anxious or overstimulated dogs
• Professional knowledge of hair life cycles, skin conditions, stress signals, and safe grooming timelines
• Specialty care for a breed mix that requires far more skill than average to groom safely and beautifully

Most doodle grooms take significantly more time, strength, and precision than any other breed—and they require me to use every ounce of my training, patience, and equipment to deliver safe, beautiful results.

Learn why haircuts aren't that much more than a bath and why cheap grooming isn't a bargain.

If you have a doodle puppy, please explore the puppy checklist here.

The Bottom Line

Doodles are not “easy” dogs. Their grooming needs are high-maintenance, their temperaments unpredictable, and their care often misunderstood due to irresponsible breeders and misleading marketing.

Like other groomers, I price accordingly—not to punish you, but to reflect the labor, time, skill, and care that go into every doodle I groom. I love your pet. I just won’t pretend they’re low-effort, low-maintenance, or low-cost.

Explore why grooming prices vary and why it matters for more.

Related Posts

• Why at-home Grooming Isn't a Replacement for Professional Grooming
• Why staying on a frequent schedule is essential
• Why You Should Never Take Scissors to Matting
• What Professional Grooming Actually Involves
• Increased Injury Risks for Aggressive or Unruly Pets
• How Shaking Isn't a Sign of Abuse
• Why Grooming Prices Vary (and Why It Matters)