Best shampoo for a Labradoodle
A Labradoodle isn't a fixed breed with one standard coat, so the best shampoo for one Labradoodle can be the wrong choice for another. Coat type — a tighter, curlier "wool" coat closer to a Poodle, or a looser "hair" coat closer to a Labrador — changes what a shampoo actually needs to do far more than the breed name on its own.
Why coat type matters more than the breed name
Because a Labradoodle is a crossbreed rather than a fixed breed with a single standard, individual dogs can end up with quite different coats depending on their particular parentage and generation. Some inherit a tight, curly coat much closer to a Poodle's, while others end up with a looser, straighter coat closer to a Labrador's.
Working out which type your own dog has is the useful first step, since it changes what a shampoo needs to focus on far more than the breed name alone would suggest.
What a curly, wool-type coat needs
A tighter, curlier coat is more prone to tangling and matting, particularly around the ears, under the legs and around the collar area. A shampoo paired with a conditioner that helps with detangling and reduces static tends to make a real difference here, easing the coat out rather than leaving it to knot up as it dries.
Regular brushing before and after a bath matters as much as the product itself for this coat type, since a curly coat that's washed while already tangled is much more likely to mat further once wet.
What a looser, hair-type coat needs
A Labradoodle with a looser coat behaves more like a Labrador's in practice — it sheds more, and can pick up a doggy smell faster between washes. A shampoo aimed at odour control and coat shine tends to suit this coat type better than a heavy conditioning formula built for detangling curls.
This coat type generally needs less intensive grooming between washes than a curlier one, though regular brushing still helps manage shedding and keeps the coat in better condition overall.
If your Labradoodle has sensitive skin
Some Labradoodles, particularly younger dogs or certain lines, turn out to have reactive or easily irritated skin regardless of coat type. A gentle, hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoo is worth trying in that case, and it's sensible to patch-test a small area first rather than washing the whole coat with something new.
If your dog shows ongoing redness, itching or irritation regardless of which shampoo you use, that's worth raising with a vet rather than continuing to try different products, since it may point to something beyond a simple product mismatch.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Electric Pet Grooming Clipper
A quiet, rechargeable electric clipper for trimming dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets at home. Low-noise and low-vibration with an adjustable blade for tidy, stress-free grooming around the body and paws.
From£11.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Round-Tipped Deshedding Rake Comb
A double-sided undercoat rake with rounded stainless-steel blades that gently cut through mats and remove loose hair. The non-slip ergonomic handle makes deshedding dogs and cats quick and comfortable.
From£8.99
Pet Deshedding Grooming Mitt
A soft mesh grooming mitt you wear on one hand to lift loose fur while stroking your pet, turning shedding control into a soothing massage. Suits dogs and cats with any coat length.
From£7.99
Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
A skin-friendly slicker brush that gently lifts loose fur and undercoat from dogs, cats and rabbits. The angled pins glide through the coat while a one-click button releases the collected hair for easy cleaning. Soft non-slip handle.
£9.99
Double-Sided Deshedding & Flea Comb
A two-sided steel comb with coarse deshedding teeth on one side and fine flea-comb teeth on the other. Lifts loose fur and catches fleas to keep your cat or dog's coat clean and healthy.
£13.99
Steam Spray Detangling Grooming Brush
A rechargeable steam grooming brush with a fine mist that lifts loose fur and eases tangles while you brush. Gentle on the skin and cuts down flyaway hair, no bath needed. Chick design.
£12.99
Wahl Competition Series Clipper Blades
High-precision, chrome-plated clipper blades with a rust-resistant finish, available in 17 sizes for every coat type and clipping style.
From£37.99
Double-Sided Undercoat Rake
A twin-bladed rake that removes mats and tangles on one side and reduces shedding on the other. The non-slip ergonomic handle suits cats and dogs with thick or long coats.
£23.99
Silicone Pet Bath & Massage Brush
Soft silicone bristles work shampoo into a rich lather while gently massaging your pet and lifting loose hair at bath time. A handy strap keeps the brush secure across the back of your hand.
£7.99
Self-Cleaning Deshedding Slicker Brush
A deshedding grooming tool for dogs and cats that lifts loose undercoat and eases out tangles, with a self-cleaning button that releases the trapped fur in one press.
£25.99
Wooden Pet Deshedding Grooming Brush
An ergonomic wooden grooming brush with a fine-toothed edge that loosens and lifts away dead and shedding fur. The smooth contoured handle sits comfortably in the hand for quick, gentle daily de-shedding.
£14.99
Common questions
- How often should I bathe my Labradoodle?
- It depends on their coat, lifestyle and how much they get into, but many owners find somewhere around every four to six weeks works well for a coat that isn't especially oily or prone to odour. Overwashing can dry out the skin, so more frequent isn't automatically better.
- Do Labradoodles need a special shampoo, or will any dog shampoo do?
- A general dog shampoo will clean the coat, but a curlier Labradoodle coat generally does better with a shampoo paired with a detangling conditioner, while a looser coat can manage fine with a more standard formula. Matching the product to the coat type gives better results than picking one at random.
- What should I do if my Labradoodle's coat is matted?
- Work through mats gently with a brush or comb before bathing, since washing over an existing mat usually makes it tighter and harder to remove. For anything extensive or close to the skin, a professional groomer can remove it safely without needing to shave the whole coat.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.