By Kathy Rose
As the Doodle population explodes, the diversity of their body type, shape and size, as well as coat type and texture is also expanding. There is no “cookie cutter” trim for the Doodle so we must adapt to the dog presented to us.
This model is a huge 29” dog sporting a soft, wavy coat with a bit of wiry texture mixed in for fun. The body coat type along with the sparsely coated, lanky legs and roached topline may present a challenge when trying to create a balanced and pleasing coif. Keeping basic, proper structure in mind, we are aiming for a level topline, natural looking underline, legs presenting the illusion of parallel lines when viewed from front or rear, and most importantly, a balanced symmetrical trim.
Proper preparation and blow dry are essential. This type of coat benefits from texturizing shampoo. Follow this with a good conditioner and blow out.
The directions below assume all preparation is complete including nails, ears, underwear and pads.
Fig.1) Starting at the highest part of the back, use a “1” or “0” snap on comb to trim the highest point. Skim off if the croup drops off drastically as it does in this model. We want to attempt to correct as much of the “roach” in the back as possible and level the topline.
Fig.2) If the croup is very low, skim off then continue with contact just below the point of rump. Continue down the back of the thigh and fall off before reaching the hock.
Fig.3) Skim down the outside of the upper thigh, falling off at the bend in stifle. Do not trim the front of the rear leg.
Fig.4) Use a “0” snap on comb to blend the flanks. Start just above the spring of rib.
Continue down the flanks, following the coat growth direction. Fall off just below the spring of rib, before reaching the underline.
Fig.5) Lift the ear and trim the sides of the neck and shoulders with the same snap on comb used on the flanks. To define the neck a bit more, use one length shorter on the sides of neck from under the ears and jaw, falling off at the flanks and lower chest. Trim down to the elbow, falling off before trimming into the leg coat.
Fig.6) Begin at the under jaw and trim the front of the neck and fore chest. Fall off above the breast bone before reaching the cowlick areas at the fore chest. On the shoulders, trim over the point of shoulder and fall off just below where the upper arm meets the shoulder.
Fig.7) Now that the body has been blocked in, go back to the highest part of the back and level out the topline by trimming against coat growth direction. Fall off and blend up onto the neck, creating a slight crest.
Fig.8) Use Chunkers to blend the inside and outside of the rear legs to form parallel columns.
Fig.9) Tidy up the front of the upper thigh, following the natural angulation of the dog.
Fig.10) Blend the upper thigh into the tuck up and undercarriage.
Fig.11) Lift the front leg then trim the undercarriage, following the natural underline of the dog. The longest part of the underline should be between the forelegs, then sloping upward toward the chest.
Fig.12) Blend the flanks into the underline and the topline.
Fig.13) Blend the shoulders into the sides of the neck.
Fig.14) Blend the highest point of the topline to level.
Fig.15) Blend the withers into the crest of the neck to form a continuous line to the head.
Fig.16) Blend the point of shoulder into the upper arm.
Fig.17) Tidy the upper arm and blend into the elbow, making a distinction from the elbow and underline.
Fig.18) Tidy up the sides and front of the forelegs by lifting the opposite leg. The forelegs should form parallel columns.
Fig.19) Trim all feet to a round shape. First create a square by trimming straight across the front, then the sides, then rounding the corners.
Fig.20) Use thinning shears to remove the excess coat from the
eye corners.
Fig.21) Use thinning shears to expose the eyes when viewed from the side.
Fig.22) Trim across the front of the eyes, leaving a slight overhang.
Fig.23) Blend the front to the exposed eye on the sides.
Fig.24) Comb the beard and mustache down and use a curved shear to trim in a semi–circle shape from the muzzle to the ear.
Fig.25) Trim the coat behind and in front of the ear.
Fig.26) With the ear in a natural position, comb the fringe down and use a curved shear to shape the
ear fringe.
Fig.27) Hold the tail at the tip and use a curved shear or chunkers to tidy the tail fringe in a semi–circle shape.
With the ever–increasing population of the Doodle, it is time we embraced this “breed” as a top contender on our Bread & Butter list of clients. ✂