Made for poodle‑type coats to reduce tangles, add slip for easier brushing, and clean without stripping natural oils.
Doodles have gorgeous, high-maintenance coats that can mat, itch, and smell faster than most breeds. The right shampoo makes bath day easier, skin calmer, and grooming bills lower.
Doodles like Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Bernedoodles are lovable, fluffy, and famously high maintenance. Their coats trap dirt, mat easily, and many have sensitive skin that reacts to harsh products.
The right shampoo will clean gently, help prevent tangles, and calm irritation so your Doodle stays soft and comfortable between grooms. Below are the best shampoos for Doodles, plus how to choose one that fits your dog’s specific coat and skin.
Quick picks
- TropiClean PerfectFur Curly & Wavy Coat Shampoo for Dogs – Best overall for Doodles. Made specifically for curly and wavy coats, it helps reduce tangles and leaves that fluffy Doodle look without heavy residue.
- Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo (Fragrance Free) – Best for itchy, sensitive skin. A gentle, soap free formula with colloidal oatmeal and aloe that soothes while it cleans, ideal for allergy prone Doodles.
- Veterinary Formula Solutions Ultra Oatmeal Moisturizing Shampoo for Dogs – Best for dry, tangle prone coats. Rich moisturizers and silk protein help condition and add slip, which can make brushing out Doodle curls easier.
- Burt’s Bees for Puppies Tearless 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner – Best for Doodle puppies. A mild, tearless formula that cleans and lightly conditions in one step for wiggly pups and first baths.
In-depth reviews
TropiClean PerfectFur Curly & Wavy Coat Shampoo for Dogs review
If you want one go to shampoo for an adult Doodle, this is the most purpose built option. TropiClean PerfectFur Curly & Wavy is designed for poodle type coats, which means it suits Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and other curly or wavy mixes very well.
The formula uses gentle cleansers to remove dirt and excess oil without stripping the coat. It adds light conditioning and “slip,” so curls separate more easily and combing after the bath is less of a fight. The texture is fairly thin, which makes it easy to work into dense fur, and the scent is fresh without being overpowering.
The main drawback is that it is not tearless, so you need to be careful around the eyes. It also is not fragrance free, which may be a consideration if your Doodle has strong scent sensitivities. Compared with Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe, this one is better for coat manageability, while Earthbath wins for ultra sensitive skin.
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo (Fragrance Free) review
For Doodles with allergies, hot spots, or chronic itch, Earthbath’s oatmeal and aloe formula is a top choice. It is fragrance free, soap free, and avoids harsh ingredients like parabens and phthalates that can aggravate sensitive skin.
The stars of the formula are colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera, which can help calm dry, irritated skin while still giving a thorough clean. It lathers enough to feel effective but rinses out quickly, which matters when you are washing a large, fluffy Doodle who is over bath time.
Because it is so gentle, it may not cut through heavy grease or strong odors as quickly as a more robust shampoo. In those cases, a second wash might be needed. Compared with TropiClean PerfectFur, Earthbath is the safer bet for skin that flares easily, while TropiClean offers more coat control and definition.
Veterinary Formula Solutions Ultra Oatmeal Moisturizing Shampoo for Dogs review
If your Doodle’s coat feels dry, dull, or constantly tangles, this moisturizing shampoo is worth a look. Veterinary Formula Solutions Ultra Oatmeal uses colloidal oatmeal, silk protein, and shea butter to hydrate the coat and leave it feeling smoother.
The extra slip you get from the silk protein can make brushing out coils and waves noticeably easier, especially if you follow up with a conditioning spray. It has a richer lather than Earthbath, which helps with that “really clean” feel, and the formula is pH balanced for dogs.
However, it does have a stronger fruity scent that lingers, which not every owner loves. It also may be too rich for Doodles with naturally oily skin or those who get frequent baths. Compared with Earthbath, this is the better option for very dry, tangle prone coats, while Earthbath remains the gentler everyday option for sensitive skin.
Burt’s Bees for Puppies Tearless 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner review
Doodle puppies need frequent handling and grooming practice, but their skin and eyes are delicate. Burt’s Bees for Puppies Tearless 2 in 1 is a simple, mild formula that cleans and lightly conditions in one step, ideal for quick baths.
It uses gentle, naturally derived cleansers along with buttermilk to soften and honey to add light shine. The lather is modest but enough to distribute through fluffy puppy fur, and the mild scent tends to be well tolerated by both dogs and humans.
The conditioning effect is light, so older or heavily coated Doodles will still need a separate conditioner or detangling spray to prevent mats. For that, something like Veterinary Formula Ultra Oatmeal or a dedicated conditioner is a better fit. But for young puppies or very frequent mini baths, this tearless 2 in 1 keeps things quick and low stress.
How to choose the right shampoo for your Doodle
Doodles are not a one size fits all group. Some have tight poodle curls, others have looser waves, and their skin can range from oily to desert dry. The best shampoo depends on both coat type and skin condition.
Use this checklist to narrow your options:
- Skin sensitivity: If your Doodle scratches, has red patches, or gets frequent ear infections, prioritize gentle, fragrance free, soap free formulas like Earthbath.
- Coat texture and mats: For tight curls or frequent matting, pick a shampoo that adds slip and moisture, such as TropiClean PerfectFur or a moisturizing formula like Veterinary Formula Ultra Oatmeal.
- Age: Puppies under 1 year do best with tearless puppy shampoos that are extra mild, like Burt’s Bees for Puppies, especially around the face.
- Scent preference: If you or your dog are sensitive to smells, stick with fragrance free or lightly scented products. Strongly perfumed shampoos can be overwhelming on a big, fluffy dog.
- Ingredients to avoid: Skip human shampoos, heavy perfumes, and formulas with harsh sulfates or alcohol that can strip natural oils and leave Doodle skin flaky.
If you are between two options, think about what bothers you most right now. If it is constant itching, err on the side of a soothing, hypoallergenic shampoo. If it is never ending mats, choose something that focuses on conditioning and coat manageability.
Bathing and grooming tips for Doodle coats
Even the best shampoo will not fix mats or skin problems if your bath routine works against you. A few simple habits can dramatically improve how your Doodle looks and feels between grooms.
- Brush before the bath: Always remove knots and loose hair while the coat is dry. Water tightens mats and makes them harder to remove.
- Use lukewarm water: Hot water dries out skin and can worsen itching. Aim for comfortably warm, not hot.
- Dilute shampoo for easier rinsing: Mixing shampoo with a bit of warm water in a squeeze bottle helps it spread through thick coats and rinse out more easily.
- Massage, do not scrub: Use your fingertips to work shampoo down to the skin, especially in dense areas like the chest, armpits, and behind the ears where mats start.
- Rinse longer than you think: Leftover shampoo causes itch and dandruff. Rinse until water runs completely clear, then rinse once more.
- Condition and comb while damp: After shampooing, use a conditioner or detangling spray, then gently brush or comb as you blow dry on a low heat setting.
- Keep to a schedule: Most Doodles do well with a full bath every 4 to 6 weeks, plus quick rinses or spot cleans as needed. Overbathing can dry the skin.
If mats keep returning despite careful bathing, talk with your groomer about coat length, tools, and how often you should be brushing at home. Sometimes a slightly shorter cut makes life much easier for both you and your dog.
Final thoughts
For most adult Doodles, TropiClean PerfectFur Curly & Wavy Coat Shampoo for Dogs is a great starting point because it is built for curly coats and helps reduce matting. If your dog has allergy prone or very sensitive skin, Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo (Fragrance Free) is the safer, gentler option.
Doodles with dry, tangle prone coats may benefit from the extra conditioning of Veterinary Formula Solutions Ultra Oatmeal, especially when paired with regular brushing. For puppies, Burt’s Bees for Puppies Tearless 2 in 1 keeps early bath time simple and low stress.
Start with the formula that fits your dog’s biggest issue right now, watch how their skin and coat respond over a few baths, and adjust as needed. With the right shampoo and a consistent routine, your Doodle can stay soft, clean, and comfortable between grooming appointments.
See also
If you are unsure which breeds are behind your Doodle’s coat and skin traits, an Embark dog DNA test can give helpful insight into their mix.
FAQ
How often should I bathe my Doodle?
Most Doodles do best with a full bath every 4 to 6 weeks. Very active or outdoor dogs may need more frequent rinses or spot cleans, but try not to fully shampoo more often than every 3 weeks unless your vet recommends it, since overbathing can dry the skin.
Can I use human shampoo on my Doodle?
No, human shampoos are formulated for human skin pH and can be too harsh for dogs. Using them regularly can lead to dryness, itching, and a damaged coat, so it is safer to stick with dog specific shampoos that are pH balanced for canine skin.
Do Doodles need conditioner as well as shampoo?
In most cases, yes. Doodles have dense, often curly coats that tangle easily, and a conditioner or leave in detangling spray helps add slip so mats are less likely to form. Some 2 in 1 formulas are fine for puppies or short coats, but adult, long coated Doodles usually benefit from a separate conditioning step.
How do I stop my Doodle from matting after baths?
The key is to brush thoroughly before the bath, use a moisturizing or coat specific shampoo, then apply conditioner and brush again while the coat is still damp. Blow drying on low heat while brushing in sections helps keep curls separated. Skipping the post bath brush and dry is one of the fastest ways for Doodles to mat.
Are whitening shampoos safe for cream or white Doodles?
Many whitening shampoos are safe when used as directed, but they can be a bit stronger than everyday formulas. If your Doodle has sensitive skin, use a gentle whitening shampoo only occasionally, and follow with a soothing conditioner. For heavily stained areas, it is usually better to ask your groomer for help instead of scrubbing aggressively at home.
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