Should I Trim My Goldendoodle For Summer? Lexie and I Share Tips
If you’ve ever watched your Goldendoodle melt into the cool grass on a hot afternoon, wishing for a little more relief, you’re in good company—we’ve been there with Lexie more times than we can count. Summer can be a real challenge for our fluffy friends, especially when their curls seem to soak up every ray of sunshine. As the temperature climbs, it’s only natural to wonder if a trim is what our Goldendoodles need to stay cool and comfy.
Most Goldendoodle owners find that trimming their dogs for summer does help them feel cooler and prevents overheating, but keeping at least half an inch of fur can protect their skin while offering cooling comfort (learn more about recommended hair lengths at this helpful discussion on Goldendoodle summer haircuts). In this post, we’ll share what we’ve learned from Lexie’s summer trims—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the simple things that make those hot months easier for both us and her.
Whether you’re on your first summer with a new puppy or you’ve been through the seasonal grooming routine before, stick with us for easy tips, honest advice, and a few funny moments from life with our curly-haired girl.
After a decade of figuring out what really helps (and what just leaves us with a questionable haircut), we’re excited to pass on our favorite ways to keep your Goldendoodle cool and comfortable all season.
Why Summer Grooming Matters For Goldendoodles
Keeping our Goldendoodles comfortable in the summer is about more than just looks. Their unique coats and playful personalities mean grooming choices can make a big difference in their health and happiness during the hotter months.
Understanding Your Goldendoodle’s Coat
Goldendoodles like Lexie have beautiful, soft hair that needs regular care. Unlike dogs with simple fur, our pups have coats that can be wavy, curly, or even a little straight. This mix means their hair tangles easily, especially if it gets a bit longer.
One thing we learned the hard way is that mats don’t take a summer break. Humidity and water from swimming can make knots form quickly. If we miss a brushing, a cute beach day can turn into a mess at grooming time!
Sometimes, we give Lexie a shorter trim during warm weather. This keeps her coat looking tidy and makes brushing faster. It also helps us see any skin issues hiding under the hair—like rashes or little hot spots—before they get worse.
Goldendoodle Coat Care Tips
- Brush several times a week to prevent tangling
- Use a comb to check for mats after playing outside
- Ask your groomer for a manageable trim if brushing is a struggle
How Heat Affects Mini Goldendoodles Like Lexie
Heat can be tough on active, curly-haired pups like ours. Lexie might be small, but she loves long walks, and she never says no to fetch in the yard—even if it’s hot and muggy outside.
When her hair was longer, we noticed she’d pant faster and want to lie down in the shade much sooner. Some owners wonder if a summer cut really makes a difference. In Lexie’s case, a shorter trim truly helped. She handled summer walks better and stayed playful during backyard time.
Of course, trimming too short isn’t always best. Dogs’ coats act as natural temperature control, so we avoid shaving her down to the skin. We focus on keeping her comfortable while leaving enough coat for sun and bug protection. Advice from other owners and online communities like this summer grooming discussion has been helpful, too.
Risks Of Overheating And Mats In Warm Weather
Goldendoodles can overheat quickly compared to some breeds, especially when they’re older or have a thick coat. Lexie, now 10, doesn’t recover from overheating as quickly as she did as a pup.
A matted coat makes things even harder on our dogs. Mats trap heat close to the skin, and they can hide skin problems or even tiny bugs. Once, after a beach trip, we found a surprising tangle behind Lexie’s ear—full of sand and debris!
Knowing these risks, we try to check her for mats every evening in summer, especially after adventures.
Here’s a quick list of risks to watch out for:
- Mats increase overheating risk and skin trouble
- Older doodles may need extra cooling breaks
- Hot weather can make grooming more urgent, not less
If we spot any warning signs—heavy panting, red skin, or extra scratching—we treat it right away. A little extra effort in summer keeps Lexie happy and makes cuddling even better for all of us.
Should You Trim Your Goldendoodle For Summer?
We’ve learned a lot over the years with our mini Goldendoodle, Lexie. There are good reasons to give your Doodle a trim in hot weather, but there are also some things to watch out for, especially if your dog has sensitive skin or spends a lot of time outdoors.
Benefits Of A Seasonal Haircut
A shorter haircut in summer can make a huge difference for Goldendoodles. When Lexie’s coat is long, she tends to get overheated if we’re out for more than a few minutes on sunny days. A trim helps her stay cool, especially during walks or playtime.
We’ve also found that a summer cut makes brushing easier. Long, curly Goldendoodle fur picks up everything—sticks, burrs, leaves, you name it. After a haircut, we spend less time untangling knots and more time actually having fun outside. For families who like to hike or visit the dog park, this can be a real game changer.
Another plus: less shedding and fewer tangles around the house. A Goldendoodle’s wavy coat can mat quickly if it gets wet or dirty, but keeping it shorter means fewer painful mats and less time pulling burrs out of fur. Many owners say their Doodles are happier after a summer cut because they’re simply more comfortable. A half-inch coat length is usually enough to help keep them cool without leaving their skin exposed.
Potential Drawbacks To Consider
Trimming isn’t all upside—there are a few downsides we’ve experienced. If we go too short, Lexie sometimes ends up with sunburn, especially on her back and nose where her fur is thin. Goldendoodles don’t have a double coat, but their skin can still be sensitive, and a really close cut removes some natural protection.
We also notice that right after a trim, Lexie’s fur doesn’t protect her as well from bug bites and scratchy plants. If your Doodle loves rolling in grass or chasing squirrels into the brush like Lexie does, a super short cut might mean extra mosquito bites or small scrapes.
Plus, a close trim means we need to be more vigilant with sunscreen (yes, they really do make sunscreen for dogs) and watch out for signs of irritation. Not every Doodle is the same—some handle grooming better than others. Maintenance between trims can get tricky if the hair grows unevenly or forms little tufts.
What I Learned Grooming Lexie Over The Years
After caring for Lexie for a decade, our process has definitely changed. When she was younger, we experimented with a few different clippers, lengths, and even tried leaving her “fluffy” for a couple summers. She always seemed happiest with a puppy cut—not too short, but manageable.
We’ve learned not to wait too long between trims. If we skip her regular haircut, mats form behind her ears and on her legs almost overnight—especially after swimming. Now, we set a schedule: clip Lexie down every six to eight weeks, slightly shorter in late spring, so she’s ready for the hottest days.
Here’s what’s worked best for us:
- Keep ears and tail longer for a signature “Doodle look.”
- Don’t go shorter than half an inch to avoid sunburn or scratches.
- Use lots of treats and praise. Lexie still isn’t the biggest fan of baths or blowouts, but snacks help!
For anyone wondering, it’s not about making her look pretty for Instagram (though she does). It’s about comfort and health—and making sure we can enjoy every sunny day together. If you’re unsure about the right length or tools, ask other owners or your groomer for advice. We’re all figuring this out together!
Tips For Safely Trimming Your Goldendoodle
Warm weather means extra care for our Goldendoodles’ unique coats. Knowing how to trim safely comes down to choosing the right length, using reliable tools, and understanding when we should call in a professional.
Choosing The Right Length For Summer
When it gets hot out, we want to keep our pups cool, but trimming too short can sometimes cause problems. For Lexie, we’ve found her sweet spot is about half an inch to an inch long for the summer months.
A cut that’s too short can leave their skin exposed to sunburn or bug bites. But leaving it too fluffy means Lexie overheats on our walks. We use a blade similar to a #7, since it keeps things tidy but doesn’t shave her down to bare skin. Many Goldendoodle owners also recommend this blade length during hot, humid days because it strikes a good balance between comfort and protection.
When in doubt, we use this checklist:
- Is Lexie’s skin still covered and protected from the sun?
- Can we easily comb through her fur after trims?
- Does she seem more comfortable after a walk in the heat?
If yes, we know we’ve found the right length. Our main goal is always Lexie’s comfort while keeping her happy and healthy all season long. You can read about other owners’ experiences with summer cuts on the Goldendoodle subreddit.
Tools And Products I Swear By For Lexie
After a decade with Lexie, there are a few essentials we never skip. Our go-to tool is a quality slicker brush—perfect for daily detangling. This keeps tangles from turning into mats, which happen fast with curly coats.
For actual trims, we use a cordless clipper set with guards (so there are no accidental bald spots). We also keep a pair of rounded-tip trimming scissors for getting the fur around her eyes, paws, and tail just right without any sharp corners near her skin.
Here’s the quick list we swear by:
| Tool | Why We Love It |
|---|---|
| Slicker brush | Keeps Lexie’s coat smooth, less matting |
| Cordless clippers w/ guards | Safe, easy to control, quieter for her |
| Detangling spray | Helps with knots, especially after baths |
| Rounded tip scissors | Safe for face, feet, and problem spots |
We usually do a light brush every night and a bigger grooming session on weekends. If Lexie is freshly bathed, trims go much easier and look neater. A little detangling spray helps, too, after those mud puddle adventures.
When To Trim At Home Versus Going To The Groomer
We love our at-home routine for touch-ups and basic trims, but we draw the line at anything tricky. If we notice mats close to Lexie’s skin, a major change in her coat, or any skin issues, we always call our groomer.
If we’re just tidying up paws, face, or doing a quick summer touch-up, it’s something we can handle together at home. But for a full-body groom or dealing with big tangles, the pros have the right tools and know-how.
We learned the hard way that some jobs (like de-matting near the armpits) are best left to someone with experience. Plus, visits to the groomer let Lexie have a nice, even trim that we can easily keep up ourselves in between.
Us Goldendoodle parents have to balance what we feel comfortable doing ourselves and when it’s time to call in help. And honestly, Lexie loves the car ride almost as much as her spa day. According to some groomers online, summer cuts are totally fine, as long as we’re careful and use the right technique.
Keeping Your Goldendoodle Comfortable All Summer
Summer brings out the zoomies in our Goldendoodles, but it can also pose some real challenges when it comes to staying cool and healthy. Small changes to our daily routines and a little extra attention after grooming make a big difference for our pups.
Daily Care Routines For Hot Days
On the warmest days, we keep Lexie’s walks to early mornings or later in the evening. The sidewalks heat up fast, and those tiny paws can burn if we aren’t careful. We do the “back of the hand” test on the pavement—if it’s too hot for us, it’s too hot for her.
We always have a big bowl of cold water waiting by the door and bring a portable water bottle for longer outings. We keep Lexie’s fur shorter in summer; this helps her cool down faster on walks and after playtime. Most groomers recommend about a half-inch length; this seems to be just right for Lexie and many Goldendoodles since it’s short enough to prevent overheating but long enough to protect from sunburn.
When the humidity climbs, we also brush her out daily to remove extra fur and prevent tangles. Short, regular grooming sessions make her much more comfortable. A fan by her favorite bed is Lexie’s personal summer luxury—she sprawls out and soaks up the breeze like a queen.
Quick Tips:
- Walk during cool hours
- Always have water handy
- Use the “back of hand” test on pavement
- Keep fur short but not shaved
Monitoring Skin Health Post-Trim
After Lexie’s summer trims, we pay extra attention to her skin. Goldendoodle fur can hide little nicks or dry patches, so the first week after a haircut, we check her belly and legs during cuddle time.
We learned the hard way that even with a proper cut, her pink skin can get a little red after a long nap in a sunny spot. If you keep your Doodle’s coat shorter in summer, like many groomers and owners do, be aware that their skin can be more sensitive to sun and bugs. Keeping her mostly indoors during the hottest hours and using shade when we’re outside helps protect her skin.
If we notice dryness or flakes, we add a fish oil supplement to her food and use a gentle, oatmeal-based dog shampoo for her next bath. We avoid over-bathing in the summer, since too much washing can remove the healthy oils from her skin and fur.
A quick once-over each evening—ears, belly, under her collar—helps us spot any irritation or hot spots early. Any persistent redness or sores mean a call to the vet, just to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Goldendoodles need special attention in the summer, especially when it comes to grooming and haircuts. Certain trims can help them stay cooler, reduce matting, and make playtime and walks more comfortable.
What is the best way to groom your Goldendoodle in the summer months?
We’ve learned over the years that regular brushing makes a big difference, especially with Lexie’s curly coat. We aim to brush her every other day to keep tangles away.
A summer haircut helps prevent matting and makes baths much easier. We also check around her ears, belly, and paws for any knots—these spots always seem to hide the worst tangles!
Can a summer haircut help my Goldendoodle stay cool during hot weather?
We noticed Lexie was more comfortable once we started giving her a shorter summer cut. Her energy went up, and she wasn’t panting as much on our evening walks. Lots of owners find that a summer cut can help Doodles avoid overheating when the weather is hot.
Just be careful not to shave too close—their coat protects their skin from the sun, too.
How short should I cut my Goldendoodle’s hair to keep them comfortable in summer?
A common length for a Goldendoodle’s summer cut is about half an inch. This seems to be short enough for comfort but not so short that it puts their skin at risk. Some groomers use a ‘7 blade’ which leaves the hair at this length, and that’s what’s worked well for us and Lexie.
If you’re unsure about length, you can check what other owners do in Goldendoodle grooming forums.
What are the differences between a puppy cut and a teddy bear cut for Goldendoodles?
When Lexie was younger, we tried both these styles. A puppy cut is a simple, even trim all over, usually about one to two inches. It gives that fluffy, scruffy look and is pretty low maintenance.
A teddy bear cut leaves the body short but keeps the hair on the head and face a bit longer and rounded, making our dogs look extra adorable (and honestly, I love the photos after a fresh teddy bear cut).
Is there a difference between a summer cut and a winter cut for Goldendoodles?
Yes! In the summer, we keep Lexie’s hair shorter to help her stay cool and cut down on tangles after all her outdoor adventures. In winter, we let her coat grow a little longer for extra warmth.
But even with a longer coat in winter, we still need regular trims to keep mats away.
How frequently should I groom my Goldendoodle to maintain their summer look?
In the hotter months, we stick to grooming appointments every four to six weeks. At home, we brush Lexie several times a week to prevent mats, especially after she’s been running around outside or swimming.
Many groomers agree that frequent brushing and regular trims are key for keeping a Goldendoodle’s summer cut looking neat and for making summer life easier for everyone.