STORYSIDE KENNELS
AKC ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIELS,
SPRINGERDOODLES, & AUSSIEDOODLES
CASSVILLE, WI
Doodle Coat Types
Straight, Wavy, & Curly Coats
Whether you’re considering a Springerdoodle, Aussiedoodle, or another doodle breed, understanding coat types can help you choose the best fit for your family, lifestyle, and grooming expectations.
Doodle coats can vary in texture, shedding, and grooming needs. While coat type can provide a general idea of what to expect, genetics play an important role, and every puppy is unique.
Understanding Doodle Coat Types
Every doodle inherits coat genes from both parents, making each puppy genetically unique. Some puppies take after the Poodle parent, some resemble the non-Poodle parent, and many fall somewhere in between.
While experienced breeders can often make educated predictions, coat texture continues to develop as puppies mature. Adult coats are typically not fully developed until later in life.
Straight Coat
The Straight Coat has the smoothest appearance of the three coat types and is generally the easiest to maintain. It often most closely resembles the non-Poodle parent breed, such as the English Springer Spaniel in a Springerdoodle or the Miniature American Shepherd in an Aussiedoodle.
Straight coats typically have:
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The highest shedding of the three coat types
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The lowest grooming needs
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The easiest brushing and overall maintenance
This coat is a great choice for families who prefer a lower-maintenance coat and don’t mind some seasonal shedding.
Wavy Coat
The Wavy Coat is the classic Teddy Bear Coat that many families picture when they think of a doodle. It combines characteristics from both parent breeds, creating a soft, fluffy appearance while remaining relatively easy to maintain.
Wavy coats typically have:
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Low to moderate shedding
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Moderate grooming needs
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Regular brushing to help prevent mats and tangles
This is the most common and most requested coat type because it offers an excellent balance of appearance, shedding, and grooming.
Curly Coat
The Curly Coat most closely resembles the Poodle parent, with tight curls that create a soft, plush appearance. Curly coats typically shed the least, but they also require the most grooming.
Curly coats typically have:
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The lowest shedding of the three coat types
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The highest grooming needs
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Frequent brushing and routine professional grooming
Families looking for the lowest-shedding coat often prefer curly coats, provided they’re prepared for the additional grooming requirements.
Predicting Your Puppy's Adult Coat
At Storyside Kennels, we don’t rely on appearance alone. While no breeder can guarantee a puppy’s final adult coat, we make educated predictions using a combination of:
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Genetic testing of the parent dogs
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Our experience with previous litters and bloodlines
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Each puppy’s coat development as they grow
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Years of hands-on breeding experience
By combining genetic information with careful observation, we can often provide families with a good idea of how a puppy’s coat is likely to develop. However, because coat texture continues to mature during the first several months of life, every prediction should be considered an educated estimate rather than a guarantee.
How a Doodle's Coat Changes
A doodle’s coat continues to develop long after puppyhood. While coat type can often be predicted at 7–8 weeks of age, the texture, length, and even color may continue changing throughout the first year and sometimes beyond.
As the puppy coat is gradually replaced by the adult coat, many doodles go through a transitional stage where the coat appears uneven, shaggy, or more difficult to manage. This is a normal part of development and varies from one puppy to another.
The timeline below shows the typical stages of coat development.
What to Expect
As your puppy grows, you may notice changes in coat texture, fullness, color, grooming needs, and shedding. These changes are a normal part of development and occur at different rates for every puppy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can breeders predict a puppy's coat type?
Experienced breeders can often make educated predictions based on genetics, coat development, and previous litters. However, coat texture continues to develop as puppies mature, so predictions cannot be guaranteed.
Which coat sheds the least?
Curly coats typically shed the least, while straight coats generally shed the most. Wavy coats usually fall somewhere in between.
Are doodles hypoallergenic?
No. There is no truly hypoallergenic dog. While curlier coats often shed less, no breeder can guarantee that a puppy will be allergy-friendly or completely non-shedding.
Which coat is easiest to care for?
Straight coats generally require the least grooming, while curly coats require the most. Wavy coats offer a balance between lower shedding and moderate grooming requirements.
Can puppies in the same litter have different coat types?
Yes! Even full siblings can have straight, wavy, or curly coats. Every puppy inherits a unique combination of genes from both parents, which is why coat texture can vary within the same litter.
Choosing the Right Coat Type
Every family has different priorities. Some prefer the easiest grooming routine, while others are looking for the classic teddy bear appearance or the lowest-shedding coat possible.
At Storyside Kennels, we’re happy to discuss each puppy’s developing coat and help you find the best match for your family’s lifestyle and grooming preferences. While no breeder can guarantee an adult coat type, we can often make educated predictions based on genetics, coat development, and experience.