When Do Labradoodles’ Hair Get Curly?


Labradoodles are among the most-loved dogs in the world. They are small, adorable, playful, and fun-loving creatures. 

It may come as a surprise to know that Labradoodles can have many coat types such as curly, wavy, and straight hair. 

Labradoodles are part Labrador Retriever and part Poodle. When the poodle’s genetic traits are stronger, the doodle most likely has curly or wavy hair. 

When the Labrador Retriever genetics are stronger, the Labradooder will look more like a Labrador Retriever and have straight hair. 

When do Labradoodles’ hair get curly? Labradoodles with Curly hair change their coats around 5-6 months old, but that’s not limited to curly-haired Labradoodles only. This is usually when you will notice their coat type. You should notice the area around their face, specifically around their eyes. This area gets curly first. 

If you want to know when Labradoodles’ hair gets curly, whether all Labradoodles have curly hair, how to know if your Labradoodle will have curly hair, and how much do curly-haired Labradoodles shed, stay with us! 

When do Labradoodles’ hair get curly? 

labradoodle puppy to show when do Labradoodles' hair get curly

If you want to know whether your Labradoodle puppy will have curly, wavy, or straight hair, you can look at the hair around their face and muzzle area. 

When your puppy is 5-6 months old, you may want to start paying attention to the area around his face and muzzles, because this is where their hair coat is most visible. If the hair there is curly, your doodle will probably have curly hair. 

Like all dogs, the labradoodle coat changes from puppy coat to adult coat. The coat change usually happens around 10-12 months. It is important to note that some dogs may change coats sooner or later than others and that is completely normal. 

The coat change may affect the texture and the color. Most labradoodles’ coats develop a lighter color when they are finished shedding. 

However, the texture does not completely change. If your Labradoodle’s hair is straight, then it will probably stay straight. Their coat may develop a few waves but it is unlikely that it will change completely. 

Do All Labradoodles get curly hair? 

No, not all Labradoodles get curly hair. The most common coat in Labradoodles is curly. It is also the most loved and desired. 

There are also wavy and straight hair Labradoodles. 

The 3 types are most commonly known as:

Fleece coat

The most known and loved Labradoodle coat is the fleece coat. A Labradoodle with a fleece coat has coarse hair around its eyes. The rest of their coat is either wavy or curly. This is a non-shedding coat that is beloved by people with allergies. 

A Labradoodle with a fleece coat needs their hair brushed 2-3 times a week. This may vary from one labradoodle to the other. 

Wool coat

A wool coat is often referred to as curly. Labradoodles with a wool coat are often more similar to Poodles, which means they inherited the poodle’s genetics. 

The wool-coated Labradoodles are still considered hypoallergenic and are loved by people with allergies. They are also low-maintenance and often require 1 to 2 brushing sessions per week. 

A wool-coated Labradoodle needs brushing every other day to keep its curls from matting and clumping. 

Hair coat

This is the least-popular Labradoodle coat. It is rare to find and most dog-owners get disappointed when their dog’s hair does not turn curly. The Labradoodles have straight hair around their muzzles and shed the most. 

Labradoodles with a hair coat are not hypoallergenic and it wouldn’t be a great idea for people with allergies to own them. 

A straight-haired labradoodle is low-maintenance and needs its hair brushed 1-3 times a week. 

How do I know if my labradoodle will get curly hair? 

You are probably really curious as to what type of coat your Labradoodle will have, especially because all Labradoodles look pretty much the same when they are puppies. 

Your labradoodle puppy has a soft, single-layer, and often curly or wavy coat. However, their coat will gradually change into an adult coat. 

However, when your puppy is about 5-6 months old you can do the following to help you determine their coat type:

  1. Examine the area around their muzzle
  2. Some say you can look at how wavy the whole coat is
  3. Observe the parent dogs; if the parents are Poodles with curly hair, it is most likely that your Labradoodle will have curly hair too. 
  4. Do a home genetic test; home genetic tests are usually accurate and quick 
  5. Ask your veterinarian to do a genetic test 

How much do curly-haired Labradoodles shed? 

Ever wondered why Labradoodles are so beloved and popular? Well, yes, they are adorable, mini-sized, smart, and playful dogs. But, the main reason behind their popularity is that they are non-shedding. 

Shedding is not an issue when it comes to curly-haired Labradoodles, as shedding is mostly minimal to non-existent. 

The fleece coat type that we discussed earlier is the best option if you, your partner, or a family member has allergies. 

However, it is natural that your curly-haired labradoodle will shed a little during shedding seasons or while they are changing to adult coats.

If you brush your curly-haired labradoodle daily or even every other day, you will minimize shedding and allow them to have a healthy,  glowy, and beautiful coat. 

In all cases, curly-haired Labradoodles look unique and are just adorable.  

Related Questions 

Do Labradoodle puppies have straight hair?

Yes, Labradoodle puppies often all look the same and have wavy to straight hair. However, the area around their face and muzzles will help you determine whether they have a curly, wavy, or straight coat. All labradoodle puppies have fine, soft, single-layer, straight coats. 

Do wavy hair Labradoodles shed? 

Labradoodles with wavy hair have hypoallergenic features, which means they are more suitable for people with allergies. They are also known for minimal shedding and their low-maintenance nature. 

What type of Labradoodle sheds the least?

The labradoodle generation that is known to shed the least is the F1B labradoodle. It sheds less than F1, F2, and F3 Labradoodles. 

Helpful Resources

Why Do Puppies Shed Their Coats?

When Do Puppies Shed Their First Coat?

Living with a Retriever: Recommendations and Sources

If you liked the article, you can share it using the share and pin buttons at the end of the post. I’ll really appreciate it ♥️♥️

Recent Posts