Do you have a Goldendoodle and are wondering how to make their goldie locks shine? Goldendoodles are among the most popular Poodle mixes, so you’re not alone in wondering how to look after their coat. Not every Goldendoodle is the same; some have dry skin, others are super sensitive, and others can sometimes be a little bit stinky. So, how do you choose the best shampoo for your pup? I explain all this, including ingredients to look out for and avoid. I have also spent hours researching the best dog shampoo for Goldendoodles, and I review each one and explain why I’ve picked them. So, let’s take a closer look.
Goldendoodle Coat
Contents
Goldendoodles are a hybrid breed and can inherit the coat of their Golden Retriever or Poodle parent. Most Goldendoodle puppies inherit a wavy coat, especially if they are next-generation Doodles. Their coats are medium-length, soft, and often fluffy when they are puppies. Doodle mixes can be almost any color (and there are a lot of Poodle coat colors). Goldendoodles can sport a range of coat colors, but they are typically a shade of gold. They are low-shedding dogs but still shed a little, contrary to common belief.
5 Best Dog Shampoos For Goldendoodles
I’ve chosen my top picks for Goldendoodle shampoo based on several factors: quality, ingredients, ability to clean, pricing, brand reputation, customer feedback, and more.
Best Overall: Hartz True Coat Curly Or Wavy Shampoo Review
View on Chewy | View on Amazon
Hartz True Coat Curly Or Wavy is my top choice for shampoo for Goldendoodles because it is specifically designed for curly and wavy coats, just like theirs. Not only does it gently clean their coat, but it also detangles and conditions it, which is precisely what it needs. This natural shampoo uses coconut oil, shea butter, and oat milk to clean, hydrate, and moisturize. Plus, it revives their naturally wavy texture to help them feel and look their best.
Hartz is a trusted brand that offers high-quality products at a reasonable price point. This shampoo is cruelty-free and made in the U.S. Customers highly rate it and praise its ability to detangle their dog’s wavy hair. It is free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, silicones, phthalates, and alcohol. Although it does have fragrance added to it (as do all the products on my list), customers enjoy the long-lasting smell. Only a few owners mentioned it didn’t lather as much as they’d hoped.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed for curly & wavy hair | Some customers feel the formula doesn’t offer as much of a lather as they’d like |
| It cleans, detangles & conditions hair | |
| Uses natural ingredients | |
| Revives their natural waves | |
| Cruelty-free & made in U.S. | |
| Free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, silicones, phthalates & alcohol | |
| Good price point |
Price
Best Shampoo And Conditioner For Goldendoodles: We Love Doodles USDA Organic Shampoo Review
If you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner for your Goldendoodle, this is definitely one to consider. The only reason it didn’t make my top pick is that it is slightly pricier. However, after researching the ingredients and reviews, I found that it is the more premium option. This shampoo lists USDA-certified organic ingredients, including aloe vera, jojoba oil, and neem oil. It cleans, conditions, detangles, and moisturizes your dog’s skin in one wash.
This shampoo comes in three scents: lavender and chamomile, mango, and ocean breeze, as well as an unscented option. I like the lavender and chamomile option as the best shampoo for Goldendoodles because chamomile is known for its soothing properties for the skin, and lavender offers a naturally mild aroma. It is free from parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, alcohol, and synthetic dyes. Although some customers comment on the higher price tag, most agree it is worth the additional cost as it leaves their pup with visibly softer hair.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Shampoo & conditioner | Higher price point (although still reasonable) |
| Detangles hair | |
| Made with USDA-certified organic ingredients | |
| It comes in 3 scents & 1 unscented option | |
| No parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, alcohol & synthetic dyes |
Price
Best For Itchy Skin: Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Allergy & Itch Relief Shampoo Review
View on Chewy | View on Amazon
Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Allergy & Itch Relief shampoo helps your dog to ditch the itch. It is a soothing and moisturizing option that deeply penetrates and nourishes the skin to alleviate itchy skin thanks to safflower seed oil and oat extract. Oat extract acts as a gentle barrier for many skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis. It also contains the active ingredient pramoxine hydrochloride, a numbing component that offers instant relief to irritated skin.
This veterinary-formulated shampoo contains the highest amount of pramoxine without a prescription. It’s a soap-free formula that doesn’t interfere with the skin’s pH balance or strip it of natural oils. This shampoo is made in the U.S., and customers highly rate it. It is suitable for all ages, but you need to avoid getting it into their eyes as it is not tear-free.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Alleviates itchiness long-term | Not tear-free |
| Offers instant numbing relief | Pricier option |
| Uses natural ingredients like safflower seed oil & oat extract | |
| Lists active ingredient 1% pramoxine hydrochloride | |
| Non-prescription medicated shampoo | |
| Made in the U.S. |
Price
If you suspect your dog is itching due to skin allergies, check out our guide on the best at-home allergy testing kits. They might help you identify what’s causing their itchiness.
Best For Sensitive Skin: Wahl 4-in-1 Calming Pet Shampoo Review
Wahl’s calming shampoo aims to clean, condition, detangle, and moisturize your dog’s coat while being gentle enough not to irritate their skin. This shampoo has a higher concentration of coconut-derived sodding agent, which means it goes further than non-concentrated formulas. Concentrated shampoos offer a rich lather, which is great for cleaning wavy coats. It also means the bottle lasts longer, and you get up to 70% more baths out of this bottle compared to other shampoos.
Wahl’s shampoo is made in the U.S., pH-balanced, and free from alcohol, parabens, and PEG-80. The Wahl family designed this shampoo after their Goldendoodle, Cooper, suffered from severe allergies. This soothing lavender and chamomile formula is the go-to choice for many other dogs with sensitive skin. A few reviews mention the strong lavender scent, but most users appreciate the aroma over a dirty dog.
Our Personal Experience With Wahl 4-in-1 Calming Pet Shampoo
We’ve been using Wahl 4-in-1 Calming Pet Shampoo with our dog for years and love it! The smell is so good, and it keeps his coat super shiny and soft for weeks after baths. The aroma helps keep him calm during the stressful time of getting washed. It suds up well and rinses out easily. No need for a conditioner since it cleans and conditions at once, which our dog appreciates. He doesn’t show any signs of itching or irritation from after baths. Highly recommend this product for keeping dog’s coats clean and fresh!
– Sadie Cornelius, creative and marketing for Canine Journal and dog mom
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Concentrated formula | Some users complain the lavender scent is strong |
| It offers a rich lather | |
| Get up to 70% more baths | |
| Free from alcohol, parabens & PEG-80 | |
| Uses calming & soothing ingredients | |
| Low price point |
Price
Best Goldendoodle Puppy Shampoo: Veterinary Formula Smart Coat Complex Puppy Love Shampoo Review
View on Chewy | View on Amazon
This Puppy Love shampoo is for your Goldendoodle puppy’s first year after six weeks of age. It offers a thorough cleanse while still being gentle enough for their young, delicate skin and supporting their pH skin balance. It leaves their coat feeling soft and fluffy as it should be and leaves a long-lasting, fresh baby powder scent. Most customers rave about the smell. However, a few state it is too strong for them.
This shampoo is also tear-free, which is crucial so they don’t start hating bathtime. It is made in the U.S. and is free from dyes, sulfates, and parabens. This puppy shampoo does not wash away topical spot-on flea and tick treatments, and it is also suitable for kittens, which is great for multi-pet households.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed for puppies over 6 weeks | Some customers state the baby powder scent is too strong for them |
| Supports delicate skin | |
| Coats feel softer after use | |
| Baby powder scent | |
| Tear-free formula | |
| Free from dyes, sulfates & parabens | |
| Does not wash away topical spot-on flea & tick treatment |
Price
Things To Consider When Looking For A Shampoo For Goldendoodles
When choosing a shampoo for your Goldendoodle, you need to consider several things. Although most of my high-quality picks combine these factors to achieve a thorough cleanse, picking the right formula is essential.
Age
If you have a Goldendoodle puppy, you must pick a shampoo specifically designed for puppies. Like baby skin, puppy skin is much more delicate than an adult’s, so the formula needs to be gentler and matched to the pH of their skin. Puppy shampoo for Goldendoodles should also be tear-free. Otherwise, you risk irritating their eyes, which might cause them to associate pain with bathtime. Use a puppy formula until one year, and after that, you can switch to an all-life stage formula.
We have a guide on Goldendoodle growth that explores what to expect from your growing Golden and puppy milestones.
Skin Conditions
If your Goldendoodle has sensitive or itchy skin, use a shampoo that soothes it. Goldendoodles often suffer from atopic dermatitis, a chronic and inflammatory disease triggered by allergens such as grass, mites, and chemicals. If the condition persists or is severe, you should see your vet and look for a medicated option that offers instant relief as recommended. Itchy or sensitive skin could be a symptom of allergies, skin infections like pyoderma, or another health issue, such as Cushing’s disease. All of these need veterinary attention.
If you suspect your Goldendoodle’s sensitive coat is a result of food intolerances, why not consider changing their diet? We have a guide on the best food for Goldendoodles. You should work with your vet on this as they might suggest an elimination diet.
Shine
The Goldendoodle is known for their gorgeous golden locks, and it is important to keep them feeling and looking healthy. Look for a conditioning formula with ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, honey, and almond oils to help lock in their shine. In addition to shampoo and conditioner, brushing their coat every few days helps maintain their shine and reduce tangling.
Waves & Curls
Goldendoodles are a mixed breed, meaning they can inherit the coat of their Golden Retriever or Poodle parent. However, most Goldendoodles inherit a wavy coat, which is more prone to tangling and typically needs more brushing than straight-haired coats. Some shampoos, including my recommendations above, help detangle and define their curls.
Odor
If your Goldendoodle has a funky whiff, you want to look for a shampoo that tackles their stink. Concentrated and/or deodorizing shampoos deeply penetrate your Goldendoodle’s coat to help eliminate the cause of doggy odors rather than just masking them. If your Goldendoodle smells musty or their stink is quite strong, you want to take them to the vet to get them checked out. Foul odors can indicate that they have an underlying medical condition, such as a yeast infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many of our readers still have questions about dog shampoos and which formula is best for their Goldendoodle. If you don’t see your question below, ask us in the comments, and we’ll find the answer for you.
What Is The Best Shampoo For Goldendoodles?
The best shampoo for Goldendoodles is the one that best meets their skin needs and hair type. If they have irritable skin, look for a soothing option, or if they have dry skin, look for a shampoo and conditioner rich in moisturizing ingredients. Any of the above recommendations should suit your Goldendoodle’s coat, but if you’re unsure, ask your vet, who will gladly advise you.
What Shampoo Is The Best For Mini Goldendoodles?
Whether you have a Miniature Goldendoodle or a standard Goldendoodle, their coats are the same. If the shampoo meets their individual needs, you can choose any of the above recommendations to achieve a clean and healthy coat.
How Often Should I Bathe My Goldendoodle?
This depends on your individual Goldendoodle and how dirty they get on their walks. But generally speaking, you should bathe your Goldendoodle once every six to eight weeks. If you need to clean them after a muddy walk in between occasionally, that’s fine, but try not to shampoo them more than this. Otherwise, you risk damaging their skin and coat, disturbing their pH balance, and stripping them of their natural oils. We have information on the best dog wipes to help keep them fresh in between washes.
Can I Use Human Shampoo On My Goldendoodle?
No, using human shampoo to clean your Goldendoodle’s coat isn’t recommended. A dog’s skin is more delicate than ours and has a slightly different pH balance. The correct pH balance is vital for preventing dehydration and itchiness. A dog’s skin has a pH level of between 5.5 and 7.2. The pH level of human skin is more acidic and ranges from 5.4 to 5.9. So, human shampoo is too harsh for your pet’s skin and coat. With plenty of appropriate dog shampoo choices, it’s better to stick to a formula for dogs. Although one wash with human shampoo shouldn’t cause any issues if you run out of dog shampoo, try not to make a habit out of it.
Other Must-Have Grooming Products
Now you’ve got your Goldendoodle’s bathtime down, you want to ensure the rest of their grooming regime is up to scratch. Although Goldendoodles can inherit the coat of a Golden Retriever, they are more likely to inherit a wavy coat. We have guides on the best brushes for Poodles that most Goldendoodles benefit the most. You must also establish a dental cleaning regime to keep their teeth healthy and pearly white, so check out our dog teeth cleaning guide and the best dog toothbrushes. You should also consider getting pet insurance for your Goldendoodle to help with the costs of caring for your beloved pup.
Do you use any of these shampoos for your Goldendoodle? Or do you use another option you think I should add to my list? Let us know in the comments below to share your Goldendoodle grooming tips.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers, a Bull Terrier mix, and Chips, a young Doxie. Before joining Canine Journal, she was a professional dog walker and sitter, and she has met and cared for many gorgeous Goldendoodles over the years. Emma is passionate about all things dog and strives to help other owners take care of their pups. She works with a professional team to provide their readers with the most up-to-date and valuable canine content.