Best Mini Goldendoodle Haircuts

If you’re searching for mini goldendoodle haircuts, you’re probably looking for something simple: clear examples, style names that actually make sense, and guidance on choosing the right cut for your dog’s coat. Mini Goldendoodle puppies come in a mix of curly and wavy textures, and the type of cut you choose can make a big difference in how easy their coat is to manage. That’s why this guide focuses on real, practical information, what each style looks like, how short it is, and how much maintenance it needs. 

There’s a lot of confusion online about the best mini goldendoodle haircuts, especially when it comes to length, seasonal trims, and cuts that help prevent matting. Some owners love the classic fluffy look, while others want a low-maintenance style that keeps their dog comfortable and easy to groom. No matter what you prefer, knowing the right terms helps you communicate clearly with your groomer so you get exactly what you expect. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most popular Mini Goldendoodle haircut options including the teddy bear cut, puppy cut, summer trims, and curly-coat styles, and break down which cuts work best for each coat type. We’ll also cover how often Mini Goldendoodles need a haircut, why length matters, what to ask your groomer, and how to avoid mistakes like accidentally getting your dog shaved too short. 

You’ll also find helpful sections on brushing, matting, face trims, sanitary trims, and the difference between grooming a curly Mini Goldendoodle versus a wavy or fleece-coated one. And of course, we’llinclude plenty of photo examples so you can see exactly what each style looks like before choosing one for your dog. 

By the time you finish this guide, you’ll know how to maintain your dog’s coat, how often to schedule grooming, and which goldendoodle haircut matches the look you have in mind. 

Understanding the Mini Goldendoodle Coat 

Before choosing the right mini goldendoodle haircut, it helps to understand what kind of coat your dog has. Mini Goldendoodles come in a few different coat types, and each one behaves differently when trimmed, brushed, or allowed to grow out. Knowing the coat type makes it much easier to choose the right best haircut for a mini goldendoodle and avoid issues like matting, uneven regrowth, or cuts that are too short. 

The three main coat categories you’ll see in Mini Goldendoodles are curly, wavy (fleece), and straight or lightly wavy. Most Minis fall somewhere between curly and wavy, so the haircut you choose should match how their hair naturally sits. 

Learn about Mini Goldendoodles – Breed Information 

Curly Mini Goldendoodle Coat 

Curly coats look a lot like a Poodle coat - tight, springy curls that hold their shape. These coats are great for owners who want a fluffy teddy bear cut, but they do require regular brushing to stay healthy. 

Here’s what to know: 

• Curly coats can tangle quickly, especially around armpits, behind the ears, and under the harness 
• A slightly longer mini goldendoodle haircut style (½ to 1 inch) tends to look fluffy but still manageable 
• Curly coats often need grooming every 4–6 weeks 
• Curly-coated Minis can handle styles like the lamb cut, teddy bear cut, or rounded face trims very well 

If you like a full, plush look, a curly coat gives you the best result as long as brushing stays consistent. 

Wavy or Fleece Mini Goldendoodle Coat 

This is the most common coat type and the easiest to maintain. Wavy coats are soft, loose, and flowy, and they allow for a lot of flexibility in styling. Most photos you see online of “classic” doodle haircuts are of fleece-coated dogs. 

What to expect: 

• Wavy coats allow for both short, low-maintenance cuts and fluffy styles 
• This coat type mats less than curly coats but still needs brushing 
• Perfect for a puppy cut for mini goldendoodles 
• Works well with medium lengths (¾–1½ inches) because it creates that signature doodle fluff 

Most owners prefer wavy coats because they’re forgiving and look good at almost any length. 

Straight or Lightly Wavy Coat 

Less common but still seen in some Goldendoodles. These coats often come from Goldendoodle lines with more Golden Retriever traits. 

Straight coat traits: 

• Doesn’t curl up after trimming 
• Mats less, but can look shaggy if left too long 
• Best with simple mini goldendoodle grooming trims 
• Ideal for owners who prefer a clean, low-maintenance look 

These dogs often do well with shorter styles, light feathering on legs, and a tidy rounded face. 

Why Coat Type Matters for Haircuts 

Choosing the right mini goldendoodle haircut depends heavily on the coat: 

• Curly coats = best for fluffy, rounded styles 
• Wavy coats = best for versatile cuts and balanced volume 
• Straight coats = best for simpler, tidier trims 

RELATED: Mini Goldendoodle Colors Guide 

How Often Should a Mini Goldendoodle Get a Haircut? 

A big part of choosing the right mini goldendoodle haircut is knowing how often your dog actually needs one. Most Mini Goldendoodles do best with a grooming schedule of every 6 to 8 weeks, but the exact timing depends on their coat type, the haircut style you choose, and how much brushing you do at home. 

If you go longer than 8–10 weeks between grooms, even a well-brushed Mini Goldendoodle can start to mat, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and where the harness sits. Matting makes it harder (and sometimes impossible) for groomers to give a fluffy teddy bear cut or puppy cut, which is why staying on a schedule is important. 

Here’s a simple guide to help you plan: 

Curly-Coated Mini Goldendoodles 

• Grooming every 4–6 weeks is best 
• Curly coats are dense and prone to matting 
• Shorter mini goldendoodle haircut styles help reduce daily brushing 
• If you want that full teddy bear look, keep it around ½–1 inch and brush several times a week 

Curly coats are beautiful but require the most upkeep. 

Wavy or Fleece-Coated Mini Goldendoodles 

• Grooming every 6–8 weeks is usually enough 
• This coat holds shape nicely, even when longer 
• Works well with medium-length cuts and low-maintenance styles 
• Brushing 2–3 times a week keeps it healthy and prevents tangles 

This is the easiest coat type for owners who want a balance of cute and practical. 

Straight or Lightly Wavy Coats 

• Grooming every 8–10 weeks 
• Mats the least, but can get shaggy quickly 
• Best for simple, clean haircuts if you prefer less maintenance 
• Light trims between full grooms help keep the face and paws tidy 

Straight coats are the most forgiving but still need regular care. 

How to Know It’s Time for a Haircut 

If you're not sure when to book the next appointment, here are signs it’s time: 

• You see small mats starting behind the ears 
• The hair around the eyes is getting long 
• Brushing takes longer than usual 
• The coat looks uneven, heavy, or “puffy” 
• Your Mini Goldendoodle feels warmer than normal (common before summer) 

RELATED: Mini Goldendoodle Grooming Guide 

Most Popular Mini Goldendoodle Haircuts 

Choosing the right mini goldendoodle haircut becomes a lot easier when you know what each style actually looks like and how much maintenance it needs. Below are the most common and practical haircut styles for Mini Goldendoodles. Each one works for different coat types and lifestyles, so you can pick the look that matches your dog and your grooming routine. 

Teddy Bear Cut (Most Popular) 

The teddy bear cut is the classic doodle look - fluffy, rounded, and soft all over. It works well on both curly and wavy coats. 

What it looks like: 

• Body hair trimmed to ½–1 inch 
• Rounded head and muzzle 
• Soft, fluffy legs and ears 
• Clean face and sanitary areas 

Best for: owners who want the full doodle look without extreme maintenance. 

Maintenance: 

• Brush several times a week 
• Grooming every 6–8 weeks 

Puppy Cut for Mini Goldendoodles 

Simple, clean, and easy to maintain, the puppy cut for mini goldendoodles keeps the coat the same length all over. 

What it looks like: 

• Body and legs one even length (½–1½ inches) 
• Light trimming around eyes, paws, and mouth 
• Natural, low-maintenance finish 

Best for: wavy fleece coats and busy owners who want a cute, clean style. 

Maintenance: 

• Brush 2–3 times a week 
• Grooming every 8 weeks 

Lamb Cut (Fluffy but Tidy) 

The lamb cut gives the legs a bit more volume while keeping the body shorter. 

What it looks like: 

• Body clipped short (¼–½ inch) 
• Legs left longer and “fuller” 
• Rounded face similar to teddy bear cut 
• Clean sanitary trim 

Best for: curly-coated Mini Goldendoodles who look adorable with fuller legs. 

Maintenance: 

• Brush 3–4 times a week 
• Grooming every 6 weeks 

Short Summer Cut 

The summer cut is ideal for hot climates or owners who want a simple, easy style. 

What it looks like: 

• Body trimmed short (⅛–¼ inch) 
• Light feathering left on ears and tail 
• Eyes, mouth, and paws cleaned up 
• Sanitary areas neatly trimmed 

Best for: active dogs, warm-weather states, or minimizing matting. 

Important note: Don’t shave a doodle down to the skin, it can cause irritation, sunburn, and uneven regrowth. A short clip is fine but leave enough coat to protect the skin. 

Maintenance: 

• Weekly brushing 
• Grooming every 6–10 weeks 

Kennel Cut (Low Maintenance) 

This is the most practical of all mini goldendoodle haircuts if you don’t want to brush every day. 

What it looks like: 

• Body clipped short all over (¼–½ inch) 
• Clean face, paws, and sanitary areas 
• No added shaping - simple and functional 

Best for: straight or lightly wavy coats that don’t hold fluffy styles. 

Maintenance: 

• Minimal brushing 
• Grooming every 8–10 weeks 

Modern Doodle Cut (Stylized) 

A more stylized version of the teddy bear look, often done by experienced groomers. 

What it looks like: 

• Longer coat (1–2 inches) 
• Very round muzzle and head 
• Soft, sculpted legs 
• Feathered ears and tail 

Best for: photo-ready dogs and owners who love a stylish finish. 

Maintenance: 

• Brush almost daily 
• Grooming every 4–6 weeks 

Head, Face, and Muzzle Styles (Add-ons) 

These can be combined with any of the styles above. 

Common options: 

• Clean face trim (shorter around the eyes and mouth) 
• Full round muzzle (teddy look) 
• Short muzzle for easy maintenance 
• Light shaping around the ears 

These small choices can change the entire look of your Mini Goldendoodle, even if the body length stays the same. 

RELATED: Are All Mini Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? 

Best Mini Goldendoodle Haircuts by Coat Type 

The right mini goldendoodle haircuts depend heavily on your dog’s coat type. Curly and wavy coats behave differently when trimmed, grow out differently, and require different maintenance routines. Choosing the wrong style for the wrong coat often leads to faster matting, uneven growth, or a look that’s hard to maintain. 

Below is a simple breakdown of the best haircut for a mini goldendoodle based on whether their coat is curly, wavy (fleece), or straight. 

Haicuts for Curly Mini Goldendoodles

Curly coats are dense, tight, and Poodle-like. They look amazing when trimmed correctly, but they do require the most upkeep. 

Best haircut styles: 

• Teddy bear cut (½–1 inch body length) 
• Lamb cut (shorter body, fuller legs) 
• Rounded muzzle / full face trim 
• Short summer cut (but never shaved to the skin) 

Why these styles work: 

• Curly coats hold shape very well 
• Rounded cuts look plush and intentional 
• Slightly shorter body length helps prevent matting 
• Fuller legs and face keep the classic doodle look 

Avoid: 

• Very long cuts (2+ inches) unless you brush daily 
• Super-short shave downs 
• Uneven “home trims” that disrupt the curl pattern 

Curly coats always look their best with structured, intentional shaping, which is why groomers love working with this coat type. 

Haircuts for Wavy or Fleece Coat Mini Goldendoodles 

This is the most common coat and the easiest to manage. It’s soft, flowy, and flexible, which means almost any mini goldendoodle haircut works well on it. 

Best haircut styles: 

• Puppy cut (even length, easy maintenance) 
• Teddy bear cut (fluffy, rounded look) 
• Lamb cut 
• Medium-length rounded face trim 
• Light feathering on ears and tail 

Why these styles work: 

• Wavy coats don’t mat as quickly 
• They create natural volume without bulk 
• They look good short or long 
• They’re the easiest to brush and grow out 

This coat type gives you the most freedom. Nearly every doodle photo online of a fluffy style is a wavy-coated dog. 

Haircuts for Straight or Lightly Wavy Coat Mini Goldendoodles 

Straight coats resemble a Golden Retriever more than a Poodle. They don’t fluff up in the same way, so the haircut needs to match the way the coat naturally falls. 

Best haircut styles: 

• Kennel cut (clean and low maintenance) 
• Short puppy cut 
• Clean face trim 
• Rounded but light muzzle shaping 
• Short summer cut 

Why these styles work: 

• Straight coats look neat when kept shorter 
• Long fluffy cuts won’t hold their shape 
• A shorter length prevents the “shaggy” look 
• These styles help maintain easier brushing 

Avoid: 

• Very fluffy teddy bear styles (they won’t hold) 
• Long feathering that tangles easily 
• Trying to “force” curls with longer lengths 

Straight coats are simple and easy, they just benefit from tidy, clean, and functional grooming. 

RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to Mini Goldendoodle Generations   

Seasonal Grooming: Winter vs. Summer Haircuts 

Seasonal grooming plays a big role in choosing the right mini goldendoodle haircut. Mini Goldendoodles don’t shed the way Golden Retrievers do, so their coat doesn’t adjust naturally to temperature changes. That means the length you choose, especially in summer, affects comfort, skin health, and overall maintenance. 

Here’s what to keep in mind for each season so you can pick the best haircut based on weather and coat needs. 

Summer Haircuts: Keeping Your Mini Cool and Comfortable 

When temperatures rise, many owners look for an easy, low-maintenance style. The key is to go shorter without shaving the coat down to the skin. Mini Goldendoodles rely on their coat for insulation and sun protection. 

Recommended summer styles: 

• Short summer cut (⅛–¼ inch on the body) 
• Short puppy cut (even length, low maintenance) 
• Kennel cut (simple and clean) 
• Light trimming on ears and tail 

Why these styles work: 

• They reduce heat buildup 
• They help prevent matting from outdoor play 
• They dry quickly after baths or swimming 
• They’re easier to maintain between grooms 

RELATED: 6 Expert Tips on Keeping Your Dog Safe During Heatwaves 

Winter Haircuts: Keeping the Coat Longer for Warmth 

In winter, it’s better to keep the coat a little longer. Mini Goldendoodles handle cold weather fairly well, but they benefit from a bit more insulation when the temperature drops. 

Recommended winter styles: 

• Teddy bear cut (½–1 inch) 
• Lamb cut with fuller legs 
• Medium-length puppy cut 
• Keep the chest and belly slightly longer 

Why these styles work: 

• More coat means better warmth retention 
• Longer lengths hold shape nicely in fleece and curly coats 
• Keeps the doodle “fluffy” while still manageable 
• Protects areas that tend to get chilly (chest, sides, neck) 

Winter maintenance note: Longer coats need more brushing. Snow, salt, and moisture increase matting, especially around legs and belly. 

RELATED: 10 Winter Care Tips For Dog Owners 

Face, Paw, and Sanitary Trims 

Even with regular grooming appointments, Mini Goldendoodles benefit from small touch-ups between full haircuts. These quick trims keep your dog clean, comfortable, and looking their best, no matter which mini goldendoodle haircut you choose. They’re especially helpful for owners who want to maintain the fluffy doodle look without letting hair grow into the eyes or mat around sensitive areas. 

Here’s what each small trim involves and why it matters. 

Face Trim 

Hair grows quickly around a Mini Goldendoodle’s face, especially near the eyes and mouth. A face trim helps maintain the overall shape of your dog’s haircut and prevents irritation. 

What it includes: 

• Light trimming around the eyes 
• Shaping the muzzle (rounded or short, depending on the style) 
• Cleaning up the chin and cheeks 
• Trimming the bridge of the nose if needed 

Why it matters: 

• Keeps hair out of the eyes 
• Prevents tear staining buildup 
• Maintains visibility and comfort 
• Preserves the teddy bear or puppy cut shape 

Face trims can be done every 2–4 weeks, even between full grooming appointments. 

Paw Trim 

Paw pads collect dirt, snow, and debris. If the hair grows too long, it can cause slipping, matting, or discomfort, especially in active Mini Goldendoodles. 

What it includes: 

• Trimming hair between paw pads 
• Shaping the top of the foot 
• Cleaning up the ankle and lower leg area 

Why it matters: 

• Helps prevent slipping on smooth floors 
• Reduces matting between toes 
• Makes the dog more comfortable during walks 
• Keeps the feet clean and easier to dry 

Regular paw trims also help maintain fluffy leg styling in cuts like the teddy bear or lamb cut. 

Sanitary Trim 

A sanitary trim is one of the most important parts of grooming for hygiene and comfort. This quick trim keeps the rear and lower belly area clean and helps prevent matting. 

What it includes: 

• Trimming around the rear end 
• Cleaning the lower belly area 
• Light trimming around the inner thighs 

Why it matters: 

• Prevents debris from getting caught in the hair 
• Keeps your dog clean after bathroom breaks 
• Reduces chances of irritation and infection 
• Important for all coat types and lengths 

Most groomers include sanitary trims with every full appointment, but some dogs benefit from touch-ups between visits. 

How Often Should You Do Small Trims? 

A simple rule of thumb: 

• Face trim: every 2–4 weeks 
• Paw trim: every 3–5 weeks 
• Sanitary trim: every 4–6 weeks 

These small maintenance trims help extend the life of any haircut and keep your Mini Goldendoodle clean and comfortable between grooming appointments. 

RELATED: How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog? A Comprehensive Guide 

DIY Grooming vs. Professional Grooming 

When it comes to mini goldendoodle haircuts, owners often wonder whether they should groom at home or stick with a professional groomer. The truth is, both options work, it just depends on your comfort level, the tools you have, and your dog’s coat type.  

DIY Grooming for Mini Goldendoodles 

DIY grooming can work well for maintenance, simple trims, and keeping your dog comfortable between appointments. It’s also a good option for owners who want more control over the look of their mini goldendoodle haircut or want to save on grooming costs. 

What you can do at home: 

• Brushing 
• Face trims 
• Eye trims 
• Paw and sanitary trims 
• Light shaping with scissors 
• Bathing and drying 

Some owners also do full haircuts at home, but it requires practice, patience, and the right equipment. 

Tools you’ll need: 

• Slicker brush 
• Metal comb 
• Grooming scissors 
• Thinning shears (optional) 
• Dog-safe clippers with multiple guard lengths 
• Nail trimmer or grinder 
• Dog-safe detangler spray 
• High-quality shampoo and conditioner 

Pros of DIY grooming: 

• Cost-effective 
• Allows quick touch-ups anytime 
• Helps nervous dogs get comfortable with grooming 
• You control how short or long each area is 

Cons: 

• Full haircuts take time and practice 
• Harder to shape fluffy styles correctly 
• Easy to clip too short without experience 
• Not ideal for severely matted coats 

DIY works best for maintenance and for owners who enjoy the process. 

Professional Grooming for Mini Goldendoodles 

Professional groomers understand the unique needs of doodle coats, especially curly and fleece-coated dogs. A trained groomer can create clean lines, balanced shaping, and well-structured styles that can be hard to achieve at home. 

When professional grooming is the better choice: 

• Your dog has a curly coat 
• You want structured styles like the teddy bear cut or lamb cut 
• Your dog is prone to matting 
• You want even-length cuts 
• You prefer detailed shaping around the face 
• You want your dog bathed, brushed, trimmed, and fully finished 

What groomers do best: 

• Managing thick or curly coats 
• Professional-level shaping 
• Safe trimming around eyes, ears, and nails 
• Handling mats without injuring the skin 
• Creating clean, even-length cuts 
• Styling feathering on ears and tail 

Professional grooming gives you the cleanest, most consistent results. 

When Not to DIY 

Skipping DIY and sticking with professional grooming is best when: 

• Your Mini Goldendoodle has severe matting 
• You want a longer, fluffy style shaped evenly 
• Your dog won’t sit still for clippers 
• You’re unsure how short to go without shaving 
• You want the classic rounded doodle look 

Combining Both Options 

Many owners find a nice balance: 

• Professional grooming: every 6–8 weeks 
• DIY maintenance: face, paw, sanitary, and brushing at home 

This approach keeps your dog looking great and reduces the need for drastic grooming fixes due to matting. 

RELATED: Grooming your Dog at Home Guide 

How to Talk to Your Groomer 

Clear communication is one of the easiest ways to make sure your Mini Goldendoodle gets the exact look you want. Many grooming mishaps happen simply because owners and groomers use different terms. When you know how to describe the style you want and how long you want the coat to be, you’ll get consistent, predictable results every time. 

Be Specific About Length 

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is saying “short” or “not too short.” These words mean different things to different people. Instead, tell the groomer the exact length you want left on the coat. 

Use length, not general terms. 

• “I’d like ½ inch left on the body.” 
• “Please leave about 1 inch all over to keep it fluffy.” 
• “Keep the legs slightly longer than the body.” 

If you want the haircut to look fluffy, anything shorter than ½ inch will look more like a close clip. 

Name the Style You Want (and Ask If It Fits Your Dog’s Coat) 

Styles like the teddy bear cut, puppy cut, lamb cut, or summer cut are common, but they look different depending on coat type. 

Tell your groomer the style name and say: 

• “Does this style work for my dog’s curly/wavy coat?” 
• “What length keeps this style looking good on my goldendoodle?” 

This helps the groomer adjust the style to your dog’s natural coat texture. 

Discuss the Face Shape 

Face styling changes the entire look of your Mini Goldendoodle. Here are common options: 

• Rounded muzzle - Classic doodle look - Soft and fluffy 
• Shorter muzzle - Easier to maintain - Helps with tear staining 
• Clean eye trim - Keeps hair out of the eyes - Prevents irritation 
• Light ear shaping - Keeps ears neat  - Prevents tangling 

Tell your groomer your preference rather than letting them guess. 

Ask for a Clean Sanitary Trim 

No matter the style, every dog benefits from a sanitary trim. It keeps your goldendoodle clean and comfortable, especially between full grooms. 

Just say: “Please include a sanitary trim and paw trim.” This ensures hygiene is handled correctly. 

Bring Photos (Highly Recommended) 

Even the best descriptions can be interpreted differently. Photos eliminate confusion and guarantee your mini goldendoodle haircuts match your expectations. 

Show your groomer: 

• 1–2 photos of what you want 
• 1 photo of what you don’t want 

This gives them a clear visual reference. 

Be Honest About Grooming at Home 

If you’re not brushing often, let the groomer know. It helps them avoid fluff-heavy styles that will mat quickly. 

For example: 

• “We brush a few times a week — feel free to leave it longer.” 
• “We don’t brush much — please keep the coat shorter and easy to maintain.” 

Groomers appreciate honesty, and your dog gets a more suitable style. 

Ask About Their Grooming Notes 

After a good haircut, ask if they can save notes with: 

• Coat length 
• Blade guard used 
• Face shape 
• Leg shape 
• Any special instructions 

This ensures every future groom looks the same. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right mini goldendoodle haircut comes down to understanding your dog’s coat, your grooming routine, and the look you prefer. Once you know how curly or wavy your Goldendoodle’s coat is and how much time you want to spend brushing, picking the best haircut for your mini goldendoodle becomes a lot easier. Whether you love the classic teddy bear cut, a low-maintenance puppy cut, or something short for summer, each style has a purpose and works best when matched to the dog’s natural coat texture. 

Good grooming doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right schedule, a little maintenance between appointments, and clear communication with your groomer, your Mini Goldendoodle will always look clean, comfortable, and properly styled.  

Other Mini Goldendoodle Articles That Might Interest You 

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Mini Goldendoodle Training: The Complete 2025 Guide 

How Much Does a Mini Goldendoodle Cost? 

Goldendoodle Size Guide: Generations, Growth Charts & More 

Goldendoodle Diet: Best Food For Mini Goldendoodles 

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Mini Goldendoodle Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know 

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