6 Best Dog Shampoos & Conditioners For Goldendoodles in 2024

The stunning golden locks of the Goldendoodle need no introduction, they’re the defining characteristic of the breed that makes them such a popular choice among dog owners. All this hair can take quite a bit of work to maintain and keep in tip-top condition, but by choosing the best shampoo for Goldendoodles on the market – you can make things a little bit easier.

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Today we’re going to be looking at the various bathing and grooming needs of the Goldendoodle (in a huge amount of detail) to learn about the kinds of things you should be doing. We’re also going to be answering some frequently asked Goldendoodle bathing questions – which should clear up some common misconceptions about the breed.

The highlight of this article today is going to be our Goldendoodle shampoo review section. We’ve looked at, compared, and contrasted countless different shampoos to find products that are perfect for the breed that we are comfortable recommending.

Let’s get started.

Popular Types Of Goldendoodle Shampoos

In this section, we’re going to take a look at what properties a good Goldendoodle shampoo should have (which will be useful for you when we get to the product review section).

Soothing Shampoos

Goldendoodle’s are known to be a reasonably anxious and nervous breed in some situations – one of which is usually bath time. To try and make things a little bit easier for breeds that are more prone to anxiety and nervousness than others, shampoo manufacturers have started adding aromatherapy style treatments to their products.

These infusions work in exactly the same way as aromatherapy works in humans, the relaxing scents and compounds soothe and calm you down – creating a tranquil experience.

Before you get too excited about the prospect of your pooch being in a zen-like meditative state during your next bathing session it’s important to set your expectations appropriately here.

Soothing shampoos aren’t going to suddenly make your pooch love bath time, their efficacy is debated (but anecdotal reports speak about noticeable improvement). So just remember that while there’s a good chance that you’re going to notice a change in your dog’s bathing behavior with a high-quality soothing shampoo – it’s not a magic bullet.

Skin Care Shampoos

Goldendoodles are reasonably susceptible to suffering from mild skin conditions that can cause redness, irritation, and itchiness. They’re not known to be chronic sufferers, and there are certain breeds out there with much more delicate skin than the Goldendoodle – but it’s still something you should be keeping an eye out for.

One of the best ways to stop skin issues from occurring in the first place is by using a shampoo that has some kind of skin care compound in its formula. These infusions will moisturize and nourish your dog’s skin keeping it in tip-top condition and reducing the risk of problems rearing their head.

They also work well to treat any mild skin conditions that your pooch may be already suffering from. They soothe irritation, stop itchiness, and they promote repair and recovery at a faster rate than a standard shampoo would.

The most popular ingredient to look out for in a skin care shampoo is aloe vera – it’s the best skin care product that mother nature provided us with, and it’s as good as almost every chemical alternative out there.

If you’ve got a pooch with a serious skin condition, you may need to get a medicated chemical-based shampoo (or visit the vet and get a prescription shampoo instead).

3 Tips On Maintaining The Perfect Goldendoodle Coat

So now we know about the kinds of shampoo you should be looking out for when shopping around for the best Goldendoodle shampoo on the market. Let’s take a moment to think about the grooming requirements of the breed.

Here are a few essential hints and tips on how to make grooming a Goldendoodle more pleasurable for both you and your pooch.

Keep On Top Of The Grooming

The thick curly coat of the Goldendoodle is almost certainly part of what attracted you to the breed in the first place. They look like an adorable teddy bear with their luscious golden locks – and the desire to give them a big hug is almost instinctive for us humans.

However, while they may look cute, cuddly, and naturally beautiful – it takes a huge amount of work to keep your Goldendoodle’s coat in tip-top condition. The curly nature of their hair, combined with its thick nature (and the sheer amount of it) requires a dedicated, consistent, and adequate grooming routine.

It’s best to keep on top of your grooming duties by brushing your pooch once a day – without exception. Scheduling your grooming sessions this way allows you to catch matting and tangling before it gets too bad, making the job much quicker and easier for you and your pooch. It sounds like more work when you do it this way, but a daily 5-minute grooming session is better than a difficult 30-minute session 2 or 3 times a week.

If you fall behind with your grooming duties (even for a short amount of time) it’s going to make things much harder for you and your pooch the next time you break out the brush. The super thick hair of the Goldendoodle combined with its thickness makes it almost custom made for tangling and matting, it can quickly get out of control if you don’t keep on top of it constantly (which can sometimes require the assistance of a professional groomer to sort out).

Groom Them From A Young Age

As we mentioned in the tip above, like it or not grooming is going to be a big part of your life when you own a Goldendoodle. As you can imagine, it’s going to make things much easier for you (and less stressful for your pooch) if you both enjoy the experience.

The best way to ensure that your Goldendoodle tolerates (or even enjoys) being groomed is by introducing them to the grooming process from a young age. The shorter coat of a puppy Goldendoodle doesn’t really need to be groomed daily, but you should get into the habit of doing it within a few days of you first bringing them into your home.

Let them know that grooming is nothing to be scared of and is a part of their life from the very beginning. Reward them with treats for staying still while being groomed, once they’re staying still regularly then reward them when they allow you to touch sensitive areas like the ears, feet, and legs.

If your pooch is getting distracted by the brush, then you should do a little de-sensitivity training first. Get them still in the grooming position, reward them with a treat, and groom them with your hand (this provides almost no grooming benefit whatsoever). Once they are comfortable with your hand, slowly reintroduce the brush until they get used to that too.

Invest In Quality Equipment

When we make product recommendations on this site, we usually like to find the best compromise between quality and price. We rarely suggest people go and splash the cash on anything if there’s a perfectly acceptable mid-range product on the market that will do the job well enough.

However, we do make exceptions to this rule from time to time – and buying grooming equipment for a Goldendoodle is one of them.

You are going to be using your grooming equipment every day you and your pooch spend together. There are plenty of perfectly acceptable mid-range grooming products out there, but you and your dog are going to benefit from you investing a little more and getting premium equipment.

Over the lifetime of your dog, you’re going to spend countless hours grooming them. Premium brushes are better ergonomically (which makes it more comfortable for you) and they have better performance. This allows you to get the job done in fewer strokes and reduces the amount of irritation your pooch feels from having their hair pulled and skin rubbed.

Premium grooming products don’t cost all that much more (we’re talking about an additional $10 or $20 at most), and considering the amount of time you’re going to be using them – they’re worth every single cent.

Overall Best Shampoo for Goldendoodles

Our 2024 Picks: Best Shampoo for Goldendoodles
	Buddy Wash Relaxing Green Tea & Bergamot Dog Shampoo Soap-free shampoo and conditioner Made with pure botanical extracts Price: $0.43/oz	CHECK PRICE
	4-Legger’s Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass Holistic, essential oil blend gently cleans Eco-friendly, non-toxic shampoo Price:  $0.93/oz	CHECK PRICE
	Natures Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Puppy Shampoo Gentle, tearless, no dyes or perfumes Made in the USA Price:  $0.33/oz	CHECK PRICE
	Paws & Pals Oatmeal, Shea Butter & Aloe Crafted with a delicate balance of essential oils Irritant-free shampoo detangles matted fur Price:  $0.56/oz	CHECK PRICE
	Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo pH-balanced, soap-free shampoo Controls excessive shedding, dander Price:  $0.84/oz	CHECK PRICE
	Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo With Colloidal Oat Flour Gentle cleanser featuring colloidal oat flour Honey helps regulate and retain moisture in hair Price:  $0.31/oz	CHECK PRICE

Buddy Wash Relaxing Green Tea & Bergamot Dog Shampoo & Conditioner 

So now we know about the grooming requirements of the Goldendoodle, and we know a little bit about the specific properties a good Goldendoodle shampoo needs to have. It’s time for us to get into the review section of this article where we compare, contrast, and recommend several specific products that we think are perfect for the breed.

Note: We’re a completely impartial site with no affiliation to any specific brand or product, so all of the recommendations we are about to make are honestly our genuine expert recommendation.

There were quite a few products that caught our eye for this article, and we’re going to talk about some alternative recommendations in the sections below. However, we think we found a clear winner, and for us, the best Goldendoodle shampoo on the market right now is the Relaxing Green Tea & Bergamot Dog Shampoo & Conditioner by Buddy Wash.

Buddy Wash is a well-known (and well respected) brand who have earnt themselves a reputation for providing premium quality products without the premium price tag. They make natural, gentle, yet powerful shampoos (in the USA) that clean and condition excellently.

This is an all-natural product that doesn’t use any artificial chemicals or compounds (including soap and alcohol) in the formula whatsoever. The base of this shampoo comes from coconut extract – one of the best natural cleansers on the planet. It’s going to deodorize your pooch well and leave them smelling good enough to eat.

This is a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, and it nourishes your dog’s coat just as well as it cleans it. There are several infusions in the conditioner (again, all natural) like green tea, sage, and chamomile that will enhance each and every hair on your dog’s body. This has the effect of reducing matting and leaving them with a cuddly curly coat that’s practically custom made for cuddling.

One of the things we really liked about this product was the focus it puts on soothing scents and aromatherapy.

Rosemary and mint are two of the best scents in the world for relaxation (which is why you’re going to smell them at any reputable day spa), and they work just as well for dogs as they do for humans. Again, these scents aren’t a magic bullet that will make your pooch “happy” about being bathed – but they’re almost certain to calm their nerves a little.

The cherry on top for us with this product was the skin care infusions that have been included in the formula. There’s a massive dose of aloe vera in the product, which as we mentioned earlier is one of the best skin care compounds on the planet. The green tea infusion works hand in hand with the aloe vera to prevent skin issues from occurring while helping to treat any redness, dryness, or itchiness that may be present.

We’re sure you’ll agree – this is quite an impressive feature list.

However, you might be surprised to learn that this is a highly affordable product at around $7 for a 16oz bottle.

There’s quite honestly nothing else you could ask for in a good Goldendoodle shampoo. It’s a great product, at a great price, from a great brand – and it should be at the very top of your shortlist.

4-Legger’s Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo

Runner Up – There was another product that very nearly became our overall recommendation, but it was just beaten to the top spot by Buddy Wash above. 4-Legger’s Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo is an excellent alternative that is more than worthy of your consideration.

4-Legger isn’t as well known as Buddy Wash, but they’re not exactly strangers to us in the industry either. These guys go above and beyond when it comes to making organic, natural, cruelty-free products. This stuff is made in the USA, it’s vegan, and there’s not a single solitary chemical anywhere inside the bottle. The product is so natural, it’s been certified as “Organic to exceptional standards” by the USDA.

This soap and alcohol-free formula uses lemongrass as its main deodorizing and cleansing ingredient. This is one of the most powerful (yet gentle) shampoo ingredients on the planet – it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and it’s a mild pest repellent too. It’s going to leave your pooch as clean as (or possibly cleaner than) the product above.

The conditioner in this product is equally impressive, it’s made from a hand-selected blend of essential oils and minerals that are about as effective as possible without using a dedicated conditioner (without shampoo). The excellent quality of this product also means that you’re going to be able to generate a thick rich lather reasonably easily – which is something many non-soap based shampoos struggle with, and the dense coat of your Goldendoodle will be treated from head to toe with ease.

Again there’s a nice amount of aloe vera in this product that provides very similar skin care benefits to the product we chose as our overall recommendation. There are no dedicated aromatherapy soothing ingredients – but the zesty lemongrass fragrance will leave your pooch smelling brilliant.

This is almost twice the price of our overall pick at around $15 – which is why it ended up as our runner up. It’s a super concentrated formula, which means that you’re going to need to use less per application, but it’s not concentrated enough to make up for the price difference.

Honestly, this is a great shampoo – it might even be slightly better than our overall recommendation. If the additional cost of this product isn’t a problem for you, then we strongly suggest you give it some serious consideration, you’re not going to be disappointed by the value it provides.

Natures Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner

Best Goldendoodle Puppy Shampoo – In our opinion, the best Goldendoodle puppy shampoo on the market right now is the Supreme Odor Control Natural Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner by Nature’s Miracle. It’s a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner that uses the gentlest compounds and ingredients possible to ensure a safe and pleasurable bathing experience for your pooch.

It deodorizes and conditions very well considering how gentle the product is, but the main reason we like it is because it’s a completely tear-free formula. Making sure your pooch enjoys their first few bathing sessions is very important – and nothing ruins an afternoon quicker than getting shampoo in your eyes.

With this product, your pup is protected from those potentially painful situations, and you can both “enjoy” bath time that little bit more.

3 More Top Rated Dog Shampoos For Goldendoodles

To conclude this review section we are going to very quickly mention 3 other shampoos that we came across in our research. They’re not overall winners like the products above, but they are still excellent shampoos that are more than worthy of your consideration.

Paws & Pals Oatmeal, Shea Butter & Aloe Vera Shampoo

We love this shampoo as it’s a bit of an all-rounder. It’s got an excellent conditioner from a range of botanical extracts, and the aloe vera in the formula provides skin care of an exceptional quality.

However, it’s the oatmeal that we really like in this product. It’s one of the best deodorizers on the planet (our main recommendations use other alternatives). In terms of smell reduction and bacteria destruction, there’s not much better on the market.

Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo By Earthbath

Honestly, this product is very similar to the product above – we didn’t know which one to include, so we thought we’d tell you about both. The ingredient list is very similar using oatmeal for sanitization and aloe vera for skin care. The conditioner is slightly different but is equally as effective. It’s a great product from a great brand, and if you liked the sound of the Paws & Pals product above – this is another good option for you to consider.

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey

The final product we are going to recommend today is this awesome shampoo from Burt’s Bees. It’s 97% natural, which isn’t ideal – but it’s free from any harmful chemicals and it’s super gentle on your dog’s skin. The oat flour in this formula isn’t quite as effective as the oatmeal in the products above, but it’s still an excellent deodorizer.

The honey infusion is an excellent conditioner and will leave your dog’s coat looking great after bathing. To be honest, this is the weakest product in terms of performance out of all the products on this page – but it’s also the cheapest at $5 for a 16oz bottle.

If you’re looking for a more than acceptable product that’s not going to break the bank – we strongly recommend you give this a shot.

4 Tips On Bathing Your Goldendoodle

So now we know about some of the best shampoos for Goldendoodles on the market in 2024. In this section, we’re going to give you some handy hints and tips on how to properly use the product you pick from the list above. By incorporating just some of the tips below into your bathing routine you’re going to make bath time better for you, and less stressful for your pooch.

Groom Before Bathing

This is the most important tip out of every single piece of advice in this article. You absolutely must groom your Goldendoodle directly before bathing them.

No exceptions.

The reason we say this is due to how easy it is for the coat of a Goldendoodle to become matted and tangled. When matted hair gets wet it becomes a super effective sponge that holds on to water exceptionally well. This means that when your dog shakes themselves dry after the bath (and when you towel dry them) that the matted areas will remain wet.

These wet areas are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria (as they’re moist and warm from your dog’s body heat), and these bacteria are what cause the horrible “dog smell” that we all know and hate.

Give them a good brush before bathing, and this issue goes away entirely. It also makes things easier for when you do your post-bath brushing session too – so it’s not “wasted time” in any sense of the word.

Rinse Your Pooch Properly

The thick coat we’ve spoken about several times already in this article creates another issue for us humans when it comes to bath time.

Dog shampoo is designed to be applied to your pooch before being completely removed. If any shampoo remains on your dog’s coat after bathing it can cause some serious issues. Your dog’s skin is much more sensitive than our human skin, and the compounds in shampoos can damage, dry, and irritate their skin if they remain in place (which is another reason why it’s super important to remove matting by grooming before bathing).

When you rinse your Goldendoodle go from top to bottom and be extremely liberal with the amount of water you use. Once you think you’re done, go over them again with the water (a little quicker this time around is fine) to ensure every last drop of shampoo has been removed.

Dry From Top To Bottom

You should always dry your Goldendoodle with downward strokes from top to bottom that follow the way their hair naturally grows. Some people recommend that you use a circular motion or an “up and down” motion – but that’s going to cause you a huge heap of hassle.

Stroke downward with the towel, then when you reach the bottom of the area you are drying, remove the towel from your dog’s body, and start again from the top – do not stroke upwards.

This sounds like a lot of hard work, and to be honest, it is.

However, if you dry your pooch in any other way you’re going to be almost intentionally creating matting and tangling in their thick curly hair. The amount of time it takes to remove these tangled areas when you give them their post bathing grooming session is much greater than the amount of additional time required to dry them in the correct way.

Put Steel Wool In Your Plughole

It’s not just your pooch that needs to be protected from their own thick dense coat – your plumbing system needs a helping hand too. The huge amount of hair that will fall out of your pooch when you wash (or groom) them in the tub is no laughing matter, if it gets into your drainage system blockages are likely.

To stop this from becoming an issue, all you need to do is “invest” in some steel wool and place it in your plughole. All the hair that would otherwise be going down your drain will instead get trapped by the steel wool – which can then easily be removed when the bathing session is over.

We’re willing to bet that you’re going to be shocked by the amount of hair you catch the first time you do this. After that, you’re never going to bathe your pooch without steel wool again.

FAQ Regarding Bathing a Goldendoodle

To conclude this article we’re going to talk a little bit about some of the most frequently asked questions regarding bathing a Goldendoodle that we get asked from our readers on a regular basis.

How Often Should I Bathe A Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles don’t need regular bathing, they’re considered to be a reasonably clean breed that doesn’t suffer from odor issues.

On average you should be bathing your pooch around once every 6 to 8 weeks. You can infrequently bathe them more often than this (if they get super messy or muddy for example), but don’t make a habit of it – overbathing your dog can cause skin issues that are best avoided.

How Can I Reduce Bath Time Nerves For My Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles can get nervous around bath time, and while we’ve already spoken about the benefits of using a shampoo with soothing aromatherapy style properties, there are several other things you can do to keep your pooch a little calmer and make things less stressful for them.

Running the bath ahead of time is one of the simplest things we recommend. The sound of running water while they are sitting waiting patiently causes a huge amount of anxiety. Your pooch knows what’s coming, and like most things in life, the anticipation of an unwelcome experience is usually worse than the experience itself.

Run the bath before you call your pooch over, and this issue goes away altogether in an instant.

Additionally, putting a towel down in the bottom of the bath before bathing begins can reduce stress levels. The smooth surface of the bottom of the bathtub is difficult for your pooch to stand on and requires them to concentrate to remain stable. Adding the towel to the tub provides a grippy surface for them, and allows them to stand without even thinking about it.

Conclusion

So there you have it, that concludes what is probably the most detailed Goldendoodle bathing guide on the entire internet.

We’re sure you’ve learned a thing or two today, and if you action the new knowledge you’re now armed with – you and your pooch are going to have better bathing sessions for the rest of your time together.