Introducing my dog, Bindi Baumer! As she approaches her 4th birthday, this 14-pound Mini Australian Labradoodle has demanded lots of love and haircuts. With her curly coat and sensitive eyes, she rarely gets straight A’s on her grooming report card. In spite of this, we continue to visit Angelique at PetSmart because she works miracles with our very fluffy puppy.

There are over 40 different types of doodle dogs, which are mixes of poodles and other purebred dogs. With their low-shedding coats and intelligence, we have an abundance of doodles in Lochmere. Some popular breeds include Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and Cavapoos. Bindi is a little different than a standard labradoodle because she is a combination of several breeds. Back in the 1980’s, Wally Conron was the first to intentionally breed a Labrador with a Poodle in an effort to produce asthma and allergy-friendly service dogs. His early attempts were of limited success, but two Australian breeders took over where he left off, and carefully infused an additional 4-5 breeds, namely the English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever, Portuguese Water Dog, and the Irish Water Spaniel. Their work resulted in dogs that excel in service and therapy work with asthma and allergy sufferers. The breed made its way to the USA in the 1990s, and we have several breeders within the state.

Bindi, like most Australian Labradoodles, is loving, funny, and smart. She understands a great deal of my vocabulary, with “slumber party” being her favorite phrase. She rarely barks and lives for love. I’d like to say she is perfect, but keeping her groomed is not easy. With a thick, curly coat that needs daily brushing and monthly haircuts, upkeep can be time-consuming and expensive. While walking around the Lochside loop, I have been interviewing dog owners to determine the best of the best groomers near our neighborhood. We have some great options that offer a good value and a spa-like experience for our little fur babies.

Australian Labradoodles (like Bindi) are delicious; however, fur-matting prevention can be an ongoing challenge. Keeping your pet calm and happy while satisfying beauty-conscious owners takes talent, so I have put together a list of the “best of the best groomers.” Save this list and share it with your dog-loving doodle, poodle, and golden neighbors. 

Mobile - Home visit

“They come to the house, are very kind to Charlie, and are reliable.” - Jennifer Seay

Mobile - Home visit

Convenient for big dogs!

3. Brett at Gentle Care Animal Hospital 

3435 Kildaire Farm Road Cary, NC 27518

(919) 899-4364

Great attitude and the grooming lasts a long time.

4. Mosa Pet Spa  

213 Waldo Street Cary, NC 27511

(919) 917-2434  

“As Stella has gotten older she has become more fussy and intolerant of being groomed. They are good about being gentle with her and stop when she’s had enough. They do a great job of not cutting her too close around her face so she keeps her cute teddy bear look. They use a wonderful smelling shampoo that leaves her feeling very soft.” - Dina Kirby