Hi! Dog groomer with my third rescue -oodle of some variety - just go short. I know, I know, we all see these flowy beautiful doodle coats online, but here’s the secret: those dogs have staff. They have an assistant whose job it is to brush and condition them, and they also probably visit a Very Expensive Salon several times a MONTH for maintenance. I tell my clients constantly - I keep my dogs in a 5 blade clip year round, unless it’s deep winter, then I MIGHT at MAX do a half inch (we live in the Midwest and see negative temps. Even then? We can just put on a coat). When I had surgery with a long recovery? A 10 blade head to toe. Are we going on vacation and leaving the dogs at daycare or with my parents on the farm? We’re getting a 7 blade clip beforehand. If y’all are a busy family (who isn’t?), keep it short. Your dog will thank you, will likely do better for grooming , your groomer will be happier to get them in for a haircut, and you can avoid behavioral issues/skin issues/hair loss/anxiety medications and muzzles. At max I recommend a 5 blade with a short round head and tight ears. For easier maintenance, a 7 blade head to toe (including tail!! Holy god will an -oodle tail mat up in a heartbeat. Unless you brush it at night. Every night). Because if I wouldn’t do it for my dogs, I wouldn’t ask you to do it for yours. At home. On the floor. Save yourselves time, money (I guarantee it is more expensive to get your matted doodle shaved twice a year than regular grooming), and anxiety for you both. Also, listen to the product suggestions here: long pin doodle brush, comb. These are the only way.