The ALAA Grooming Standard: Why Your Australian Labradoodle Should Never Look Like a Poodle (Or a Doodle Mess)
One of the biggest surprises for new Australian Labradoodle owners?
“My groomer shaved my puppy and now he looks like a totally different dog!”
That’s because most groomers only know two cuts: **Poodle show clip** or **Doodle teddy bear**.
Neither is correct for a true Australian Labradoodle.
The **Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA)** has a specific grooming standard — and at NorthStar Labradoodles in Bend, Oregon, we follow it to the letter.
The Official ALAA Grooming Standards (2025)
- Coat length**: 4–6 inches all over (never shorter than 3 inches)
- Head**: Natural fall, slightly rounded — no top-knot or shaved face
- Ears**: Feathered, hanging naturally (never shaved)
- Body**: Loose, wavy fleece — never tight curls or straight coat
- Legs & Tail**: Feathered, full plume on tail
- Feet**: Rounded, never shaved between pads (only trimmed for hygiene)
Why the ALAA Standard Matters
A correct ALAA cut:
- Preserves the **allergy-friendly barrier** (shaving removes it)
- Prevents matting and skin issues
- Maintains the **signature loose, wavy look** that makes an ALD unique
3 Grooming Mistakes We See All the Time
- Shaved face → irritated eyes, sunburned nose
- Teddy-bear head → constant matting behind ears
- Body shaved short → coat grows back wiry and sheds more
Let’s go. 🐾✂️