Coat and Grooming

The ALD has a coat that continues to grow, just like us humans, they do not have an undercoat, but this coat must be maintained. Unfortunately, several people act as if the dog does not need maintenance. But if you keep up with it, it's absolutely doable. If you let it muddle through unbrushed for too long or if you use the wrong brushing technique, you can get a lot of trouble for your dog.

There are various types of fur, you have the wool fur that is just like a sheep. This coat is recognizable because you walk with an exploded dog for 2 weeks after brushing. For people with allergies to dogs, this is a good coat. You also have the regular curly that resembles the curly fleece.
And the fleece coat, it is divided into the curly (curls) and the wave (waves). The density of the curls can therefore vary to a fine curl (almost looking like the wool) and a very light curl in the hair. For people with asthma, the curly coat is best for taking into the house.

All coat types must be trimmed (cut). You can have this done in a grooming salon, but you can also do a workshop and learn it yourself, so you get a very nice bond with your doodle.

From an early age you should let the dog get used to being brushed and standing still. I also do this with my puppies from 4 weeks. A table with a walk-in mat or other non-slip mat on it is fine for this. Make sure that the dog does not grumble just before you stop combing, because you indicate that the dog can determine when to stop. but reward the dog for standing still. Of course I can and will give you advice.

Between 7 and 12 months, the dog will have a coat change once, then the puppy coat disappears and the adult coat comes through. This moment you are less happy because it seems that you can keep going. My advice is therefore also to have the dog cut shorter so as not to get annoyed by both owner and dog.

Every dog also has its own spots where it will get tangles the fastest. After the coat change, a brushing once every 1 to 2 weeks is sufficient, it is best once a week. Trimming depends on preference but count on 1 time every 3 months. A water blower is a great solution to blow your dog clean and dry after a nice walk in the woods or bath.

An electric brush has also been invented by colleague breeder Nanja de Koning together with her husband Hans, and I am so happy with it, if you want information about it, feel free to ask or click on the link DP automatic brush. Keep in mind that we comb our hair at least twice a day and wash at least twice a week, and we don't even get stroked or roll our heads on the floor. So remember that 1 time brushing your dog per month is really too little and that you will have a problem with the tangles.

There are now various colors in the ALD world, only merle is prohibited for breeding and that is because of the possibility of health reasons that can arise. The variety is huge from white to black and everything what is in between, also fur (parti-color) is allowed. A DNA profile is made of all breeding dogs that are affiliated with the ALAEU. As a breeder you can also decide to add your color coding to this, this color profile also ensures that you can see early which colors could never come out of the breeding dog.

Which colors are available:
See pictures of puppy and adult dog below. So you also see that most colors become lighter but are still super beautiful, color guarantee cannot be given.