Every time a mixed breed hops into the van, I get to play detective. Purebreds come with a manual. I know exactly what a Bichon Frise coat will feel like before I ever touch it, and I know what is hiding under all that Golden Retriever fluff. Mixed breeds hand me a mystery instead, and honestly, it is one of my favorite parts of the job. Decoding their colors and textures takes artistry, science, and a little on-the-spot problem solving to figure out exactly what that specific dog needs to look and feel their absolute best.
The Genetic Lottery: Color and Texture
When you combine different breeds, the resulting coat can be a fascinating tapestry. You might get the wiry, weather-resistant topcoat of a terrier blended with the dense, soft undercoat of a spaniel. You might find a stunning merle pattern hidden beneath thick curls, or meet a dog whose coat changes almost completely depending on the season. It is incredibly common for dogs of the exact same lineage to end up with vastly different grooming needs.
Take Gil and Google, two Poodle mix brothers who visit my van. They share the same DNA, but they require completely different grooming approaches because of the way their unique coat textures developed. One might lean heavily into the tight, high-maintenance Poodle curl, while the other grows a looser, scruffier wave. Two brothers, one recipe, two totally different heads of hair. Deciphering these textures is the first step in unlocking a great groom.
Adapting the Process
There is no one-size-fits-all manual for mixed breeds. When a new mix hops into the tub, the groom has to be custom-tailored on the spot.
First, I study the coat itself. Does this dog have a double coat that needs rigorous de-shedding to prevent impaction? Or hair that continuously grows and needs precise scissoring? Once I understand the texture, I adjust my tool selection, swapping between slicker brushes, undercoat rakes, and specific clipper blades that glide best through that exact type of fur. The high-velocity dryer gets adjusted too, because the setting that blasts water off a thick spaniel undercoat is not the setting for a thinner, wavier mix.
The bathing process is heavily customized as well. Depending on whether a coat is prone to oiliness, dry skin, or tight matting, I match the shampoo and conditioner to the coat and skin in front of me, using eco-friendly products that are gentle on dogs. A wiry coat might need a texturizing wash, while a curly, drop-coat mix requires deep, natural hydration to prevent breakage and tangles.
Why Coat Type Matters for Your Groom
We are continuing our monthly blog series as we approach the full pricing update in December, and understanding mixed-breed coats is a perfect way to explain how grooming quotes are built.
Because every mixed breed is unique, their grooming appointments require different levels of specialized care. When calculating a groom, time, breed, size, coat type, weight class, coat condition, and behavior are all factored into the price. A 40-pound mix with a smooth, short coat will land at a very different price point than a 40-pound mix with a thick, heavily matted doodle coat. The second dog requires significantly more time, more product, and much more technical scissor work to complete safely and beautifully. That is exactly why our published prices are ranges: a coat kept on a regular grooming schedule falls toward the lower end, and a coat that needs extra work falls toward the higher end. When I quote your groom, you get the full price up front, so there are no surprises at the end of the appointment.
The Wrap
Whether your dog is a perfect 50/50 split or a glorious mystery mutt, figuring out their unique coat is a challenge we welcome every single day. Vroom Grooms LLC is actively rolling across Northwest Ohio, bringing this customized care straight to your driveway.
Catch the Action Live! Want to see how we adapt to different coat types in real time? Tune into the solo live stream over on Twitch at DogGroomerNicole, and you can also find the stream right on our live page. Whether we are tackling tricky coat conditions, working with different breeds and weight classes, or just enjoying some puppy cuddles, you can watch it all unfold straight from the van.
While you are watching from your laptop or desktop, please take a moment to click the link below the stream to learn more about Folds of Honor, a phenomenal charity we are incredibly proud to support.
See you all on the road!
Stay fresh and furry,
Nicole
Vroom Grooms LLC
Curious what a full groom includes? Visit our Full Groom service page or the current pricing page, and keep an eye out for the December pricing update in this series.
Sources: my own observations from the van, plus akc.org and avma.org for general coat and skin background.