I tried Jo Malone London’s first dog shampoo on my bath-hating Labradoodle
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Jo Malone London has launched its first dog shampoo, so I put the £18 luxury pet product to the test on Oscar, my reluctant Labradoodle.
Bath time for our Labradoodle, Oscar, is not an experience either party relishes.
Despite taking extreme care to get the water temperature just right, keeping the suds away from his eyes and having his favourite treat waiting when it’s all over, he still regards me with unparalleled contempt throughout the entire experience.
I suspect I’m not alone, which may be partly why Jo Malone London has launched its first dog grooming product. If our four-legged friends aren’t going to enjoy bath time, perhaps the luxury fragrance brand hopes owners like me can at least start looking forward to it.
Created in collaboration with pet-care brand WildWash, Orange & Cedarwood Dog Shampoo launched online and in stores last week, priced at £18 for 285ml.
So Oscar and I decided to put it to the test...
What I love about Jo Malone London’s Orange & Cedarwood Dog Shampoo
Firstly, it smells divine. I compared the scent with our usual Bugalugs Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with coconut and lime, and there was no contest when it came to fragrance. Knowing that dogs have such a powerful sense of smell, I wished I could get Oscar’s opinion. But alas, I’m no Dr. Doolittle.
The WildWash shampoo contains naturally derived essential oils of orange and cedarwood and, as soon as I applied it to Oscar’s wet fur, it lathered up instantly. Usually, a fair amount of rubbing is needed to whip up any decent foamy bubbles, so this was an immediate plus.
It also rinsed away beautifully. This part normally takes ages, so full marks for the ease with which the lather washed away. Anything that shortens bath time is a win for all concerned.
The final test was how Oscar’s coat looked after his wash. His usual routine is to race around the garden, desperately trying to escape the dreaded hairdryer or any attempt at towel rubbing. Twenty minutes after his first Jo Malone London shampoo appointment, our usually scruffy, slightly smelly pooch was looking wonderfully coiffed, with a soft, fluffy coat that smelled every bit as good as it looked.
There is plenty of Jo Malone London polish in the packaging, too. Bottles come complete with a smart black bow and with one of four collectible dog illustrations: a French bulldog, Dachshund, West Highland White Terrier or Jack Russell. Order online and there’s an added element of surprise, as you won’t know which dog you’re getting until the bottle arrives.
I was happy with my West Highland White Terrier version, although it did leave me wondering whether the brand might expand the breed line-up so I can eventually shop for a Labradoodle one. For now, shoppers with a favourite can choose a particular illustration in store.
The collaboration has also received a suitably A-list canine seal of approval. French bulldog Blue Hardy, owned by actor and Jo Malone London ambassador Tom Hardy, has already appeared alongside his famous dog dad in the brand’s Cypress & Grapevine campaign films.
What I didn’t love about Jo Malone London’s Orange & Cedarwood Dog Shampoo
At £18, this is a relatively accessible way into the Jo Malone London world, although it’s certainly at the luxury end of the dog shampoo aisle. By comparison, I spend just over £7 on my Bugalugs shampoo and get almost twice as much, so the price may put some dog owners off. Also, I did need a few pumps to get enough shampoo to cover Oscar’s entire body. He’s medium size so if your furry friend is smaller that wouldn’t be an issue. Great Dane owners might find that the content of the £18 bottle disappears rather faster than they’d like.
The verdict
Does any dog really need Jo Malone London shampoo? Probably not. Do I now want Oscar to smell this good after every bath? Absolutely. Oscar’s coat felt soft, looked noticeably fluffier and carried the fresh orange and cedarwood scent long after his bath.
At £18, it’s undeniably an indulgence compared with an everyday dog shampoo. However, the impressive results and beautiful packaging help justify the extra spend. Oscar may remain unconvinced about bath time, but for its gorgeous scent, easy lather and soft, fluffy results, this new arrival is undoubtedly best in show.