Have you ever wondered whether Goldendoodles shed? Goldendoodles are one the most popular breeds of dogs right now — and for a good reason. They are considered a designer breed with many characteristics that make Goldendoodles practically perfect pets.
If you are looking to adopt a furry friend, the reality is that you will have to take care of your dog’s coat. Whether they shed seasonally, year-round, or occasionally, all dogs need proper care of their coat and skin to stay happy and healthy.
Goldendoodles are often praised for their beautiful coats, which are also hypoallergenic. We’ll explain more about that later in this article, but it’s important to note that Goldendoodles do shed and need to be groomed regularly.
Before we get into how Goldendoodles shed and what to expect, let’s understand what a Goldendoodle is and what wonderful characteristics they have.
Designer Breed
Goldendoodles are a popular hybrid breed from breeding a Poodle with a Golden Retriever. These parent breeds have specific characteristics that make them unique and sought-after; many of these qualities are combined in a Goldendoodle.
Like Poodles, Goldendoodles have a more hypoallergenic coat than many other dogs. The size of the parent Poodle largely determines the size of a Goldendoodle. A standard Poodle bred with a Golden Retriever will result in a Goldendoodle between 50-90 pounds when fully grown, while a miniature Poodle parent will most likely result in a 15-30 pound miniature Goldendoodle.
There are also medium Goldendoodles, but these usually come from breeding previous generations of Goldendoodles.
The characteristics Goldendoodles get from Golden Retriever parents make them extremely loyal dogs with friendly personalities and a desire to socialize with humans and other dogs. Golden Retrievers and Poodles tend to be easier to train and enjoy activities that challenge their physical and mental abilities.
One of the best things about Goldendoodles is how the best of both parent breeds are showcased in this hybrid breed to create what is known as hybrid vigor. This means that the offspring are healthier than either of the pure-bred parent breeds.
Now, there is some controversy over the term hybrid vigor, but the fact is that Goldendoodles are an overall healthy breed with few concerns in regards to disease and complications.
All these qualities make Goldendoodles wonderful dogs for families and emotional support dogs.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Because of the Poodle characteristics of a Goldendoodle, many advertise Goldendoodles as hypoallergenic. But it is important to know what that means.
“Hypoallergenic” simply means that an animal is less likely to cause allergic reactions than other animals. Unfortunately, it does not mean non-allergenic; realistically, no dog can ever be non-allergenic.
Allergic reactions to dogs are not caused by the fur but by the dander released from the dog’s skin. Depending on the length and texture of the dog’s coat, the dander—and thus allergies—can differ significantly. But ultimately, the dander from the dog’s skin is the culprit of the allergies, not the fur coat.
However, some breeds do not shed as much or release as much dander into their environment. Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic because their coat can contain the dander better than other breeds.
This hypoallergenic trait comes from Poodles, but because of the Golden Retriever, Goldendoodles will still shed to some extent, depending on their genetics. Even dogs from the same litter can have varying coats, so not all Goldendoodles are the same degree of hypoallergenic.
Goldendoodles do require regular grooming and brushing. So even though they are hypoallergenic, that does not mean Goldendoodles are always low maintenance. However, few things are cuter than a Goldendoodle’s signature curly coat.
What Should I Expect?
There is a lot of genetic variation in Goldendoodles, so it can be tricky to figure out what to expect. A lot depends on the genetics of the Goldendoodle, even more than just the parentage. It is complicated even more by the fact that multiple genes determine shedding.
How many genes are inherited from the Golden Retriever parentage will be the most significant factor in how much a Goldendoodle will shed. Studies have also found that the “furnishings” or distinct visible markers on the coat can be a significant indicator of how the Goldendoodles shed.
One important thing to be aware of is that Goldendoodles need to shed their undercoat in the spring and fall for the top coat and skin under both coats to stay healthy. While this should still be less shedding than many other dogs, it should be expected that shedding will increase during these times of the year.
The texture and pattern of a Goldendoodle’s coat will also influence how much they shed. Three main patterns are found in this breed, but a Goldendoodle can have a mixed coat between the three.
Curly — tight curls more similar to a Poodle coat; typically does not shed very much.
Wavy — the most common coat pattern with a wavy or shaggy appearance; typically sheds very little.
Straight — usually results from purebred parents; typically will shed.
Grooming
Most Goldendoodles need to be groomed about every four to six weeks, but that does not include any home grooming care that should be done at least a couple of times a week.
It is important to brush both the top coat that gives your Goldendoodle its iconic look but also the undercoat. This usually requires at least two different brushes or tools, but it is a good idea to try a few different approaches to find what works and looks the best.
Use a slicker brush to go over the top coat and give it a good fluff. Then work on the undercoat with a metal brush or grooming rake. A slicker brush can be tricky to brush out any mats or tangles, so be sure to use the metal brush or rake for any of those you find in your dog’s coat.
Regular brushing can significantly decrease the amount of shedding and thus the amount of fur found around your house. The best way to prevent shedding is to take proper care of your dog’s coat with grooming routines and proper exercise and nutrition, including multivitamins.
Plush Paws Products
We are passionate about your pup’s health and safety at Plush Paws Products. Whether your Goldendoodles shed a lot or a little, we’ve got what you need to take care of your furry friend. Our dogs are special and unique, so they deserve special and unique products that will help them live a long and healthy life.
Check out our wide variety of products that will be sure to improve your dog's health and make your next adventure absolutely amazing!