Two extremely adorable, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate dog breeds, the Golden Retriever and Poodle, came together to form a breed that combines all of these properties and doesn’t shed—the Goldendoodle! They were bred as an alternative to the popular Labradoodle, the Golden Retriever and Labrador mix and were made only in standard size. However, today, you can also find them in smaller versions.
These dogs usually carry the friendliness, affection and enthusiastic nature of Golden Retrievers and the social, trainable and intelligent traits of Poodles. The main characteristic that these mixed dogs carry is the hypoallergenic coat. The primary purpose of creating this breed was to combine the friendly temperament of a Golden Retriever with the hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle. This was done to help people allergic to dog fur be able to adopt a dog like a Golden Retriever.
Poodle crosses are not a new phenomenon. The very first attempts can be traced back to the 1800s when a mix called ‘Pudelpointer’ was created by mixing a German Pudle and the English Pointer. It was Monica Dickens, the great-granddaughter of classical author Charles Dickens, who created the Goldendoodles in the 1960s. (1)
Does a Goldendoodle Shed a Lot?
Poodle as a breed is known for their non-shedding fur. On the other hand, Golden Retriever is infamous for leaving traces of fur all around the house. The result of this combination is a dog that sheds much less than a Golden Retriever, but a little more than a Poodle.
The amount of shedding highly depends on the generation of the mix, though. For example, the first-generation (F1) mix, i.e., a Golden Retriever and a Poodle mix, would typically shed less than a Golden Retriever but more than a Poodle. However, an F1 and a Poodle mix, called F1B Goldendoodle, would be 25% Retriever / 75% Poodle. This mix would shed less than an F1 mix. There is a chance that an F1B may never shed. It is considered an anomaly, though. (2)
Shedding also depends on which genes have dominated during the mixing. A Golden Retriever comes with a double coat, which consists of a long, smooth outer coat and a soft, fuzzy undercoat. The undercoat tends to shed to regulate the body temperature when it gets hot outside. Poodles, on the other side, come with only a single-layered coat that does not shed too much. Depending on whether your Goldendoodle gets a single or double coat, the shedding will be more or less.
Which Doodle Sheds a Lot?
While it is very common for a Goldendoodle to have curly or wavy hair, there is a slight chance of them having straight hair in case the Retriever genes dominate there. In that case, your Doodle would shed way more than the one with wavy or curly hair.
How to Take Care of a Goldendoodle’s Coat
Irrespective of the type of coat your Goldendoodle has, it is important to take care of it to prevent tangling and mating. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy coat –
Brush your dog regularly with a slicker brush or bristle brush. It helps distribute the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy. In case yours is a curly-haired one, you may need to brush every day. Straight-haired ones can do with alternate-day brushing.
Bathe them every 4-6 weeks with gentle pet shampoo and conditioner. Do not use any kind of human products. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.
Give your dog a nice trim every 6-8 weeks, especially around the eyes, ears, and paws. Try a professional groomer if you’re not very comfortable (and rich).
Apart from the coat, here are some tips to maintain the overall health of a Goldendoodle –
Remove the dust and debris from the dog’s ears using a vet-recommended cleaning solution.
Keep trimming their nails every few weeks. Avoid cutting them too short.
Brush their teeth daily (yes, daily, just like yours) with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste. Do not use your toothpaste.
Ensure routine vet visits to keep up with the vaccination schedule and detect any medical condition early.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Goldendoodles do not only inherit their coat, intelligence and good nature but also some medical conditions from their parents. These include – (3)
Joint problems like hip/elbow dysplasia
Eye diseases like extra eyelashes, entropion, cataracts and glaucoma
Allergies like food, environmental factors, or seasonal changes
Stomach issues like gastric dilation volvulus
Obesity
And given their high energy levels and enthusiasm, they often end up getting injured. While some of the above conditions can be minor, others can be quite severe. The treatment cost for them can even reach upwards of $5000, as it can include alternate therapy, prescription diets, surgery, etc.
With Spot Pet Insurance, you can save up to 90% of all the costs and much more. Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
Goldendoodle Association of North America. (2024, May 29). History of the Goldendoodle - Goldendoodle Association of North America. https://www.goldendoodleassociation.com/about-the-breed/history-of-the-goldendoodle/
Ruppe, E. (2017, September 4). Do goldendoodle puppies shed? doodlesofnc. https://www.doodlesofnc.com/single-post/do-goldendoodles-shed
Carlson, A. (2024, May 21). The most common health issues in goldendoodles. Jiminy’s. https://jiminys.com/blogs/benefits/the-most-common-health-issues-in-goldendoodles?srsltid=AfmBOoqefTTLy2xnzKb4-eJcumosOVzTpAMSqB95I8yiG86CwhCaYntX
