Do Goldendoodles Shed? Yes, But How Much Can You Expect?

Do Goldendoodles shed? Yes they do. In fact, most people looking to adopt a Goldendoodle puppy think that they are truly Hypoallergenic dogs. But Goldendoodles can and do shed, they just shed less than typical Golden Retrievers and other breeds. In fact, no dog breed is “truly” hypoallergenic.

Goldendoodles are a mix between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, and can be either standard or miniature sized. The shedding frequency isn’t impacted by their size, but rather which parent breed they tend to inherit their coat from. The Goldendoodle is the most common Golden Retriever mix, and also sheds the least frequently compared to others. This is because the fur they discard gets trapped up in the rest of their fur and doesn’t stick to your clothes or furniture.

Goldendoodles inherit a slightly wiry or curly feature to their hair, coming from their Poodle parent. This is why Poodles are popular as parents for many other mixed breeds. Grooming them becomes easier, because they aren’t shedding like a Labrador Retriever all over your home. There are still some basics you’ll want to master to keep your home and clothes hair-free, so let’s jump in!

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Goldendoodle Coats

Goldendoodles can have either wavy coats or curly coats. While it’s possible for your pup to have a straight coat, it’s far less likely compared to the Labradoodle or other the Shepadoodle. Your pup’s genetics are going to play a role in what type of coat they inherit. There’s a possibility that your Goldendoodle is going to take after their Golden Retriever parent with a more wavy coat, or they could end up more curly like the poodle.

You typically won’t know what kind of coat your pup will have until after their first year of development. While there can always be surprises, the easiest way to tell what type of coat your pup will have is to look at their face, and their underbelly. Goldendoodles with a bearded appearance and a shaggier underbelly have a higher chance of having a longer but shaggier coat as adults, closer to their Golden Retriever parent.

Goldendoodle Shedding Frequency

Most Goldendoodles are low-shedding dogs, but it’s a myth that they are zero-shed dogs. They aren’t considered a hypoallergenic breed because they do shed, just not as much as other breeds. This makes them great dogs for people with mild pet allergies. Goldendoodles are considered year-round shedders, but like other breeds, there are times of year that they can shed more than others.

Seasonal changes can play a role in your Goldendoodle’s shedding frequency. If your pup does shed, expect to see a little more hair in the winter and in the summer. This is typically the case in all double-coated dogs, and yes, the Goldendoodle does have a double coat. Outside of that, Goldendoodles generally speaking, will shed less than other double-coated dogs, and no more than a weekly brushing session will work to keep any excess hair out of your home.

When Do Goldendoodles Shed?

As mentioned, double-coated dogs typically shed more in the winter and in the summer. During the winter and summer, dogs shed more of their coats. In the winter, they are shedding their summer coat and developing a new thicker undercoat to keep them warm when the temperature drops.

During the summer, they are shedding the additional fur they put on to keep them warm in the winter. It’s cyclical and happens every year. Goldendoodles aren’t immune to this, but you’ll find that during these times of the year, your Goldendoodle is going to shed far less than Border Collies or other longer coated breeds.

What Triggers Shedding?

While seasonality contributes to excess hair, you’ll also find that there are other triggers that can make your dog shed more. Below are a few things that may make your Goldendoodle shed more frequently, some of which should be checked out by your veterinarian.

• Stress: Dogs under a significant amount of stress may shed more.
• Allergies: Dogs with skin allergies, may shed more than others.
• Nutrition: If your dog’s nutritional needs aren’t met, this can be a shedding trigger.
• Bathing: If you are bathing your dog too much, this can cause them to shed.
• Health: If your dog has a parasite or skin condition, this can cause shedding.
• Shampoo: Picking the wrong shampoo can cause shedding.

Avoiding these common triggers will help ensure that your pup’s hair stays off your clothing and furniture. Most of the shedding triggers can be avoided with active canine management. Others will need a little more involvement directly from you as their owner.

Managing Your Goldendoodle’s Shedding

Managing your Goldendoodle’s shedding is quite simple. You’ll want to establish a regular brushing routine, use the correct type of shampoo, feed them a nutritious diet, and use supplements when appropriate. You can also invest in a deshedder like the Furminator, just to be on the safe side.

Below we examine in a little more detail the tools you should employ to keep fur to a minimum. Basic DIY grooming habits can go a long way, even for pups that are low-frequency shedders, like the Goldendoodle. Always check with your vet first if you think your Goldendoodle has an underlying skin condition that may require medication.

Brushing

Weekly brushing is recommended for Goldendoodles. You can probably get away with going bi-weekly brushing in many cases, but you’ll want to ensure that you at least have some type of brushing routine. We recommend brushing your Goldendoodle on a weekly basis. It’s not necessary to have a brush with hard bristles in most cases, as even the thicker wavy coats of some Goldendoodles shouldn’t mat up or get tangled together. Using a high-quality brush is recommended.

Shampoos

When bathing your Goldendoodle, we recommend using a canine-friendly Oatmeal Shampoo. If you find that your pup has more sensitive skin, there are also shampoos made to help alleviate skin conditions. If you avoid the other obvious shedding triggers, it should help keep shedding to a minimum. Bathing shouldn’t happen frequently or you risk depleting your pup of the natural oils in their coats. A once-per-month bath is typically fine for most Goldendoodles.

Diet

A proper diet is something that many Goldendoodle owners neglect. You should be feeding your Goldendoodle a high-quality dry kibble at least 2-3 times per day. Some owners just toss their pup on any budget-friendly dog food, but we recommend going the premium route if you can afford it. Nutrients like Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that are included in higher quality dry kibbles are great for both skin and coat health. Premium quality kibbles usually have an abundance of Omegas, as well as other nutrients, so don’t save money when it comes to your dog’s diet if you can afford it.

We also recommend a steady dose of fruits and vegetables mixed in with your Goldendoodle’s kibble. Veggies can add an antioxidant boost, as well as providing nutrients needed for your pup’s immune system and coat health. A well-balanced diet is a must to keep your Goldendoodle’s coat in top shape.

Supplements

Supplements can be great for your Goldendoodle’s coat. A good fish oil supplement can help, if your pup isn’t getting enough Omega fatty acids in their dry kibble. Typically Fish Oil supplements will come in the form of a chewable, pill, or even in liquid form that you can squirt on your dog’s kibble.

There are other supplements that blend a combination of fish oils with other nutrients to improve the texture of your dog’s coat and promote skin health. These can also come in the form of a chewable, which we like due to the fact you can double up and use them as a training tool.

Deshedding Products

We recommend investing in a quality deshedder, unless you have a hairless pup. While you may not need an aggressive deshedding tool like The Furminator, it likely will still make sense to keep one on hand for the few times per year you’ll likely encounter a little more hair. Deshedders typically run the same cost as a brush, but you should always have one of each since their outcomes are completely different.

Deshedders take hair removal to the next level. They are perfect for digging out additional hair under your Goldendoodle’s top layer of fur. It’s worth noting that deshedding brushes can be a little more abrasive to your dog’s skin. Because of that, we don’t recommend overuse.

How To Keep Your Home Clean

Even if you stay on top of your dog’s shedding, you’re bound to have dog hair around your house that needs cleaning up. We have lots of experience in this department. Depending on your cleaning preferences, you may find one or all products suitable for your home.

Robot Vacuum

If you want the cleaning done for you, then we recommend the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL. This self-cleaning robot vacuum can map out your home, so you can send it to a specific area that needs cleaning. You can also set “no-go zones” for areas around your dog’s food and water bowls to ensure the vacuum doesn’t mess with those areas. The brushroll removes pet hair, so there is no hair wrap, and the self-emptying base holds up to 45 days of dog hair, dirt, and debris.

Cordless Vacuum

Bissell’s ICONpet Edge vacuum is perfect for general vacuuming and getting those hard-to-reach areas like windowsills, room corners, underneath furniture, etc. It’s cordless, so it’s easy to grab and go. It includes several attachments to help clean up the dog hair on your stairs, hardwood floors, and everywhere in between.

Air Purifier

Filtrete’s air purifier captures 99.97% of airborne particles, including pet odors and dog hair. This air purifier can help clean the air in a room up to 250 square feet in size. It notifies you when the filter needs changing to ensure optimal performance. You can adjust the fan speed, set a timer, and dim the control panel lights from the soft-touch display. If you notice your home has a pet odor, this will help eliminate that fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Goldendoodle shed so much?

As mentioned, despite popular belief – Goldendoodles are not hypoallergenic dogs. They do shed, and how much will depend on their parents, their coat type, and other factors.

When do Goldendoodles shed their puppy coat?

Typically once your puppy hits a year of age, you can expect to see their adult coat start to replace their puppy coat.

Do Goldendoodles shed more as puppies?

No, they do not. They typically shed more as their adult coats come in, once they’ve shed their puppy fur.

Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Goldendoodles?

Typically yes. The mixing of the Poodle with the Golden Retriever is what helps to reduce shedding. Poodles are naturally low-shedding dogs, as are most standard Poodle mixes.

Why doesn’t my Goldendoodle look like a teddy bear?

Lots of people buy Goldendoodle puppies with the thought they will look like a teddy bear. While this is the case with many dogs, it’s not the case with all of them. Goldendoodles that take more after their Golden Retriever parent will be less likely to have that adorable teddy-bear look.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Yes, Goldendoodles do in fact shed despite what most people believe when they seek out to adopt one. They just shed less than other breeds. The amount of fur they drop will vary based on their genetics and many other factors. You’ll just need to be prepared that when you bring one home, the expectation of having a non-shedding dog is not realistic.

Miniature Goldendoodles will typically shed less when it comes to the sheer volume of hair, but that’s due to their smaller stature. As long as you are prepared to manage some very mild shedding year-round, the Goldendoodle just might be the perfect dog for your family!