Goldendoodles are known for their adorable puppy coat, but have you ever wondered when they lose it? Typically, Goldendoodles start to shed their puppy coat between 4 to 12 months of age.
As they mature, their adult coat begins to take over, and this process can be influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, and grooming habits.
Some Goldendoodles may retain their puppy coat longer than others, and this can be due to the presence of the F1B gene, which is a combination of the Poodle and Golden Retriever genes.
As a Goldendoodle owner, it's essential to be patient and understanding of this natural process, as it can take several months for their adult coat to fully develop.
Shedding Basics
Goldendoodles are known for their low shedding compared to other breeds, thanks to their coats being composed of hair instead of fur.
Their coats come in a variety of wavy and curly textures, making them hypoallergenic and less likely to shed.
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Regular grooming is essential to maintain healthy, mat-free coats, with certain types requiring frequent brushing, occasional trimming, or professional grooming appointments.
F1B Goldendoodles and multigenerational Goldendoodles are typically curly and shed less compared to F1 Goldendoodles.
The degree of shedding in Goldendoodles is often correlated to the texture of their coat, with curlier coats resulting in less shedding.
Individual dogs can still vary in terms of their shedding, regardless of their generation or coat type.
To manage shedding, regular grooming, brushing, and a nutritious diet are essential.
You can also use supplements when appropriate and invest in a deshedder like the Furminator.
Here's a breakdown of the tools you can use to keep fur to a minimum:
At a Glance: Grooming Products
Goldendoodles require regular grooming to maintain a healthy, mat-free coat. Brushing is an essential aspect of their grooming routine, which can help reduce shedding.
A good brush can make all the difference in keeping your Goldendoodle's coat under control. We recommend using a slicker brush or a pin brush, as they work well to eliminate loose hair and prevent matting.
Deshedding products can also be a lifesaver for Goldendoodle owners. Deshedders typically run the same cost as a brush, but they're designed to take hair removal to the next level. They're perfect for digging out additional hair under your Goldendoodle's top layer of fur.
You should always have a brush and a deshedder on hand, as their outcomes are completely different. This way, you can tackle different grooming needs depending on the situation.
Here are some key grooming products to consider:
Coat Types and Changes
Goldendoodles can have either wavy coats or curly coats, and their genetics play a key role in determining the type of coat they inherit. You typically won't know what kind of coat your pup will have until after their first year of development.
Their adult coat will be stiffer and denser than their puppy coat, and it could even be a different color. 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.
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Their coat can change dramatically or subtly depending on the type of adult coat they inherit. Most Goldendoodles will shed their puppy coat between four and eight months, and their adult coat will start to come in at this time.
You can expect a Goldendoodle puppy to start shedding its puppy coat around 6-8 months old. However, as Doodles tend to come in soft coats anyway, you might not even notice the difference.
Here are the typical coat types you can expect in a Goldendoodle:
- Wavy coat
- Curly coat
- Fleece, curly, or wavy coats, depending on their genetic makeup and generation
These coat types can be either single or double-coated, and even double-coated Doodles shed a lot less than their double-coated purebred parents.
Shedding Frequency
Goldendoodles are low-shedding dogs, but they're not zero-shed dogs. They shed year-round, but the frequency can vary depending on the season.
Seasonal changes can play a role in your Goldendoodle's shedding frequency. In the winter and summer, you can expect to see a little more hair.
Goldendoodles are double-coated dogs, which means they have two layers of fur. This can lead to more shedding, but regular brushing can help keep excess hair under control.
A weekly brushing session is usually enough to keep any excess hair out of your home. Regular grooming can also help minimize shedding in all Goldendoodles.
It's worth noting that individual dogs can vary in terms of their shedding, regardless of their generation or coat type.
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What Triggers Shedding?
Stress can trigger shedding in dogs, so if you notice your Goldendoodle is shedding more, it's worth exploring ways to reduce their stress levels.
Dogs with skin allergies may shed more than others, and it's essential to check with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an allergy.
Nutritional needs play a significant role in shedding, so ensure your dog is receiving a balanced diet.
Bathing your dog too frequently can cause them to shed, so try to strike a balance between cleanliness and shedding.
Health issues, such as parasites or skin conditions, can also lead to excessive shedding, so monitor your dog's health closely.
Picking the wrong shampoo can contribute to shedding, so choose a gentle, suitable shampoo for your dog.
Here are some common triggers that can cause your Goldendoodle to shed more:
- Stress
- Allergies
- Nutrition
- Bathing too frequently
- Health issues
- Poor shampoo choice
Types of Coats
Goldendoodles can have a variety of coat types, including wavy, curly, and straight coats, with curly coats being more likely than straight ones.
The type of coat your Goldendoodle has can be influenced by their genetics, with some puppies taking after their Golden Retriever parent with a wavy coat and others resembling their Poodle parent with a curly coat.
You typically won't know what type of coat your Goldendoodle will have until after their first year of development, but you can make some educated guesses based on their face and underbelly.
Goldendoodles with a bearded appearance and shaggier underbelly are more likely to have a longer, shaggier coat as adults, closer to their Golden Retriever parent.
All Goldendoodles are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, which can later develop into a double-layered coat or remain single-layered.
Goldendoodles can inherit their parent's coat type, with some having a dense, straight double coat like their Golden Retriever parent and others having a curly, coarse single coat like their Poodle parent.
The most common coat type in Goldendoodles is a wavy, fleecy, long one that falls somewhere in between the two parent breeds.
Genetics play a key role in determining a Doodle's coat type, with some Doodles inheriting the curly Poodle-like coat and others taking after the other parent breed.
Most Doodles end up with soft hair that's either wavy or curly, with curly coats being more common due to the Poodle genes.
F1b Doodles, which have a higher genetic makeup of Poodle genes, are typically very low to non-shedding and may have an undercoat, but it's less common in pups with curlier hair.
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Transition Phases
The transition phases of a Goldendoodle's coat can be a bit unpredictable. It tends to happen around six months of age.
You may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. This is a normal sign of shedding and doesn't necessarily mean your dog has inherited a high-shed coat.
If your Goldie is getting a curly coat, you'll need to be extra vigilant during this time. Curly coats require daily brushing, especially in areas of high friction.
A good rule of thumb is that with a low-shedding coat, you'll spend more time brushing, while with a high-shedding one, you'll spend more time cleaning up hair.
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Do Puppies Change Color?
Many puppies tend to change color as they mature, but it's not always a drastic transformation.
Some breeds, like Goldendoodles, get lighter as their adult coat comes in, a process known as fading.
These dogs tend to 'hold on' to the original color around their face and ears making for one cute and interesting-looking canine.
Double Coat Dogs
Double coat dogs have two layers of coats – a shorter undercoat and longer topcoat (also known as guard hairs). The undercoat is usually denser and has a softer, more wool-like texture than the guard hairs.
Double-coated dogs tend to shed, which can make a big difference in their grooming routine. This might not work for people who suffer from allergies.
A double coat helps a dog regulate its body temperature, as the undercoat acts as insulation. In the winter, an undercoat keeps a pup warm, while in the summer, it protects them from excess heat and sun exposure.
Most double-coated Doodles shed a lot less than their double-coated purebred parents, thanks to the Poodle genes. However, they still require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
To determine if your Doodle is double-coated, brush their hair and collect it on a white surface. If you notice two types of hair, one being coarser and the other being softer, your Doodle is double-coated.
Here's a simple way to check: Brush your Doodle's hair with firm strokes, and collect the hair from the brush.Spread the hair out on a white surface.
If the hairs all look the same, you have a single-coated dog.
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Managing Shedding
Goldendoodles are low-shedding dogs, but they still require regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat.
Their coats come in a variety of wavy and curly textures and are composed of hair instead of fur, making them hypoallergenic and less likely to shed.
To manage shedding, you'll want to establish a regular brushing routine, which can help minimize shedding and prevent matting.
You should also use the correct type of shampoo and feed your Goldendoodle a nutritious diet rich in protein and healthy fats.
If your Goldendoodle is shedding more than usual, it could be due to a variety of factors, including skin irritation or allergies.
Consult your vet if you suspect your Goldendoodle has an underlying skin condition.
Here are some tips to help you manage your Goldendoodle's shedding:
Managing Your Shedding
Goldendoodles are known for being low-shedding dogs, but they still require regular grooming to maintain healthy coats. Their coats come in a variety of wavy and curly textures and are composed of hair instead of fur, making them hypoallergenic and less likely to shed.
To manage your Goldendoodle's shedding, you'll want to establish a regular brushing routine. Brushing their hair removes loose fur and stops matting, which can reduce shedding. A weekly brushing session is a good starting point, but you may need to brush more frequently depending on your dog's individual needs.
Diet plays a crucial role in your Goldendoodle's shedding. Feeding them a protein-rich diet with healthy fats can help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding. You can also consider adding supplements to their diet to promote skin and coat health.
Bathing your Goldendoodle regularly can also help manage their shedding. However, be careful not to bathe them too frequently, as this can strip natural oils from their skin and result in dryness and discomfort.
Here are some additional tips to help manage your Goldendoodle's shedding:
- Use the correct type of shampoo for their coat type
- Avoid using harsh cleaning products or other irritants that can worsen skin discomfort
- Consider using a deshedder like the Furminator to help reduce shedding
- Regular grooming appointments can also help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding
Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one Goldendoodle may not work for another. Be patient and work with your vet to find the best approach for your dog's individual needs.
Identifying Furnished Homes
F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing furnishings, while F1B dogs are the most likely to have them.
It's crucial to speak to the breeder to get a better understanding of what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have as an adult.
F1 Goldendoodles are unlikely to develop furnishings in adulthood if they lack them as puppies.
Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations to get an idea of the puppy's potential coat.
No matter how your Goldie ends up looking, you'll love them just the same - after all, who can resist that adorable face?
Golden Retriever and Doodle Specifics
Golden Retrievers and Doodles have some unique characteristics when it comes to their coats. A Doodle's coat can be single-coated or double-coated, and the best way to determine this is by brushing their hair and comparing the hairs.
If your Doodle is double-coated, you'll notice two types of hair, one being coarser and the other being softer.
As your Doodle grows, you can expect their puppy coat to start shedding between 6-8 months old. This is a normal process, and their adult coat will start to come in during this time.
Non-Shedding vs. Hypoallergenic
Goldendoodles are often praised for being hypoallergenic and low shedding, but it's essential to remember that no breed is completely hypoallergenic. They still shed to some extent, influenced by factors like genetics, coat type, and environmental factors.
Their low shedding is due to their coat type, which is composed of hair instead of fur, making them less likely to shed. However, regular grooming is necessary to maintain healthy, mat-free coats.
No matter the generation, Goldendoodles can have varying shedding levels due to genetics and coat type. Their coat type is a significant factor in determining their shedding habits, with curlier coats generally resulting in less shedding.
F1B and multigenerational Goldendoodles are typically curly and shed less compared to F1 Goldendoodles. Regular grooming and brushing can help minimize shedding in all Goldendoodles.
Individual dogs can still vary in terms of their shedding, regardless of their generation or coat type.
Here's an interesting read: Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic Dogs
Which Get Coats?
Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult.
The switch from puppy to adult coat is less noticeable with active dogs, particularly those that spend a lot of time swimming, as the water washes away the old hair as it's replaced with the new.
All Goldendoodles are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, which then gives way to something that can be trickier to manage.
Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat from the Golden Retriever or a curly, coarse, low-shedding single coat from the Poodle.
The most common and popular coat type is a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two.
Goldendoodles will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult coat will start to come in at this time.
Do Golden Retrievers Shed More Than?
Golden Retrievers typically shed more than Goldendoodles. This is because the Poodle's low-shedding nature helps reduce shedding in their mix.
The mixing of the Poodle with the Golden Retriever is a key factor in reducing shedding.
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Mixed Poodle-Type Coats
Mixed Poodle-Type Coats are a common trait in Doodles, and they can be either single or double-coated. Most Doodles inherit softer hair and can come with fleece, curly, or wavy coats.
Doodles with a higher genetic makeup of Poodle genes are typically very low to non-shedding. They sometimes may have an undercoat, but it's less common in pups with curlier hair. F1b Doodles usually shed the least compared to other Doodle generations.
You can expect a Doodle puppy to start shedding its puppy coat around 6-8 months old, but as Doodles tend to come in soft coats anyway, you might not even notice the difference. A responsible breeder should be able to tell you the type of hair puppies get based on DNA testing and experience.
Here are some common coat types found in Doodles:
Goldendoodles, being a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle, can inherit either of these coats or a combination of both. They can also have an undercoat, but it's less common in pups with curlier hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Goldendoodles get curlier as they age?
Yes, Goldendoodles can develop curlier coats as they age, and their coat texture or color may also change over time. This change can occur as the dog matures, making their adult coat different from their puppy coat.
Sources
- https://blog.tryfi.com/do-goldendoodles-shed/
- https://www.caninejournal.com/goldendoodles-shed/
- https://doodledoods.com/goldendoodle-puppy-coat-transition/
- http://atthewalkerhouse.blogspot.com/2010/06/myth-busters-goldendoodle-edition.html
- https://doodledoods.com/how-to-tell-if-a-doodle-has-a-double-coat/
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