Is it normal for Goldendoodles to shed?-Dean Myerow

[Dean Myerow]

Many Goldendoodle owners I have spoken with have expressed that one of the main factors in their attraction to the breed is their minimal amount of shedding. What most people do not realize is that Goldendoodles and all dogs shed to some degree. Naturally, if your Goldendoodle begins shedding it can raise a lot of questions.

If you are considering a Goldendoodle it is important to remember that there is no guarantee that he or she will never shed. I hear far too often the moans and groans of disgruntled new doodle owners who are shocked to see fur all over their clothing as soon as they bring their new pal home.

Dean Myerow's Goldendoodles
Dean Myerow’s Goldendoodles

When Are Goldendoodles Expected To Shed Their Fur?
Goldendoodles may be considered hypoallergenic, but that does not mean that they will never shed. In fact, there is technically no breed of dog that is considered 100% hypoallergenic. However, Goldendoodles are among many breeds that lead to fewer allergy symptoms.

F1B Goldendoodles (which are 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle) will be less prone, if not virtually immune, to shedding since they have more of the Poodle gene in them. F1 Goldendoodles (50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle), while having half of their genes attributed to the Poodle will be more prone to possible shedding. Sometimes it is difficult to know for sure which degree of the breed you are getting and excess shedding is sometimes attributed to genetic mutations (as is common in all cross-breeding). If you are considering the Goldendoodle breed for the first time, be sure to consult a reputable breeder.

An F1 Goldendoodle may get lucky and avoid carrying the shedding traits from the Golden Retriever. Since they are a 50/50 mix it’s like flipping a coin. Some owners experience little to no shedding for the first year, thinking they have lucked out only to find clumps of hair start showing up around the house. Despite these facts there are times in a Goldendoodle’s life where some shedding is not abnormal. For instance, they have been observed to shed their “puppy fur” when maturing into adult dogs. This is known to occur between 6 1/2 months to 10 months.

Seasonal shedding is also possible in the breed. It is not uncommon for Goldendoodles to shed their “winter coat”. Changes in the climate can cause your dog to either shed in warmer temperatures or retain their fur in colder temperatures.

What To Do If Your Goldendoodle Starts Shedding
First of all, do not panic. Before considering any advice, not just from me but anyone on the internet or elsewhere consider the advice of a trained professional. If you are under the impression that something may be wrong with your dog it is imperative that you consult a qualified veterinarian.

It helps to brush your Goldendoodle regularly. Dogs that do not shed as aggressively have a tendency to become matted very easily. Brushing should occur at least once every couple of days if you own an F1 with the shedding habits akin to their Retriever counter-parts. This will save you some time collecting clumps of hair from your floor and furniture and help your Goldendoodle be more comfortable.

The most recommended type of brush for Poodle related breeds are called slicker brushes. Slicker brushes have many densely contained flexible metal pins that do an excellent job collecting excess hair.

It is also important to remember that excess shedding in any breed of dog can be a result of stress. After first bringing home your new friend make every effort possible to make them feel welcome in their new home. Dramatic changes in environment can be hard on anyone.

[AliandShooter]

Thanks for the info! I have an f1 and as soon as spring hit we started finding tumble weeds although, I am considering getting a Roomba. I knew shedding was a possibility  especially him being an F1, but here's to hoping its just a seasonal thing!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

The biggest marketing con job is the one saying goldendoodles and labradoodles don’t shed. Sadly, many get dumped in shelters when owners find out differently about their doodle.  One of mine sheds 24/7. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

With all due respect, there is quite a bit of information in this post that is not accurate.

Generation is no guarantee of non-shedding. It is extremely misleading to say "F1B Goldendoodles (which are 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle) will be less prone, if not virtually immune, to shedding since they have more of the Poodle gene in them."   It also shows a lack of understanding of genetics. There is no such thing as "the Poodle gene", lol. Each and every characteristic is controlled by individual genes. For example, you can get your mother's hair color and your father's hair texture. In dogs, there are several different genes controlling coat, and each parent contributes genes at random. Having more genes from the Poodle is still no guarantee. You can have 15 blue socks in a drawer and 5 red socks, and if you reach in and pull one out without looking, you can still grab a red sock.

Not only do we have many, many F1Bs here who do shed, some aquite heavily, we also have F1Bs without furnishings. Genetics are funny that way. 

It is also incorrect to say that "Changes in the climate can cause your dog to either shed in warmer temperatures or retain their fur in colder temperatures." Climate and temperature have absolutely nothing to do with shedding. Shedding is the result of the stages of the hair growth cycle. There are three stages, a stage when hair is growing (anagen), a stage whenhair is falling out (catagen), and a stage in between (telogen). Different breeds have longer or shorter anagen, catagen, and telogen cycles, resulting in the differences in shedding. This is why some some breeds shed all year roubnd, while others shed seasonally. Dogs who barely shed at all like Poodles have very long anagen cycles and extremely short catagen cycles. 

Allergies are a whole other topic. There is a specific protein in dogs, KNF1, which is present in varying  degrees in all dogs, and some breeds have less KNF1 in their genetic makeup than others. 
Also, while certain illnesses can cause a dog to shed, stress caused by changes such as "bringing home a new friend" doesn;t cause a non-shedding dog to shed. It simply doesn't happen.

[Christine]

I agree with Karen as I have a beautiful f1b goldendoodle who sheds.  And yes she really is a goldendoodle. 

Proud owner of an open faced mini f1b doodle who sheds :)