Advice for finding a smooth coated doodle?

[D Sommers]

Hello! Sorry if this is the wrong place for this post. D: I just thought you guys might be able to help me better than the main forum would. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Been researching Goldendoodles on and off within the last year or so (also been researching dog breeds in general since like 2013). From what I've seen and read they seem like really lovely dogs! I was originally looking into getting either a Golden Retriever or a Poodle but I realized I wanted a dog in the 30-40lb range. After doing some digging I came to the conclusion that I'm really quite partial to the smooth/short coated Goldendoodles, especially the mini or medium sizes. I really like both the Golden Retriever and Poodle temperaments, so having a smaller Goldendoodle seems like a good option for me. I also like the low maintenance coat on the smooth coats :D 

Now my dilemma is actually finding a breeder who occasionally has these smoothies! I suppose it's against the rules to recommend a breeder so I won't ask that. Would it be best to start emailing a handful of breeders and seeing if they'll have any puppies? I've tried to narrow it down to just people who actually have photos of that coat type in their "Past Puppies" section. Which has not been many. Plus narrowing down breeders who actually health test too. Not an easy task!

I'm definitely in no rush to get a dog/puppy. But I would like to start looking for some good options now. If anyone has any suggestions for how to go about this I would very much appreciate it :D

Thank you~ 

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

If you accept my friend request I can give you my breeders info by private message.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Your problem is going to be that most reputable breeders are trying NOT to breed smooth coated doodles. Smooth coated doodles are very likely to shed and to affect people with allergies, which are things that most goldendoodle buyers are trying to avoid. Smooth coated doodles also don't generally have "furnishings", which are the beards, long hair on muzzle and eyebrows that give doodles that typically characteristic shaggy-dog look. Some reputable breeders are actually doing DNA testing for the genes for furnishings, curl and longer coats on their breeding dogs, and none that I know of are deliberately trying to breed smooth coats. Your best bet is going to be to find an "oops" puppy that didn't get the typical doodle-y look, and no breeder is going to know that ahead of time. 

You also want to focus on F1s or "Double Doodles" (sometimes called F2s, F1 to F1 breedings), which are most likely to produce the smooth coated types. 

[D Sommers]

Thanks for the response! :D Those are all good points. I also figured they probably wouldn't be purposely breeding for them. The only reason I thought it might not be as "taboo" is because on the Goldendoodle association site they do show flats as coat types. Though if they have a certain look in mind (plus non-shedding factor) for Doodles I can see why smooths might be frowned upon. 

That does help narrow it down some, I'll definitely be on the lookout for F1s and Double Doodles. Thank you!

[Erin and Wrigley]

Hi there...I attached a few photos of my pup to give you an idea of what an F2 - Laradoodle can come out like.  He was 1 of a few in a litter of 9 who were described as "straight, smooth coats" - all others were "curly".  If you have any interest, I can give you more info.

[D Sommers]

Adorable photos! :D I PM'd you by the way. Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

[Rebecca]

We have a smooth coated goldendoodle who doesn't shed and is very sweet. She is only 5 months old, but I highly recommend the breeder, ---. Her web site is --.com. She has a fb page too. I can update some pics of Finley, but she looks like a retriever, is medium-sized and has a great temperament, as all of Kerry's dogs seem to have. My son has severe allergies and is not allergic to our puppy.

(breeder name/website removed by admin)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Rebecca, breeder recommendations, referrals, and website links are not permitted in open discussions here. You can send a private message.

Also, 5 months is too young to know whether a doodle sheds or not. You can't tell until after the adult coat comes in. Many doodle puppies don;t start shedding until they are full grown. 

[D Sommers]

Aww that's Finley in your profile picture right? She looks precious! Thank you for offering to share info. I'll add you so we can PM~

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

I wonder if searching doodle rescue groups such as the DRC would help you find the coat type you're looking for.  The smooth coated doodle with little furnishing doesn't seem to be the look so many want.  When some realize their doodle doesn't and won't have that fuzzy doodle look, they lose interest and relinquish the dog to rescue groups.   It's sad that a dog is given up for not looking a certain way but hopefully they can fined a much better home. 

[D Sommers]

Wow I hadn't even thought about that. That's a great idea! I don't think we have a specific Doodle rescue in this state, but there is RAGOM the Golden Retriever/Golden Mixes rescue. I've been following them for a while, but that's a good option at least. Also checking regular shelters and rescues would help too. 

Thank you!

[D Sommers]

So far the main problem when searching for breeders (not even smooth coats themselves) is finding someone who health tests and has proof. I've searched a lot of purebred (show) breeders before, so I (think) know what to look for as far as proof...I hope :P

Unfortunately I'm not seeing the same thing with a lot of Doodle breeders. On some pages I do see results but no actual proof, like a link to OFFA or a photo of the document or something.

Can Doodles not have their own OFFA page? What should I think of breeders who post the results of the test but no proof?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Just ask the breeders to fax or email you copies of the health testing results. I think it's a good sign if a doodle breeder even gives the results on their website. Most don't even mention them. 

If you're familiar with the purebred registries for OFA testing, you definitely know what you're looking for, lol.