F2b discussion on hair type and shedding.

[Missy]

I am still learning about the doodles, while I wait to pick up my puppy in May!

I have decided on the breeder, and the litter I chose is an F2b.

The questions I have are on hair type and the relationship to shedding?

Is it true to say that the straighter the hair, the more likely to shed?

I am not excited about the shedding and am love with the tight curl; however, we have a lake house and expect the dog to love the water, and our breeder cautions the curly hair will mat and be hard to maintain.

Plus I have read that the goldendoodles could change hair curl type after puppy days? So, is there any way to tell what one is getting at 8 weeks of age?

Anyone care to share what they know?

Thank you  

[Jaime]

When we got ours she was curly underneath and straight on top and she looked very scraggly at 14 weeks we shaved her down and now its growing back wavy. =) So I definately think their coats change as they age.

[Missy]

this is good to know.  our breeder got the genetic hair testing done and one of the male pups (which we had our eye on) has tested positive for the doodle hair? I don't know what all this means...but am hopeful it means curly which means low shedding and allergy friendly.

going to meet the pups next Saturday.  Oh the puppy fever is rampant!!!

[Adina P]

If you like the curly coat, then you can always trim them down shorter.  There are straighter/wavy coats that don't shed, but with an early generation dog, you never know what a straighter coat will mean.  Remember that poodles were water dogs so depending on your dog's overall hair length and cut, you can do fine with a curly coat if you keep it an appropriate length.

[Missy]

so is there really any way to know what you are 'picking' at 5-8 weeks of age?

It was my understanding that F2bs were the way to go for allergy and shedding concerns.  what do you mean by early generation dog?

[Jaime]

well from my understanding early generation is the half and half so that means they could be more golden retrieverlike  than poodle hence the shedding.  but the further down the line like in an f2b more of the golden has been bred out of them I think f2b are like 67% poodle.  Lets face it they are all mutts=)  but I wouldnt trade her for the world.  I think when they are exactly 50/50 you dont know what you will get but further down they are more predictable. 

[Missy]

well, here's to hoping I get an allergy friendly chap!

He had a genetic hair testing done to show up that he had the 'doodle' wavy/curly hair gene.  the breeder has told me that means he is allergy, low shedding and I believe her statements.

I agree, when dealing with hybrid breed, we are getting mutts.  LOL  everyone asks what kind of papers I am getting...and I respond " a breeders' contract".

I am so in love with this pup that I have only seen pictures of, and I know sleepless nights are ahead, but I hear such great stories after the puppy stage!! I just want the best for my allergies from the 'mutt' lol.

[Paula]

I have a F2B English Goldendoodle, he sheds bad!!!!! More poodle in the blood right? Does not mean he has more poodle hair lol Only thing I'm thankful for is, my dog barely mats! His shedding helps not matting up. My dog is curly around his neck amd wavy every where else. I groom my dog a few times in a day religiously!!!!! My husband thinks I'm mentally insane but I like my dog mat free amd looking top notch :)

Bottom line......I DO NOT CARE what any breeder says about their "little to no shedding" on these crossback hybrids! My dog is proof that yes, they do shed and some can shed a lot! Did I mention my husband has horrible allergies? Yeah, this suppose hypoallergenic dog doesn't work for it lol He sneezes every time he is close by