Goldendoodles have mild temperaments that combine the friendliness of the Golden Retriever with the Poodle’s gracefulness. They may seem like the dream family dog. But before you bring any dog home, mixed or not, shedding is a concern that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Goldendoodles are advertised as hypoallergenic dogs – thanks to the low-shedding coat from the Poodle’s side. But, this isn’t always true. Depending on the doodle’s generation, some may be more prone to shedding than others. For example, “F1 Goldendoodles” are the heaviest shedders, while “F1B Goldendoodles” shed the least.
So what exactly is an “F1″ or F1B” Goldendoodle? Don’t worry, we got you covered. We discuss just how much the variety of hybrids really shed and why some shed more than others. Plus, we get some great insights to Goldendoodle shedding from the owners themselves!
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Which Goldendoodle Generation Sheds the Most?
There’s a lot of mixed results when it comes to describing a Goldendoodle’s shedding. While most rarely shed, others are moderate shedders, while few are borderline heavy shedders. But wait, didn’t you hear that doodles don’t shed?
There are a lot of reasons why a “hypoallergenic” hybrid dog may shed more than advertised. And, a big part of the reason is due to genetics. Here’s the main reason why some Goldendoodles will shed more than others.
Your Goldendoodle’s “Generation” Affects Shedding
Needless to say, the amount of Goldendoodle shedding depends on the parents. In other words, how was the Goldendoodle bred? Believe it or not, all doodles are not bred the same way.
There are 4 generations or versions of Goldendoodles. In addition, some versions of these doodles are known to shed more than others since some will have more genetics from Golden Retrievers and others, more from Poodles.
The 4 Generations of Goldendoodles:
- F1 – Golden Retriever x Poodle
- F1B – Goldendoodle (F1) x Poodle
- F2 – Goldendoodle (F1) x Goldendoodle (F1)
- F2B – Goldendoodle (F1) x Goldendoodle (F1B)
Don’t feel overwhelmed. We’re going to cover the details of each doodle generation and what it means for their shedding.
1. The F1 Goldendoodle’s Shedding
The F1 Goldendoodle, also called a “first generation doodle,” is the most “classic” cross which involves a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle. As a result, you will get a 50/50 split of genetics – at least, in theory.
But because these hybrids are half Golden Retriever, who happen to be notorious shedders, there will be a higher chance of inheriting the Golden’s high-shedding coat.
So what does this mean? In most cases, the F1 Goldendoodles are typically the heaviest shedding of the 4 types of doodles. But don’t worry. Compared to real heavy-shedding dogs, they’re still considered to be low to moderate shedding dogs.
These are your traditional doodles and what most people imagine when they think about these dogs. They have the classic shaggy and curly coat that can range in a variety of cream colors.
2. The F1B Goldendoodle’s Shedding
The F1B Goldendoodle is developed by breeding an F1 doodle with a purebred Poodle. And landing on the opposite side of the spectrum, the F1B Goldendoodle is the lowest shedding generation.
Because they’re 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle, they’re the most hypoallergenic of the bunch. As such, they’re extremely popular among owners that suffer from allergies.
According to Heart Light Companions, the F1B doodles are non-shedding roughly 99% of the time. It doesn’t get more guaranteed than that.
Though they almost always true hypoallergenic mixed dogs, their coats can vary quite a bit. Some F1B doodles will have longer fur and others will be short and curly. There’s also more variation in colors for this generation.
3. The F2 Goldendoodle’s Shedding
The F2 Goldendoodle is the result of breeding two F1 Goldendoodles. We also call them “second generation doodles” and they’re fairly similar to the F1 versions.
It’s hard to say how much of a shedder these dogs will be. But according to owner reports, most of the F2 Goldendoodles are light shedding dogs with a few moderate shedders. It’s definitely not as ideal as a guaranteed 99% low shedding.
F1s may shed but F1Bs are less likely to. F2s are the most unpredictable in terms of shedding as puppies can have coats that are identical to a Golden’s or somewhere in between.
– Gooddaysunshines (Reddit User)
That being said, these dogs are be reserved for owners who aren’t allergic to dogs or only have very mild allergies. Otherwise, they’re just as perfect as any other doodle.
4. The F2B Goldendoodle’s Shedding
To get an F2B Goldendoodle, you’ll need to breed an F1 doodle with an F1B doodle. This generation of the Goldendoodle is called a “second generation backcross”
They’re far less common than the other generation doodle breeds. However, what makes them unique is the variety of colors. They come in even more coat colors than the F1B, ranging from apricots, cream, a unique champagne, and various degrees of red.
The good news is that F2B Goldendoodles are generally non-shedding dogs. So, if you only have mild allergies to dogs, then the F2B Goldendoodle would most likely be perfect for you too.
2 Other Reasons Why Goldendoodles Shed
Even if your Goldendoodle is genetically hypoallergenic, they can still shed due to external factors. Most of which, you can 100% control. So owners, pay attention!
The most obvious sign of unnatural shedding is when it suddenly happens, especially if your doodle isn’t usually a heavy shedder. And if it does happen out of nowhere, it’s always best to consult with your local vet immediately.
However, these are the other possible reasons why your Goldendoodle may be shedding.
1. Your doodle may not have enough nutrition
Dogs can certainly suffer from malnutrition. And in some cases, the lack of nutrients can lead to a huge increase in shedding regardless if your Goldendoodle is hypoallergenic or not.
According to Roy Cruzen DVM (via PetMD), the number one cause for excessive shedding in dogs is having a poor diet. If it can happen to another dog, it can happen to your Goldendoodle.
People go to discount stores, by a 40-pound bag of cheap food, and then see their pets’ shedding increase.
– Roy Cruzen DVM
Cruzen doesn’t necessarily mean the dogs aren’t getting enough food. Rather, discount food doesn’t provide enough nutrients. Cheap dog food will barely meet the requirements. And according to Cruzen, that’s not enough.
He estimates that it should cost roughly $4 per pound for decent quality food. So next time you’re dog food shopping for your Goldendoodle, skip the discount brands.
2. Bad dog shampoo can cause excessive shedding
A common mistake many novice owners make is to use cheap and low quality dog shampoo. These dog shampoos usually have unnatural ingredients. And as a result, these low-end grooming products can lead to excessive shedding.
Not too long ago, we took our Corgi to a new dog groomers. When she came back, she was losing patches or fur, for days. There’s a chance she was allergic to an ingredient, but we think it’s definitely from cheap dog shampoo.
Another thing to be aware of: never use human shampoo on your Goldendoodle. Human shampoos are made for humans, not dogs. There’s a reason why people make separate dog shampoo.
I cringe when people tell me they use their own shampoo on animals. It’s too harsh on their skin and coats.
– Megan Mouser (Global Education Manager @ Andis)
Mouser, from Andis’ animal division, stresses that you should be thorough with rinsing your dog. The leftover soap from the bath will do more harm than good for your Goldendoodle.
As for dog shampoo, I highly recommend going with a brand that provides all-natural ingredients. The most popular and effective type of dog shampoo are oatmeal-based products.
The Pet Pro Works Dog Shampoo is our favorite. It’s the brand we use on both our Australian Shepherd and Corgi. It keeps them smelling fresh and the made in USA ingredients are top-notch!
How Much do Goldendoodles Shed?
Like with all mutts, genetics play a huge factor into appearance, temperament and of course, shedding. The Goldendoodle is no exception. Though Goldendoodles are generally known to be a low-shedding dog breed, the results can vary.
To find answers, we decided to survey the popular Goldendoodle Subreddit, other dog forums and owners we personally know. These are real Goldendoodle owners, and here’s what they had to say to this question:
Real Owner Answers:
1. Ducks_are_cute says Moderate: “Our Goldendoodle still sheds but nowhere close to what other dogs shed. With others, you will find dog hair all over your clothes even with consistent cleaning and vacuuming. Not really with our doodle.”
2. Kat_suy says Low: “These dogs shed as much as you and I, which is not much at all. You may find some hair every now and then…but it’s not really noticeable.”
3. Lalalalands says Low: “Our goldendoodle doesn’t really shed much. We’ll find fur on the carpets, where he likes to roll, but not really any other place.”
4. Kolawofjericho says Moderate: “It depends on the coat of your doodle. Ours has coarse and wavy fur (from the golden side) so he sheds quite a bit. Still not nearly as much as a pure golden retriever.”
5. Katherine S. says Low: “Andi has a long curly coat that looks identical to a poodle. So we lucked out with a poodle coat and he’ll rarely shed. Hair is hard to come by and we’re so fortunate.”
6. Arobertson7772 says Moderate: “I think he’s a shedding doodle. I can have him in my lap and not notice a single strand of hair on my clothes, but other times I’m covered as though he’s a purebred golden retriever.”
7. Kristen A. says Low: “Our doodle is white, so I will occasionally find hair on the navy couch and other dark clothes. Usually the shedding isn’t very noticeable but we still lightly brush once a week.”
8. Bcams says Low: “I’ve got a F1 doodle with a wavy coat, but from what I’ve heard F1B doodles don’t shed one bit and are curly as they have more of the poodle side in them.”
9. IT_chick93 says Low: “I have a lot of friends that are allergic to dogs but they’re fine my doodle. She is a very light shedding dog…maybe extremely light shedding, but it really depends on what kind of doodle you have.”
10. Carolyn M says Moderate: “We have an f1 goldendoodle and he sheds maybe just as much as our Labrador. It’s definitely noticeable but it isn’t too bad if you can keep up with shedding.”
How to Groom a Goldendoodle
If your Goldendoodle is non-shedding “hypoallergenic,” then there’s very little you will need to do for grooming. But regardless of how much they shed, some grooming will be necessary. In addition, there are still best grooming practices that you should be aware of.
There’s more upkeep to a doodle than most people think. And by doing so, you’ll reduce the opportunity for shedding with your dog.
Brushing a Goldendoodle
You still need to brush a Goldendoodle. If not to get the loose hair out, it’s to prevent matting and large clumps of knots on the coat.
As you may know, doodles are known for their curly and sometimes shaggy coats. The problem is that these coats are more prone to matting, which can be especially painful for your dog.
For double coated dog breeds, I always recommend going with the Furminator. Fortunately, the Goldendoodle is a single coated, low-shedding dog. There’s no need for a heavy-duty brush.
Best Slicker Brush for Goldendoodles
That being said, you should use a slicker brush. Unfortunately, we only have double coated breeds, but the dog community has been raving about the Hertzko Slicker Brush.
A cool feature of this slicker brush is the one-push, “self-cleaning” feature. After you brush your doodle, the button releases the collected hair for a nice and swift clean up.
You’ll want to gently brush your Goldendoodle to prevent any injuries. But at the same time, you’ll want to brush down to the skin, so it’s a fine balance. Patience is key.
While some owners suggest brushing your doodle every night, you can probably get away with brushing every other day. And at the very least, once a week. Just be aware of any potential matting on the coat! You’ll want to get that resolved as soon as possible.
De-matting Brush is Essential
Other owners will argue that de-matting your doodle’s coat is more important than regular brushing. Although daily brushing drastically reduces the chance of matting, these de-matting tools are effective for the worst tangles.
Another community favorite is the Pat Your Pet De-matting Comb. It may look scary, but in reality it’s a safe and effective tool for getting out tangles and mats in that doodle coat.
Usually, you’ll want to use this comb while you’re brushing with your slicker comb. Some owners suggest alternating between the two during grooming sessions.
However, many owners use the tool just once a week since they’re brushing their doodle with a slicker brush every day.
But if you must choose between the two, de-matting is more important for most Goldendoodles. However, some owners say that the slicker brush is enough to get the mats out of their dog’s coat. It really depends on your individual dog.
Keeping up with de-matting a Goldendoodle is extremely important. If it gets bad, it will be a painful experience (for the dog) trying to get tough knots out. If it gets to that point, it may be better to shave the knots off.
So, Are Goldendoodles For Me?
There are very few things about the Goldendoodle that make them difficult dogs. They’re generally non-shedding, have mild tempers and are extremely friendly.
If you’re allergic to dogs, then the F1B Goldendoodle may the your best bet. They’re as close as you can get to a completely non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog. Your other option would be to pick one of these hairless dog breeds.
Otherwise, all types of Goldendoodles will make an excellent member of any family. They’re quite active dogs and do require a decent amount of physical exercise. But with minimal grooming, you’ll have plenty of time for it!
Bring home a Goldendoodle and you’ll have the perfect companion for life! You can’t really go wrong with a doodle.
So do you own a Goldendoodle? How much do they actually shed? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Lela Kurtz
Thursday 10th of February 2022
F1 goldendoodles who have furnishing will shed little to moderate. The main thing is that often the F1 goldendoodle puppy is losing their baby hair around 8-12 months old. This can be a lot or notices very little depending on the puppy. The curlier pups may only shed a small amount or you might only notice a little shedding. Pups that have straighter or wavy hair may lose a lot of puppy hair. It is common for them to lose the puppy hair all within a few months and develop their adult coat. Their adult coat may be much wavier or curlier than their puppy coat. My F1 mini goldendoodle make had straighter puppy hair and when this was shed between 1-2 years he had much curlier hair as an adult. My F1 mini goldendoodle female had straight fuzzy hair and began losing this hair when she was about 9 months. When this hair came out she grew in long silky red wavy hair. She may shed some, more than my curly boy but I doubt she will shed much. They both have hair instead of fur which means they will be less allergic than dogs with fur. If the goldendoodle does not have furnishing, long facial hair on their face, and they look more like a golden retriever, than they will have fur and shed more than goldendoodles with furnishings.
Jim MCCORMICK
Tuesday 4th of January 2022
The F1 Goldendoodle shedding comment is made by someone that has never owned one. The F1 sheds like there is no tomorrow. I have dead Dyson vacs to attest to this fact. Make no mistake expect heavy shedding BUT also expect the best doodles ever. The Golden strong genes makes them much smarter and lovable vs. the more poodle influenced varieties.
Lela Kurtz
Thursday 10th of February 2022
@Jim MCCORMICK, Jim, it depends a lot on the breeder and the luck of the draw. My F1 mini males has furnishing and does not shed. My F1 mini girl has wavier hair and @ 10 months she is losing lots of her puppy hair. She had furnishings. She is growing out long wavy red hair. She may shed some but I doubt she will be a big shedder. It all depends on the furnishings and the type of hair they have. All goldendoodles are not the same. Most breeders work hard to get the less shedding. They try to breed the dogs that are proven to give them a certain look and to prevent shedding. Hopefully most will shed less. There is no guarantee but hopefully we love them no matter how they shed or look.