The Goldendoodle is outgoing, affectionate, and adorable and is part of the recent trend of “designer” dogs that started with the Labradoodle. One question you might have about the Goldendoodle is, do they shed a lot? The answer, however, is difficult to determine. Some Goldendoodles shed more than others, depending on the genes they inherited from their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents.
We realize that’s an admittedly vague answer, but it’s the most accurate. Since Golden Retrievers shed and Poodles (mostly) don’t, you never know which shedding traits their puppies will have.
There are, however, several methods to determine if a Goldendoodle puppy will or won’t shed a lot. Keep reading, and you’ll have a better chance of adopting a Goldendoodle that sheds minimally and is as close to hypoallergenic as possible!
Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
Depending on the Goldendoodle puppy you adopt, the chance that they won’t cause your allergies to flare is relatively high, but not 100%. That’s because there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, the Goldendoodle included.
All dogs produce several types of proteins that are found in their hair, saliva, and urine. These proteins are called allergens because they can cause an allergic reaction. Dogs also have the proteins in their dander. In other words, if you have a dog in your home, you undoubtedly have allergens in your home.
Poodles and several other breeds are known to cause fewer allergic reactions. Scientists believe it is because the dogs shed far less than their canine counterparts and thus transfer less dander to their environment. That’s why some Goldendoodles, especially the ones that shed less, typically cause fewer allergic reactions. However, Goldendoodles can cause just as many allergic reactions if they inherit their hair and coat traits from their Golden Retriever parent.
Again, no dog produces zero proteins or allergens. A study in 2011 showed that the level of allergens in homes with “hypoallergenic” dogs was nearly equal to that found in homes with “regular” dog breeds1.
How to Tell if a Goldendoodle Will or Won’t Shed a Lot
While it isn’t foolproof, there is one interesting way to tell if a Goldendoodle puppy might cause more allergic reactions or less, namely by looking at their face. This has to do with something breeders refer to as “furnishings,” which is the type of facial hair a dog has. Furnishings include thick, hairy eyebrows, a mustache, and other hair on their face and muzzle, which most Poodles have.
A dog with furnishings will typically shed less and thus have less dander and cause fewer allergic reactions. Dogs without furnishings, like the Golden Retriever, tend to shed more, which is why they also cause more allergic reactions.
In short, a Goldendoodle with a furry face like a Poodle will likely cause fewer allergy issues. A Goldendoodle with a face like a Golden Retriever will cause more issues because they will shed more. Knowing this, if you suffer from allergies and want to adopt a Goldendoodle, look for one with a furry face that looks more like a Poodle.
The best breeders test for the furnishings gene and can tell you if your puppy comes from a line with the gene. That’s why seeking out a reputable, conscientious breeder is a must when you plan to adopt a Goldendoodle.
How Can You Manage Dog Allergies With a Goldendoodle?
If you’ve adopted a Goldendoodle and it’s causing you or a family member’s allergies to flare up, your first thought might be to rehome your precious pet. However, if the problem isn’t severe, there are several methods you can use to reduce the issue.
- Limit your physical interaction with your pet. Fewer hugs, petting sessions, and kisses will reduce exposure to the allergens your Goldendoodle produces and reduce your symptoms.
- Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner in your home and use it regularly. HEPA is an acronym for “High-Efficiency Particulate Air,” and a vacuum with a HEPA filter traps tiny particles like dander, which can reduce your allergic reactions.
- Bathe your dog (or have someone bathe them for you) once weekly to remove dead skin cells and allergens.
- Use a HEPA air filter in your home.
- Restrict your Goldendoodle to one or two rooms in your home, and keep them out of your bedroom.
- Seek a treatment for your allergies from your healthcare provider.
Are Goldendoodles High Maintenance in Terms of Grooming?
The average Goldendoodle is more like the Poodle than the Golden Retriever in terms of shedding, which is to say they shed less than average. However, daily brushing will almost undoubtedly be needed to keep their coat healthy and looking good. This will keep their coat from tangling and matting and lower the risk of allergic reactions.
If you suffer from allergies, you can have someone else in your family or a professional groomer take care of the grooming. If you groom your Goldendoodle yourself, it’s best to do it outside so that dander and other allergens can dissipate.
Final Thoughts
The Goldendoodle was bred several decades ago to create a beautiful mix between two popular dogs that would cause fewer allergy issues for pet owners with allergies. Although it did produce dogs that, in some cases, do just that, it’s important to remember that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
One of the features to look for when adopting a Goldendoodle is their furnishings. The Goldendoodles with furnishing that looks more like Poodles typically cause fewer allergic reactions than those with no furnishing that look more like Golden Retrievers.
- Related Read: 15 Adorable Goldendoodle Haircuts (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Rick C Lanier, Shutterstock
