Do Goldendoodles Shed a Lot? Vet-Verified Facts & Info About Allergens

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 less likely to trigger allergic responses!

Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Depending on the Goldendoodle puppy you adopt, the chance that they may be less likely to trigger allergy symptoms can be higher in some individuals, but this is highly variable and not guaranteed. 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 skin cells (dander), saliva, and urine. These proteins are called allergens because they can cause an allergic reaction. In other words, if you have a dog in your home, you undoubtedly have allergens in your home. Due to its miniature size, dander may become airborne and adhere to surfaces. The risk increases if your dog sheds a lot, as dander can travel on hair when they shed.

Poodles and several other breeds are often perceived as causing fewer allergic reactions in some people, although scientific evidence does not consistently support breed-based differences in allergen levels. Scientists suggest that factors such as coat type, grooming frequency, and environmental management may influence allergen distribution rather than the total amount produced. That’s why some Goldendoodles, especially the ones that shed less, may be perceived as causing fewer allergic reactions in some households. However, Goldendoodles can still trigger similar allergic responses, especially 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 help estimate whether a Goldendoodle puppy may shed more 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 often shed less. Dogs without furnishings, like the Golden Retriever, tend to shed more, which is why they are also more likely to spread allergens all over the place.

In short, a Goldendoodle with a furry face like a Poodle will generally be more likely to have a lower-shedding coat, while a Goldendoodle with a face like a Golden Retriever will often have a higher-shedding coat, though variation exists.

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) approximately every 1–2 weeks, and wipe them regularly with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes to help 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?

Goldendoodles vary widely in shedding depending on their genetics. However, regular brushing will almost undoubtedly be needed to keep their coat healthy and looking good. This will keep their coat from tangling and matting and may help reduce the spread of allergens in the environment.

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 as a companion cross between two popular breeds, in part to produce dogs that may be more suitable for some people with allergies, although this outcome is not consistent. 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 have lower-shedding coats, which may be associated with reduced allergen spread 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