Dog shedding has been a pet peeve for owners for ages. For those who are looking for a low-to-no shedding breed, the Goldendoodle might be on their radar. This dog breed has been touted as hypoallergenic and low-shedding, but is it really true? Let’s take a closer look.
Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
Goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic, but no dog is ever truly 100% hypoallergenic. All of them produce some level of allergen and could irritate those with severe reactions regardless.
Allergy sufferers are triggered by a protein called Fel d 1 that is found in dog tear ducts, saliva, and urine. When a dog grooms themselves, the protein is layered onto their coat. When you pet, kiss, and cuddle your pooch, this protein transfers to you. Because a Goldendoodle sheds less than a regular dog, these proteins don’t transfer quite as much onto your fabrics, clothes, carpets, and furniture.
However, daily cleaning practices are still a must to reduce the reaction. While Goldendoodles are not technically hypoallergenic by Webster’s definition, they are usually as close as you’re going to get.
Goldendoodle Generation Matters
Goldendoodles are a hybrid breed, crossed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The Golden Retriever is a long-haired, high-shedding dog, while the Poodle nearly never sheds. When you cross these two dogs, the puppies generally pick up the hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle.
However, if there is one full Golden Retriever parent and one Poodle parent, the puppies might pick up more of the Golden Retriever side of the genetic pool and shed more, triggering allergies. This is why certain further generations of Goldendoodle aim to breed out these traits by choosing hybrid parents or those that have significant Poodle influence.
In any generation beyond the first, it is less likely for someone to develop an allergy to their dog. With more of a Poodle influence, it reduces the traits of the Golden, creating a higher probability that they will be low shedding. If you purchase a Goldendoodle, your breeder should provide you with all of the information about their generation so you can select appropriately.
Poodle vs. Golden Retriever Coat Types
The Poodle has a very curly, single-layer coat that is incredibly easy to manage. These dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but they certainly don’t produce a lot of shedding.
Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, have thick double coats that shed profusely, and clean up can be quite extensive. Since they have double coats, they also go through bulk-shedding periods in the spring and fall months.
There is no way to guarantee that a Goldendoodle offspring won’t have a double coat that sheds more than its siblings and litter. If you are adamant about having a low-shedding dog, you’ll want to get further generations of Goldendoodle.
Managing a Goldendoodle Coat
Even if you have a very low-shedding Goldendoodle, taking care of their coats can still be pretty time-consuming. They grow quite long and require regular trips to the professional groomer. You could get creative and come up with many hairstyles to do at home, but it requires experience or willingness to learn. There are many YouTube tutorials and resources on the subject, but you would have to buy the right supplies to perform this at home.
If you choose to go to a professional groomer, it will be a pleasant experience for both you and your dog. They can enjoy a spa day, and you can enjoy your four-legged friend’s wonderful smelling, freshly-cut appearance.
General Information About Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles are not just about their low-shedding qualities. Here are more reasons why it may be a great idea to bring one into your family.
Personality
Goldendoodles are incredibly cheerful, amiable, and fun-loving. They love nothing more than time spent with their families and are incredibly versatile dogs. These friendly dogs also get along very well with other pets, especially if they are raised with them.
Training
Goldendoodles are generally very easy to train because they are eager to please and brilliant. They make excellent service and emotional support animals.
Health
Goldendoodles are generally very healthy dogs. However, since they are a hybrid, they can take on health issues from either parent. Proper breeding practices have worked diligently to remove any genetic ailments in the bloodline.
Regular vetting is key to getting ahead of any issues that might be developing in your Goldendoodle. Early detection can lead to proper management of most of these problems. Pet insurance may also be an option to help with the financial burden associated with vet care.
Other Hypoallergenic Crosses
Goldendoodles aren’t your only option if you need a hypoallergenic dog. There are plenty of other crosses in purebreds that offer this quality.
Conclusion
Goldendoodles are considered a hypoallergenic breed, shedding less than the average dog. While they do have other great qualities besides being low-shedding, such as their happy-go-lucky personality and ease of training, it’s important to do your research before purchasing one. Understanding their generation and pedigree can help manage expectations in regards to shedding and hypoallergenic properties.
