The fluffy Poodle and Golden Retriever hybrid, affectionately known as a Goldendoodle, has gained the misleading label as being a non-shedding breed. While this may not be true, the bright side is that this breed can shed significantly less than most other dog breeds. The factor that truly affects how much a specific Goldendoodle will shed depends upon its specific genetics.
It is a well-known fact that Golden Retrievers can shed heavily while conversely Poodles are known to shed much less. Therefore, a Goldendoodle with curlier Poodle-type hair will tend to shed less than one with wavier, Retriever-type hair.
That being said, a Goldendoodle with an improper coat, one significantly resembling that of a Golden Retriever, has the potential to shed heavily. The good news is that coat type can be predicated by experienced and educated breeders. These breeders can safely predict the amount a litter of pups may shed based upon the following parent breeds:
- Golden Retriever and Poodle (Generation Type: F1)
- Two Goldendoodles – Both a result of F1 breeding (Generation Type: F2)
- F1 Goldendoodle and a Poodle (Generation Type: F1B)
- F2 Goldendoodle and a Poodle (Generation Type: F2B)
The lowest-shedding potential in a Goldendoodle will be the result of F1B breeding, closely followed by F2B breeding. This makes sense as an F1B Goldendoodle will be roughly 25% Retriever and 75% Poodle. The more Poodle-like coat lends to the less shedding potential. That being said, most Goldendoodles (even F1B generations) will shed at some point. More often than not, they will experience seasonal shedding of their winter coat as the temperature begins to change. Even so, the amount of shedding can be significantly less than other breeds. Some F1B and F2B owners have reported finding very little to no hair around their house or on their clothes while other F1 Goldendoodle owners find their dog sheds just as much as a Golden Retriever.
So, to answer the question, Goldendoodles do have the potential to shed a lot. They also have the potential to not shed much at all. The key to knowing for sure lays in what information is available regarding genetics and breeding. Without that information, the appearance of the coat would be the next best tip. Simply put a curlier, Poodle-like coat will likely mean less shedding while a more wavy, Retriever-like coat with fewer curls will likely mean more shedding. As with all other dog breeds that shed, regular brushing and grooming will substantially decrease or limit the amount of shedding a dog may experience.
No matter the coat or genetics, it is safe to say that the Goldendoodle makes for an adorable, lovable and friendly companion. Their intelligent, energetic and trainable disposition combined with their fluffy appearance makes them an irresistible breed among many pet owners and breeders.