How Much Do Mini Goldendoodles Shed? Care and Grooming Tips
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When looking to get a pet, most people seek out dogs whose personality and temperament will fit into their family and lifestyle. There are various factors that can help you determine the breed that you want to get, such as the dog’s temperament, exercise needs, and shedding levels.
Many people prefer low-shedding dog breeds because they are easier to maintain and are better for sensitive people prone to allergies. Several dog breeds have been categorized as hypoallergenic, including the fabulous Mini Goldendoodle.
Mini Goldendoodles are generally considered to be a low-shedding dog breed, but the frequency and quantity of their shedding may actually vary based on several factors, including genetics and coat type. If they take more after their Poodle parent, they will indeed be quite low shedding, but if they take more after their Golden Retriever parent, they might shed much more.
If you’d like to know how much Mini Goldendoodles shed, read on as we explain the history of Goldendoodles, their coat types, what affects their shedding level, and how to care for your Mini Goldendoodle’s coat.
The History of Mini Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles are a mix between Poodles and Golden Retrievers, and these hybrid dogs come in three different sizes: miniature, medium, and standard.
The Mini Goldendoodle is a mix of a Mini Poodle and a Golden Retriever. These dogs are considered a newer dog breed, though they have been around for a while. The first Mini Goldendoodles were bred in 1969 in the U.S.A. The intent was to combine the best features of the two parent dog breeds, creating intelligent, loving, low-shedding puppies.
Unfortunately, Mini Goldendoodles don’t have a rich history yet and lack formal recognition from dog associations, including the American Kennel Club. Still, as their popularity keeps growing, Mini Goldendoodles should hopefully become recognized soon.
Mini Goldendoodle Coat Types
People find Mini Goldendoodles attractive for various reasons, including their affectionate and intelligent nature and low-shedding qualities.
- Curly
- Wavy
- Straight
In the past, people believed that a Mini Goldendoodle’s shedding level was affected by the curl gene, meaning that specific curl-type-coat Doodles shed less than others. But that turned out not to be exactly true. Besides curl genetics, these dogs have other genes that affect their coats and have more impact on their shedding levels.
Since Mini Goldendoodles are mixes of Mini Poodles and Golden Retrievers, their genetics vary based on their parents. Golden Retrievers have short facial hair and an open face, which is typically referred to as an incorrect coat. Poodles have long facial hair and so-called “furnishings” on their eyebrows, beard, and mustache. Together, these dogs can produce Mini Doodles with either coat furnishings or improper coats.
Mini Goldendoodles with furnishings are known to shed less than those with improper coats, which is something to keep in mind before getting one of these lovely dogs as a pet.
How Much Do Mini Goldendoodles Shed?
- Poodles — These dogs do shed but it’s minimal. They have furnishings, their coat hair is thick and curly, and they don’t have double coats, meaning they don’t go through seasonal shedding like most dogs.
- Golden Retrievers — These dogs have long, double, irregular coats, which is why they typically shed frequently throughout the year, especially during the shedding season, when they “blow” their coats.
Due to the genes from their parents, Mini Goldendoodles that look like Poodles will have single coats, shed little, and won’t go through seasonal shedding. Mini Goldendoodles that look like Golden Retrievers will have double coats, so they’ll shed more and may also experience seasonal shedding. That said, these dogs will still shed much less than regular Golden Retrievers.
What Affects the Shedding Level of Your Mini Goldendoodle?
Shedding is a normal process for every dog; some simply shed much more than others. However, the shedding can sometimes also be caused by other factors.
Besides breed and genetics, the shedding levels of your dog could be affected by the following factors.
1. Nutrition
Dogs require a well-balanced, healthy diet to grow and develop; if those needs are not met, your dog may become malnourished, which could cause excessive shedding, even in breeds like Mini Goldendoodles.
A lack of nutrients, especially healthy acids, in your Mini Goldendoodle’s diet can severely impact their coat and skin, causing the skin to become flaky and the coat to become dry and dull and shed more than usual.
2. Hormones
The shedding level of a Mini Goldendoodle can be impacted by hormones. Excessive shedding can be a sign of hormonal imbalances. For example, it’s common for female dogs to shed more after giving birth or when in heat, especially when they’re older.
However, excessive shedding can also be an indicator of certain health issues in your dog, which is why it’s important to monitor the shedding and any other changes that you notice in your furry friend.
Here’s a list of possible health problems connected with increased shedding in all dogs, including Mini Goldendoodles:
- Cushing’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Fungal infections
- Bacterial infections
- Ringworm
- Skin allergies
- Thyroid gland problems
Be sure to take your Mini Doodle to the vet if you notice any strange shedding patterns, along with other indicators that something is off with your four-legged companion.
3. Stress
Stress can be a trigger for excessive shedding in dogs; it can occur due to unpredictable life or environmental changes. If you don’t approach certain situations with caution, such as getting a new pet, moving, or welcoming a new family member, your dog can become stressed and therefore shed more.
You should always allow your dog to adjust to new situations and work to reduce stress and possible triggers, which will also reduce the shedding.
Tips for Managing Shedding in Your Mini Goldendoodle
Mini Goldendoodles may or may not shed that much, depending on their genetics. However, since shedding can also be affected by outer factors, it’s important to know what you can do to manage shedding in your dog. For example:
- Brush your dog regularly.
- Ensure that your dog gets adequate nutrition.
- Ensure that your dog is well hydrated.
- Reduce exposure to stressful events/places.
- See a vet if you notice sudden changes in your dog’s shedding patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mini Goldendoodles Shed More Than Standard Goldendoodles?
No, both dogs are of the same breed, and their shedding levels are not affected by size. If you want to get either a Mini Doodle or a Standard Doodle, check if the dog has furnishings or not to determine if there will be shedding.
Are Mini Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
Many people consider and categorize Mini Goldendoodles as hypoallergenic. Although it’s true that Mini Goldendoodles shed less than various other dog breeds, these canines are still not hypoallergenic, as there’s no such thing as an entirely hypoallergenic dog.
Mini Goldendoodles simply don’t shed that much, so they can be more suitable for sensitive people and allergy sufferers, as they require minimal vacuuming and clothes brushing. But these dogs are not hypoallergenic because their saliva and dander still contain the allergens that may cause reactions in people.
Final Thoughts
Mini Goldendoodles shed very little, almost like regular Poodles, which is why they make great pets for dog lovers who suffer from allergies. However, Mini Doodles that resemble Golden Retrievers more than Poodles may shed more. If you’re looking for a Mini Goldendoodle that’s low shedding, look for those with face furnishings.
Featured Image Credit: Kathy images, Shutterstock
