At first, it might seem strange to ask “Do Goldendoodles have hair or fur? After all, most people refer to the coat of all dogs and cats as fur. Read on to find out the answer – it may surprise you.
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So What is the Difference Between Hair and Fur?
Spoiler: IT’S ALL JUST HAIR!
When we’re looking at the actual substance that makes up a dog’s coat, it’s clear that both hair and fur are fundamentally similar materials. On a microscopic level, hair and fur are made up of keratin.
When it comes to science, hair and fur are the same. They have the same chemical makeup. Both hair and fur are made up of keratin, which is protein. Did you know keratin is the basic building block for an animal’s claws, horns, and even skin!
On a scientific level, you can’t find a difference between hair and fur. So why is one hair and one fur? That is an excellent question.
So, fur is hair! Isn’t it amazing? When you look at fur and hair, you’re actually examining two varieties of hair: ground hair and guard hair. Ground hair is dense, short hair, while guard hair is fine long hair. Animals with both types of hair are referred to as having a double coat (like Huskies and German Shepherds). If a dog just has ground hair, it is said to have hair like our furry friend the Goldendoodle!
So do Goldendoodles have hair or fur?
You probably already know that a first-generation Goldendoodle is actually a cross breed between a purebred golden retriever parent breed and a purebred poodle. Since a poodle’s curly coat is generally believed to be more hair-like than fur-like, it can also be said that a Goldendoodle has hair and not fur. You need to take into consideration that Goldendoodles are mixed breed designer dogs. For this reason, the coat of these guys can vary significantly from one to another.
They have a single coat. This means the coat has only one layer of dog hair meant to guard its skin against the elements or any type of injury. Rather than a double coat like a Husky or a Samoyed that has a fine fur undercoat designed to help retain heat in very cold weather underneath the hair layer.
Different Kinds of Goldendoodle Hair
In most cases, Goldendoodle coats more closely resemble their poodle lineage. Goldendoodles have three basic different coat types
More Must-Read Details About Your Goldendoodle’s Coat
Based on the facts above, it seems clear that Goldendoodles have a coat made of hair. Even if your buddy’s coat more closely fits the definition of fur, however, there are some unique traits that most of these gorgeous dogs share. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- They have variable shedding from very low to low: While their shedding levels vary, Goldendoodles tend to inherit more of their Poodle parent traits and one of these is reduced shedding. This makes them great options for individuals with an allergy to pet dander as well as those who are not interested in following a pet around to clean up clumps of hair from every corner of the house.
- If you want a low-shedding Goldendoodle choose an F1B, F1BB or F2BB. The Goldendoodles are backcrossed with a Purebred Poodle, increasing their chances of being hypoallergenic. Read more here to find out more about Goldendoodle generations.
- As mentioned before. Their coats vary from tight curls to loose curls to wavy to flat. The more Poodle in them the more likely they are to have curly coats.
- Don’t be fooled into thinking Goldendoodles are low maintenance. They are not! They require frequent regular grooming and trips to the professional groomer to keep their coat from matting.
How to Take Care of Your Goldendoodle’s Hair
Since the texture and color of this breed’s coat can run the gamut, it’s important to consult with a trusted groomer to develop a specific maintenance look that will be easy to maintain between appointments. Below is a guide on how to take care of each different coat type: wavy hair, curly and straight.
Grooming Wavy Coats
- Wavy-coated Goldendoodles are beautiful, low-allergy hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed much. They’re also relatively easy to take care of – as long as you’re willing to brush them daily to every other day.
- If you don’t, they’ll develop deep tangles that are difficult to remove. Frequent brushing with a good quality slicker brush will help keep their coat healthy and clean with little effort.
Grooming Curly Coats
- You want to treat curly coats in a similar way to a Poodle coat.
- If you’re thinking about adding a curly-coated Goldendoodle to your family, you’ll need to be prepared for regular grooming. Unlike straight-haired dogs, curly hair continues to grow indefinitely if left unclipped.
- This can lead to some seriously impressive (and potentially unmanageable) locks. Fortunately, regular grooming will help to keep your Doodle’s coat healthy and looking its best.
- In addition to regular brushing, you’ll need to have the curly coat clipped every few months. While this may seem like a lot of work, it’s really no different than caring for any other type of long-haired dog. And besides,, who doesn’t love a good dog grooming session?
Grooming Straight-Haired Goldendoodles
- Straight coat Goldendoodles are often touted as the low-maintenance option, and while it is true that this type of coat is easier to care for than some of the other options, it is important to note that these dogs are still shedders that need regular grooming! They tend to have a shaggy coat and can also be called a flat coat Goldendoodle.
- Regular brushing is still necessary in order to keep the coat looking its best. Additionally, the straight coat is the most likely to cause trouble for allergy sufferers.
- While the curly and wavy coats tend to trap dander and allergens, the straight coat allows them to float freely through the air which can stimulate allergies.
A note on Summer Grooming
If you live in a hot sunny warm climate like Florida you will want to consider a close clip over the hotter months to avoid heat stress. Think of it like wearing a sweater and sweat pants on a beach in summer – would you feel uncomfortable?
- A win for the close clip is that you don’t have to worry about a soiled coat or overheating and you can stretch the time between visiting the dog groomer. On average, professionals recommend taking your Goldendoodle in for a trim roughly every two months.
Goldendoodle Coat Stages: From the Puppy Coat to Adult Coat
Have you snuggled a Goldendoodle puppy? Noticed its soft fuzzy coat? But did you know that Goldendoodle puppies go through two coat changes in their lifetime? That’s right – when they’re first born, they have a softer, fluffier puppy coat. But around 8 months old, they start to grow in their adult new coat, which is typically thicker and stiffer. This is often when you can start to tell if the coat will be curly, wavy or straight.
The change can be sudden or gradual, and it can take months for the full transition to take place. But no matter how fast or slow the transition is, it’s always fun to watch your Doodle’s coat change and grow. So if you’re thinking of getting a Goldendoodle puppy, be prepared for some shedding!
How To Tell What Coat Your Goldendoodle Will Have
One of the most common questions people ask about Goldendoodles is “What coat will my dog have?” While there is no definitive answer I am sorry to say! There are a few things you can look at to get an idea.
First, take a look at the parents. If they both have furnishing (the longer hair on the muzzle, eyebrows, and legs), it’s likely that the puppy will too. Secondly, look at the coat itself. Curly pups with more curls are more likely to have a curly adult coat, while those with straighter hair are more likely to have a wavy or straight adult coat.
Finally, coat color can also be an indication. For example, apricot and red Goldendoodles are more likely to have a curly coat, while cream and white Goldendoodles are more likely to have a wavy or straight coat. Of course, all of this is just an educated guess – the only way to know for sure what coat your Goldendoodle will have is to wait and see!
FAQ
Q: Do Goldendoodles have soft fur?
A: Technically hair and fur are the same things. However, if we want to split hairs Goldendoodles have hair, not fur and yes it is generally lovely and soft!
Q: Do Goldendoodles fur change?
A: Yes, Goldendoodle’s hair does change. It can be very hard to determine exactly what coat your Goldendoodle will have as an adult. There are clues (see above) but since they are a cross breed it is a bit of a potluck as to what they will end up looking like.
Q: What kind of hair will my Goldendoodle have?
A: Again, this is very difficult to predict as they can have a wide variety of hair types including; wavy, curly, or straight. The coat may also be dense or sparse and can vary in length from short to long.
Q: When do Goldendoodles stop shedding?
A: This is a bit of a myth! All dogs shed, even Goldendoodles. The amount they shed can depend on the type of coat they have and how well you take care of their coat. But there is no such thing as a non-shedding dog. A big factor is the generation of Doodle. F1 Goldendoodles shed more than an F1B Goldendoodle which is backcrossed with a Poodle Parent, thus increasing their likelihood of having a more hypoallergenic coat.
Q: Do Goldendoodles have dandruff?
A: This is a common question with a simple answer – yes, all dogs can get dandruff! However, you may notice it more with a Goldendoodle because of their thick coat. If you’re concerned about your dog’s dandruff, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there is an underlying medical condition or if you just need to make some changes to your dog’s grooming routine.
Final Thoughts About a Goldendoodle’s Hair
Now that you know a little bit more about Goldendoodles and their hair, you can start to narrow down which type of Doodle is right for you. While their coats may appear different at first glance, all Goldendoodles have hair – not fur.
And while some people believe that Goldendoodles don’t shed, all dogs shed at least some hair. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog with a low-shedding coat, an F1B or F1BB Goldendoodle might be the best choice. But if you don’t mind a little shedding and you’re more interested in personality than appearance, any Goldendoodle will be a great addition to your family!
Dr. Elly has always loved animals, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. After studying hard in veterinary school, she practiced in several different countries before moving to North Carolina with her husband and young family. She currently works part time as a veterinarian while caring for her 4 busy children and writing this blog. Dr. Elly genuinely cares about the welfare of her patients. She currently has three dogs, two cats, 5 chickens and 2 rabbits (yes a bit of a zoo!)
