🦴 Updated on July 7th, 2023
Suppose you come across an advertisement for a hypoallergenic Goldendoodle breeder. Finding the ideal dog breed for your home can be challenging, especially when living with someone with sensitive dog allergies. As a result, many new pet owners might not understand the concept of a hypoallergenic dog, regardless of how much fur the dog may have.
We compiled this guide to answer the following question: are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic? This guide also covers several other topics, including hypoallergenic-specific Goldendoodle generations and how to minimize your allergies around them.
What Does “Hypoallergenic” Mean?
Before delving into why people consider Goldendoodles hypoallergenic, you’ll need to know what that exactly means. When something is referred to as hypoallergenic, it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Most people associate dogs who don’t shed with being hypoallergenic because their fur won’t fall out and distribute dander throughout their homes.
However, even hairless pets can produce enough dander on their skin or fur to trigger an allergic reaction in a person’s body. Although you can’t stop their dander production, you can research breeds that are less likely to spread it excessively.
Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
When you decide on adding a Goldendoodle to your family, you might have this question on your mind: are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic dogs? When you picture this breed, along with other Poodle mixes, your first impression is that it won’t leave any hair or dander around your home.
Not all Goldendoodles share the same fur quality, so some might shed less than others. However, their fur isn’t the direct source for Goldendoodle allergies; it’s the pet dander the fur produces. These microscopic skin particles are lightweight and can stick on most surfaces or drift through the air. People with dog allergies can also react to proteins found in their dog’s saliva or urine.
Although dogs can’t be 100% hypoallergenic, some breeds are less likely to shed as much fur and spread pet dander because of their lineage. For instance, dogs with compact curlier fur, such as Poodles, keep their hair in place with weekly brushing.
Can You Have a Goldendoodle If You Have Allergies?
One essential question dog owners might ask themselves, besides, “are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?” is, “can I own a Goldendoodle when I have allergies?” While some people might believe it’s impossible to live with a dog and manage your allergies, others don’t have any problems adjusting to this lifestyle.
Goldendoodles are excellent crossbreed dogs ideal for people with mild allergies to pet dander. However, before finding a breeder or adopting one from a rescue organization, you should consider how often you’ll be around your new dog. Remember, a dog is a lifetime commitment, and you have to dedicate time around them.
For instance, you should regularly groom a Goldendoodle and clean your home to reduce the spread of allergens. Some people react differently to allergens than others, so if you’re comfortable adding a Goldendoodle to your life, you should ask your doctor for allergy solutions to accommodate your lifestyle. You’re more likely to have general dog allergies than Goldendoodle allergies.
An Overview on Hypoallergenic Goldendoodle Generations
It’s natural for you to not understand how genetics determines how your Goldendoodle is hypoallergenic. So, here’s a rundown on what generations of Goldendoodles are less likely to affect your body’s allergies. Depending on your preferences, you might find one Goldendoodle generation better than the others and find a breeder with that type available.
F1 Goldendoodles
First-generation (F1) Goldendoodle puppies result from mixing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle. As a result, their litters can be unpredictable when it comes to coat quality. However, it’s more likely that an F1 Goldendoodle might be prone to shedding. If you don’t have mild allergies, this generation might be unsuitable for your lifestyle.
The most significant factor determining a crossbreed dog’s shedding is the Furnishing gene, typically found in breeds with bearded muzzles, such as Poodles and aren’t found in Golden Retrievers.
F1B Goldendoodles
F1B Goldendoodles result from backcrossing an F1 Goldendoodle and a Poodle. Generally, these Goldendoodles shed less than their F1 counterparts, making them ideal for people with moderate or severe allergies.
F2 Goldendoodles
F2 Goldendoodles result from mixing two F1 Goldendoodles. They might be an ideal pick for your allergies if their fur behaves similarly to Golden Retrievers than Poodles.
F1BB Goldendoodles
These Goldendoodle puppies are the result of breeding an F1B Goldendoodle with a Poodle. This generation tends to take after the Poodle due to backcrossing, making them ideal for people with allergies and others who prefer non-shedding dogs.
Multi-Generation Goldendoodles
When you backcross any generation of Goldendoodles with a Poodle, you produce puppies with fewer dominant traits from Golden Retrievers, typically resulting in a Goldendoodle that’s hypoallergenic.
However, you should look out for potential health issues, such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, or subvalvular aortic stenosis they might inherit from their parents.
How to Minimize Allergies Caused by Goldendoodles?
After taking home your Goldendoodle as a hypoallergenic dog, you might start worrying about how sensitive your allergies can become. Luckily, there are several things you can do to keep your Goldendoodle hypoallergenic.
Cleaning Your Home
While asking yourself, “is a Goldendoodle hypoallergenic?” one way to counteract your allergies includes thoroughly cleaning your home. Although their dander spreads less than other breeds, it can still get on your clothes or furniture. So, if your Goldendoodle sheds lightly, consider vacuuming your floors, carpet, and other corners of the house.
You can use several cleaning products to manage pet dander on your furniture and accessible surfaces.
Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers and dehumidifiers are excellent devices to place in your home to reduce the number of allergens. Ideally, you should place them in the most active place your dog is bound to go, such as the kitchen or the living room.
Grooming Tips for Reducing Allergens in Your Home
One way to reduce the dander on your Goldendoodle’s coat is by developing an extensive grooming routine. However, since they shed less than other breeds, their fur is more high-maintenance, stemming from their Poodle genes.
Here are some grooming tips you should consider while caring for your Goldendoodle at home.
Brushing
Brushing your Goldendoodle’s fur every few days or daily distributes their natural skin oil and reduces matting that produces more dander.
Bathing
Bathing your dog every few weeks each month is another excellent way to keep them clean and dander-free. We recommend using shampoos with shed-control formulas that won’t dry out your dog’s skin.
Trimming
Some Goldendoodle owners trim their dog’s fur at home every six to eight weeks. However, we recommend taking them to a groomer if you’re uncomfortable doing this routine.
Are Goldendoodles More Hypoallergenic than Other Dogs?
As you reach out to experts and ask them, “are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?” you might begin wondering if they’re more hypoallergenic than other dogs. Although Goldendoodles are bred from Golden Retrievers, a breed known for heavy shedding, there’s a chance their Poodle genetics can override this trait to shed less.
Although they shed less than breeds like Huskies or Labradors, their fur can still contain dander that can trigger allergic reactions for sensitive people. In addition, some Goldendoodles are more hypoallergenic than others genetically, so it would be wise to test your allergies around them to see if you’ll be comfortable with one in your home.
Conclusion
Goldendoodles are crossbreed dogs that people get as hypoallergenic pets. However, although they have minimal to no shedding, their bodies build up dander like other pets, which might affect some people more than others.
Some Goldendoodle generations shed less than others when backcrossed with Poodles. Regular house cleaning and grooming are excellent solutions for reducing dander and living comfortably with your new pup.
