Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? The Truth Revealed

Mar 03, 2025
Montana Mackovic
News

Goldendoodles are often marketed as hypoallergenic, but no dog is 100% allergy-free. Allergies are triggered by dander, saliva, and urine, not fur alone. Certain Goldendoodle generations, like F1B and Multigen, inherit more Poodle genes, making them lower-shedding and more allergy-friendly. Genetic traits like the Furnishings, Curl, and Shedding genes influence allergen levels. Regular grooming, HEPA filters, and designated pet-free spaces help manage allergies. If you have severe allergies, spending time with a Goldendoodle before adoption is recommended.

There are perhaps few things in this world sadder than developing a bond with a puppy, only to be hit with the realization that you are allergic to it. With no one to blame, we wish this situation on no one. Alas, it happens. Dog allergies are real and affect many people across the country and world. However, hypoallergenic dogs, especially Goldendoodles, are often showcased as the perfect dogs for those suffering from allergies. How true is that claim? Let’s find out.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

The term hypoallergenic is often used in conversations between breeders, pet stores, and customers, where it is almost marketed as an allergy-free trait that won’t trigger an allergic reaction. However, this is quite misleading.

First, no dog is ever truly 100% hypoallergenic. Secondly, dog allergies or any allergies, for that matter, aren’t the same across the board. They are quite subjective. What may trigger an allergy in one individual may not do the same in another.

People with pet allergies typically react to proteins found in dog saliva, dander (dead skin flakes), and urine rather than fur itself, which is what most people assume. So, one could, on a certain level, say that hypoallergenic dogs are simply those that shed less and produce lower amounts of allergens, making them more tolerable for allergy sufferers. No guarantees should be made about them being allergy-proof.

Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Goldendoodles are often marketed as hypoallergenic, but the reality, once again, is a lot more complex. The short answer is no, they aren’t, but some are. Specific Goldendoodles that inherit the dominant furnishings gene from the Poodle parent, the gene that gives Poodles their curly-haired, teddy bear-like appearance, can indeed be considered hypoallergenic.

Being a dominant gene, a dog only needs one copy of it to have that fluffy, non-shedding coat. If a Goldendoodle inherits two copies, it will have an even curlier, denser coat, which is great for allergies. Inheriting zero copies would mean it would have a straighter coat, like a Golden Retriever, and shed more.

Breed Terminology and The Science of Genetics

We’ll try to keep it as simple as possible here so it doesn’t start sounding like science class all over again. The genetic makeup of a Goldendoodle determines how hypoallergenic it would be, so its is best to understand the basic breed terminology. The Goldendoodles can be put into categories of F1, F1b, F2, F2b, or Multigen. The F stands for Filihal and the represents generation. Fancy words aside, consider F1 = First Generation, F2 = Second Generation, and so on.

• F1 Goldendoodle (First Generation) – A 50/50 mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Their coats can be wavy, curly, or straight, and some may still shed.

• F1B Goldendoodle (First Generation Backcross) – This is an F1 Goldendoodle mixed with a purebred Poodle, making it 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever. These dogs usually have curlier coats and shed less, which is great for people with allergies.

• F2 Goldendoodle (Second Generation) – A mix of two F1 Goldendoodles. Their coats can be unpredictable—sometimes curly and low-shedding, sometimes not.

• Multigen Goldendoodles – These are bred from other Goldendoodles, often carefully selected for the best coat and personality traits.

It is the coat of the dog that determines how hypoallergenic they will be, which is influenced by the fellow gene:

• Furnishings Gene (RSPO2): It is responsible for the long, wavier facial hair that gives the Goldendoodle their signature look; mostly taken from the Poodle. This gene is what we’re looking for as it means the dog is less likely to shed.

• Curl Gene (KRT71): This gene, as you might have already guessed, determines the type of coat a dog would have; straight, wavy, or curly. A dog with two curl genes will likely have a tightly curled coat (less likely to shed) while one with no curl genes will have a straight coat like the Golden Retriever, which are serial shedders.

• Shedding Gene (MC5R): Higher Poodle influence leads to lower shedding, while more Golden Retriever influence increases shedding.

The presence or absence of these genes is why some Goldendoodles shed and some don’t, making them hypoallergenic. That’s why F1B and Multigen Goldendoodles are the best for allergy sufferers!

Managing Allergies with a Goldendoodle

So, let’s assume you got yourself the best Goldendoodle possible. Does that mean caution can go out the window now? Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Allergens can still be an issue. So, here are some basic everyday tips to reduce reactions.

First, regularly groom your dog—the more frequent, the better. As for bathing, once every few weeks is plenty. Second, support this effort by using HEPA filters that can capture pet dander floating in the air and by vacuuming the spots where your dog rests most often.

We also recommend keeping a room or an area off-limits to the dog. This way, if you need to, you can have your own safe space away from the dander.

Are Goldendoodles Right for Allergy Sufferers?

The answer is yes. The right type of Goldendoodle is indeed a great option for allergy sufferers, but it’s best to keep in mind that there are no guaranteed solutions. If you have severe allergies, it is a good idea to spend some time around a Goldendoodle puppy before bringing one home to see if they trigger any reactions. You should also consult an allergist to determine if you can tolerate living with one.

Final Thoughts

Allergy-free dogs are a myth that one shouldn’t fall for. However, low-shedding dogs do exist, and Goldendoodles are a fantastic example. Just consider one with the right coat type and generation so they can accommodate your condition. And remember, a little extra grooming and cleaning go a long way in keeping allergens under control.