Goldendoodles are one of the most popular mixed breeds today. These adorable dogs are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Their friendly nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coats make them excellent family pets. But when it comes to their coat, many owners wonder – do Goldendoodles have hair or fur?

Do Goldendoodles Have Hair or Fur?

The answer is that Goldendoodles have hair, not fur. Their coat is more similar to human hair than animal fur.

Fur consists of two layers – a short, dense undercoat and a longer outer coat. The undercoat helps insulate the body, while the outer guard hairs protect the skin. Fur grows in fixed cycles and sheds seasonally.

In contrast, hair grows continuously and doesn’t shed. Like human hair, a dog’s hair goes through growth phases – active growth, transitional, and rest. Hair lacks the dense undercoat found in fur.

Since Goldendoodles inherit a coat type that resembles human hair from their Poodle parent, their coat is classified as hair. The strands keep growing without shedding and don’t have distinct growth cycles like fur.

While some Goldendoodles may have slightly furrier coats depending on their lineage, most exhibit primarily hair-like characteristics. Their coats also come in different textures ranging from straight to wavy or curly hair.

Difference Between Hair and Fur

To better understand why Goldendoodles have hair instead of fur, let’s look at some of the key differences between hair and fur:

• Composition – Hair contains only one single layer, while fur has two distinct layers – the undercoat and outer coat.
• Shedding – Fur sheds seasonally as the growth cycles change. Hair sheds much less and continuously.
• Texture – The hair shaft is smooth. But fur feels coarser due to the undercoat.
• Density – Fur is much denser than hair due to the thick undercoat.
• Growth – Hair grows continuously. Fur grows in cycles – growing densely in winter and then shedding in summer.
• Purpose – Fur serves to regulate body temperature and protect the skin. Hair primarily serves as a covering.
• Breeds – Dogs with fur include German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes. Dogs with hair include Poodles, Maltese, and Goldendoodles.

So, in summary, fur consists of two layers and sheds seasonally. It helps insulate the body. In comparison, hair is a single-layered covering that sheds less and continuously grows. So, now that you know the answer to do goldendoodles have hair or fur let’s move on to grooming the coats. 

Grooming Wavy Coats

One of the most common coat types in Goldendoodles is a wavy coat. This moderate wave is inherited from their Golden Retriever parent.

Wavy coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep the coat looking its best:

Brushing: Brush wavy coats 2-3 times per week. Use a slicker brush to remove dead hair and debris from the inner layers of the coat. Follow with a bristle brush to distribute oils and smooth the top layer. Always brush with the coat growth pattern.

Bathing: Bathe every 4-6 weeks with a moisturizing dog shampoo. Rinse thoroughly. Avoid over-bathing, which can dry out the skin and hair.

Trimming: Many owners choose to trim the body coat to 2-3 inches long for easier maintenance. The face, ears, and feet can be trimmed shorter. NEVER shave a Goldendoodle down to the skin.

Matting: Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting, like behind the ears, in the armpits, and in sanitary areas. Use a detangling spray and work apart mats gently. For serious mats, clipping may be required.

Nails: Trim nails as needed, usually every 2-3 weeks. Use dog nail clippers and trim just the clear portion.

With regular care, wavy coats will stay tidy and minimally shedding. Proper grooming promotes coat health and reduces the risk of painful matting. That is why it is important that you know do goldendoodles have hair or fur!

Grooming Curly Coats

The tightly curled Poodle coat is also commonly seen in Goldendoodles. Curly coats require extra grooming care to prevent a shaggy appearance.

Brushing: Brush curly coats 2-3 times per week. Use a slicker brush first to remove debris trapped near the skin. Follow with a pin brush to detangle and define curls. Separate larger mats and tangles by hand.

Bathing: Bathe every 4-6 weeks or when the coat starts looking dusty. Use moisturizing dog shampoos and conditioners. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Avoid over-bathing which dries the hair and skin.

Clipping: Keep curls tidy by clipping the body every 8-12 weeks. The face, feet, and base of the tail can be clipped shorter for a neater look. Never shave down to the skin.

Matting: Check for matting behind the ears, in the armpits, and around the genitals. Work apart small mats by hand. Heavily matted areas may require clipping. Prevent mats by brushing thoroughly.

Drying: Blot curly coats gently with a towel. Allow the air to dry naturally as much as possible. If using a blow dryer, use low heat to avoid frizz.

Nails: Trim nails every 2-3 weeks as overgrowth can catch and pull curls, causing painful mats and damage.

While curly coats require more work, the results are worth it. Consistent grooming keeps the coat healthy and looking fabulous.

Flat Coats

Not all Goldendoodles inherit the signature wavy or curly Poodle coat. Occasionally, they will inherit a flat, straight coat from their Golden Retriever parent.

Flat coats tend to shed more than other coat types. But they are lower maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Brushing: Brush flat coats 2-3 times per week using a bristle brush. Be sure to brush all the way down to the skin to remove dead hairs and distribute oils.

Bathing: Bathe every 6-8 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and towel or air dry. Avoid over-bathing now that you know the answer to do goldendoodles have hair or fur. 

Trimming: Flat coats typically don’t require regular trimming. The coat can be neatly trimmed every 12-16 weeks if desired. Never shave down to the skin.

Shedding: Flat coats shed more than curly or wavy coats. Use a de-shedding tool like an undercoat rake weekly to remove dead hair. Vacuum regularly.

Matting: Flat coats are less prone to matting since they lack the curls that lead to tangles. But mats can still occur behind the ears, in the armpits, and around the genitals. Gently work apart any small tangles.

Nails: Trim nails regularly, usually every 2-3 weeks. Overgrown nails are more prone to snagging and splitting.

While flat coats require less intensive grooming, they do shed more. So, daily brushing and vacuuming are important to manage loose hair. Overall, flat coats are lower maintenance when it comes to grooming needs.

As a Goldendoodle owner for over 10 years, I highly recommend starting grooming early during puppyhood. Get them comfortable with handling and brushing from a young age. It makes grooming much easier as they grow up.

Conclusion

Goldendoodles have hair rather than fur due to inheriting a coat more reminiscent of human hair from their Poodle parent. Their hair continuously grows and sheds minimally, unlike fur, which sheds seasonally.

Proper grooming is important for all Goldendoodle coat types to prevent matting, remove dead hair, and distribute oils. Wavy coats require weekly brushing and trimming every 8-12 weeks. Tight curls need careful detangling and clipping to maintain their texture. Flat coats shed more but require less intensive grooming overall.

No matter the coat type, Goldendoodle owners should establish a regular grooming routine. Meeting their hair care needs will keep the coat healthy, look great, and minimize shedding. With some time invested in brushing, bathing, and trimming, Goldendoodle hair will stay tidy and beautiful.