Jenise Carl, Author & Founder of HappyGoDoodle®
Jenise Carl is the founder, creator, and writer for the award-winning HappyGoDoodle.com. With her comical Goldendoodles cheering her on, Carl focuses on sharing the real-life adventures of Doodlehood. Over the last 10 years, she has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about helping Doodle dogs (and their parents) live a more joyful life. Carl is also Editor-in-Chief for The Buzby Bark—an award-winning veterinary blog founded by veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby. Carl’s other accolades include a BlogPaws award for best new pet blog, Dog Writers Association of America nominations and award, and editor for a best-selling Hallmark humor book. She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America.
White Goldendoodles are a coat color variation of the Goldendoodle breed. So how do you know if these cottony soft pups are right for you?
Let’s shed some light on the white Goldendoodle, so you can make a more informed decision. By the end of this article, you’ll have the nitty-gritty on those cream puff teddy bear dogs called white Goldendoodles. Plus, you’ll get some unique insights on what it’s like to care for a Goldendoodle with a light coat color.
The white Goldendoodle at a glance
In a hurry? Here is a brief overview of the white Goldendoodle…
| Breed | A Golden Retriever and Poodle hybrid |
| Size | Up to 80+ pounds |
| Lifespan | 10 – 15 years |
| Grooming | Requires frequent grooming and extra care to maintain the white coat |
| Coat type | Range of coat types from wavy to curly |
| Coat color | White to light cream |
| Temperament | Friendly, smart, energetic, loving, social |
| Activity level | Need adequate physical exercise and mental enrichment |
| Nose color and pigmentation | Black or brown |
| Variations | Parti Goldendoodles (White + one other coat color) |
White Goldendoodle origin and breed
First, let’s run through some Goldendoodle basics. Goldendoodles, including white Goldendoodles, are not purebred dogs. Rather, they are a combination of two specific parent breeds—Golden Retrievers and Poodles. For example, a Goldendoodle puppy may have a purebred Golden Retriever as one parent and a purebred Poodle as the other parent. Or, the parents could be a combination of these two breeds.
Many sources describe Goldendoodles as hybrids, crossbreeds, mixed breeds, or designer dogs. However, most Goldendoodle parents (me included) lovingly call them family members, besties, and soul mates.
Since Goldendoodles are not purebred dogs, you won’t see them listed on the American Kennel Club registry. This means that there is no such thing as an AKC Goldendoodle. However, they are recognized by the Goldendoodle Association of America, a nonprofit organization established in 2009.
The name “Goldendoodle” was coined to describe the offspring of the two parent breeds—Golden Retrievers and Poodles.
So what are some facts and fun musings about white Goldendoodles? Without further “adoodle,” let’s find out.
1. The Poodle breed standard includes white as a coat color, bringing white to the Goldendoodle heritage.
Why are some Goldendoodles white? Poodles get the nod for bringing those white-as-a-summer-cloud coat colors to the mix. This is because white is an official breed color for Poodles.
According to the AKC, the Poodle breed standard includes black, apricot, red, gray, silver, cream, and you guessed it, white coat colors. But some credit goes to the Golden Retriever breed who brings various shades of golden to the heritage including the light English cream coat color.
2. White colored dogs can get sunburned when shaved down.
You protect your dog from all sorts of things, but have you considered the sun? Like us, skin and sun exposure aren’t a great combo. According to Cornell University Veterinary Specialist (CUVS.org), leaving your dog’s hair coat at least one inch long can help prevent sunburn.
I mention this because there’s a lot of talk about shaving Goldendoodles in the summer. So please do your research, especially for light or white Goldendoodles so they have sun protection. (Your veterinarian is always a great resource if you have questions about this.)
3. White Goldendoodle heath
According to GANA, all colors of Goldendoodles are acceptable as part of the Goldendoodle standard with the exception of “extreme white” colors. This is an important call out because it has to do with Goldendoodle health.
GANA goes on to say, “…extreme white to the extent that it would effect hearing.” In researching this subject, I found a helpful paper from LSU.edu on deafness and pigmentation. The publication details how genes associated with deafness in dogs also link to coat color, especially white coat colors or pigmentation. The list of Dog Breeds with Congential Deafness includes over 100 breeds and includes the Miniature Poodle breed.
I bring up this topic not to worry you. Rather, I believe knowledge is power. I hope that by touching on this subject, you can do your own research if you wish to learn more.
Also, it’s worth pointing out that many dog parents successfully raise and care for deaf dogs.
This link between extreme white coats and deafness is another reason why finding a reputable Goldendoodle breeder is critical. Goldendoodles count on people to advocate for them and be their voice.
4. A full grown Goldendoodle can range in size from mini to standard.
You’ve probably met a lot of Goldendoodles and noticed a wide range of sizes. Some Doodle dogs are so large they could almost be mistaken for a small pony and some are small enough to be carried in your arms.
How can there be so much variation in size? Again, the Poodle breed gets much of the credit. According to the AKC, the Poodle breed standard includes three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard. By relation then, there are a wide range of Goldendoodle sizes. According to GANA, sizes of Goldendoodles include:
Petite Goldendoodle—25 pounds or less
Miniature Goldendoodle – 26 to 35 pounds
Medium Goldendoodle – 36 to 50 pounds
Standard Goldendoodle — over 51 pounds
5. Be prepared! Your freshly bathed white Goldendoodle will probably love getting dirty.
Goldendoodles love to romp, play, do zoomies, play fetch, and generally have a good time outdoors. And they need to get their energy out! This means that these adorable ragamuffin dogs that look like a mop seem to be a “sponge” for dirt.
So paw spas and baths are just part of Doodle parenting. And don’t be surprised if your freshly bathed Goldendoodle loves a good roll in the grass or dirt. Why not? It’s fun!
All in all, prepare yourself for a little extra grooming time to keep a white Goldendoodle white. By the way, Goldendoodle grooming is part of parenting life no matter what color or type of Goldendoodle dog you have.
Since Goldendoodles tend to be lower shedding that means that they require more brushing. High shedding dogs cast off the hair, but lower shedding dogs need grooming to rid the coat of dirt, debris, and loose hairs that can cause matting.
Before we move on, you may be wondering how to keep your white Goldendoodle’s coat color bright white. There are many dog whitening shampoos available. For tips, please check out my pointers on how to bathe a Goldendoodle and easy hacks for muddy dog paws.
6. White Goldendoodles, like all Goldendoodles, need grooming at home or by a professional.
While we’re on the subject of grooming, unless your adult Goldendoodle has a flat (Golden Retriever-ish) coat type, you’ll need to put a grooming regimen into place. Some Goldendoodle parents schedule professional grooming sessions every six to eight weeks to keep the coat trimmed, clean, and mat free. Other Goldendoodle parents choose at-home grooming. Still others simply opt to keep the hair clipped short including the beard and paws.
The best plan is to make a plan and stick to it. Once your puppy has gone through the Goldendoodle puppy coat transition, you’ll notice a coat change. It’s then that your grooming plan and using your good grooming tools (yes, I have a go-to Goldendoodle brush I can’t live without), will really kick into gear.
7. Goldendoodle coat colors may change over time.
It’s hard to predict whether or how much a Goldendoodle’s coat color will change over time. This is because Goldendoodles don’t have the lengthy history and consistency purebred dogs have. So, if you like surprises and love seeing your puppy’s life unfold in front of your eyes, this dog is for you. Also, it’s pretty safe to predict that you’ll fall head over heels for your Goldendoodle as they grow and change.
As an aside, our light cream colored Goldendoodle stayed fairly consistent in coat color, as you can see from the pictures below.
8. White Goldendoodles can be two colors.
Have you seen a white and brown Goldendoodle? Or a Goldendoodle with a black and white coat color? These Doodles that are two colors are referred to as “parti” Goldendoodles. I like to say that whether or not your Doodle is two colors, life is always a PARTY with a Goldendoodle! 🥳
9. Goldendoodles keep their “puppy look” even as adults.
Do you love the way Goldendoodles keep their baby face cuteness even as adults?
Their expressive faces and button eyes give them an adorableness that will pull at your heartstrings. For a better understanding of the cuteness factor, check out my article on cute Goldendoodles. It’s a deeper dive into what makes them so adorable.
Beyond appearance, Goldendoodles tend to have an exuberance and comical nature that gives them a “puppy outlook” well beyond their puppy days. For example, people who meet our medium Goldendoodle are often surprised when they ask how old our puppy is and learn that she is a full-grown mature dog!
10. White Goldendoodles inspire fun dog names.
By now, you may be imagining snuggling up on the couch with your little crumbcake-colored Goldendoodle. Or maybe taking your alpine white puppy on an adventure to the mountains! What name will be fitting for your cloud-white fluffball? A white Goldendoodle name can be as creative, clever, or cute as you choose. Here are some ideas to help you name your white Goldendoodle puppy…
11. Goldendoodle health and temperament trumps everything.
Of course, while it’s fun to think about all things Goldendoodle, when it comes down to it, health and temperament are at the center of choosing the Goldendoodle that will be a good fit for you.
Sadly, there are unscrupulous breeders who have no regard for health, genetics, or temperament. Run don’t walk away from these people. Instead, search out a reputable Doodle breeder who places temperament and health first. Or adopt from a reputable shelter. After all, we all want puppies to grow into healthy adults and eventually senior Goldendoodles and have the healthiest, happiest life possible.
Doodles are Golden
Finally, with heaps of love, positive training, physical and mental enrichment, and lots of TLC, Goldendoodles are eager to please you, understand you, and want to learn how they can fit into the family. No matter the coat color, they will color your life with love.
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Jenise Carl is the founder, creator, and writer for the award-winning HappyGoDoodle.com. As the owner of two Goldendoodles, Carl shares her 10 years of expertise on raising and caring for Doodle dogs to help other Goldendoodle and Labradoodle owners.
Carl is also Editor-in-Chief for The Buzby Bark—an award-winning veterinary blog founded by veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby. Carl’s other accolades include a BlogPaws award for best new pet blog, Dog Writers Association of America nominations and award, and editor for a best-selling Hallmark humor book. She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America.
