Many are aware that English doodles are designer dog breeds, bred between English Cream Golden Retriever and Poodle. This breed is relatively new to the breeding market, but do English Doodles shed?
Yes, English Doodles shed. There are no breeds that are 100% non-shedding, but an English Doodle will shed way less than a lot of other breeds.
The English doodle temperament is more calm and relaxed than the other doodle breed, which raised the demands. Still, the theory of English doodles bred to maintain low-dander and low- shedding did the trick.
Do English Doodles Shed?
A lot of people are misinformed when it comes to English doodles being non-shedding. To learn more about why English doodles free less, let’s get into more details about their genetics.
F1 English Doodle
First-generation(F1) refers to the breeding of purebred English cream golden retriever and a purebred poodle (50% golden retriever and 50% poodle). Golden retrievers are heavy shedders due to their thick double coat, whereas, in poodles, their hair is always in the growing phase. Thus, the shedding phase is notably less, and that makes them light or non- shedders. The offspring will have a balance of both but will shed less than a golden retriever.
F1b English Doodle
First-generation backcross (F1b) refers to the breeding of F1 doodle and pure breed poodle (25% golden retriever and 75% poodle). As it is evident, the offsprings will be very light shedders.
F2 English Doodle
Two first generation (F2) refers to the breeding of F1 doodle with another F1 doodle (50% of each). This combination results in the same percentage of golden retriever and poodle mix. In this, some will shed more, some little, but nothing close to a golden retriever.
F3 English Doodle (Multi-generation)
Three first generation (F3) refers to the breeding of F1b doodle with another F1b doodle (75% poodle and 25% golden retriever). With this combination, the puppies with curly coats will not shed like F1 and, the ones with straighter coats will shed like F1.
Why And When Does English Doodles Shed?
Whether a new or old dog owner, it is always essential to know why and when dogs shed. Certain factors determine shedding for all dogs- natural, seasonal shedding, stress-induced shedding, skin issues, allergies.
Natural
It is natural for all puppies to be born with a single-layer coat and start shedding at 5-10 months of age. In a particular case, some dogs take till a year to shed. This process is also standard in English doodles, and it is quite normal. When the doodle’s coat texture becomes rough, it is a sign that shedding will happen soon.
Seasonal shedding
During spring and fall, one may notice a little more hair on the dog. It is because the dog is changing coats from winter to summer and vice versa. Shedding helps them adjust to the changing climatic condition, and such a process is known as seasonal shedding. Such activity is familiar even with low- shedding breeds. Seasonal shedding occurs due to hormonal shifts caused by changing daylight hours during winter and summer.
Stress-induced shedding
Such a scenario occurs when there are specific changes in the dog’s environment. Also, when the dog is in stressful situations or going through anxiety and stress, excess shedding can happen.
Skin issues
A dog may experience excessive shedding when it is going through some skin disorder. Shedding may happen due to infestation of parasites, ringworm, fungal infections, or even cancer.
Allergies
If a dog is going through shedding, it can happen due to allergies too. It can occur because of food, medications, grooming supplies, and even household disinfectants. There are four common allergies-
• Atopic dermatitis is a genetic tendency to develop allergic symptoms due to exposure to an allergen. Mixed breeds can have atopic dermatitis too.
• Food allergies occur due to certain ingredients in the food, and the dog might be allergic to it.
• Flea allergies come about due to the content of protein in the flea’s saliva. A single bite can yield 5-7 days of reaction.
• Seasonal allergies are common allergies in all dogs and take place due to environmental surroundings. It can be due to pollen, mold, and house dust.
Note: These factors responsible for dog shedding are not necessarily applicable to all breeds. The health of the dog, species, and hereditary of the parents should also be kept in mind.
Stages of Shedding
Shedding is a natural process, but the amount of shedding varies from breed, age, health, hormones, and environment. To fully understand hair growth and shedding in English doodles, one must be aware of the hair growth cycle and shedding stages.
These stages are typical in dog breeds, but the quantity of shedding depends on the species. There are four cycles of hair growth- anagen, catagen, telogen, exogen.
Anagen
During this stage, the dog hair is rapidly growing. In this process, the hair keeps growing till it reaches it’s genetically fated length.
Catagen
It is a developmental phase where new hair reaches the end of their growth and stop growing.
Telogen
In this stage, the hair growth is inactive but still attached to the hair follicles.
Exogen
Exogen is the process where the dog hair reaches its lifespan and sheds, clearing up for a new batch of hair to grow.
How To Manage English Doodles Shedding
It is an unavoidable fact that English doodles shed. It’s an inborn process that all dogs go through. One may not be able to stop shedding but can try to manage it. Here are few English doodle grooming tips for dealing with shedding.
• Use slicker brushes to reduce shedding – Our favorite brush on Chewy
• Use rake combs to break the mats
• Use steel combs to brush off remaining tangles and mat
• Use shed control shampoo
• Get regular haircuts
All said the best way to keep low-shed dogs like English doodles from shedding is regularly brushing their hair to remove dander and avoid matting. Hopefully, these tips will help in maintaining a happy and healthy environment for the dog.
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