What “Non-Shedding” and "Hypoallergnic" Really Means for Your Family

Do Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles Shed?

At Haven’s Doodles, we focus on producing multigenerational (multigen) Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles—not first-generation (F1) crosses. Why? Because F1 pairings (a Poodle bred with a purebred Golden Retriever or Bernese Mountain Dog) often result in unpredictable coats. The “furnishings” gene—the one responsible for the soft, wavy, non-shedding coat families love—comes from the Poodle side. Without consistent furnishings, F1 Doodles can inherit a straighter, more shedding-prone coat.

By carefully selecting and breeding multigen doodles, we’re able to produce puppies with more reliable, allergy-friendly, low-to-no-shedding coats—exactly what most families are looking for. It’s just one of the ways we ensure quality, consistency, and happy homes.

What “Non-Shedding” Really Means for Your Family

If you're a family looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you've probably heard that Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are a great option. But with so much conflicting information online, it's hard to know what to believe—especially when it comes to shedding.

Let’s clear things up so you can feel confident and informed in your puppy search.

The Truth About Shedding in Doodles

Many families are drawn to Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles because they’re described as “non-shedding” or “hypoallergenic.” While these terms are commonly used, it’s important to understand what they really mean.

Here’s the reality:Every dog is different. Even within the same litter, coat types can vary based on genetics. And while these breeds are known for their allergy-friendly coats, no breeder can guarantee a completely non-shedding puppy just by looking at the parents or choosing a certain generation (like F1B or multigen).

That’s where science comes in.

How We Ensure Allergy-Friendly, Low-Shedding Puppies

We believe families deserve clarity and confidence when choosing a dog, especially when allergies are a concern. That’s why we use genetic coat testing on all our parent dogs.

This specialized testing helps us determine which puppies will inherit the low-to-no-shedding coats families are looking for. It’s a proactive, responsible approach—because we know how important it is for your new companion to fit into your home without the worry of constant shedding or allergy flare-ups.

What “Non-Shedding” Looks Like in Real Life

Let’s be honest—no dog is completely free of hair. Just like humans, dogs will lose a few strands here and there. When we say our Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are “non-shedding,” we mean:

• You won’t find clumps of hair on your couch or clothes

• There’s no seasonal shedding or “blowouts”

• Hair loss is minimal and usually only during brushing or grooming

This makes our Doodles a wonderful choice for families with mild allergies or those who simply prefer a cleaner home.

What Does “Hypoallergenic” Really Mean in a Doodle?

The term hypoallergenic can be a bit misleading. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic—just like no dog is 100% non-shedding. However, some breeds, like Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles, are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.

Here’s why:

• Allergies are usually caused by dander, not fur. Dander is made up of tiny flakes of skin and saliva proteins that attach to hair. Dogs that shed less tend to release less dander into the air.

• Curly or wavy coats trap dander, rather than letting it float around your home.

• Low-shedding coats mean less hair and fewer allergens on your clothes, furniture, and floors.

  
  

So, when we say our Doodles are hypoallergenic, we mean they’re a great fit for many families with mild to moderate allergies—especially when combined with regular grooming and good hygiene.

Ready to Meet Your Perfect Match?

Whether you're looking for a snuggly couch companion or an active family buddy, our low-shedding Doodles are bred with love, science, and your family in mind. Feel free to reach out with questions or to learn more about upcoming litters—we’re here to help every step of the way. At Haven's Doodles, we've bred dozens of doodle puppies over the years and only one family ever has has an issue with allergies and we discovered she was allergic to saliva. Most families, even ones with allergies do very well with our carefully bred puppies at Haven's Doodles!