Goldendoodle coats come in three different varieties: Wavy, Curly, and Straight. The most consistent indicator of coat type is the amount of Poodle in the parental lineage. However, there is no hard and fast rule for predicting coat types. A Goldendoodle’s coat type may also change as they mature, so be careful not to choose your puppy solely on the type of coat it has at six weeks.
Wavy / Shaggy Coats
The wavy or shaggy coat type is the most common Goldendoodle coat type. It occurs in all types of Goldendoodle generations and is considered the easiest to maintain. It requires brushing a minimum of once a week, but more might be necessary in high friction areas (like under the collar or around the ears). The wavy/shaggy coat is usually low to non-shedding, but not always (particularly among F1 generation Goldendoodles).
Curly Coats
The curly coat is also quite common among Goldendoodles, but is particularly prevalent among F1B generation Goldendoodles. The tightness and length of the curls will vary depending on parental lineage, but can be anything from a loose barrel curl to a tight kinky curl like a full bred poodle would have.`
This coat type requires daily brushing if it is to remain unmatted, although it can be shaved down to create a maintenance free coat if the owner prefers. The curly coat type is almost always non-shedding.
Straight Coats
The straight coat is much less common than the shaggy or curly coats. Sometimes referred to as the Golden Retriever coat, it’s very easy to maintain and requires minimal brushing. However, this Goldendoodle coat type does not produce the “teddy bear” look that Goldendoodles are renowned for displaying, nor will it produce a “beard” around the muzzle. This coat type is usually low to moderate shedding.
Puppy Coats
As puppies, it can very difficult to determine what kind of coat type a Goldendoodle will have once it’s fully grown. A general rule of thumb is to look at the fur around the face and muzzle, not the body. Puppies with crimping or waves in their muzzle hair will typically have either wavy/shaggy or curly coats, although it’s not possible to tell which they might have until they’re older. Smooth face and muzzle fur most likely indicates a straight Goldendoodle coat type.