Can Goldendoodles Have Straight Hair? Here’s What I’ve Learned Over 10 Years With Mine
When I brought home Lexie—a 22-pound mini Goldendoodle—10 years ago, I had no idea I’d be learning so much about dog genetics, grooming routines, and all the quirks that come with this lovable breed. One of the most common questions I’ve been asked (and googled myself early on) is: Can Goldendoodles have straight hair?
Short answer: Yes, Goldendoodles can have straight hair. But it’s not super common—and whether or not they do depends a lot on how they were bred.
Let’s unpack what causes coat variations in Goldendoodles, what to expect depending on the generation, and how you can tell what kind of hair your Doodle might end up with.
Why Do Goldendoodles Look So Different?
Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Because of that mix, their coat can range from curly (like a Poodle) to wavy or even flat and straight (more like a Golden Retriever).
Here’s the thing: no two Doodles are exactly alike. Even puppies from the same litter can have completely different coats.
That’s because when you mix two breeds—especially two with very different coat types—you get a wide range of possible outcomes. And that’s part of what makes Goldendoodles so unique (and sometimes unpredictable).
So, Can a Goldendoodle Have Straight Hair?
Yes, it’s totally possible for a Goldendoodle to have straight hair. But it’s more likely in certain generations—especially if they have more Golden Retriever genes.
Let me break down what that looks like:
- F1 Goldendoodle (50% Golden Retriever, 50% Poodle): You’ll see a mix—some are wavy, a few may have looser curls, and yes, some can have straight coats.
- F1B Goldendoodle (75% Poodle, 25% Golden Retriever): These tend to have curlier coats, thanks to the higher percentage of Poodle.
- F2 or Multigenerational Goldendoodles: Here, things get trickier. Depending on how they were bred, you can end up with a range of coat types—from very curly to completely straight.
If you’re specifically looking for a Goldendoodle with straighter hair, you’ll want to find one that’s closer genetically to a Golden Retriever. Some breeders even do a backcross to the Golden Retriever (though it’s less common) to increase the chances of a straight coat.
What Causes the Coat to Be Straight?
There are a few key factors:
- Genetics – The more Golden Retriever in the mix, the straighter the coat is likely to be.
- Generation – As mentioned above, F1s and F2s can carry more Retriever traits, while F1Bs and F1BBs lean heavily into the Poodle side.
- Natural variation – Coat type isn’t always predictable. I’ve seen Doodle pups from the same litter with wildly different coats—curly, wavy, and straight.
- Development over time – Believe it or not, your puppy’s coat can change as they grow. Some pups that start off with soft waves can develop tighter curls—or vice versa—as they age.
Is a Straight-Haired Goldendoodle Still Hypoallergenic?
This is where expectations matter.
Curly coats (thanks to the Poodle influence) are what give Goldendoodles their “low-shedding” and “hypoallergenic” reputation. A straight-coated Goldendoodle may shed more, like a Golden Retriever, and might not be as allergy-friendly.
Lexie, for example, has a soft wavy coat that doesn’t shed much at all, which has been a huge plus in our house. But if she had more of the Retriever genes? We’d probably be vacuuming more often.
So, if allergies or shedding are a concern, it’s something to keep in mind when choosing a Doodle.
Can You Test for Coat Type?
Yes—you can do a genetic test. There’s a specific gene (called the KRT71 gene, also known as the Cu locus) that helps determine coat type. Breeders sometimes use this testing to predict coat types in litters, and vets can also help you get your pup tested if you’re curious.
That said, many Doodle owners go off looks and feel as their puppies grow. Most Goldendoodles will have their adult coat by the time they’re 8–12 months old.
Final Thoughts From a Longtime Doodle Dad
After 10 years with Lexie, here’s what I’ve learned: no matter what kind of coat your Goldendoodle ends up with—curly, wavy, or straight—they’ll be full of personality, love, and a whole lot of energy.
But if you’re choosing a puppy and you really want a certain coat type, talk to your breeder. Ask about generations, genetic testing, and the coat types of the parents. And know that straight-haired Goldendoodles are out there—they’re just a little rarer, and they may come with a bit more shedding.
Still, no matter the hair type, you’ll have a loyal, friendly, and totally lovable companion by your side. And to me, that’s what matters most.
Related Reading:
- Want to know if your pup will have curls? This guide can help you spot the signs early.
- Here’s a breakdown of all the coat types you might see in a Goldendoodle.
- Curious about what F1, F1B, or F2 really mean? This guide lays it all out clearly.
- Not all Goldendoodles are the same when it comes to allergies—learn more here.
- Wondering how much shedding to expect? This article has the scoop.
- Yes, their coat can change—here’s when it usually happens and what to expect.