Red Goldendoodle: Info, Genetics, Traits & Facts

Smiling red Goldendoodle with white patches

While Goldendoodle dogs come in various shades, the red Goldendoodle is undoubtedly the most striking of them all. In fact, with its eye-catching red coat, this canine commands attention wherever it goes.

Also, adorable red Goldendoodles exude a certain regality, elegance, and confidence that only a few other dog breeds can match. But before you get a red Goldendoodle puppy, you need to educate yourself on the breed.

Fortunately, this article will tell you everything you need to know about a true red Goldendoodle dog. Read on as we take an in-depth look at its fur color genetics, overall appearance, health issues, and personality traits.

What Is a Red Goldendoodle?

Red Goldendoodle posing on a bricked wall

A red Goldendoodle is a reddish-brown dog that results from crossing a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle. This Doodle dog usually has a mahogany-colored coat. However, its coat may also take on a lighter or darker tone. Some have deep-red fluffs, while others are more of an orange hue.

As one of the most favored hybrid dogs, Goldendoodles are adored by families everywhere.

But given that they sport many different shades, such as parti colors, silver, blue, merle, and black, it can be challenging to know which is right for you.

On top of that, red Goldendoodle puppies also come in a vast range of variations, such as the following:

  • Solid red Goldendoodle
  • Fox red Goldendoodle
  • Red and white Goldendoodle
  • Red sable Goldendoodle
  • Red merle Goldendoodle
  • Red tuxedo Goldendoodle
  • Red abstract Goldendoodle
  • Red and white parti Goldendoodle
  • Red apricot Goldendoodle
  • Dark red Goldendoodle
  • Light red Goldendoodle
  • Imperial red Goldendoodle
  • Deep red Goldendoodle
  • Red and white abstract Goldendoodle

It is evident that choosing a red Goldendoodle puppy will be no small task. No matter how varied they appear, all red Goldendoodles share common traits that make them sweet-tempered, affectionate family dogs.

Is a Red Goldendoodle Rare?

Although it is not necessarily rare, a true red Goldendoodle is still considered relatively uncommon.

So while Goldendoodles might seem the most well-known mutt among Poodle and Golden Retriever mixes out there, expect to come across this particular variety less often than others.

Moreover, just like their French Poodle parent, red Goldendoodles can come in different sizes: mini red Goldendoodles, red Moyen Goldendoodles, and standard red Goldendoodles.

That said, if you are searching for a specific shade of red and want a specific size — such as a red mini Goldendoodle — be prepared to spend some time looking for a dog.

You should also note that reputable Goldendoodle breeders usually sell red Goldendoodles at a higher price compared to other colors. 

Red Goldendoodle Appearance

Red Goldendoodle sitting while tongues out

Red Goldendoodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a separate breed. Hence, there is no official standard for what a red Goldendoodle should look like. 

Nevertheless, there are a handful of features that are usually seen in most red Goldendoodles.

For starters, red Goldendoodles are known for their red coats, ranging from reddish-brown to mahogany. Some red Goldendoodles can also resemble a light-colored apricot Poodle or a dark Golden Retriever.

Some even appear with a patchy red coat, especially those that carry the merle gene

They also often retain dark-colored nails, snouts, and eye rims. Further, their oval-shaped eyes are bright and alert, with a friendly expression that will make you smile every time you look at them.

Size-wise, red Goldendoodles can come in a few variations, including standard, Moyen, and mini. However, the terms used to describe these size variations may differ from breeder to breeder.

Given this, a full-grown red Goldendoodle can be between 13 and 23.6 inches tall, with an average weight of about 25 to 75 pounds.

All in all, red Goldendoodle owners can expect their pets to be real-life teddy bears. With their curly coat and striking fur color, these dogs are sure to be a hit with everyone who meets them.

The following video shows a red mini Goldendoodle during its first year of life:

One year with our mini goldendoodle // Through the Months // f1b mini goldendoodle

Red Goldendoodle Coat Color Genetics

You are probably wondering what it takes to get the perfect red Goldendoodle coat color. The answer is three things: a good breeder, genetics, and a little bit of luck.

For starters, two pigments — eumelanin (black pigment) and phaeomelanin (red pigment) — control the fur color in dogs.

For a Goldendoodle puppy to be born with a red coat, both parents must carry and pass two copies of the recessive E locus to their offspring.

The E locus, also referred to as the e allele, is usually found in red Poodles and red Golden Retrievers, making them prime candidates for producing red Goldendoodle puppies.

Keep in mind, though, that mating two red Goldendoodles may not guarantee that all their puppies will have solid red coats. Some puppies may inherit other genes that lead to their hair being mottled or patchy in color.

In addition, since the Poodle carries the fading gene, which dilutes a dog’s color, you should expect that the coat on a red Goldendoodle puppy will turn into a lighter shade when fully grown.

Red Goldendoodle Temperament and Personality

Red Goldendoodle with an artificial lake in the background

Due to their vivid red fur color, you might think that the red Goldendoodle is a little fiery. However, in reality, their color says very little about their temperament.

The truth is that the temperament of a red Goldendoodle is something they inherit from their parents. Likewise, their overall disposition is also affected by their upbringing. 

That said, some traits of the Golden Retriever and Poodle breeds are present in this hybrid. For starters, the red Goldendoodle is intelligent and cheerful; however, this dog can also be stubborn and highly energetic at times.

Additionally, their Poodle parent is known as a one-man dog that tends to bond deeply with its main caretaker. This means your red Goldendoodle will likely be very attached to you — and possibly territorial over your home.

Therefore, you should socialize them early on by taking them to the beach, dog parks, hiking trails, and anywhere else where they will encounter other people and animals.

Red Goldendoodle Lifespan and Health Issues

Most red Goldendoodles live to be between 10 and 15 years old, though some have been known to live up to 20 years. Furthermore, hybrid vigor has been cited as a factor in their long life expectancy.

Having said that, red Goldendoodles come with their own set of health problems that you should be aware of.

The following are some of the health issues that red Goldendoodles can develop:

  • Aortic Stenosis: When the blood and nerve supply to the heart of a red Goldendoodle is blocked, this can lead to aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is a genetic disorder and is seen in many purebred dogs, including this hybrid’s red Poodle and Golden Retriever parents.
  • Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV): As a pet parent, knowing the red Goldendoodle dietary requirements should be one of your top priorities. Otherwise, you could be putting your dog at risk of developing GDV or bloat. It is a serious condition that can be fatal to canines if left untreated.
  • Hypoadrenocorticism or Addison’s Disease: Whether you own a red mini Goldendoodle or a standard version, the breed is prone to a condition called hypoadrenocorticism. This condition is usually not serious, but it can lead to life-threatening complications if not identified early.

As with other Doodle dogs, red Goldendoodles are prone to a broad spectrum of health concerns. One way to stay a step ahead of these health issues is by visiting the vet regularly and investing in pet insurance.

How Much Is a Red Goldendoodle? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Red Goldendoodle sitting on wooden flooring

In most cases, a red Goldendoodle puppy will run you between $1,500 and $3,000. But the price can go as high as $5,000 if you are looking for a high-quality red pup or one that comes from a top-notch breeder.

Conversely, if you are searching for a bargain on a red golden Doodle dog, it is possible to find one for around $200 to $1,000. However, this can only be accomplished by adopting from a Goldendoodle rescue or shelter.

It should be noted, though, that the cost of red Goldendoodle ownership is not just about the initial price tag; there are other expenses that come with owning a canine companion.

These expenses include food, treats, tick and bug bite medications, bedding, initial vet visits, and toys, to name a few.

For your convenience, the following table summarizes the initial expenses of owning a red Goldendoodle dog:

Type of ExpenseCost
Food and Treats$30 – $150
Bowls$10 – $40
Toys$20 – $100
Beds$30 – $300
Collars and Leashes$15 – $50
Crates and Carriers$30 – $500
Grooming Essentials$50 – $250
Initial Vet Visits$100 – $500
Initial Vaccine Shots$50 – $300
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$40 – $300
Neutering or Spaying$50 – $500
Microchipping$40 – $60
Dog License$10 – $20
Other Essentials$20 – $80
Total Initial Cost$495 – $3,150

For such a pup, it is apparent that the financial commitment is significant. Fortunately for you, there are Facebook groups dedicated to red Goldendoodles or the Goldendoodle breed in general. The members of these groups are always happy to answer questions and offer money-saving tips.

Places to Find Red Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Even though it is pretty challenging to produce red Goldendoodle puppies, there are some reputable Goldendoodle breeders that have an excellent success rate.

However, before you get the chance to meet them, you are going to need to do your research. This is crucial to avoid the pitfalls of purchasing from a puppy mill.

Here are some places where you can find red Goldendoodle puppies for sale:

  • American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – As a hybrid dog, red Goldendoodle puppies aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. Nonetheless, looking into their marketplace is a good idea. You can start by checking out their list of breeders that produce Poodles and Golden Retrievers.
  • Sunshine Acres Goldendoodles – Sunshine Acres Goldendoodles is a top-notch breeder of Goldendoodle pups. In fact, all their red Goldendoodle puppies for sale come with all of their shots and deworming, and they are even guaranteed against genetic defects.
  • Colorado Golden Doodlebugs – Producing dogs since 2000, Colorado Golden Doodlebugs has been a trusted source for F1 mini and standard red Goldendoodle puppies. Plus, if you buy one of their red mini Goldendoodle pups, they will give you a two-year health guarantee.
  • Fox Creek Farm Goldendoodles – Fox Creek Farm in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia offers a variety of Goldendoodle puppies. They’ve been breeding these friendly and healthy dogs since 1999, ensuring each one is ready for their forever home. All Goldendoodle puppies for sale can be delivered by car to many surrounding states including New York.

If you want to give a dog a second chance in life, refer to the following rescue organizations where you may find a red Goldendoodle available for adoption:

  • Doodle Rock Rescue – Doodle Rock Rescue focuses on rehabilitating purebred Poodles and Poodle mixes. However, adopting a red Goldendoodle from this rescue requires that you live within a 350-mile radius of Dallas or Fort Worth, Texas. Their adoption fees also typically range from $150 to $750.
  • Golden Retriever Rescue Resource – Servicing northwest Ohio, eastern Indiana, and southern Michigan areas, Golden Retriever Rescue is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to rescuing Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles from high-kill shelters. The average adoption fee for their red Goldendoodles is $600.
  • Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue – Committed to saving low-shedding dog breeds, Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue works hard to find homes for all its pooches, including red Goldendoodles. But note that this rescue’s adoption fee ranges between $300 and $1,000.

If none of the above locations could provide you with a red Goldendoodle, you may also consult Adopt-a-Pet which is a widely used platform for pet adoption.

Dog Name Ideas for Red Goldendoodle Puppies

Red Goldendoodle lying on the grass

Since red Goldendoodle puppies inherit some notable characteristics from their parents, their potential name pool is much broader than any other dog breed. Because of this, it may be overwhelming to choose the right name.

To help you out, here are some dog name ideas for female red Goldendoodle puppies:

  • Blaze
  • Maple
  • Ariel
  • Sienna
  • Ruby
  • Penny
  • Auburn
  • Ember
  • Carmine
  • Pumpkin
  • Molly
  • Luna
  • Rory
  • Pansy
  • Apple
  • Scarlet
  • Ellie
  • Rosie
  • Blossom
  • Cherry
  • Hazel
  • Lily
  • Blush
  • Lucy
  • Kyra

On the other hand, listed below are a few dog name ideas for male red Goldendoodle puppies:

  • Chesnut
  • Redford
  • Bear
  • Crimson
  • Charlie
  • Reed
  • Lava
  • Elmo
  • Brick
  • Clifford
  • Rufus
  • Nemo
  • Fred
  • Rusty
  • Cheddar
  • Spark
  • Bruno
  • Piper
  • Weasley
  • Duke
  • Cooper
  • Bentley
  • Timber
  • Choco
  • Henry

If you own a miniature red Goldendoodle puppy, or perhaps a standard or medium red Goldendoodle one, its size can also be a factor in deciding on a name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Goldendoodle sitting in the woods

Do Red Goldendoodles Shed?

Yes, red Goldendoodles do shed. However, it is worth noting that they shed less fur than their Golden Retriever parent.

That said, the curly coats of red Goldendoodles still require daily brushing to keep them from matting up.

In the same manner, to maintain the teddy bear appearance of your standard, Moyen, or red mini Goldendoodle, bringing it to a professional groomer once every six weeks will be beneficial.

Are Red Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Red Goldendoodles are not entirely hypoallergenic, as there is no such thing as a 100 percent hypoallergenic dog. However, they are less likely to cause allergic reactions than other dogs.

Hence, if you are an allergy sufferer, you might want to give the red teddy bear Goldendoodle a chance.

Just make sure to consult your doctor first, as many have noted that dander exposure can be life-threatening.

What Is the Rarest Goldendoodle Color?

Generally speaking, the rarest Goldendoodle coat colors are those that require multi-generational breeding, such as blue, silver, and gray. The same goes for parti-colored Goldendoodle pups.

Will My Goldendoodle Stay Red?

Like with purebred dogs, red Goldendoodles change color over time. It may turn into a lighter shade of red or, in rare cases, a deep cinnamon red.

But if your canine’s coat changes into a different color altogether and you are wondering if you can make your Goldendoodle’s fur red again, do not worry.

While there is no natural way to reverse the process, pet-safe hair dyes are an option for getting your dog back to its original red coat.

Final Thoughts

The teddy bear-looking red Goldendoodle is the perfect combination of wits and cuteness. As an added bonus, this mixed-breed dog doesn’t shed as much as other canines do.

One should note, though, that breeding Goldendoodles with such coat type and color can be difficult, as many variations in the genes lead to different results. Because of this, the red Goldendoodle is typically rare and pricey.

All in all, these red Doodles have personality traits that make them great for families. They’re devoted, friendly, and active dogs that love to play and cuddle.

In fact, many red Goldendoodles end up as therapy pups due to their fondness for people and inherent intelligence.

So, if you’re ready to bring home a red Goldendoodle, let us know by leaving a comment below!

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