Goldendoodles are known for their teddy bear looks, lovable personalities, and hypoallergenic coats—but did you know they come in a wide rainbow of colors, too? These adorable fluffballs are as diverse in appearance as they are in temperament, with shades ranging from classic cream to deep chocolate and even rare merle patterns.
Thanks to their Poodle and Golden Retriever parents, PetMD states that Goldendoodle puppies inherit not just smarts and charm, but a variety of coat colors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a dog with an apricot glow, a rich red hue, or a whimsical phantom pattern, there’s a Goldendoodle out there to match your style.
Here, we’ll take a colorful journey through the most popular and eye-catching Golden doodle coat colors. We’ll also touch on what these colors might mean in terms of genetics, grooming, and even personality (yep, there are rumors!).
So, if you’re trying to decide which doodle shade suits your heart (and your sofa), let’s unravel the rainbow of Goldendoodle coats together.
Types of Goldendoodle Colors
1. Apricot Goldendoodle
Imagine the warm, fuzzy hue you’d find inside a ripe peach, and you’ve got an Apricot Goldendoodle. It’s a sweet, soft red with creamy undertones—warmer than cream, but gentler than red. Basically, if comfort had a color, this would be it.
Fun Fact:
Apricot is one of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) officially recognized Poodle colors. So yes, your doodle is fancy.
Common Misconception:
People often confuse Apricot with Red Goldendoodles. While they may look like siblings, Red is much deeper and bolder—Apricot is more of the golden-hour version.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✅ Apricot Goldendoodles look like plush toys brought to life. Their coloring gives off an inviting, warm vibe—and bonus, they’re incredibly photogenic for your Instagram feed.
2. Black Goldendoodle
Sleek, shiny, and undeniably chic, Black Goldendoodles are the James Bonds of the doodle world. Their luscious black coats make them stand out in a sea of golds and creams. Think velvet with paws.
Why So Rare?
Both the Golden Retriever and Poodle parents must carry the recessive black gene, which is kind of like the unicorn of the gene pool.
Full-Body Blackout:
It’s not just the fur—Black doodles often have black noses, black paw pads, and even dark eyes. They’re like tiny panthers who just want to snuggle.
Allergy-Friendly Bonus:
Many Black Goldendoodles have low-shedding, wavy or curly coats, making them a great pick for folks with allergies or those who just prefer fur-free furniture.
3. Cream Goldendoodle
Cream Goldendoodles are what dreams are made of—especially if your dreams include cuddling a living teddy bear. These dogs are often called English Cream Goldendoodles, and they have a sturdier build, rounder features, and a gentler look than their American cousins.
Teddy Bear Alert:
Their soft, light coats and chunky heads make them look like they were handcrafted at a stuffed animal factory.
Breeder Buzz:
Some breeders use the term “English Cream” for any light-colored Goldendoodle, but technically, it refers to lineage—English Golden Retrievers crossed with Poodles.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✅ They radiate gentle vibes, and their creamy coat gives off that elegant, timeless appeal. They’re also easier to spot in a dark room—just saying.
4. Red Goldendoodle
Looking for a doodle with drama, flair, and photo-shoot energy? Enter the Red Goldendoodle. These fiery charmers have coats ranging from deep mahogany to ruby red, and they’re always ready for their close-up.
Color Magic:
Red is a dominant gene in Poodles, which makes it more likely for pups to inherit it if a Red Poodle is involved in the mix.
Not Just a Pretty Coat:
Their vibrant color often pairs with big, bubbly personalities. Red doodles are known for being playful, outgoing, and total attention magnets at the dog park.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✅ If you’re looking for a doodle that’s as bold as your morning espresso, the Red Goldendoodle is your go-to. Just be prepared for people to stop you on the street and ask, “OMG, what breed is that?!”
5. Sable Goldendoodle
Sable Goldendoodles are the chameleons of the doodle world. Their coats look like they’ve been artfully toasted, with dark tips over a lighter base. Born dark, their fur lightens over time, leaving just the black or dark brown tips, giving them a rich, dimensional look.
What Does “Sable” Mean?
It refers to the black-tipped hairs on a base of another color—think toasted marshmallow vibes. The coat might include shades of cream, red, chocolate, or even silver underneath.
No Two Sables Are Alike:
Their coat pattern is completely unique, like a fingerprint made of fur.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✅ Sable Goldendoodles have that mysterious, “I woke up like this” look. They’re edgy yet cuddly—a perfect combination of cool and cozy.
6. Merle Goldendoodle
If Goldendoodles were painted by an abstract artist, the Merle Goldendoodle would be the result. With swirls, blotches, and marbled patterns of gray, blue, black, and white, this coat is nothing short of mesmerizing.
The Rarest of the Rare:
The Merle gene doesn’t exist in Golden Retrievers, so breeders introduce a Merle Poodle to get this dazzling effect, making the genetic pool smaller and the doodle more unique.
Health Note:
Merle should never be bred to Merle—it can cause serious health issues in puppies, including blindness and deafness. Ethical breeding is key!
Why You’ll Love Them:
✅ If you want a dog that looks like it just walked out of an art exhibit, the Merle Goldendoodle is your pick. Be prepared for compliments and curious stares everywhere you go.
7. Chocolate Goldendoodle
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got the sweet and decadent Chocolate Goldendoodle. These pups look like they’ve been dipped in cocoa and sprinkled with love. Their deep brown curls can range from milk chocolate to dark espresso.
What’s in the Genes?
Chocolate coats often fade with age, turning into silver or smoky hues. That’s thanks to a recessive gene that adds a little mystery to the mix.
Soft, Silky, and Swoon-Worthy:
Their coats are often super soft and low-shedding, making them perfect cuddle companions for anyone who wants a snuggly pup without the fur tornado.
Why You’ll Love Them:
✅ If your love language is “touch,” the Chocolate Goldendoodle’s plush, huggable coat will fill your heart (and lap). Plus, they match perfectly with warm wood floors and fall vibes. Interior design win!
Unique Goldendoodle Colors & Patterns: Rare and Remarkable
While Goldendoodles are already famous for their irresistible teddy bear appearance, some come dressed in coats so unique they deserve their own red carpet. These rare and especially unique Goldendoodle colors and patterns aren’t just beautiful—they’re eye-catching, conversation-starting, and often one-of-a-kind.
Let’s unravel the most extraordinary coats that make these doods stand out in any dog park crowd
1. Phantom Goldendoodle
Two-toned perfection! Phantoms have a dark base (like black or chocolate) with tan or cream markings on their eyebrows, chest, legs, and under the tail—basically a built-in tuxedo. Dapper and rare!
2. Parti Goldendoodle
These pups are 50% white with fun splashes of color—apricot, red, or black. Think confetti but furrier. The result? A total showstopper with party vibes.
3. Tuxedo Goldendoodle
Tuxedo doodles have a solid base (often black or red) with white on the chest, belly, and paws—like they’re always dressed to impress. Fancy, but still playful.
4. Brindle Goldendoodle
Sporting tiger-like stripes over a fawn or red base, brindle doodles are eye-catching and exotic. Rare, bold, and full of personality.
5. Abstract Goldendoodle
Mostly solid-colored with fun white markings on the chest, chin, or feet. It’s like their coat got a creative splash of paint—subtle but striking.
Whether you love tuxedo-classy or brindle-bold, these unique Goldendoodles are proof that no two doods are alike—and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Conclusion
Whether you’re vibing with a fiery red, swooning over soft cream, or drawn to the rare beauty of Merle or Sable, one thing’s for sure: Doodle puppies are more than just a pretty face—they’re walking, barking bundles of joy.
These colorful coats don’t just offer visual variety—they come with personalities as rich as their shades. But don’t stress too much about the color. At the end of the day, the best doodle is the one that curls up next to you, licks your face, and makes your heart melt. Because let’s be real: once that fluffball gives you those puppy eyes, you won’t care if they’re apricot or aquamarine.
