Thinking about adding an apricot Goldendoodle puppy to your family? You’re probably well aware of how adorable they are…but there’s much more to them than that!
In this article, we’ll reveal 10 lesser-known facts about this wonderful color of Goldendoodle…
1. Apricot vs Red Goldendoodle: They’re Not the Same!
The most common misconception about apricot Goldendoodles is that they’re essentially the same thing as red Goldendoodles. If you’re not a color connoisseur, it’s easy to understand why some people may think this.
What is the difference between Red vs Apricot Goldendoodles? An apricot Goldendoodle is a lighter color, similar to that of the inside of a peach. A red Goldendoodle, on the other hand, is much darker and similar to the typical color of an Irish Setter.
There certainly can be some shades in-between these two colors. However, both apricot and red are separate, distinct colors and are recognized as such by almost every Goldendoodle breeder.
2. They Can Be Multi-Colored
While plain apricot is an adorable color for a puppy, there are several color combinations that are also super cute!
The most common variation is an apricot and white Goldendoodle. Typically apricot is the main color with white patches around the chest, face, or paws.
Other times, you’ll see apricot and white Goldendoodles where most of a dog’s coat is white with apricot in a few places. These are also called apricot parti Goldendoodles, assuming at least 50% of their coat is white.
3. Apricot is a Relatively Inexpensive Goldendoodle Color
Many people don’t realize that, more often than not, breeders charge different prices for Goldendoodles depending on their colors or patterns.
The cost of a Goldendoodle can vary significantly, but our survey of over 300 owners showed the average amount spent was $1,500.
If you’re hoping for a completely apricot colored puppy, you’re in luck! Solid color puppies, like apricots, tend to be the most economical choice. However, if your heart is set on an apricot and white or a parti Goldendoodle, you should be prepared to shell out an extra $200 to $1,000.
4. An Apricot Goldendoodle Looks Adorable with Long or Short Hair
While every Goldendoodle owner has their own preferences as to how their dogs get groomed, apricot Goldendoodles look great with both long and short haircuts!
Here’s an example of a basic puppy cut that is common as they get older and used to being groomed.
There are many different haircut styles for Goldendoodles that range anywhere from basic to exotic! Two of the most common are the teddybear cut and the summer cut.
Here’s an example of a teddybear haircut. It’s on the longer end but gives your pup that classic doodle look that everyone loves.
Alternatively, you can keep your Goldendoodle’s hair shorter with a summer cut. Don’t be fooled by the name, some owners choose this look year-round due to it’s much simpler maintenance.
It’s a personal choice, but in my opinion you can’t go wrong either way!
5. Their Coat Can Be a Variety of Textures
You’ll notice that some apricot Goldendoodles have extremely curly hair while others have a straighter or wavy coat.
What kind of coat texture your puppy will have as an adult depends on their genetics. Generations of Goldendoodles that are more similar in DNA to a Poodle are more likely to be on the curlier side. Goldendoodles with more Retriever DNA in them will often have wavy or even flat coats.
If you’re confused by what generations mean, don’t worry! We have an article all about Goldendoodle generations that will help you decipher them and explain how they effect coat texture!
As an over-simplified rule of thumb, curlier coats tend to mean higher maintenance with grooming and brushing. Straighter coats on the other hand are easier to avoid tangles and matting but may have a higher potential for shedding.
Regardless of hair texture, you should invest in a high-quality brush to keep your Goldendoodle’s coat looking good and free of mats. Our recommendation is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. It’s pricey, but I promise it’s 100% worth it!
6. They Aren’t Always Hypoallergenic and Non-Shedding
Goldendoodles are often a common choice for potential owners who have allergies or would like to avoid the constant cleaning that comes with having a shedding dog.
However, what many people don’t realize is that Goldendoodles aren’t guaranteed to be hypoallergenic or non-shedding. In fact, depending on which generation of puppy you get, it may not even be likely at all!
If you have severe allergies and are looking for a new puppy, you may want to consider either a purebred hypoallergenic breed like the Poodle or perhaps a mix-breed comprised of two hypoallergenic parents such as the Maltipoo or the Schnoodle!
If you only have mild allergies or your heart is set on a Goldendoodle, consider a generation that is “backcrossed” to the Poodle at least once if not twice—for example an F1B or an F1BB. This will help give you the best odds of being able to live harmoniously with your future dog.
We also have some great tips on how to best manage a canine that sheds in this article on Goldendoodle shedding!
7. A Goldendoodle’s Coat Can Change Color Over Time
A Goldendoodle’s puppy coat and their adult coat don’t always look the same. Often, along with this comes some changes in color over time.
Recognize that your Goldendoodle’s apricot coat may fade or change as they grow older. If you have a bi-colored Goldendoodle, their markings may fade, change, or disappear as well.
Your breeder may be able to give you an idea of whether this may happen based on your puppy’s parents, but keep in mind that genetics are extremely tough to predict!
8. Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover: Goldendoodles Have Amazing Personalities!
With all this talk about your future Goldendoodle’s appearance, don’t forget the reason you’re getting a dog to in the first place—their personality!
Goldendoodles are an intelligent and extremely affectionate breed. They tend to make friends easily wherever they go and have a goofy side that people fall in love with!
Don’t believe me? See some of these silly sleeping positions Goldendoodles love!
9. Rescuing an Apricot Goldendoodle is an Option
Since apricot is a fairly common color of Goldendoodle, that means that you may have the option to rescue one instead of purchasing from a breeder.
There are pros and cons to adopting a Goldendoodle that you should be aware of. While you’re making a huge difference in the life of a dog that has been through rough times, not every family is a great candidate for adoption.
For more information, check out our Goldendoodle Rescue Directory which lists shelters and rescue organizations who may have Goldendoodles available. It’ll also give you more information on whether adoption is right for your family!
10. There Are Lots of Other Adorable Goldendoodle Colors to Choose From!
Apricot is just one of the wide variety of Goldendoodle color options available! Other solid colors include cream Goldendoodles and black Goldendoodles.
There are also lots of amazing multi-colored options like phantom Goldendoodles, sable Goldendoodles, and tuxedo Goldendoodles!