Goldendoodles come in a wide spectrum of colors and patterns. Of all these combinations, one of the most intriguing yet confusing types to prospective owners is the phantom Goldendoodle.
In this article we’ll explain what exactly a phantom Goldendoodle is, as well as answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this color combination. Throughout the article, we’ll feature some photos of both phantom Goldendoodles puppies and adults so you know what to expect!
What is a Phantom Goldendoodle?
Phantom is a coat pattern in Goldendoodles that consists of two colors in specific locations. The coat of a phantom Goldendoodle consists of a primary color with markings of a secondary color located on the eyebrows, muzzle, chest, lower legs, and sometimes under the tail or inside the ears.
Phantom markings can be referred to as “Dobie markings” due to their similarity to the traditional coat patterns of Dobermans, Manchester Terriers, or Yorkies. Phantom markings are very similar to those of a Tuxedo Goldendoodle, but with more strict criteria.
Black and tan phantom Goldendoodles are the most common color combination, but there are other potential options as well which we’ll discuss later.
Are Phantom Goldendoodles Rare?
While it’s not uncommon for Goldendoodles to have multi-colored coats, phantom markings are incredibly rare. This is due to the very specific criteria for where the secondary color should appear on the dog’s coat.
While this color pattern may be rare to come across, the good news is that it’s quite obvious to spot. Phantom markings don’t develop over time, so the coat pattern you see on phantom puppies is what you should expect them to look like as adults.
Goldendoodles aren’t the only Poodle mix breed that can have phantom markings! There are many phantom Doodle crosses like Bernedoodles, Aussiedoodles, Labradoodles, and Cockapoos just to name a few!
Color Options
Phantom isn’t a color, but rather a pattern of markings. This means that Goldendoodles can come in a variety of color combinations yet still be considered a phantom. Let’s take a look at the four main types, categorized by their primary colors…
Black Phantom Goldendoodle
Black phantom Goldendoodles are by far the most common type. The black primary color of their coat can be paired with a number of secondary colors including…
- Black and Tan
- Black and Red
- Black and Cream
- Black and Gray
- Black and Silver
- Black and Apricot
- Black and Brown
- Black and White
By far, the most common phantom colored Goldendoodle combination is the traditional black and tan look that resembles a Doberman.
Silver Phantom Goldendoodle
Silver is the next most common primary color for this coat pattern. It is usually pared with the secondary color of cream.
Red Phantom Goldendoodle
Red as the primary color for phantom markings is extremely hard to come across. When you do see it, it’s almost always paired with an apricot, cream, or white secondary color.
Learn More: Apricot Goldendoodles: 10 Things You Didn’t Know!
Chocolate Phantom Goldendoodle
Chocolate, or dark brown, is the last primary color option for the phantom pattern. Just like with red phantom dogs, the secondary color for chocolate phantoms is often apricot, cream, or white.
Phantom Goldendoodle Sizes (Teacup, Toy, Mini, Medium, Standard)
Like any color of Goldendoodle, phantoms can come in the teacup, toy, mini, medium, or standard variety. The two most common sizes are standard and mini phantom Goldendoodles.
Phantom mini Goldendoodles will usually weigh between 20-30 pounds and have a height of 16-18 inches. Standards will be significantly bigger with an average height of 19-25 inches and weight of 40-85 pounds.
Read More: Goldendoodle Size Full Grown: How Big Do Goldendoodles Get? (Teacup, Toy, Mini, Medium, Standard)
Phantom Goldendoodle Price
Expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for a phantom Goldendoodle from a reputable breeder. This amount is more than double the average price of a Goldendoodle!
Prices can vary based on a Goldendoodle puppy’s generation, the location of the breeder, the size you want, and other factors. However, phantoms will always cost more than other Goldendoodle colors due to how rare and unique they are.
Be prepared to not only pay a large amount of money, but also to spend a significant amount of time on a breeder’s waitlist before taking home a Goldendoodle puppy with these markings.
Health Issues
There are no known health issues that are specifically related to the phantom coat pattern. In fact, Goldendoodles are generally considered a healthy breed overall. However, your puppy will still be susceptible to the common health issues of both the Poodles and Golden Retrievers.
I strongly advise ALL Goldendoodle owners to invest in pet insurance as early in their dog’s life as possible—ideally as soon as you bring them home! While there are many companies out there to get quotes from, two highly rated options include Healthy Paws and Embrace.
Shedding & Allergies
Like any Goldendoodle, phantoms are not guaranteed to be hypoallergenic or non-shedding.
The color your Goldendoodle is doesn’t have any impact on whether they’ll be more or less allergy-friendly.
Read More: Do Goldendoodles Shed? The TRUTH About Goldendoodle Shedding
These traits are determined by the DNA your dog inherits. The best way to ensure your Goldendoodle has the best odds of being hypoallergenic and non-shedding is to choose a generation with more Poodle DNA.
F1BB and F2BB Goldendoodles have the best odds at being allergy-friendly with F1B and F2B being the next best options. Keep in mind, the more Poodle DNA your dog inherits, the curlier and harder to maintain their coat will be.
In my opinion, one of the best investments you can make as as new Goldendoodle owner is in a quality slicker brush. My favorite is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush which is available on Amazon.
Temperament
Goldendoodles have wonderful temperaments to go along with their adorable appearance! They are incredibly affectionate and love being around people, so it’s no surprise that they make great cuddle buddies!
That being said, all that affection and love can have some negative side-effects as well. Goldendoodles tend to be a bit clingy and can be prone to separation anxiety. This probably isn’t the breed for you if someone won’t be home most of the day!
Extremely friendly and oftentimes a bit silly, Goldendoodles are eager to please their humans. They are fairly easy to train but they can be a bit sensitive, so do your best to have patience and don’t be overly harsh.
Temperament primarily is influenced by your puppy’s parents and ancestry. While it’s not surprising to learn that your Goldendoodle’s color doesn’t impact their temperament, contrary to popular belief, a puppy’s gender doesn’t significantly influence it either!
Where to Find Phantom Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale
Ready to add a phantom Goldendoodle to your family? While you may get extremely lucky and find one in a shelter, the odds are minuscule due to the popularity of Goldendoodles and the rarity of this color pattern.
Pet stores are another option, but not one that is recommended. You’ll likely pay far more than you would from a breeder and you take the risk that the store may get their puppies from large, commercial breeders a.k.a. “puppy mills.”
A reputable breeder is your best bet to find a Goldendoodle with these specific markings. You’ll want to do plenty of research as there are many puppy mills, backyard breeders, and outright scammers you’ll have to navigate around.
Luckily, we have an article dedicated to showing you how you find reputable Goldendoodle breeders while spotting potential red flags. If you’re ready to start searching for your future best friend, click here to read the article!