The well-sought-after Goldendoodle hybrid, popular for its adorable looks and playful temperament, comes in a wide variety of colors, including the rare chocolate Goldendoodle.
Despite this being quite hard to find and more expensive due to its rarity, dog lovers still go to great lengths for them to take home a chocolate Goldendoodle, and it’s easy to understand why.
This guide provides an overview of the chocolate Goldendoodle’s appearance and behavior. It also discusses the costs of owning this dog so future owners can decide whether this is the best breed for them.
What Is a Chocolate Goldendoodle?
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A chocolate Goldendoodle is a cross of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This hybrid is characterized by its chocolate-colored coat, which is one of the breed’s rarest colors. Generally, chocolate Goldendoodles are much like other Goldendoodle varieties, as they are also smart, friendly, and playful.
For starters, the chocolate Goldendoodle is among the 13 Goldendoodles colors we have to date.
Like the other colors of this mixed breed dog, chocolate Goldendoodles can come in patterns like sable, parti, merle, brindle, tuxedo, phantom, and abstract.
However, since chocolate Goldendoodles are hybrid dogs, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other international purebred dog registries.
This is why these beautifully-colored dogs cannot show off their coats and stunning looks in conformation shows organized by the AKC. The same is true with other Golden Retriever and Poodle mixes.
Are Chocolate Goldendoodles Rare?
Unfortunately, chocolate Goldendoodles are quite rare. The chocolate color is a recessive gene, which means both parents need to carry the chocolate color gene to produce a Goldendoodle.
Producing a chocolate Goldendoodle can be quite difficult because Golden Retrievers do not have the chocolate gene. Thus, breeders need to breed a Poodle with a Goldendoodle that carries the gene.
However, while it may take some time to find a breeder that produces this color, the chocolate Goldendoodle is not as rare as blue, gray, and silver Goldendoodles.
Chocolate Goldendoodle Appearance
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The appearance of brown Goldendoodles is very similar to every other Goldendoodle. Apart from their chocolate-colored coats, they possess the same traits and features that characterize Goldendoodles.
On average, a standard Goldendoodle is a medium-sized dog that typically grows about 23 to 29 inches in height and weighs 60 to 85 pounds.
However, do not be surprised to find Toy, Miniature, and medium-sized Goldendoodles. Their size will depend on what Poodle size variation was used in the breeding process.
Chocolate Goldendoodles may also feature a soft-textured coat that can either be curly, wavy, or straight. Furthermore, these dogs have slightly elongated, well-built, and muscular bodies.
Its face is characterized by long eyebrows, mustaches, and proportionate muzzles. Its oval eyes often come in dark brown or blue.
As with any other mixed-breed dog, the appearance of chocolate Goldendoodles can vary widely depending on which parent has more dominant genes.
However, it is best to personally verify the Poodle size used in breeding. That way, you will have a more accurate expectation of the size of your dog when it’s fully grown.
To get a visual idea of what this dog looks like, you can watch this video of a chocolate Goldendoodle in training:
Brew - 8MO Chocolate Golden Doodle | Two Week Transformation | Best Dog Trainers Arkansas<a href="https://youtu.be/SVf6ViMYi6s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FSVf6ViMYi6s%2F0.jpg" alt="Brew - 8MO Chocolate Golden Doodle | Two Week Transformation | Best Dog Trainers Arkansas" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Chocolate Goldendoodle Coat Color Genetics
The color of the chocolate Goldendoodles is caused by a recessive gene. This means that a pair of the “b” gene or the recessive brown gene is needed to produce a chocolate Goldendoodle.
In simpler terms, it is impossible to produce a chocolate Goldendoodle by randomly mating a Golden Retriever and a chocolate-colored Poodle. This is because Golden Retrievers do not have the recessive brown gene.
That said, to produce a chocolate or brown Goldendoodle, breeders need to mate chocolate Poodles with Goldendoodles carrying the chocolate gene.
The problem, however, is that not every Goldendoodle has the said gene. The generation of the Goldendoodle matters a lot to breeders who want to end up with a chocolate Goldendoodle.
Often, breeders use F1B Goldendoodles as they have about 75% more Poodle genes, which means they are more likely to have a chocolate coat color or may carry the recessive brown gene.
While there are also instances when breeding with F1 Goldendoodles, or those with a 50% Poodle gene, results in a chocolate-colored Goldendoodle, this is very rare and often a hit-or-miss breeding situation.
Do Chocolate Goldendoodles Stay Brown?
Chocolate Goldendoodles change their coat color as they grow older. Their coat color may fade to silvery beige or light brown.
While this is completely normal as part of their natural aging process, there are also health problems that may cause your chocolate Goldendoodle’s coat to have a pale color.
Do All Chocolate Goldendoodles Fade?
Most, but not all, chocolate Goldendoodles fade to a light brown or silvery beige color as they mature. This is a very normal process that Goldendoodles of certain colors, such as chocolate and black, undergo.
It is best to check your chocolate Goldendoodle’s parents so that you can set realistic expectations for your dog’s coat color when it is fully grown and mature.
Why Is My Chocolate Goldendoodle Turning White?
As previously mentioned, the color of chocolate Goldendoodles fades to a light brown, often a silvery beige, as they mature. This process is called “silvering” and is very common in chocolate and black Goldendoodles.
Unfortunately, the genes for silvering have not yet been isolated, making it difficult to predict whether silvering will occur in your dog. There is currently no genetic testing available that can determine silvering in Goldendoodles.
Chocolate Goldendoodle Temperament and Personality
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Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are known to be even-tempered and affectionate, making them great family companions. That is why you can expect no less from chocolate Goldendoodles.
Chocolate Goldendoodles are friendly dogs. They love getting attention, which is why they love being around people. They do not shy away from strangers, making them not good as guard dogs.
However friendly as these dogs may seem, brown Goldendoodles have favorites, just like their Poodle parents. They tend to cling to one person in the household.
If you have kids at home, you should not worry about getting them along with your chocolate Goldendoodle, as they are very gentle and patient with kids. However, as always, it is best to supervise them.
Likewise, this hybrid is also a great option if you have other animals living at home.
The problem, however, is that chocolate Goldendoodles do not thrive when left alone for long periods. These dogs are so highly social that they are prone to developing separation anxiety when left alone.
Given the right amount of attention, love, and care, a chocolate Goldendoodle will make a great addition to any family. These natural charmers will surely please you with their natural humor and wit.
Chocolate Goldendoodle Lifespan and Health Issues
The chocolate Goldendoodle is a generally healthy breed that lives between 10 and 15 years, given enough love, care, and a proper diet. This hybrid lives as long as its Golden Retriever and Poodle parents’ lifespans.
However, since both its parents are predisposed to various health issues, chocolate Goldendoodles are also prone to developing or acquiring some of them.
Here are some of the most common health problems seen in chocolate Goldendoodles:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is common in both Golden Retrievers and Standard Poodles, making chocolate Goldendoodles susceptible to the same problem. This health issue occurs when the hip joints fail to develop normally, resulting in the dislocation of the ball and socket.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Although progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a non-painful condition, this inherited eye disease progresses slowly over time, eventually leading to complete blindness in dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure available for PRA, but most dogs adapt well to their vision loss and continue to have a good life, given proper care and support.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: Von Willebrand’s disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects both dogs and humans. It is caused by a lack of protein, which is required to assist platelets in forming clots to seal broken blood arteries. In affected dogs, uncontrolled bleeding may cause death.
As always, it is important to have your chocolate Goldendoodle routinely examined by a qualified veterinarian. This is to ensure that your dog is in good condition and avoids serious health conditions.
How Much Does a Chocolate Goldendoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
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The average chocolate Goldendoodle’s price may range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the dog’s size, quality, bloodline, and the breeder’s reputation.
You should note, though, that the expenses do not end there. On top of the dog’s price, you also need funds to cover your dog’s supplies and vaccines.
The initial costs of owning a brown Goldendoodle puppy are summarized in the table below:
Potential chocolate Golden Doodle owners should prepare a budget between $605 and $2,240. This will cover the initial cost associated with rehoming your dog.
To give you a more in-depth idea about the cost of having this hybrid, you can read about the cost of owning a Goldendoodle.
Places to Find Chocolate Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a chocolate Goldendoodle can be quite challenging because of its rarity. The good news is that you don’t have to start your search from scratch, as we have some leads where you can get one.
Here are some places you can contact to begin your search for a brown Goldendoodle for sale:
AKC Marketplace – AKC Marketplace only lists litters that are AKC-registered. This ensures that you are acquiring a dog from a trustworthy breeder. Although the site focuses on purebred dogs, you can inquire with Golden Retriever and Poodle breeders to see if they have chocolate Goldendoodles.
Stormie’s Doodles – This Central Florida-based breeder is focused on producing Doodles of different sizes, including Mini, Medium, and Standard chocolate Goldendoodles. Their breeding dogs have been health tested and cleared for genetic diseases, ensuring a healthy puppy to take home with you.
High Mesa Doodles – High Mesa Doodles is a Colorado-based kennel specializing in breeding Goldendoodles that are healthy and problem-free. They cater to every Goldendoodle color, which is why you have a huge chance of getting your chocolate Goldendoodle from them.
For more resources, you can look through our Goldendoodle breeders list. Likewise, you can also check out our Golden Retriever and Poodle breeder recommendations if you are looking for more breeder options.
Additionally, our puppy-buying guide will be very helpful in giving you added information on how you can safely find the chocolate Goldendoodle of your dreams.
Aside from buying from a breeder, you can also adopt from an animal shelter or rescue group. By adopting, you help reduce the number of homeless animals and save money on fees associated with buying a pet.
Here are some places where you can find a chocolate Goldendoodle for adoption:
IDOG Rescue – This foster-based dog rescue organization has been rescuing abandoned and surrendered Goldendoodles since 2006. They cater to Goldendoodles regardless of bloodline, color, and size, so there is a huge chance they have a chocolate Goldendoodle up for adoption.
Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect – Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect is primarily an owner-surrender rescue. This means they cater to Goldendoodle owners and breeders who can no longer care for their dogs. They may have chocolate Goldendoodles available, so it’s best to check them out often.
Doodle Rock Rescue – This Texas-based organization was established in 2017 with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused, neglected, and abandoned Doodles, including chocolate Goldendoodles. They place them in temporary foster homes before finding a perfect forever home.
You can refer to our list of Goldendoodle rescues for a better chance of finding a chocolate Goldendoodle.
Likewise, since most rescues cater to both purebred and hybrid dogs, you may also have luck finding a chocolate Goldendoodle in one of our Golden Retriever or Poodle rescue recommendations.
Dog Name Ideas for Chocolate Goldendoodle Puppies
Naming a new dog can be daunting, especially for novice owners. However, with this list of name ideas for chocolate Goldendoodles, choosing a name will be quick and easy.
Here are some name ideas for your male chocolate Goldendoodle:
Choco
Chuckie
Coco
Latte
Coffee
Toffee
Peanut
Brownie
Chip
Bailey
Chuck
Russell
Jack
Wally
Whiskey
Bean
Fudge
Bear
Pepper
Bruno
Meanwhile, here are some female chocolate Goldendoodle names that you can use:
Sandy
Kaka
Mochi
Nugget
Waffle
Chewy
Mocha
Reese
Cupcake
Bambi
Princess
Roxy
Lilly
Daisy
Luna
Bela
Stella
Nutella
Tootsie
While giving your dog a fancy name is excellent, a short and simple name makes it easier for you to command the dog during training. Still, pick a name you will enjoy calling your dog for the rest of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Chocolate Goldendoodles Shed?
Chocolate Goldendoodles shed like any other dog, but they shed less than other breeds. These adorable dogs are considered to be low-shedding, so you would hardly notice fur around the house.
It is best to always keep up with regular brushing and grooming, as this will help keep the amount of your dog’s shedding to a minimum.
Are Chocolate Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
To set things straight, chocolate Goldendoodles are not hypoallergenic dogs. This is contrary to the popular belief that Goldendoodles are completely hypoallergenic dogs.
However, this dog breed is one of the best choices for allergy sufferers because, even though they shed, the dander and fur they produce are manageable.
That said, people with allergies can live comfortably with these dogs, especially if routine grooming procedures are followed.
What Is the Rarest Color of Goldendoodles?
The rarest colors of the Goldendoodle are blue, gray, and silver. These colors result from multi-generational breeding, meaning F2 and subsequent generations have been bred to produce them.
Aside from these solid coat colors, the parti and phantom patterns in Goldendoodles are quite rare too.
At What Age Do Goldendoodles Lose Their Puppy Coat?
While there is no standard age when your Goldendoodle will transition from a puppy coat to an adult coat, experienced owners and breeders say it happens anywhere between 4 and 8 months old.
Some Goldendoodles will gradually lose their puppy coat, while the change is sudden for others. There are also instances where owners do not notice that their dog is losing its puppy coat.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Goldendoodles have become one of the most popular designer dogs, and it’s easy to understand why. With this hybrid’s wit, intelligence, and friendly personality, anyone would be happy to own one.
While this dog may be suitable for everyone, not everyone can provide the unconditional love, attention, and lifetime commitment that the chocolate Goldendoodle requires.
For this reason, it is important for people wanting to take home a chocolate Goldendoodle to really look into their financial capability and long-term plans before deciding to buy one.
Are you ready for the lifetime responsibility of a chocolate Goldendoodle owner? Let us know in the comments!
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