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If you are looking for a new dog to add to your family, the apricot Goldendoodle may be the perfect choice. This breed is a mix of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
They are known for being friendly, intelligent, and good with children. This post covers everything you need to know about the apricot Goldendoodle before deciding if they are right for you.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Is An Apricot Goldendoodle?
An apricot Goldendoodle has a light red coat color. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle and have become increasingly popular over the past few years.
These dogs are known for being friendly, intelligent, and good with children. They come in three different sizes: standard, medium, and miniature.
Are Apricot Goldendoodles Rare?
While it’s true that apricot Goldendoodles are not as common as other coat colors, they are certainly not rare. In fact, apricot is one of the more popular colors for Goldendoodles.
The reason for this is simple: apricot is a beautiful color that is unique but not too flashy. It’s also not genetically rare to breed this coat color in Goldendoodles which contributes to how common they’ve become.
Apricot Goldendoodle Vs Red Goldendoodle
When it comes to choosing a Goldendoodle, there are two main coat colors to choose from apricot and red. Both of these colors are stunning, but they do have some subtle differences.
Apricot Goldendoodles tend to have lighter coats with peach undertones. This can be beneficial if you live in an area with hot summers, as it means your dog won’t get as overheated.
Apricot Goldendoodles also tend to have more of a curly coat, which some people find more attractive than the wavier coat of a red Goldendoodle.
Meanwhile, red Goldendoodles typically have richer, darker coats.
In terms of personality, there is no real difference between the two colors.
However, some people believe that apricot Goldendoodles are slightly more energetic and playful, while red Goldendoodles are more laid-back and calm.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Apricot Goldendoodle Color Genetics: How Do You Get An Apricot Goldendoodle?
Unlike other Goldendoodles, which may be any shade of gold or cream, apricot Goldendoodles have a distinctly reddish-orange coat. And while this may seem like a simple difference, it’s actually the result of some very complex genetics.
So what exactly determines an apricot Goldendoodle’s coat color? It all comes down to something called the eumelanin gene. This gene is responsible for producing the pigment eumelanin, which gives black and brown hair its color.
Apricot Goldendoodles carry two copies of the eumelanin gene – one from each parent – but one copy is “turned off” or inactive. This inactive copy produces a protein called phaeomelanin, which is responsible for giving red and orange hair its color.
The best way to ensure that you get an apricot Goldendoodle is to find a breeder who specializes in this rare coat color. While there are many wonderful breeders out there, not all of them will have apricot Goldendoodles available.
Do Apricot Goldendoodle Puppies Change Color as They Get Older?
One of the most common questions people ask about apricot Goldendoodles is whether or not their coat color will change as they get older.
The answer is yes, it’s possible for an apricot Goldendoodle’s coat to darken as they age. It’s not a complete change in their coats’ overall color, but slight alterations are possible.
Some areas may get lighter and other areas may get slightly darker.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all apricot Goldendoodles will experience this change. Some will retain their light, peachy coat color throughout their entire life.
Apricot Goldendoodle Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height): Mini, Medium & Standard
The apricot Goldendoodle can come in three different sizes, which are standard, medium, and miniature.
The standard size is usually around 23 inches tall and can weigh up to 100 pounds. Standard apricot Goldendoodles will take the longest to reach their full size at roughly 12-18 months.
The medium-sized Goldendoodle is normally 20 inches tall and can weigh up to 65 pounds. They typically reach their full size at around 12 months old.
Lastly, the miniature is about 14 inches tall and can weigh up to 35 pounds. They are usually the quickest to reach their full size and can do so as early as 9 months old.
Once they have reached their full adult size, their weight is ultimately dependent on their lifestyle (diet and exercise).
Coat Colors & Texture
The apricot Goldendoodle can have a coat that is either curly, wavy, or straight. The coat color can range from almost a light cream to a dark apricot and everything in between.
Their coat is usually on the softer side because they are considered to have hair instead of fur, which is softer to the touch.
Dark Apricot Goldendoodle
Dark apricot Goldendoodles are on the rarer side and have a coat that is a deep reddish-orange color. They are absolutely beautiful dogs that really stand out in a crowd.
Cream Apricot Goldendoodle
Cream apricot Goldendoodles have a coat that is lighter and closer to a cream color with an orange tinge. Think of a lighter shade than the inside of a peach.
They are just as beautiful as the dark apricot Goldendoodles, but their coat color is less striking.
Shedding & Grooming
All apricot Goldendoodles will shed. However, the amount of shedding will depend on their coat type and if they take after more of the Golden Retriever or Poodle parent.
As a breed, their shedding is much less than other dogs.
Though, curly-coated Goldendoodles tend to shed less than the others because their hair gets trapped in the curls. On the other hand, the wavy and straight-coated Goldendoodles will shed more because their hair is not as trapped.
Regardless of coat type, all Apricot Goldendoodles will need to be brushed regularly to prevent mats and tangles from forming. They should also be trimmed or clipped every few months to keep their coat looking healthy and neat.
A handy gadget that many dog owners are starting to use is a robot vacuum to help them stay on top of their dog’s shedding. While apricot Goldendoodles don’t shed excessively, these automatic vacuums help keep things manageable until you can do a more thorough cleaning.
When it comes to the other aspects of grooming, apricot Goldendoodles require a similar amount of maintenance. They will need their nails trimmed roughly every month, and their teeth brushed regularly to prevent tartar buildup.
A good bathing schedule for them is every roughly 8-12 weeks. Any more frequent, and you’re at risk of damaging their coat; any less frequent, they are likely to start smelling.
Are Apricot Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
This is a common question when it comes to apricot Goldendoodles or any Doodle mixed breed. And the answer is, unfortunately, no, they are not hypoallergenic.
Doodles are bred to be low-shedding, and many people think that because they don’t shed much, they must be hypoallergenic. But that’s not the case.
The reason people think that Doodles are hypoallergenic is because they don’t release the same amount of dander into the air as other dogs.
Dander is what people are actually allergic to and not dog hair. So, when there’s less dander in the air, people with allergies tend to do better around Doodle breeds.
However, no Doodle, or any dog for that matter, is 100% hypoallergenic because they all still release some dander into the air.
Ears & Tail
The ears and tail are two of the most distinguishing features of an apricot Goldendoodle.
Most have long, floppy ears that hang down close to their head. And they have a long, thick tail that is usually held high when they are excited or happy.
Eye Color
Apricot Goldendoodles usually have dark brown eyes, but some can have lighter-colored eyes.
Lifespan
The average lifespan for an apricot Goldendoodle is between 10 and 15 years.
This, of course, can be impacted by a number of different factors such as diet, exercise, health conditions, etc.
Common Health Issues
Like all breeds, there are certain health conditions that apricot Goldendoodles are more prone to.
Some of the most common health issues include bloat, hip & elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, ear infections, allergies, and epilepsy.
Bloat is a medical emergency in which the stomach becomes distended with gas or fluid and twists on itself. This can cut off blood flow to the stomach and other organs and be fatal if not treated immediately. Several factors may increase the risk of developing bloat, including rapid eating, drinking large amounts of water before or after exercise, and being anxious or stressed.
Hip & elbow dysplasia is a condition in which the joints do not form properly and can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis. It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood disorder that affects the clotting process. It is caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor, which is a protein that helps the blood to clot.
Ear infections are fairly common in dogs, and apricot Goldendoodles are no exception. They are often caused by allergies, foreign bodies in the ear, or an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria.
Allergies are also common in dogs, and apricot Goldendoodles can be affected by both food and environmental allergies. The most common symptoms include itchiness, excessive licking or chewing, hot spots, and ear infections.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures. It can be genetic or acquired, and unfortunately, there is no cure. However, many dogs with epilepsy can lead relatively normal lives with the help of medication.
As you can see, there are a number of health conditions to be aware of if you are considering an apricot Goldendoodle. However, it is important to remember that not all dogs will develop these conditions.
They are simply problems that appear more often in the breed and are ones to be aware of.
Trainability & Intelligence
Apricot Goldendoodles are very intelligent dogs and can be very easy to train with the right training. They are eager to please their owners and love to learn new things.
They are great for first-time dog owners or those looking for an obedient, well-behaved companion.
However, like all dogs, they will need patience and consistency when being trained. Goldendoodles are also known to be “mouthy,” meaning they use their mouths a lot when playing or exploring their environment.
This can include chewing on things they shouldn’t, so it is important to provide them with plenty of chew toys and to be consistent with their training.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
Apricot Goldendoodles are active dogs and need a fair amount of exercise. Between 45-60 minutes per day is ideal for them.
They will do well with an owner who enjoys taking long walks or hikes, playing fetch, or going for runs.
They can also be good swimming companions, as they love water.
Goldendoodles are also known for their “Zoomies,” which is when they suddenly start running around like crazy for no apparent reason. This usually happens after they’ve been pent up for too long and need to release some energy.
While it may be amusing to watch, it is important to ensure they have an outlet for this energy, or they may become destructive.
They also need mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise. This can be in the form of puzzle toys, training sessions, or even simple games like hide and seek.
Temperament & Behavior
Do Apricot Goldendoodles Bark A Lot?
Apricot Goldendoodles are generally quiet dogs, but they can bark when they feel the need to warn their pack/family of something. However, with proper training and socialization, this behavior can be minimized.
Do Apricot Goldendoodles Like To Cuddle?
Yes, apricot Goldendoodles love to cuddle and be close to their owners. They are very affectionate dogs that enjoy being petted and scratched.
They tend to enjoy cuddling so much you may have to ask them for some space!
Are Apricot Goldendoodles Good With Kids?
Yes, apricot Goldendoodles are generally good with kids. They are patient, loving, and gentle dogs that enjoy being around people.
However, as with all dogs, it is important to supervise them when they are around small children and not leave them unsupervised until they have gotten to know one another well.
The earlier they are introduced to kids and learn how to play nice with them, the better.
Are Apricot Goldendoodles Good With Other Dogs?
Yes, apricot Goldendoodles are typically good with other dogs. They are social dogs that enjoy being around others.
However, they still need plenty of socialization when young to help them learn how to behave properly around unfamiliar dogs.
They are not aggressive dogs, but they still need to learn how to play nice and not be too bothersome with other dogs (with their high energy).
Are Apricot Goldendoodles Good With Strangers?
Yes, apricot Goldendoodles are generally good with strangers. They love attention and interacting/playing with anyone who will give them their time.
However, socialization is still important. They should meet plenty of new people when young so they get accustomed to being around unfamiliar people and behaving.
They are not typically aggressive or fearful around strangers but may bark at them if they feel they are a threat. With proper socialization, this behavior can be avoided.
Are Apricot Goldendoodles Good Apartment Dogs?
Apricot Goldendoodles can be good apartment dogs as long as they get plenty of exercise. They are not the biggest dogs but take up quite a bit of space.
But, because they are social dogs, they may bark if left alone for too long without any interaction.
If you do live in an apartment, it’s extra important that they get their daily exercise and have mentally stimulating toys to play with. Otherwise, they can become destructive.
Food & Diet
Apricot Goldendoodles should eat a high-quality, well-balanced diet. This means a diet that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and few carbohydrates.
They also need plenty of fiber to help keep them regular. Some good sources of fiber for dogs include sweet potato, pumpkin, and carrots.
The amount of food an apricot Goldendoodle needs will depend on their age, activity level, and build. A good rule of thumb is to feed them about two to three cups of food per day, split into two meals.
Puppies will need more food as they are growing and require more calories to fuel their rapid growth. Active dogs will also need more calories than couch potatoes. And larger dogs will obviously need more food than smaller dogs.
Apricot Goldendoodle Puppy Price
The price of an apricot Goldendoodle puppy will depend on the breeder, their parents’ pedigree, location, coat type (straight or wavy), etc.
Expect to pay anywhere from $750 to $3000 for a standard apricot Goldendoodle puppy from a reputable breeder. For a mini apricot Goldendoodle, the price will be on the lower end of that range.
Always make sure you are dealing with a reputable breeder.
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.
Where Can You Find An Apricot Goldendoodle For Sale?
If you search for “apricot goldendoodle for sale [insert your state here],” you’ll be able to see if there are any Goldendoodle breeders in your immediate area.
If there aren’t, you can use websites like Lancaster Puppies, AKC’s Marketplace, or Greenfield Puppies. Each website allows breeders to list their puppies and connect with people looking to add a puppy to their family.
All 3 of these websites have Goldendoodle breeds that list their puppies. Whether there are any apricot Goldendoodles available when you check is unknown, but they’re a great place to take a look.
You can also contact breeders to learn if they’re planning on producing a liter of apricot Goldendoodles in the future or if they know anyone who is.
Also, you can always contact your local shelter or rescue to look for an apricot Goldendoodle if you’re okay with adopting an older dog.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! A complete breed breakdown of the apricot Goldendoodle. These lovable pooches are known for bringing so much joy to any home they enter.
They do require a moderate amount of maintenance to ensure their coat stays tangle-free, but many people will tell you they’re well worth the effort.
Whether you have a family with little ones running around or are just starting your family, these dogs won’t disappoint.
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