If you are searching for a unique pup, then you should consider a Phantom Goldendoodle!
This designer dog breed is a combination of the Golden Retriever and Poodle. Due to their unique color combination, they stand out in the crowd.
In this article, we will explain what a Phantom Goldendoodle is, all about its personality traits, and where to buy one.
Key Takeaways
- Phantom Goldendoodles are unique and beautiful, with black, chocolate, silver red coats (as the primary color).
- They are more expensive than other goldendoodle varieties due to their rarity.
- Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Eye Issues & Skin Problems may all occur in phantom goldendoodles.
- All goldendoodles shed, including the Phantom Goldendoodle, but F2BB and F1BB varieties may shed less than others.
- The temperament of a phantom goldendoodle is generally friendly and eager to please with intelligence from both the poodle and golden retriever parent breeds.
- Avoid purchasing from pet stores or puppy mills - look for experienced breeders who have health certificates for both parents of the pup before buying.
What is a Phantom Goldendoodle?
A phantom Goldendoodle is a breed of dog that has a coat pattern with two colors, with the primary color being present on most of the body and the secondary color appearing as markings on specific parts of the body.
Areas, where these markings appear, are:
The Legs
Under the Tail
On the Sides of the Cheeks
Above the eyes (eyebrows)
Across the goldendoodle's chest
The most common color combinations are black and tan, however, there are a lot of color combinations, such as:
Black and Brown
Black and Silver
Black and Red
Black and Apricot
Black and Grey
Black and Cream
Black and Tan
The markings are often referred to as "Dobie markings" as usually Dobermans have them. But, you can also find these marks on Daschunds, Yorkies, Terriers and Spaniels.
Are Phantom Goldendoodles Rare?
Yes, phantom goldendoodles are very rare and are hard to find at any breeder. The reason for this is that it is almost impossible to predict when a phantom coat pattern will appear.
The only way to guarantee a Phantom Goldendoodle pup is to breed two goldendoodles that carry the gene for it.
One factor that makes it even harder to find a Phantom Goldendoodle is that the patterns have to meet certain criteria in order to be classified as phantom.
For example, the points of the second color must appear symmetrically on both sides of the face and body; they cannot be limited to one side only and they have to appear in specific places.
Color Options for Phantom Goldendoodles
I need to state that phantom is not a color, it's a pattern.
Phantom Goldendoodles come in many different colors, but the pattern is always made up of two distinct colors. However, we can group them into a few categories by their primary colors.
Black Phantom Goldendoodles
Black Phantom Goldendoodles are the most common type of phantom goldendoodles. If you go out looking for a Phantom Goldendoodle, chances are you will most likely find one with a black phantom pattern.
There are a lot of color variations of Black Phantom Goldendoodles:
- black & apricot
- black & red
- black & cream
- black & gray
- black & brown
- black & silver
Red Phantom Goldendoodles
Red phantom goldendoodles have the same two-tone color pattern as other phantoms, except that their primary color is red instead of black. The most common patterns you will find are:
- red & black
- red & cream
- red & silver
- red & gray
- red & brown
White Phantom Goldendoodles
White phantom goldendoodles have a unique color pattern, as their primary color is white. The most common color variations are:
- white & black
- white & cream
- white & silver
- white & gray
Chocolate Phantom Goldendoodles
Chocolate phantom goldendoodles have a two-tone pattern with the primary color being chocolate and the secondary color usually being apricot, black or cream.
Silver Phantom Goldendoodles
Silver phantom goldendoodles have a two-tone pattern with the primary color being silver and the secondary color usually being black or blue.
It Isn't the Color What Makes a "Phantom" a Panthom
I also need to state that the color isn’t what makes a Phantom Goldendoodle a Phantom. A regular goldendoodle could have a two colored fur, but it wouldn't become a phantom goldendoodle.
What makes a phantom goldendoodle "phantom" are the marking and where they occur. They have to be on specific parts of the goldendoodles fur, as stated before:
The Legs
Under the Tail
On the Sides of the Cheeks
Above the eyes (eyebrows)
Across the goldendoodle's chest
Phantom Goldendoodle Sizes (Toy, Mini, Medium, Standard)
Just like regular goldendoodles, phantom goldendoodles come in four sizes: toy, mini, medium and standard.
The Toy Phantom Goldendoodle is around 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 4 to 6 pounds.
The Mini Phantom Goldendoodle is usually 15-19 inches tall, weighing 12 to 24 pounds.
The Medium size Phantom Goldendoodle stands 20-22 inches tall and weighs 45 to 55 pounds.
And finally, the Standard Phantom Goldendoodle stands 23-29 inches tall and weighs 50 to 90 pounds.
Phantom Goldendoodle Price
Because the Phantom Goldendoodle is quite rare, it usually commands a higher price tag than standard Goldendoodles.
The average cost of a Phantom Goldendoodle puppy ranges from $3000 to $5000.
It is important to remember that prices can vary depending on the size, color, breeder and region.
Unfortunately the high price tag is not the only setback for prospective buyers; phantom Goldendoodles are usually harder to find and breed, so be prepared to have a long waiting list.
Health Issues in Phantom Goldendoodles
There are no specific medical conditions or health issues that are associated with only the Phantom Goldendoodle.
However, as they are goldendoodles, they are prone to the same health issues just as other coloured goldendoodles.
These include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Issues
- Skin Problems.
It is important to ask the breeder for a health certificate from a certified veterinarian and to make sure that both of the parents have been screened for hereditary illnesses before purchasing any puppy.
Shedding and Allergies in Phantom Goldendoodles
What color a goldendoodle is doesn't make a difference when it comes to shedding. All goldendoodles shed, including the Phantom Goldendoodles.
However, some Goldendoodles, like the F2BB and F1BB , are less prone to shedding than other goldendoodle varieties.
It is also important to remember that although Goldendoodles don’t shed as much hair as other breeds, they do still produce dander which can cause allergies in some people.
So if you or someone in your family is severely allergic to pets, a Phantom Goldendoodle may not be the best pet for you.
The temperament of Phantom Goldendoodles
The temperament of the Phantom Goldendoodle is pretty much the same as any other Goldendoodle. They are intelligent, friendly and eager to please.
They usually take after their golden retriever parent when it comes to personality - they're known to be loyal, affectionate, playful and patient dogs; they'll always make sure to greet you with lots of enthusiasm when you walk through the door!
They also often keep some of their poodle parents' intelligence and trainability as well, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a pup that can learn quickly and easily.
What's more, Phantom Goldendoodles are sociable by nature – they love being around other people and animals alike.
They thrive in the company of their owners; providing your pup with plenty of exercise, companionship and stimulation will go a long way in ensuring they live a happy life. This breed also tends to get along well with children, so long as proper introductions are made first.
Where to Find Phantom Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale
As Phantom Goldendoodles are extremely rare, you can look in shelters, but it is likely you won’t be able to find one. Your best bet is to search online for reputable breeders who specialize in them.
It is important to make sure that the breeder you choose has been certified and is experienced with raising Goldendoodles, as this will ensure that your pup has been given the best start in life.
You should also look for reviews and testimonials to make sure that other people have had a good experience with the breeder before making a commitment.
Also, please avoid puppy mills or buying from pet stores as this can lead to issues with the puppy's health and temperament down the line.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a goldendoodle that is both beautiful and unique, then the Phantom Goldendoodle should be your pick!
With their stunning black, white and red coat, they make a great addition to any family.
Just remember that they can cost more than other goldendoodles due to rarity and that you also need to ensure you purchase from an experienced breeder who has certified health checks on the parents of your puppy.
So what are you waiting for? Start looking for your perfect Phantom Goldendoodle today! Good luck!