Have you noticed that your beloved Goldendoodle is turning white?

The good news is, there are several potential explanations for why this may be happening and your goldendoodle might not have any medical issues at all!

Although Bailey (my goldendoodle) never had any issues turning white, I did some research and found several potential explanations for why your pup might be changing color.

Let's look at a few of the most likely causes for why your Goldendoodle is turning white.

Causes of Goldendoodle Coat Color Changes

Can Genetics Cause a Goldendoodle to Turn White?

There are a few genetic causes that may be responsible for this transformation.

Pigment redistribution is one of the primary factors in Goldendoodle coat color changes, and it can happen in both puppies and adults alike.

As the dog ages, its existing pigment clusters, which are what give the dog its distinctive coloring, may move around on its body as areas with more or less melanin production begin to form.

This can lead to patches of lighter or darker fur developing seemingly out of nowhere!

Another cause has to do with dilution genes.

Depending on the particular pairing of genes inherent in your Goldendoodle, it could potentially express traits that result in fading or diluting of its existing coat colors.

Dilution genes take existing colors and make them paler, resulting in pastel-like shades such as cream, champagne, apricot, silver grey, blue cream and even white!

In many cases, only certain areas of the dog will exhibit these diluted colors while other parts remain unchanged.

Every breed has different dominant color patterns which will be displayed by most individuals within the breed’s gene pool – however recessive genes within each individual can manifest themselves over time leading to unexpected coat changes being visible later in life.

Can Aging Cause a Goldendoodle to Turn White?

As your Goldendoodle grows and ages, it's possible that you'll notice their coat gradually changing color.

Yes, your adult Goldendoodle can experience changes in their fur pigment as they reach maturity - this is completely normal, and a result of the aging process!

Just like humans, as dogs get older their fur may become lighter or greyer as their natural pigment production starts to slow down. This can be seen in both single and multi-colored Goldendoodles.

Can Vitiligo Cause a Goldendoodles Fur to Turn White?

One potential condition that could lead to a white coat is vitiligo, a disorder which affects the skin’s pigment cells and leads to a reduction or complete loss of color over some patches or the entire fur.

Fortunately, vitiligo in dogs is usually harmless and does not cause any discomfort or health issues. Plus, your pup will have an unique style!

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a hormone imbalance resulting in underproduction of the thyroid hormone and can lead to a decrease in natural skin pigment production, which in turn could cause some areas of your Goldendoodle’s coat to become lighter.

Hypothyroidism can also cause other health issues, like weight gain, hair loss, and reduced energy levels.

At the end of the day, the most likely cause for why your Goldendoodle is turning white or grey is simply due to genetics and age. But if you want to make sure

This condition is relatively common and can easily be treated with medication. However, unfortunately, it is not curable.

Stress and Anxiety

It's also possible that your Goldendoodle is experiencing stress or anxiety, which can lead to changes in coat color.

There have been studies that show that dogs that are particularly anxious or stressed can develop areas of white fur on their body.

These patches are believed to be a result of the dog's immune system being suppressed, leading to a reduction in melanin production and thus lighter fur coloration.

Long-term cortisol production can result in patches of fur becoming lighter, or even wholly white.

This usually appears on the muzzle line of your Goldendoodle.

What Age Will Your Goldendoodles' Hair Turn White?

The age at which your Goldendoodle’s hair will start to turn white or grey varies greatly, depending on its individual genetics and lifestyle.

Some pups start to show signs of greying as early as 5 years old while others may not experience any changes until they are much older - sometimes reaching into the double digits! It is also possible for puppies to be born with white patches, due to their DNA.

Maintaining a Goldendoodle's Coat Color: What can You Do To Help Maintain Your Dog's Coat Color?

There is no surefire way to keep a Goldendoodle's original coat color, but there are some things you can do to help maintain it.

Regular grooming and brushing will help keep the coat strong and healthy, which can reduce shedding and promote natural pigment production.

It's also important to provide your pup with a balanced, nutritious diet full of all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.

And finally, try to keep your pup away from stress and anxiety as much as possible. Keeping your dog in a calm and relaxed environment will help its fur keep its original color for longer.

Conclusion

If your Goldendoodle's coat color has started to change, it could be due to genetics or age, vitiligo, hypothyroidism, and/or stress.

If you have any doubts or concerns about your pup's health, it is always best to speak with your veterinarian for further advice.