A Phantom Goldendoodle sounds like a great book about a ghost dog fighting crime, but in reality it’s a term for something much different.
Still Phantom Goldendoodles are very interesting to learn about, so let’s explore the meaning of this phrase now.
The Meaning Of Phantom
Phantom is a rare marking that some unique Goldendoodles have. As with any other dog breed, a phantom dog is one with more than one color on their coat.
But phantom coloring does not mean that the dog can have its two different colors anywhere on its body – the colors have to be in a specific order for it to be considered phantom.
Cool, right?
Phantom markings are often referred to as Dobie marking, which is similar to that of a Yorkie, Doberman, or Manchester Terrier.
The primary color will cover most of the body, head, and legs, while the secondary color is spotted above the eyes, on the chest, muzzle, and lower portions of their legs. It will often also be underneath their tail and inside their ears.
If any dog, no matter the breed, has these colorings and specific markings, it would be considered a Phantom breed.
This is the exact same for Goldendoodles who have these unique markings.
Phantom Goldendoodle Colorings
While the pattern of colors is always the same for Phantom Goldendoodles, the colors can vary.
These dogs can come in various color combinations, but the primary color is almost always either black, chocolate brown, red, or silver.
The primary color will then influence the secondary color.
Black Primary-Colored Goldendoodles
Black Goldendoodles will often have a secondary color of red, gray, cream, silver, brown, or apricot.
Chocolate Brown Primary-Colored Goldendoodles
Brown Phantom Goldendoodles often have a secondary color of apricot, but some rare cases see it be a lighter color.
Red Primary-Colored Goldendoodles
Like chocolate brown Phantom Goldendoodles, red primary colors are often mixed with apricot as the secondary color.
Silver Primary-Colored Goldendoodles
Silver Phantom Goldendoodles often have a secondary color of cream, and it is almost always lighter than the primary color.
It is normal for a Goldendoodle’s coloring to change as they get older, so don’t be alarmed if you see their markings change as they get older!
However, the thing with Phantom dogs, is that their markings don’t change as they get older – so, if your Goldendoodle has the Phantom markings from birth, they will have the same markings throughout their lives.
This is a rare instance of you knowing exactly what your puppy will look like as an adult!
Caring For Phantom Goldendoodles
While Phantom Goldendoodles are different from normal Goldendoodles in terms of their coloring and markings, they are still the same breed.
This means that there is no difference between the care of a normal Goldendoodle and a Phantom Goldendoodle.
Phantom Goldendoodles are just as friendly as normal Goldendoodles, have an amazing personality and require the same diet and exercise requirements.
They also need the same amount of grooming, so make sure that you know how to groom a normal Goldendoodle before caring for a Phantom Goldendoodle.
Depending on their coat type, they’ll need brushing multiple times a week and regular trips to the groomers.
They’ll also need a shorter haircut in the summer to keep them cool from their thick coats.
Are Phantom Goldendoodles Rare?
Yes, Phantom Goldendoodles are considered to be rare dogs due to their specific and unique markings.
It is not enough that the Goldendoodle has to have two different colorings, but the secondary color has to be in the correct places for it to be considered a phantom Goldendoodle.
It is rare enough to find a Goldendoodle with two colorings in the first place, and a whole other ballgame to find one with the secondary color in such specific locations around their body.
Phantom Goldendoodle Health Concerns
Phantom Goldendoodles suffer from the same health concerns as normal Goldendoodles.
Some may never suffer from any of these issues, but Goldendoodles are pre dispositioned to some health concerns, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Arthritis
- Skin conditions
- Epilepsy
- Allergies.
Phantom Goldendoodles also have the same life expectancy as normal Goldendoodles, often living between 10 and 15 years of age.
Summary
Phantom Goldendoodles are exactly the same as normal Goldendoodles in everything but their coloring and markings.
Phantom dogs need to have one primary colors and one secondary color in specific places over its body.
These areas marked with the second color are above the eyes, on the chest, muzzle, the lower portions of their legs, its tail and inside their ears.
Phantom Goldendoodles can have their primary color of black, chocolate brown, red, or silver.
The primary color will then affect the secondary color.
These dogs are gorgeous and unique, but they are no different from their normal Goldendoodle relations.
Want to learn about Goldendoodles too? Read our posts all about them:
- Guide to English Cream Goldendoodles
- Are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?
- Are Teacup and Toy Goldendoodles really that small?