Exploring Rare Doodle Coat Colors and Patterns: Uncovering the Beauty of Black, Chocolate, Cream, Parti, and Merle

Joe is off right now taking Hoku on her “honeymoon” with Fox Creek’s Blaze, and I couldn’t resist hopping on here to share something I’m super excited about—color genetics! Goldendoodles have captured hearts everywhere with their playful personalities and those irresistible shaggy, teddy-bear coats. Most people picture them in classic shades like red, apricot, and golden (which we’ve always loved producing at Beechwood Goldendoodles). But a couple of years ago, I decided to get adventurous. Enter Hoku—our 2022 addition and a total powerhouse of color genetics who opened the door to black, chocolate, and parti coats! In this post, I’ll walk you through some of these lesser-known colors and patterns—like black, chocolate, cream, merle, and parti—that give Goldendoodles a striking twist and make them stand out in the best way.

The Allure of Black Goldendoodles

Black Goldendoodles are a classic favorite that attracts many dog enthusiasts. I'm seeing an uptick in requests for them. With their lustrous coats and charming personalities, these Doodles make a striking addition to any household. Hoku had her first litter with several black puppies last Christmas, and WOW, was I shocked at how shiny their coats were. It immediately made me think of beautiful, black Asian hair that the rest of us can only envy. So, why the extra shine? On a quick internet search, I learned that the black hair reflects light more than any other Goldendoodle color.

A Beechwood Goldendoodles Black Beauty

I believe one reason for their recent appeal and the uptick in requests is their elegance. Black Goldendoodles capture attention during walks in the park, and like classic fashion choices, black never goes out of style. This is not to mention it shows less dirt and you won't be seeing black hair on furniture with the no to low shedding of the Goldendoodle.

Exploring Chocolate Doodles

I've been developing the chocolate color in our Beechwood lines. Chocolate Goldendoodles have an irresistible charm with their rich, warm colors that evoke feelings of comfort and home.

Typically, these Goldendoodles flaunt a dark brown coat that glimmers in the light, occasionally appearing auburn. This coloration makes them stand out, attracting the attention of families who appreciate a unique aesthetic. Interestingly, chocolate Goldendoodles make up about 25% of the Doodle population, highlighting their popularity.

Beechwood Goldendoodles chocolate and white "parti"

Moreover, chocolate Goldendoodles can display various shades within their coats, offering a unique twist to their appearance. Some owners report that their chocolate Doodles can change the color of their coats slightly with the seasons, showcasing a beautiful interplay between genetics and environmental factors. I can't wait to see how many chocolate pups we eventually produce!

Soft, Elegant, and Absolutely Irresistible: The Charm of Cream Goldendoodles

Cream-colored Lucy taking a well-deserved break with me during one of our trail runs

Cream-colored goldendoodles are incredibly popular for their soft, elegant look. Their coat is a beautiful, light cream shade that gives them a warm, inviting appearance. Many people love this color because it’s versatile and pairs well with almost any environment or style. Plus, cream goldendoodles tend to stay looking bright and clean with regular grooming, which makes them a favorite for families looking for a stylish and lovable companion. Paired with the Goldendoodle sweet, friendly nature, who could resist a creamy, furry friend to snuggle and enjoy everyday adventures with? Lucy was our very first Goldendoodle at Beechwood. We still love her to bits!

The Fascinating Merle Pattern

Now, let's explore one of the most captivating: the merle pattern. Merle Doodles are known for their stunning color mixes that form an eye-catching marbled look on their coats. Beechwood Goldendoodles is introducing merle and introducing Bernedoodles! We are purchasing our first Bernedoodle puppies over the next couple of months that will eventually produce tricolor as well as regular and chocolate merle pups. So, stay tuned! That waitlist will open in 2026.

You will often find merle Doodles showcasing shades of gray, blue, and tan, and even chocolate, creating mesmerizing patterns that are truly one-of-a-kind. Each merle Doodle features a unique coat, making them a standout in any crowd. Statistics reveal that merle Doodles represent about 15% of Doodles, signaling their distinct appeal.

Rex, a Beechwood black merle Bernedoodle

Responsible breeding practices are critical when it comes to merle Doodles. The merle gene is dominant, and we never breed a merle to a merle, as concerns can arise from the genetic makeup of double merles. Otherwise, a merle is as healthy as any other Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle.

Beechwood parti pups, Wilson and Clover

The Eye-Catching Parti Pattern

The unique parti patterns are a really fun and striking look. Though most Beechwood Goldendoodle pup parents ask for the typical solids and abstracts, our parti admirers are die-hard fans. We have one lady on our waitlists who has waited almost two years hoping for a mini female parti, and another more recent buyer stating she'll wait as long as necessary. The two cuties above are owned by one of our buyers who first bought her parti Wilson, and then later couldn't resist getting another from us, Clover. One of her social media posts on Wilson and Clover even went viral.

So what is a parti? They have a base coat of one color with playful, irregular patches of white mixed in. The white comprises more than 50% of the coat color. No two parti goldendoodles look exactly the same, which makes each one pretty special! They come in all sorts of color combos, like black and white, apricot and white, chocolate and white, or red and white, giving them a lively and cheerful appearance. Plus, their adorable looks match their friendly, loving personalities — they’re just as charming as they are cute! Like merle, careful breeding is the key, not matching a parti to a parti, creating an extreme parti with potential genetic hearing.

The world of Goldendoodles is vibrant and varied, extending far beyond the commonplace red, apricot, golden and cream hues. Unique patterns and colors like black, chocolate, cream, parti, and merle not only bring beauty but also enhance the overall diversity and appeal of the breed.

Whether you're enchanted by the sophistication of a black Goldendoodle, the cozy warmth of a chocolate companion, the playful presence of a merle, the snuggle factor of an elegrant cream, or a show-stopper parti, each comes with its own distinct vibe.

If you're contemplating welcoming a Beechwood Goldendoodle into your life, consider embracing a unique and unexpected color or pattern.

Celebrating the diverse colors of Goldendoodles invites us all to appreciate the individuality, beauty, and joy that our furry companions bring into our lives.