The Goldendoodle is a very popular hybrid breed that’s a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They’ve exploded in popularity due to their friendly personality, smarts, and adorably cuddly good looks. This hybrid started to become popular in the 1990s but has really taken over the dog scene in the last few years. People just can’t get enough of their teddy bear looking faces and the decreased shedding/allergies that comes from owning a doodle.
Continue reading to learn more about Goldendoodles, all the different types, where they came from to how they can be used as family pets or as guide dogs. If you’re looking for a fun, family dog, a Goldendoodle might be the choice for you.
Goldendoodle Appearance
Goldendoodles are beautiful dogs that can vary quite a lot in looks with many different sizes, colors, and even different generations which we’ll discuss more about further down in the article.
They vary drastically in size due to the many sizes poodles come in. Below are the typical sizes you’ll find in a Goldendoodle-
Petite: Below 14 inches, 25 lbs or less
Mini: Above 14inches but under 17 inches (35cm to 42cm), about 26-35 lbs.
Medium range: Over 17 but under 21 inches (43cm to 52cm), about 36-50 lbs.
Standard range: Above 21 inches (53cm to 63cm), about 51 or more lbs.
In general, smaller Goldendoodles live longer but can also tend to be much more hyper due to the hyperness of the mini or toy poodles used to breed them.
When it comes to color, they don’t always have golden fur. In fact, they come in as many colors as Poodles, from light tan to apricot to chocolate to black.
Their coats can be straight, wavy, or curly. Most popular coat type we breed here at Doodles Daily is typically wavy fleece as it requires less maintenance than a curly coat but maintains the Teddybear like looks people love and tends to produce less shedding than a straight coat.
American Goldendoodle vs English Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles can be bred with either English or American golden retrievers, which are technically the same dog but many years of different breeding standards between Europe and America has created some very distinct differences between the two. We tend to focus on using English Golden Retrievers due to their calmer personalities, healthier bloodlines, and more teddy bear like looks.
English Golden Retrievers have a beautiful white or cream-colored coat, sometimes referred to as “English Cream”. They had wider heads and are typically shorter, broader, and larger boned then the American Golden Retriever, which tends to produce a more teddy bear like face.
What really sets them apart and the main reason we chose to use them over the American version is that they’re very calm and loving when compared to the more hyper energetic American Golden Retriever. English Golden Retrievers are known for their calm laid back personalities. They’ll still play when you want but their more than happy to just hang out with you and watch TV.
English Golden Retrievers imported from Europe are also known to be healthier than their American counterparts, due to the required health/genetic testing breeders must do in Europe before breeding their dogs.
The Personality of a Goldendoodle
A Goldendoodle’s personality can be summed up in one word: friendly! Goldendoodles are known for being friendly, happy, and good with people. Dog personalities vary a lot, of course, depending on their genes and how well they were socialized by the breeder but in general Goldendoodles usually get along with everyone. To ensure you’re Goldendoodle is the friendliest of the bunch, socialize them as much as possible, especially before they hit 4 months.
The Goldendoodle is known as a great family dog because it gets along with everyone. They are happy and like to play, and they have the patience and energy to run around with kids. As with any dog, socialization and training with positive reinforcement will help kids and Goldendoodles stay safe and friendly with each other.
Goldendoodles Need Stimulation
Goldendoodles can be moderately active dogs, particularly if they’re bred using American golden retrievers, and they love to be with their people. It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or a house with a big yard, as long as you’re taking the time to run around with your doodle and give them the attention they need. Your Goldendoodle will be happy and healthy as long as it gets daily exercise with people it loves.
Some Goldendoodles love to play fetch, thanks to their retriever traits. They might also love the water. Goldendoodles are smart and love to figure out puzzle games or play hide and seek. You can teach them both simple and complex tricks. Just be prepared to keep teaching them. They love to learn, even as they age. As they are a social breed, they do best when they are inside with their family and friends.
Goldendoodles need an owner who is willing to give their dogs the necessary attention to ensure they thrive. These dogs are known for being pretty easygoing, but their closeness to people can sometimes cause them to feel anxious when they have to be away from them. The best owner will be ready to help their dogs get used to a routine and give them lots of ways to use their happy energy.
Training Your Goldendoodle
Well-bred Goldendoodles are easy to train because they are smart and get along well with people. They love being with their own kind and will work hard with you, especially if you praise them a lot. You’ll be surprised at what your Goldendoodle might do for a reward. We recommend socializing your new Goldendoodle puppy right away. Professional training or at least some group classes are a great way to ensure your dog is properly trained. Not only will your pup learn but the whole family will learn the dos and don’ts of properly raising a puppy. Plus, you’ll feel better going out with your furry friend and knowing they are okay.
Of course, training is fun for grown-up doodles as well! Goldendoodles are smart and athletic, so they are also a lot of fun to play dog sports with. Once you and your doodle dog have learned the basics of obedience, you can try things like agility, dock diving, and more.
Along with Poodles and Golden Retrievers, they are often trained to be guide dogs. Because they are smart, gentle, and loving, they are perfect for roles as assistant dogs. Find out more about how to train a guide dog here.
Grooming a Goldendoodle
Depending on whether their coat is more like a Poodle’s or a Golden Retriever’s, grooming can be different. If their hair is curly, they may need a professional groomer to cut it every so often. If their fur is loose and wavy, brushing it regularly will help keep it shiny and remove hair that has fallen out.
Goldendoodles need to have their nails trimmed, and their teeth brushed, just like any other dog.
Goldendoodle Health: What to Know
Goldendoodles are typically a healthy breed but you must ensure your doodle comes from a breeder who properly health tests their dogs. Genetic DNA testing is an effective and affordable way to weed out a bunch of serious conditions that could be passed on to your pup. You should never buy from any breeder who has not fully health tested their parent dogs. OFA Hips/Elbows, eye exams, heart exams, and genetic testing are all must haves for any breeding dog and can save you a ton of heart ache in the future.
Still, knowing about health problems that are common in Golden retrievers and Poodles will help you keep an eye on your Goldendoodle’s health for their whole life. Hip dysplasia is common in both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Some pet owners get health insurance for their pets just in case. More detailed information about health issues to pay attention to is below:
- Ear infections: Goldendoodles are prone to these because their ears hang down. The ears hold water and should be checked often.
- Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit tightly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both of their back legs, while others don’t show any outward signs of discomfort. Screening with X-rays is the most certain way to find out what’s wrong. In either case, a dog can get arthritis as it ages.
- Elbow dysplasia is also a disease that gets worse over time, like hip dysplasia. It is thought to be caused by abnormal growth and development, which leads to a joint that doesn’t work right and is weak. The disease can be mild or severe. For example, the dog could just get arthritis, or it could become lame. Treatments include surgery, losing weight, getting medical help, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
Paying attention to your dog’s behaviors can help you notice when something might be wrong. It’s important to maintain a good relationship with your veterinarian for any animal that you bring home. You want to get them the care they need so they can continue to be a healthy part of your family. If you have any questions, your vet should be able to point you in the right direction.
History of the Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are a newer breed of dog. In the late 1960s, a Poodle and a Golden retriever were put together on purpose for the first time. But the Goldendoodle wasn’t thought of as a hybrid breed until the 1990s when breeders started deliberately putting Poodles and Golden retrievers together after seeing how popular the Labradoodle was.
You probably guessed that the name “Goldendoodle” comes from the words “Golden Retriever” and “Poodle.” It is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.
When looking for a Goldendoodle, it’s important to find a responsible breeder who is willing to keep an eye on how dogs change over time. It’s also good to find someone you trust who can provide you with detailed information as to your new dog’s history.
Summary
Bringing a Goldendoodle into your family will give you a lifetime of memories. These dogs love to be loved and will keep the whole family active. It’s important to maintain their grooming and health care, as well as keep them active for at least an hour a day. Having a yard with a lawn to run and play in or visiting the dog park should help you check that box with no issues.
Consider talking with us about your Goldendoodle needs. We can help you with questions you have about your pup’s history, as well as tips for transitioning your Goldendoodle to your home.
