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Goldendoodle – Everything You Need To Know

Goldendoodle is a designer dog resulting from the mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle dog breeds. Goldendoodles are a hybrid dog breed that is highly popular. They are affectionate, low-shedding, intelligent, and combine the parents’ best. Goldendoodle varies in size depending upon the size of Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard) and Golden Retriever parent variants. Also called Groodle, they were first developed in the 1990s as an alternative to the designer breed Cockapoo. They have varied traits as working dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs. Goldendoodles are affectionate and are excellent family dogs. 

The parent breed Poodle is the national dog of France and has its origin in France and Germany.  The  name “Poodle” was derived from the German word “Pudel,” meaning “splash in the water.” Poodles have a natural tendency to love water and hence the name. The French term “Caniche” means “duck dog,” as the Poodle dogs were used for duck hunting. The name helped to identify the Poodles back in the Middle Ages. So, French or German, Poodles were named perfectly to fit their natural characteristics. Golden retrievers originated in Scotland and are the most popular breeds in the USA. They are beautiful, sweet, social, and affectionate, making them excellent companions. These high-spirited Goldielocks combine all the lovable qualities of the parent breeds that give one a reason to fall in love.

Goldendoodle Pros and Cons

ProsCons
IntelligentHigh maintenance
Easy to trainHigh exercise needs
HypoallergenicSeparation anxiety
Affectionate and lovingMouthy

Goldendoodle Basic Information

  • Name: Goldendoodle
  • Height: 20-24 inches
  • Weight: 50-90 pounds
  • Size: Small to large
  • Coat: Wavy to curly
  • Color: Black, copper, white, cream, gray, golden, apricot, red, golden, blue, fawn, gold/yellow, chocolate/brown/liver.
  • Group: Hybrid dogs
  • Activities: Agility, frisbee, water games, nose games, hiking, hide the treat
  • Barking Level: Medium
  • Shedding Level: Low
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Energy: Medium to High
  • Litter Size: 3-8 cups
  • Life Span: 10-15 years
  • Other Names: Groodle, Curly Golden, Curly Retriever, Goldenoodle, Goldenpoo
  • Breed Recognition: ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club, DBR = Designer Breed Registry, DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club, DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc., GANA = Goldendoodle Association of North America, TGR = Goldendoodle Registry, IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry

Golden Retriever and Poodle: A Comparison

FeaturesGolden RetrieverPoodle



Image
OriginScotlandGermany/France
Height20-24 inchesUpto 10 inches
Weight25-34 pounds 6-9 pounds
Size Medium to LargeStandard, Mini, Toy
GroupSportingNon-Sporting 
Children CompatibilityHighHigh
Family CompatibilityHighHigh
Pets CompatibilityHighMedium to High
Barking LevelMedium to HighLow to Medium
Shedding LevelHighLow
HypoallergenicNoYes
Grooming NeedsMedium to HighLow
Overall HealthLowLow to Medium
EnergyHighMedium to High
Exercise NeedsHighMedium to High
TrainabilityEasyMedium to High

Activities
Agility, Obedience, Canine gamesAgility, Conformation, Hunting Tests, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking
Complication in breedingNoNo
Litter Size4 – 12 Puppies7 puppies on average 
Lifespan10-12 years12-15 years
Other NamesFlat-coated Retriever, GoldenYellow or Golden Retriever Pudel, Caniche

Goldendoodle Personality

Golden doodles are small to large-sized dogs that grow up to 17-24 inches and weigh around 15-80 pounds. Goldendoodle puppy’s appearance and size vary depending upon which parent they inherit. However, they share some common traits and general characteristics. Goldendoodles have round skulls and broad muzzles. They have a heavily feathered tail and ears that drop at the sides of the face. Their eyes are oval-shaped. 

Goldendoodles have a long and muscular body with their athletic nature. They are generally long-haired, and their coat varies according to the gene type they take upon. They can be seen in three different coat types – straight, wavy, and curly. Goldendoodles with straight coats resemble the Golden retriever parent. Puppies with the wavy coat combine Poodle and Golden Retriever. They are the most common coat and are wavy and shaggy. Doodles with curly hair resemble the Poodles. They shed low and are hypoallergenic. 

The coat colors are cream, red, black, gold, apricot, brown, or multi-colored. Overall, Goldendoodles resemble the morning sunshine, with golden curls brushing the air around.

Friendliness Overview

Affection levelHigh
Family-friendlyHigh
Kid-friendlyHigh
Dog-friendlyHigh
Stranger-friendlyMedium to high

Adaptability Overview

Good for apartment livingLow
Good for new ownersHigh
Sensitivity levelHigh
Tolerates being aloneMedium
Cold toleranceMedium
Heat toleranceMedium

Goldendoodle Temperament

Goldendoodle is an affectionate, gentle, and friendly dog that makes them great family companions. They are versatile working dogs and serve as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs. 

Goldendoodles sniff out even peanuts from the owners’ food with a nut allergy. Goldendoodles are social and get along with everyone. They are best suited for new owners. They are kids-friendly and get along with other dogs and animals. They are trustworthy, laid back, and are excellent watchdogs. Goldendoodle pups are playful and obedient with the proper training. However, they are sensitive and are not great when left alone. Although they play many roles, they are not watchdogs and may not bark at strangers.

Goldendoodle Training

Goldendoodle is highly intelligent and is easy to train. Like any other dog breed, they require early socialization and proper training. They are obedient, and with positive reinforcement, Goldendoodles become the perfect puppy to share your company. They love being around people and treats, and cuddles do wonders while training. They are athletic and make good sports dogs due to their intelligence and affectionate nature. 

Trainability Overview

Easy to trainHigh
IntelligenceHigh
Prey to driveLow
Mouthiness tendenciesLow
Barking and Howling tendenciesMedium
Wanderlust tendenciesMedium 

Goldendoodles Exercise Needs

Goldendoodles are averagely energetic dogs and require 20-30 minutes of daily exercise. They love water and enjoy swimming and other water games. Also, Goldendoodles are good at agility, dock diving, obedience, and canine games. Daily walking with some backyard space to run is ideal for keeping them fit and healthy.

Exercise Needs Overview

Energy levelMedium to High
Exercise needsHigh
IntensityMedium 
PlayfulnessHigh

Goldendoodle Grooming

Goldendoodles are easy to groom as they shed less. They can be brushed and bathed once a week. However, daily brushing helps to keep the fur from knots and tangles. Ears should be cleaned and regularly checked as they are prone to ear problems. Brush their teeth daily to prevent plaque and other dental problems. Also, clean their eyes and trim their nails as a part of everyday grooming needs.

Grooming Overview

Easy to groomhigh
Drooling tendenciesLow
Amount of sheddingLow

Goldendoodle Health

Goldendoodles are healthy dogs and may not develop any health concerns. But it always helps to know when to take your pup to the vet.

General healthMedium
Weight gain tendenciesMedium to high
SizeMedium to high

Patellar Luxation: It is also known as “slipped stifles,” a common problem in small dog breeds that is caused when the patella, which has three parts-the femora (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), and tibia (calf) — is not correctly bounded. This leads to lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, like a hop or a skip. This condition is caused by birth, although the actual misalignment or luxation does not always occur much later. In addition, the rubbing caused by patellar luxation leads to arthritis. There are four patellar luxation grades, ranging from phase I, an occasional luxation causing unstable lameness in the joint, to grade IV, where the turning of the tibia is heavy, and you can realign the patella manually. This gives your dog a bow-legged appearance. Uphill grades of patellar luxation may require surgery.

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is outwardly a painful disease that occurs when the bones of the back legs do not fit properly in the joints. While some dogs will exhibit symptoms, the majority of canines will not. Hip dysplasia is primarily genetic, although other causes such as accidents, excessive weight gain, and inappropriate training can also cause it. Even though this disease is fatal, therapies range from medicine to hip replacement surgery. This condition causes defects or damage to the hip bones and joints and worsens without treatment.

To avoid this problem, avoid breeding dogs with hip dysplasia parentage and get annual examinations.

Other Causes of Hip Dysplasia: 

  • Injuries 
  • Excessive weight gain 
  • Wrong exercises 

Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include:

  • Reduced activity and movements
  • Reluctance to rise, jump, run or climb
  • Lameness in the hind limbs
  • Reducing thigh muscle mass
  • Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait
  • Grating in the joint during movement
  • Enlarging shoulders
  • Pain
  • Stiffness

Ear infections and Deafness: The ears are prone to infections. The best way is to keep the ears clean and dry. Deafness is related to genetic factors. The pattern in the white coat in the pups that are born white causes deafness. 

Hypothyroidism: Low level of thyroid secretion in dogs causes overweight issues and becomes weak, dull, and not life-threatening.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Many eye infections involve the retina’s slow deterioration. In the initial phases, puppies become night-blind. As it progresses, they lose their eyesight during the daytime as well. However, most canines slowly adapt to their slight or complete sight loss as long as their home surroundings remain the same.  

Von Willebrand’s Disease: The most prevalent hereditary bleeding problem in dogs is Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD). It’s caused by a lack of a specific protein that helps platelets (blood cells that aid with clotting) adhere together and form clots to close damaged blood arteries. Von Willebrand factor is the name of the missing protein (VWF).  

Allergies: Goldendoodles can be allergic to various substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your dog licks his paws or rubs his face a great deal, get him checked by your veterinarian. 

Bloating: Also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, is a condition in which a dog’s stomach twists when it fills with gas, food, or liquids. GDV appears out of nowhere and can progress swiftly. There is always a situation that requires immediate attention. 

Cancers: A leading health disease affecting Golden Retriever parents and its mixes. The most standard ones are:  

  • Lymphoma: A severe illness that affects lymphocyte cells. 
  • Hemangiosarcoma: This is a hazardous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and the spleen. It most commonly happens in middle-aged and elderly dogs.   
  • Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer common in large and giant breeds.  

Goldendoodle Diet and Nutrition

Goldendoodles are high-bred dogs and need a large quantity of high-quality food. They should eat 4-6 cups of food every day. Each Goldendoodle is distinctive, and the correct amount and quality of food depend on their age, weight, activity level, health, and more. You can also split the meals into two 2 cups daily. Goldendoodle dogs can be given dry food, wet food, or a combination of both. Never hesitate to consult a vet to meet your Doodle’s dietary requirements to keep them happy and healthy. Provide him with clean and fresh water at regular intervals.

Goldendoodle Living Condition

Goldendoodles love to be around their humans. They can adapt to apartments or homes with bigger yards as long as they are with their family. They love outdoor activities like walking, running, swimming,  and hiking.  However, they love the attention of their owners and suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.

Adding a Goldendoodle to Your Family

Things to remember before adding a Goldendoodle to your family

It is best to get a Goldendoodle from a reputable breeder to prevent unavoidable circumstances like health disorders and provide you with vaccination certificates. It is best to check with the puppy’s parents to ensure his health and happiness.

Cost of a Goldendoodle Puppy

The Goldendoodle puppy cost ranges from $600 to $800.

Goldendoodle
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Other Golden Retriever mixes

  • Goldador (Labrador Retriever x Golden Retriever Mix)
  • Gollie (Golden Retriever x Collie Mix)
  • Goldendoodle (Poodle x Golden Retriever Mix)
  • Golden Cocker Retriever (Golden Retriever & Cocker Spaniel Mix)
  • Basset Retriever (Basset Hound x Golden Retriever)
  • Goldmation (Dalmatian x Golden Retriever)
  • Golden Boxer
  • Golden Cavalier
  • Golden Dox (Golden Retriever x Dachshund Mix)
  • Golden Chi (Chihuahua x Golden Retriever Mix)

Other Poodle Mixes

  • Cockapoo – Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix
  • Maltipoo – Maltese Poodle cross
  • Labradoodle – Labrador Poodle Cross
  • Goldendoodle – Poodle cross Golden Retriever 
  • Schnoodle – Schnauzer cross Poodle
  • Yorkipoo – Yorkshire Terrier Poodle cross
  • Pomapoo – Pomeranian cross Poodle
  • Shihpoo – Poodle cross Shih Tzu
  • Poochon – Poodle cross Bichon Frise
  • Bernedoodle – Bernese Poodle mix
  • Bassetoodle – Basset Hound cross Poodle
  • Dalmadoodle – Dalmation cross Poodle
  • Bloodhound-Poodle mix

Goldendoodle Images

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