The Goldendoodle is a hybrid that was created by crossing a Poodle with a Golden Retriever. The main goal was to create a dog that is very intelligent, friendly and at the same time hypoallergenic. The Goldendoodle actually sheds less hair and dander than other breeds. Here you will find the essential Goldendoodle dog breed information such as the appearance, temperament and health of the Doodle.
Goldendoodle – appearance
All physical characteristics of a Goldendoodle depend on and are inherited from its parents. Genetics is like crazy math. You add something, subtract something else, sometimes you multiply too. There are a few rules, but there is also a lot of lottery and randomness. Goldendoodles inherit traits from two parent breeds: a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The body of this magnificent companion dog is long, athletic and muscular. The usually long legs make them look even more grandiose. They may also have a deep chest and a thick, feathered tail.
Goldendoodle – head
Normally, Goldendoodles have large, broad skulls and long, broad muzzles. Their blue or brown oval eyes are sometimes covered by messy fur. They typically have chunky, triangular noses in shades of black or brown. They look like oversized teddy bears, only with medium-length or long floppy ears.
Goldendoodle – fur texture and color
These fluffy family dogs have different coat types depending on the genes they inherited from their parents. Possible textures of the Goldendoodle coat are:
- flat coat (Improper Coat) – this Goldern Retriever coat type is low maintenance and requires minimal brushing, it tends to shed a lot;
- straight coat – to produce a dog with this coat, it has to inherit a non-curl gene from both parents; it is similar to a flat coat except that it has what is called furnishings (longer hair on some parts of the face);
- wavy coat (shaggy) – a curl and a non-curl genes have to be present in a dog; it is low-shedding so allergy sufferers might consider this option for themselves;
- curly coat – although this coat is not as intensively curly as in the case of Poodles, it gives Goldendoodles a cute teddy bear look that is the most popular; it is also the most hypoallergenic; it has to be noted that there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. This feature cannot be used as a feature describing a particular breed.
Goldendoodle coat colors include: cream, red, black, chocolate, gold, apricot, brown, or a combination (parti-colored). Potential owners of this mixed dog breed have a wide choice when it comes to the dog’s look.
Goldendoodle – size
Goldendoods come in three different sizes. They are closely related to and depend on the size of the poodle parent:
- Large (from a Standard Poodle) – these dogs are typically 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) high and weigh 50 to 80 pounds (23 to 36 kg);
- Medium (from a Miniature Poodle) – slightly smaller ones are 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) high and weigh 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg);
- Miniature (from a Toy-sized Poodle) – the smallest doodle should be around 20 inches (51 cm) high and weigh 15 to 35 pounds (6.8 to 15.9 kg).
Different sizes entail different tasks (more or less exercise) and food intake. Consider your living conditions and the time you can devote to your dog.
Goldendoodle – temperament
Although there is nothing certain about the Goldendoodle’s personality traits as the gene pool is diverse, there are a few qualities that breeders strive for. Sometimes it takes more than one generation to produce a dog with desirable attributes. The Goldendoodle temperament can be described by the following adjectives:
- friendly, enthusiastic, loyal, affectionate, trustworthy (taken after the Golden Retriever parent);
- intelligent, trainable, sociable, people-oriented (taken after the Poodle parent).
Overall, Goldendoodles are adorable, extremely loving and good-natured dogs that are gentle with children. Remember that environmental aspects and the degree of socialization at a young age play a role in forming your pet’s personality.
Goldendoodle – behavioral problems
Without care, socialization and attention, these affectionate dogs can cause a number of problems. A Goldendoodle that is constantly lonely and bored may become depressed and destructive, exhibiting negative behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, chewing and even biting. Other problems could be:
- whining;
- separation anxiety;
- begging;
- aggression.
If your dog shows any other behavioral issues, make sure you approach him with patience and a positive attitude. The most important thing is to learn as much as you can before you take on the responsibility of raising a great Goldendoodle.
Also, always remember that with a dog with such a lively personality, a little mischief is to be expected and should be accepted with a positive frame of mind. Such misdemeanors can be a source of joy for both the dog and the owner alike.
Service dogs
Because of their friendly disposition, Goldendoodles make good therapy dogs. They love people and are full of empathy. Whether a dog can become a guide dog or a therapy dog is a very individual thing. There is no doubt that the Goldendoodle has the potential. An animal that is perfect as a therapy dog should be: docile, intelligent, gentle and balanced.
Goldendoodle health
Designer breeds are generally healthier than purebred dogs. This is due to the diversification of genes, which reduces the possibility of inheriting genetic disorders. Despite this advantage over their parent breeds, Goldendoodles are still at risk of developing some health problems that also occur in Poddles and Golden Retrievers, such as:
- Hip Dysplasia;
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA);
- von Willebrand Disease (vWD);
- Megaesophagus;
- canine cancer;
- skin allergies;
- ear infection.
Regular veterinary visits, exercise and high-quality nutrition are essential for keeping your dog healthy.
The right food for Goldendoodle
The first thing you should implement in an optimal meal plan is a schedule. Dogs should eat appropriate portions of food at regular times. Free feeding can cause weight gain, gastrointestinal issues and bloating. Moreover, food can serve as positive reinforcement during training sessions – it will not work if your dog is constantly full. When choosing the right diet for a Goldendoodle, you can opt for raw food or commercial kibble. No matter what type of food you pick, make sure it does not contain fillers, additives, and chemical ingredients. The simpler, the better.
Feeding a Goldendoodle puppy
According to general recommendations, dog owners should feed 8-12 week old puppies 3-4 times a day. Select balanced and nutritious products.
There are a few factors to consider when buying dog food for your Goldendoodle puppy. However, the most important points are the quality of proteins, health aspects and adequate hydration.
Feeding a Goldendoodle adult
As your dog gets older and is at least 6 months old, stick to two meals a day. Never give him leftover human food if he begs for it. It is very difficult to determine how much your adult dog should eat because animal caloric needs depend on a few variables:
- size;
- weight;
- age;
- build;
- metabolism;
- activity level.
If you are uncertain whether you are doing the right thing in terms of nutrition, consult a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist.
Is my Goldendoodle in good shape?
Before you turn to an expert with the question about your pet’s BMI, you can do a little test on your own:
- the eye test – look down at your dog; if you see the waistline, you are feeding him the right amount of food;
- the hands-on test – place your thumbs on the dog’s spine, extend your hands and see if you can feel the ribs but don’t press too hard; if you succeed, you are on the right track with your Goldendoodle nutritional needs.
Dietary supplements
Pet parents always want to make sure their furry friend is well taken care of. In addition to grooming, walks, and quality food, it is worthwhile to provide your dog with supplements to boost his immune system and prevent certain diseases. The market is abundant with delicious products packed with with vitamins and minerals, that you can add to your dog’s diet. Some of them are:
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin contribute to your dog’s hip and joint health;
- Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA support a healthy skin and coat that additionally becomes sleek and shiny; they positively affect the brain, heart and eyes;
- Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K and balanced mix of minerals to boost your dog’s health and immune system.
Life expectancy
The average life expectancy of the Goldendoodle is 10 to 15 years and is inherited from its Golden Retriever and Poodle parent breeds. Mixed breeds tend to live longer and be healthier than their parent breeds. However, each dog breed is unique and there are many factors that contribute to a Goldendoodle’s life expectancy. You can extend the life of your furry friend by:
- healthy and balanced diet;
- good dental care;
- proper amount of exercise;
- mental stimulation;
- regular veterinary visits.
Goldendoodle – care and grooming
Socialization is important, even for a gentle dog like the Goldendoodle. If you have or plan to keep children and other animals, it may be a good idea to expose your dog to various stimuli. This will help break down any shyness or fearfulness.
Although Goldendoodles shed little or no hair, like all Poodles they require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy. Owners should schedule a visit with a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks. Bathing is not necessary unless your Goldendoodle is dirty or smelly after fun in the mud.
The curlier the coat, the more often it needs to be brushed to prevent the hair from matting. However, if they have a smooth coat or a very short hairstyle, brushing them weekly is satisfactory.
As a Goodle owner, you also have to remember to:
- trim your dog’s nails;
- bathe him regularly to prevent ticks, fleas and infections;
- comb his hair daily.
Goldendoodle – breeding
If you have ever been interested in buying a hybrid dog, you may have come across the concept of different generations of dogs. What do the signs P or F mean? First, the two purebred parents make the P generation, which means 100% purebred. If we mate 2 P-generation parents together, we get an F1 generation, which means 50/50 of each P-generation. One of these genetic equations is: (P) Golden Retriever + (P) Poodle = (F1) Goldendoodle. Another example is: (F1) Goldendoodle + (F1) Goldendoodle = (F2) Goldendoodle. Two existing 50/50 hybrids have been crossed. What this means in practice and what qualities your F2 or F3 Goldendoodle inherits is a mystery.
Goldendoodle – price
The average price for Goldendoodles ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, and although it is possible to get Goldendoodle puppies for as little as $500, they are usually poorly bred, unsocialized, and lack the necessary medical examinations. On the other hand, you can get a Goldendoodle for $12,000 that is healthy, socialized and well cared for.
Goldendoodle – breed history
Because of the suitable characteristics of their parent breeds, Goldendoodles seem to be good candidates for guide dogs. They were first bred in 1969 and gained greater popularity among breeders in the 1990s. As in many other cases, this “designer” hybrid was bred to combine the non-shedding coat of the Poodle with the desirable temperament of the Golden Retriever.
Goldendoodle – for whom?
The Goldendoodle is a wonderful companion for singles and small families, as well as for people with children. If the dog’s temperament is similar to that of a Golden Retriever parent, he is likely to be very patient, gentle and get along well with children of all ages. Goldendoodles are one of the best family pets to choose.
As with any breed, teach your children how to approach and interact with dogs. Also supervise interactions between dogs and young children, especially in the beginning, to prevent either party from behaving inappropriately.
Due to their sweet nature and easy care, Goldendoodles are a good choice for first-time dog owners.
Goldendoodle – trivia
- Goldendoodles have been trained to sniff out allergies; people who are allergic to peanuts can ask their dog for assistance if they are not sure that their food is free from that ingredient;
- Steve Cruz has photographed Goldendoodle puppies as if they were newborns, the results were adorable;
- other aliases of Goldendoodles include: Groodles, Goldenpoos, Goldiepoos, and Doodles.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you no longer have any doubts that a Goldendoodle can be an adorable companion to play and cuddle with. Make sure you find a reputable breeder before buying a dog, and check animal shelters.
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