Goldendoodles, are a mixed or hybrid breed, sometimes termed a designer dog. The parents are pedigree Golden Retriever and Poodle. This mix, the Goldendoodle, can vary widely in terms of size, colour and fur type. Currently, this is a very popular choice of puppy. Goldendoodle puppies are lovable, smart and playful. This makes them perfect for families with young children, or anyone simply looking for a companion. Some highlights:
Goldendoodles are known to have a loving temperament, engaging well with owners and friends.
They don’t shed their coats.
Goldendoodles are very social and non-aggressive.
They tend to be a quiet, rarely barking unnecessarily.
Although Goldendoodle puppies are easy going, training can take longer than other breeds. The mix of breeds, means they inherit traits from both Labradors and Poodles. However, once they are trained, they are entirely obedient and loyal. Some downsides to the Goldendoodle:
Goldendoodles can be prone to joint and ligament issues commonly seen in the Golden Retriever.
Goldendoodles require regular exercise, both when a puppy and fully grown – owners need to set aside a lot of time for play.
The Goldendoodle is a relatively new hybrid breed, introduced into the United States in the 1990s, initially to work as guide dogs. The blending of the Golden Retriever with the Poodle was intended to create a dog with minimal fur shedding, alongside a relaxed temperament. The result, a perfect companion for the partially sighted and the blind. The mix was inspired by the popular Labradoodle, a breed that also has hypoallergenic traits. Goldendoodles are regularly used as agility dogs, guide dogs and therapy dogs, as well as working in search and rescue. The patience and lovability of the breed has resulted in their popularity as companion dogs to increase in recent years.
Goldendoodles come in a variety of different sizes, depending on the Poodle parent. The standard size is most popular, this being slightly larger than a Golden Retriever. The range typically goes from about 56cm to 66cm at the withers. Males are generally larger than bitches.
Standard Goldendoodle weigh in at between 20 to 40 kilograms, with miniatures and toys weighing 10 to 15 kilograms.
Goldendoodle puppies range in colour as well as their size, inheriting genes from either or both parents. A single litter can come in different colours, including orange, tan, cream, dark brown, grey, black, or a mixture of these.
Goldendoodles are not typically chosen as a guard dog due to their quiet and loving temperament. They rarely bark even when a stranger comes to the door.
Although Goldendoodles' parent breeds take easily to training, the this hybrid seems to take a longer time to train than some might expect. The puppy-like nature, exhibited even at the adult stage, makes for a distracted pupil that prefers to play than work. However, they are very intelligent dogs, ranked in the top ten smartest breeds, which helps them learn tricks quickly.
Goldendoodles of any age are extremely playful, but never aggressive, making them ideal for an outgoing and fun family who love the outdoors. They love the water, a trait originating in the Golden Retriever, and can spend hours outside on walks, playing, or running.
Another factor that makes Goldendoodle puppies so appealing is that they adore children, playing gently with them and knowing their boundaries. As they don’t grow too large and keep their fluffy fur, they are not intimidating for young children either. Goldendoodles are also accepting of other pets, such as cats and other dogs.
Although they adore human companionship, Goldendoodles puppies, with preparation, can be left alone for certain lengths of time. At first, short amounts of time help to get them used to being alone, but as they grow older, they are able to be left for longer. An adult can be left for several hours. However, leaving Goldendoodles alone regularly for long periods of time will not be beneficial and can create problems, possibly causing them to be naughty out of sheer boredom. Owners with full time jobs, who will be leaving their dog in the house all day, should think about getting help with their puppy while they are out and about.
Goldendoodles are often first-generation dogs, meaning they are a direct product of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The breeding together of two unrelated pedigree lines should mean that the resulting offspring are likely to be healthier and live longer than either parent. The typical age range is between 12 and 14 years.
Even though Goldendoodles are happy to lounge inside and are calm by nature, they do require around at least an hour of exercise each day - perfect for a family that enjoys the outdoors.
Although Goldendoodles are relatively healthy, there are occasionally some inherited conditions to look out for, mainly associated with the Golden Retriever parent. These may include:
Hip Dysplasia
Skin Diseases
Heart Conditions
Eye Diseases
It is also important to note that smaller Goldendoodles are generally less healthy than larger ones. The smaller the dog, the more likely it is that they suffer from health issues. Owners need to carefully consider the health of a puppy before buying one. While the smallest in the litter can be the most attractive, it can also be the least healthy.
As the Goldendoodle loves to play, it is wise to have access to a garden. This will not only keep the house tidier, but help with the general well being of the dog, both mentally and physically.
Goldendoodles typically have one of three coat types: wavy, curly and straight. Wavy coats are the most commonly seen and the easiest to maintain. This type does not shed, but requires weekly grooming. Curly coats can vary from loose curls to full curls like a poodle. This non-shedding coat type requires a bit more maintenance, with regular grooming. Straight coats are less common and are similar to the Golden Retriever coat. Minimal grooming is required, but it does shed slightly more than the other coat types. It is sometimes difficult to know what coat type the Goldendoodle will have until fully grown.
As a rough guide a puppy will cost between £500 to £1500 depending on the breeder. Other ongoing costs (vet, food etc) are estimated at between £70 to £100 per month.
You can read our general buying guide here (/advice-on-buying-a-puppy/). Always view your Goldendoodle puppy with its mother. Goldendoodle puppy buying advice:
Goldendoodle puppies are very popular, so be aware of online scams. These can include puppies being advertised at very low prices and seller requiring payment before delivery. Always see the puppy in person before buying.
Ask to see relevant paperwork relating to vaccination and microchipping records. Ensure that the breeder treats dogs well, only breeding at appropriate times and ages.
https://www.doodledandyrescue.org/
https://dvgrr.org/about/education/breed-information/all-about-doodles/
