What is a Goldendoodle? [goldendoodle facts]

The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed dog, mixing a purebred Poodle and a purebred Golden Retriever. The goal of mixing these two breeds was to develop a dog with a good personality, that was smart, had an interesting look, and was hypoallergenic. Goldendoodles are not a recognized breed.

The Goldendoodle hybrid dog has become very popular and won the hearts of millions but it is not without controversy. Continuing reading for the rest of the story!

Goldendoodle History

Following the success of the mixed breed Labradoodle, Goldendoodles began showing up in the 1990s. Golden Retrievers were bred with Poodles to create a dog with a unique look and quirky personality.

As their popularity grew, so did their diversity. People loved the personality of the hybrid crossbreed, but there was also a desire for different sizes, coats, and colors.

Why Were Goldendoodles Bred?

In the 1980s, Wally Conron bred a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle to create a hypoallergenic dog for a blind woman whose husband was allergic to dogs. This case sparked an interest by others to continue breeding the Labradoodle.

As the popularity of Labradoodles exploded, so did the idea of “designer breeds.” Designer breeds refer to mix breeding to create a dog with a specific look and characteristics.

Goldendoodles were bred for the purpose of combining the personality of the Golden Retriever with a hypoallergenic dog to get a dog with a specific look and hopes that it would keep the personality and temperament traits of the Golden Retriever.

Many breeders and associations have spoken out against hybrid breeding. For example, the Golden Retriever Club of America writes “The Goldendoodle is nothing more than an expensive mongrel.”

Where Did Goldendoodles Originate From?

Goldendoodles grew popular in the United States and in Australia around the 1990s. This occurred following the breeding of the Labradoodle in Australia.

Breeders saw an opportunity to breed the beloved Golden Retriever in a way that could potentially make it hypoallergenic. The hybrid breed quickly became very popular but not without a lot of criticism.

Are Goldendoodles Good Pets?

Most dog owners will agree that any dog can be a good pet so long as it is given the proper care and training. The Goldendoodle is a popular pet for many reasons. They are loved family members in many homes. 

However, because the majority of Goldendoodles are first-generation Goldendoodles, their traits can vary.

Breeders of purebred dogs criticize the lack of predictability of hybrid breeds such as Goldendoodles. The lack of predictability does not mean Goldendoodles are bad pets.

Unpredictability of a dog’s characteristics can make ownership more complicated and can contribute to people surrendering or giving away their dog. 

If you are considering getting a Goldendoodle it is important to understand that you may end up with traits of a Poodle, or traits of a Golden Retriever, and it is virtually impossible to know what combination you will get.

Are Goldendoodles Good with Kids?

Yes, Goldendoodles tend to be great with kids! They are very family-oriented dogs. Goldendoodles love to play, they are very affectionate and bred to be stable, nonaggressive dogs.

Just remember, dogs are an animal and can be unpredictable at times.

What Do Goldendoodles Look Like?

If you are wondering what a Goldendoodle looks like, it depends on the genetics of the parents. The Goldendoodle Association of North American recognizes a specific standard for Goldendoodles.  

Goldendoodles come in four recognized sizes, three recognized coat types, five recognized colors, and they can have different color patterns and markings.

Contrary to popular belief, not all Goldendoodles are golden.

Goldendoodle Colors

• Apricot
• Black
• Chocolate
• Cream
• Red

The different colors come about because Poodles can be a variety of colors. Apricot seems to be the most popular Goldendoodle color.

Goldendoodle Coats

• Curly
• Straight
• Wavy

Goldendoodle coats are usually two to three inches long and considered to be a “long” or “short” coat. It is difficult to predict what kind of coats Goldendoodle puppies will have especially if the parents are both Goldendoodles. 

The breeder may test the genetics of the dogs prior to breeding and might be able to have an educated guess on what kind of coat types will be produced. As the science of breeding Goldendoodles gets more evolved breeders are having better luck pre-determining the type of coat.

Goldendoodle Size

How Big are Goldendoodles?

Goldendoodles have four recognized sizes by the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA).

• Petite – Shorter than 14 inches and less than 25 pounds
• Miniature – Between 14 and 17 inches tall and between 26 to 35 pounds
• Medium – Between 17 and 21 inches tall and between 36 to 50 pounds
• Standard – Over 21 inches tall and greater than 51 pounds

How Big Do Goldendoodles Get Compared to a Golden Retriever?

Standard Goldendoodles are known for often being larger than some Golden Retrievers and most certainly larger than Poodles. Male Golden Retrievers can get up to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Male Poodles average around 22 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 70 pounds.

It is not uncommon for male standard Goldendoodles to reach 26 inches and weigh between 65 and 70 pounds. It is important to know that the size will be determined by the parents, but also, the hybrid breeding could cause the dog to be larger than both parents.

Mini Goldendoodle

A mini Goldendoodle is a crossbreed of a “miniature” or Toy Poodle with a Golden Retriever. These ‘minis’ are very popular.

Goldendoodle Traits

Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

One of the biggest selling points of a Goldendoodle is the idea that it does not shed and is hypoallergenic. Some Goldendoodles can be considered hypoallergenic because of minimal shedding just like Poodles.

Poodles are considered hypoallergenic because they do not shed as much as most dogs do. Their hair sheds similar to how human hair falls out. It is minimal.

When a Poodle is bred with a heavy shedding dog such as a Golden Retriever, it is possible to get a hypoallergenic dog that does not shed much or you could end up with a dog that sheds moderately.

One thing that you can look at to determine if a puppy is going to be a heavy shedder is the hair around the face. When a dog has longer hair around the face, it is called furnishings. 

They have determined that a Goldendoodle with furnishings is less likely to shed or at least sheds less. This is because they possess the genes that give them more of the Poodle coat versus the Golden Retriever coat.

Do Goldendoodles Shed?

Yes, some Goldendoodles still shed. This is because of the unpredictability of crossbreed traits.

Shedding cannot be completely eliminated from first-generation Goldendoodles. The furnishing gene, which affects shedding, is not present in Golden Retrievers.

For shedding to be completely eliminated, there must be two furnishing genes. This means the Goldendoodle must be an F1B, F2, or F3 multigen generation dog (see Goldendoodle Generations explanation below). Only when this is the case will there be a chance of the dog having two furnishing genes and not shedding.

Are Goldendoodles High Maintenance?

Goldendoodles require moderate to high coat care and maintenance. Their long, continuously growing coat requires frequent brushing to prevent matting. They will also need regular cuts, especially around the face, to remove the hair from in front of their eyes.

It is important to begin routine grooming care from the puppy stage. Training your puppy to be comfortable with grooming will ensure they can be easily groomed as an adult dog. Without proper grooming, the coat can become matted and harmful to the dog.

Many owners decide to pay for grooming, and this might be a cost you want to consider before getting a Goldendoodle.

Goldendoodle Temperament

Goldendoodles are typically energetic, social, and eager to please dogs. However, it is common for Goldendoodles to have unpredictable traits.

Tip! If you seek out a reputable breeder that does genetic testing, it is possible to get a Goldendoodle with a specific temperament.

The Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) has developed a Goldendoodle breed standard that breeders can refer to in order to engage in best breeding practices. Ensuring a standard temperament is developed and adhered to is an important breeding practice.

The GANA states that Goldendoodles should be trustworthy, friendly, reliable, and maintain consistency in most situations.

Goldendoodle Personality

Goldendoodles have a great personality! They are fun loving (a bit goofy at times), outgoing, social (like making new friends), loyal, and overall a joy to be around.

Are Goldendoodles aggressive?

In general, no, Goldendoodles are not aggressive dogs. As with any dog though, they can be at times.

Why are Goldendoodles so crazy?

Well, they are not crazy they are just full of the zest of life! Goldendoodles are high energy, especially when young.

What age do Goldendoodles calm down?

Usually, you will see a Goldendoodle calming down some as they reach the age of 12 to 18 months old. This is pretty true with most dogs though.

Are Goldendoodles Smart?

Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs. Both breeds are also easy to train because they are eager to please. So a Goldendoodle should be the same right?

Yes, Goldendoodles are smart dogs! Goldendoodles are often used as service dogs and therapy dogs due to their intelligence, friendliness, and trainability.

Along with intelligence, they also inherit the high energy of the Golden Retriever and Poodle. Their high energy and social friendliness is a positive trait but it can also make this dog struggle to keep focused during training. 

Their trainability can also be negatively affected if they are not receiving an appropriate amount of exercise and engagement.

Rewarding good behavior and ensuring they get plenty of exercise can make training Goldendoodles much easier.

Goldendoodle Breeders

If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from a Goldendoodle breeder, it is important to ask what the temperament of the parents is, and if you can, take time to meet the parents of the offspring.

The Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) has a wide range of support available for Goldendoodle breeders which include the standards we mentioned above plus a whole list of items including:

• Continuing Education For Breeders
• Research Articles for Breeders
• Breeder Supply List
• How To for Breeders
• Breeders Database to include Litter Registration & Transfer of Ownership

It makes sense to interview different breeders and ask them if they follow the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) guidelines. If they act like they are not sure then perhaps it is wise to keep searching!

Goldendoodle Pros and Cons

As with any dog the Goldendoodle has it positives and negatives.

Goldendoodle Pros	Goldendoodle Cons
Don’t Shed as Much – Hypoallergenic	Their Coats Need Regular Grooming
Friendly & Very Social	Can Struggle to Stay Focused
Loving	Requires Regular Exercise
Very Smart & Easy to Train	Can Be Destructive if Bored
Like to Swim	Requires Your Attention & Love
Variety of Sizes & Colors	Not a Recognized Breed
Tend to Not Bark Too Much	Hip Dysplasia
Make Great Therapy Dogs	Can Experience Social Anxiety
Good With Children	Expensive to Purchase

Bad Things about Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are not inherently aggressive or poorly behaved. BUT They are high-energy dogs, and without proper exercise, they can become restless and difficult to handle.

Preventing unwanted behavior is the best thing you can do for your dog. Training your dog as a puppy and reinforcing good behaviors is critical in preventing behavior problems.

If your dog is older or you are experiencing unwanted behaviors, the best way to deal with this is to speak with a professional dog trainer. A dog trainer can assess the cause of your dog’s behavior and help you come up with a solution.

Can Goldendoodles be Left Alone?

Before getting a Goldendoodle, ask yourself if you have the time to dedicate to playing with your pet and giving them the necessary exercise and attention. 

If you work full time and can’t afford a dog walker, dog sitter, or doggy daycare, you may want to consider a different breed that will have a lower energy level.

Goldendoodles are highly social and do not like being left alone. However, if properly trained they may be ok with being left alone for shorter periods of time. Don’t be surprised though if you come home to find a chewed up pillow or some other type of damage.

Goldendoodle Health Issues

Goldendoodles will also suffer from the same health issues that Golden Retrievers and Poodles have to deal with.

Goldendoodle Health Issues:

• Addison’s Disease
• Epilepsy
• Heart Condition
• Hip Dysplasia
• Skin Disease
• Von Willebrand’s Disease (blood disorder)

Good Things about Goldendoodles

The best thing about a Goldendoodle has to be its personality. They are so friendly to humans and to other animals and very affectionate.

Goldendoodles are Funny, Loving, Goofy, Silly, High Energy, Social, Fluffy, Don’t Shed or Bark too Much, Loyal, Caring, and Make Great Therapy Dogs!

Goldendoodle Barking

Another great thing about Goldendoodles is they don’t seem to bark as much as some other dog breeds. Or course, that could be subjective!

Why are Goldendoodles So Popular?

Goldendoodles are a lovable breed. Their fluffy soft coat and goofy personality make them extremely popular.

Goldendoodles first became popular because they were believed to be hypoallergenic and unique looking. We now know they also have an amazing personality to go along with those great looks!

Goldendoodles have also become highly desired as a family dog because of their loyalty and friendliness. Being great with children is another plus.

In addition, Goldendoodles make great service dogs and companions. 

Goldendoodle Generations

Goldendoodles are a hybrid breed which means many of their traits can vary based on what generation they are.

The Goldendoodle Generations scale tells the owner which generation the dog is. This makes it easier to determine what kind of traits the dog will have. Shedding and coat type are the primary traits associated with the generation of offspring.

The grading scheme for Goldendoodle Generations is:

• F1 – 1st Generation Goldendoodle. Both parents are purebred Poodles & Golden Retrievers.
  
• F1B – Has one Purebred Poodle parent and one Goldendoodle parent.
  
  Note: This generation will not be 50/50 Poodle and Golden Retriever. Instead, they will have 75% Poodle DNA and 25% Golden Retriever DNA. This means there is a greater chance that the dog will display more Poodle traits than Golden Retriever traits.
  
• F2 – Both parents are F1 Goldendoodles.
  
• F3 or Multigen – One of the parents is an F1B Goldendoodle or a multigen Goldendoodle.

The above is a simplified description of the Goldendoodle Generations. Reliable and educated breeders who conduct genetic tests might be able to target specific genes to increase the chances of the offspring carrying certain traits. 

However, when the breeder is not educated or does not do genetic testing, it becomes more difficult to determine the traits the offspring will possess.

Goldendoodle Facts

Some interesting facts about the Goldendoodle!

Are Goldendoodles a Recognized Breed?

No, Goldendoodles are not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Can Goldendoodles be AKC Registered?

Yes! Goldendoodles can still be registered with the American Kennel Club! They can register through the AKC Canine Partners Program. This allows the Goldendoodles to compete in AKC shows and sports.

When did the Goldendoodle Originate?

The first intentional breeding of a Goldendoodle was in 1969 by Monica Dickens. However, this breeding did not lead to a big response or popularity for the breed. Goldendoodle’s popularity came later.

When did Goldendoodles become Popular?

It wasn’t until the 1990s, after the Labradoodle gained popularity, that the Goldendoodle began being bred intentionally on a large scale.

How Long do Goldendoodles Live?

Goldendoodles lifespan is between 10 and 15 years.

Goldendoodle Emotional Support Dog

Goldendoodles are bred to have a personality that is great for being an emotional support therapy dog. They are also excellent as companion animals or service dogs.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle

So what is the difference between a Goldendoodle and a Labradoodle? The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.

The Labradoodle is a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.

How Much do Goldendoodles Cost?

On average, a Goldendoodle puppy will probably cost you between $1000 and $2000. But there are instances where Goldendoodle breeders charge much more.

Mini Goldendoodle puppies will cost more than a normal size Goldendoodle puppy.

Goldendoodle Names

Here are some of the most popular names for Goldendoodles from Rover.com.

Female Goldendoodle Names

• Luna
• Lucy
• Daisy
• Bella
• Rosie
• Maggie
• Zoe
• Sadie
• Ruby
• Millie

Male Goldendoodle Names

• Charlie
• Cooper
• Teddy
• Bailey
• Ollie
• Oliver
• Murphy
• Winston
• Milo
• Leo

Goldendoodles are unique dogs. Bred from the social Golden Retriever and social Poodle, it is not surprising that Goldendoodles typically possess the sought-after traits of being social, outgoing, and loving. They make a great pet in my opinion.