Goldendoodle Dog Breed Information - Great Doodle Dogs and Puppies

Are you thinking of getting a Goldendoodle? This popular hybrid dog is a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. They’re known for being intelligent, friendly, and easy to train.

Here you’ll find everything you need to know about Goldendoodles, including their history, temperament, health issues, and more.

Table of Contents

What Is A Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. They’re considered to be a “designer breed” because they’re specifically bred for their desirable traits.

The offspring can inherit the best features of both parent breeds. For example, they may have the Golden Retriever’s friendly personality and the Poodle’s intelligence.

Origin Of The Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles were first bred in the United States in the 1990s. The original intention was to create hypoallergenic guide dogs that would also be good with children They have since been used as sniffer dogs as well as therapy dogs, they are wonderful service dogs

Since then, Goldendoodles have become popular pets around the world. They’re especially beloved for their friendly personalities and easy-to-train nature.

What Is A Golden Retriever?

The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed that was originally bred in Scotland. They were created by crossbreeding several different types of retrievers, including the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel.

Golden Retrievers were originally used as hunting dogs. They’re still popular hunting companions today, but they’re also well-known as family pets.

What is a Poodle?

Poodles are a group of three related breeds: the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle, and the Toy Poodle. They were originally bred in Germany, and they’re thought to be descendants of the now-extinct German Water Spaniel.

Poodles are prized for their intelligence and their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats. They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and apricot.

Physical Appearance

Goldendoodles can inherit the physical appearance of either parent breed. However, they’re typically large dogs with long noses and floppy ears.

Their coats can also be either long and wavy or short and curly. They can be any color, but the most common are black, brown, cream, and apricot.

Goldendoodle Sizes How Big Do They Get

Goldendoodles come in four different sizes: petite, miniature, medium, and standard. The size of the dog depends on the size of the parents.

Petite Goldendoodle Full Grown Size

Petite Goldendoodles are the smallest size of Goldendoodle. They typically weigh 25 pounds or less and stand 14 inches or shorter at the shoulder.

Mini Goldendoodles Full Grown Size

Miniature Goldendoodles are slightly larger than petite Goldendoodles. They typically weigh 26-35 pounds and stand 17 inches or shorter at the shoulder.

Medium Goldendoodle Full Grown Size

Medium Goldendoodles are larger than miniature Goldendoodles. They typically weigh 36-50 pounds and stand 21 inches or shorter at the shoulder.

Standard Goldendoodle Full Grown Size

Standard Goldendoodles are the largest size of Goldendoodle. They typically weigh 51 pounds or more and stand taller than 21 inches at the shoulder.

Goldendoodle Generations Explained

For many dog lovers understanding what goes into the breeding of their favorite dog is important. Here’s a quick overview of Goldendoodle generations to give you a better understanding of what they are:

F1 Goldendoodle

The first generation (F1) Goldendoodle is the result of breeding a purebred Golden Retriever with a purebred Standard Poodle.

The results are 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Standard Poodle.

F1B Goldendoodle

The first generation, backcross (F1B) Goldendoodle is the result of breeding a first generation Goldendoodle with a Standard Poodle or Golden Retriever.

The results are 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever.

F1BB Goldendoodle

The first generation, backcross, backcross (F1BB) Goldendoodle is the result of breeding an F1B Goldendoodle with a Standard Poodle or Golden Retriever.

The results are 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Golden Retriever.

F2 Goldendoodle

The second generation (F2) Goldendoodle is the result of breeding two F1 Goldendoodles together.

The results are 50% F1 Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever.

F2B Goldendoodle

The second generation, backcross (F2B) Goldendoodle is the result of breeding an F1 Goldendoodle with an F1B Goldendoodle.

The results are 62.5% F1 Poodle and 37.5% F1B Golden Retriever.

F2BB Goldendoodle

The second generation, backcross, backcross (F2BB) Goldendoodle is the result of breeding an F2B Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle.

The results are 81.25% F1 Goldendoodle and 18.75% F1BB Goldendoodle.

Multigenerational Goldendoodle

The third generation (F3) Goldendoodle or Multi-generation Goldendoodle is the result of breeding an F1B Goldendoodle with an F2B Goldendoodle or higher.

Goldendoodle Life Expectancy

The average lifespan of a Goldendoodle is 10-12 years when properly cared for and fed an appropriate good quality diet to suit their ages.

However, they can live longer with good care.

How To Care For Your Goldendoodle

It is important to keep your Goldendoodle well-groomed and healthy. Here are some of the things you may want to know to help you take care of your Goldendoodle.

Goldendoodle Exercise Requirements

Your Goldendoodle will likely need a moderate amount of exercise. A good rule of thumb is to provide them with at least 30 minutes to one hour of exercise each day.

This can be a combination of walks, runs, and playtime. Keep in mind that Goldendoodles are bred from two high-energy dog breeds, so they may have a lot of energy to burn off.

Diet and Nutrition for Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles should be fed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level. They may also benefit from supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to help keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Goldendoodle Training and Socialization

Goldendoodles are generally intelligent and easy to train. They may benefit from obedience training, as well as socialization classes or activities.

It is important to start training and socialization early, as Goldendoodles can be wary of strangers if they are not properly introduced to new people and situations.

Start by enrolling your Goldendoodle in a basic obedience class. From there, you can move on to more advanced training, such as agility or flyball as they love dog sports.

You can also socialize your Goldendoodle by taking them to the dog park, on walks around the neighborhood, or to doggy daycare.

Cleaning And Grooming Your Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles and to prevent skin problems.

Bathing Your Dog

Goldendoodles should be bathed every four to six weeks, or as needed.

You should use a mild dog shampoo and avoid getting water in their ears. Be sure to rinse all of the shampoo out of their coat.

Drying Your Dog

After bathing, you will need to thoroughly dry your Goldendoodle. A blow dryer set on low or cool can help speed up the process, be sure not to hold the dryer too close to their skin.

You can also towel dry your dog, but be sure to remove all of the moisture from their coat.

Brushing Their Coats

Goldendoodles should be brushed at least once a week, or more often if they are shedding.

A slicker brush or a comb can help remove tangles and mats. Be sure to work slowly and be gentle, as Goldendoodles have sensitive skin.

Cleaning Their Ears

Goldendoodles’ ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection.

You can use a cotton ball dampened with a gentle ear cleaner to clean the inside of their ears. Be sure not to insert anything into their ear canals if you can see or feel anything inside, such as wax or a foreign object, it is best to have your veterinarian check it first.

Cleaning Their Teeth

Goldendoodles should have their teeth brushed at least once a week, or more often if they are prone to dental problems.

You can use a toothbrush designed for dogs, or a gauze pad wrapped around your finger. Be sure to use a toothpaste designed for dogs, as human toothpaste can be harmful to them.

Grooming – Cutting Their Hair

Goldendoodles may need to have their hair trimmed or cut on a regular basis, depending on the length and type of coat they have.

You can take them to a professional groomer, or you can learn to do it yourself. If you are going to cut their hair yourself, be sure to use sharp, quality scissors and follow the direction of their hair growth.

If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can take them to a professional groomer.

Goldendoodles with shorter coats may only need to be trimmed every few months, while those with longer coats may need to be trimmed or cut every month or so.

Trimming Their Nails

Goldendoodles’ nails should be trimmed on a regular basis, or as needed.

If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, they are probably too long.

You can use a nail trimmer designed for dogs, or you can have a professional groomer do it for you.

Be sure to only trim the tips of their nails, as cutting too far can cause bleeding and pain.

If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can take them to a professional groomer.

Anal Gland Expression

Goldendoodles may need to have their anal glands expressed on a regular basis, or as needed.

This is a procedure that should be done by a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Goldendoodles that are prone to anal gland problems may need to have this done every few weeks, while those that are not may only need it done every few months.

Goldendoodles and Other Pets

Goldendoodles can get along with other pets, but they may be better suited to homes where they are the only pet.

This is because they can be very clingy and may become jealous of other pets in the home.

If you have other pets, it is important to introduce them slowly and make sure that everyone is getting along before leaving them alone together.

Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Goldendoodles are not hypoallergenic, but they are low-shedding and may be a good choice for people with allergies.

This is because they inherit the hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle parent and the shedding coat of the Golden Retriever.

Goldendoodles may shed a little bit, but they will not shed as much as other dogs.

If you are allergic to dogs but want to own one, a Goldendoodle may be a good choice for you.

Goldendoodle Temperament And Personality

Goldendoodles are bred to be loyal, loving, and friendly dogs.

They are good with children and other pets, and they make great companion dogs.

Goldendoodles are intelligent and easy to train, and they excel in obedience and agility trials.

Goldendoodles are active dogs that need plenty of exercise, and they enjoy activities such as swimming, hiking, and playing fetch.

Are Goldendoodle Puppies Good For Families?

Goldendoodle puppies are good for families, but they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners.

This is because they can be a lot of work, and they need to be trained and socialized from an early age.

Goldendoodle puppies are also known to be clingy and may become jealous of other pets in the home.

If you are looking for a family-friendly dog, a Goldendoodle may be a good choice for you.

Goldendoodles Health

All dogs are susceptible to health problems, and Goldendoodles are no exception.

Some of the health problems that Goldendoodles may be prone to include hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, and epilepsy.

Goldendoodles may also be susceptible to health problems that are common to both Golden Retrievers and Poodles, such as allergies and joint problems.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that is common in dogs, and Goldendoodles are no exception.

This condition is caused by an allergy to something in the environment, such as pollen, dust, or mold.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include itching, redness, and hair loss.

If your Goldendoodle is scratching a lot, it is important to take them to the vet to rule out other possible causes of their itchiness, such as fleas or mange.

Your vet may recommend a course of treatment that includes antihistamines, antibiotics, or steroids.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is a common knee injury in dogs, and Goldendoodles are no exception.

This injury is caused by the tearing of the ligament that stabilizes the knee joint.

Symptoms of a cranial cruciate ligament rupture include lameness, pain, and swelling.