The Goldendoodle, also known as the “Groodle”, is the hottest designer family dog on the market these days.
First bred by Monica Dickens in 1969, this Golden Retriever and Poodle mix gained traction in the 1990s, and the popularity continues to soar.
So, why is everyone going doodle-crazy?
In this post, we’ll introduce the crossbreed that everyone seems to be talking about. It’s time to get up close and personal with the Goldendoodle!
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What in the World is a Goldendoodle?
No, it’s not a type of pasta. The Goldendoodle is the ultimate doggie companion, with the sweetest disposition and not a single aggressive bone in its tail waggin’ body.
Goldendoodle size depends on the Poodle parent’s variant (standard, miniature, toy) resulting in the puppies ranging in size from large standard, small standard (medium) and miniature.
On average, it will reach 20 inches (50 cm) for height and weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 lbs (22 to 40 kg).
The Goldendoodle has got that teddy bear resemblance that melts hearts into a puddle of pure love. Its most distinctive feature is its coat, which can grow in three different styles:
- Straight coat: Flatter, longer fur like the Golden Retriever.
- Wavy coat: A scruffy mix of the Poodle’s hypoallergenic curls and the Retriever’s straight tresses.
- Curly coat: Thick curls like the Poodle.
Their coat can be white, cream, apricot, red, light brown and black.
With so many colors, sizes and coat textures, how do you know what your Goldendoodle will grow up to look like?
The answer here is: no one knows. With a crossbreed, the best you can do is learn the background of the parents.
The Poodle is all beauty and brains
Poodles (Standard, miniature or toy) are a well-known breed that has enjoyed the admiration of many for its luxurious curly coat and high intelligence.
They are the second smartest dogs behind the Border Collie. This enables them to excel at various competitions, work as service dogs and perform in shows.
One vital gene the Poodle can pass down is its low-shedding, low-dander coat of hair that renders it hypoallergenic.
Golden Retriever: the ultimate family dog
The Golden Retriever is a large dog, built strong and sports a golden to sandy colored coat.
Originally bred for hunting as a retriever dog for shot game, it’s known for its intelligence, obedience and trainability.
Here’s a fun fact: that splendid coat is water repellent! This breed loves to swim, and won’t hesitate to jump into a swimming pool on a hot day.
Oodles of Doodles
Who knew there were so many types of doodles? That’s one of the joys of designer dogs. There are so many combinations to choose from!
Here’s a quick rundown on how to navigate the different generational breeds of Goldendoodles like a PRO.
- F1 Goldendoodle: This is the offspring of a Poodle bred with a Golden Retriever.
- F1B Goldendoodle: This is the offspring of a Poodle bred with an F1 Goldendoodle.
- F2 Goldendoodle: This is the offspring of an F1 Goldendoodle bred with another F1 Goldendoodle.
- F2B Goldendoodle: This is the offspring of an F1 Goldendoodle bred with an F1B Goldendoodle.
Don’t miss these 3 doodle crossbreeds
The Goldendoodle is the newest poodle mix on the block. There are many other varieties to scope out. Get your doodle fill and pick the right doodle for you!
1. Mini Goldendoodle
While the Goldendoodle was bred for its large size, the Mini Goldendoodle or Mini Groodle was bred for those who prefer a smaller dog.
This hybrid is produced from a Golden Retriever and Miniature Poodle mix, so despite its size, it exhibits many of the same characteristics as its larger counterpart.
Intelligent, friendly and hypoallergenic- the Mini Groodle gets along with anyone, including other pets.
2. Labradoodle
Let’s start off by confirming that Goldendoodles and Labradoodles NOT the same crossbreed, although they are quite similar.
This mix comes from the Poodle and Labrador, first bred in Australia for hypoallergenic traits and for service use.
Although Labradoodle coats are meant to be low-shedding, owners are surprised to see the opposite. It’s also not uncommon to see a Labradoodle end up with a curly Poodle coat either. Either way, you never know what type of appearance you’ll get with this hybrid.
This dog is loving and kind, making it a great family dog, but is high energy and requires daily exercise.
3. Petite Goldendoodle
This doodle is a mix between the Golden Retriever, Toy or Miniature Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel.
Dating back to the 2000s, this new designer dog is a much smaller take on the Goldendoodle, offering the same friendly temperament and low-shedding, low-dander traits.
No Family Picture is Complete Without a Goldendoodle
You already know that these dogs are some of the friendliest furballs around. So much so, that they make terrible guard dogs! They are not shy when it comes to strangers, and prefer to sidle up in the hopes of making a new pal.
Since they are highly social and gentle, they are a great option for first-time dog owners. They also get along fine with children and other pets.
Goldendoodles are also energetic workers. With the sharpness of a Poodle and obedience of a Golden Retriever, this crossbreed makes a great service, therapy or sniffer dog.
Since Goldendoodles tend to be on the larger size, a house with a fenced in yard is more suitable than a cramped apartment.
They are easy to train due to their acute intelligence and willingness to please. Crate training is recommended to curb chewing habits that can develop out of boredom or separation anxiety.
Socialization is also important to begin from a young age to avoid fearful behavior towards other dogs.
The 101 on Goldendoodle Health
With a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, you can expect this designer dog to live a long and healthy life. But alas, no breed is free of a few health problems.
For the Goldendoodle, these are the most common issues they can potentially inherit.
- Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation.
- Ear infections: Can be caused by bacteria, yeast, ear mites, excessive hair, moisture or wax.
- Hip Dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip socket that can cause arthritis and lameness.
- Elbow Dysplasia: These are abnormalities that cause degeneration of the elbow joint.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degeneration of the retina that causes vision loss and blindness.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: An inherited blood clotting disorder.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: A disease in which the stomach bloats and twists around its short axis.
- Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid.
Goldendoodle feeding tips
Of course, every dog is different when it comes to the amount of food consumed. Like humans, it depends on factors like size, metabolism and activity level.
Stick to high-quality dry dog food that is portioned 1 to 4 cups. Divide this up into smaller meals served throughout the day. This is important since Goldendoodles are prone to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus.
Exercise: from walks to swimming
Goldendoodles are moderately energetic, but still require 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise.
This can include going for a long walk around the neighborhood or playing in the backyard.
We touched on how the Golden Retriever is a good swimmer– so is the Goldendoodle! If the weather is hot, invest in a plastic pool for your backyard where she can splash around while staying cool. If you have a large swimming pool, she’ll love going for a dip.
Light shedding means low maintenance
Rejoice doodle lovers! That low-shedding coat, courtesy of the Poodle, allows for minimal shedding with only light grooming needed.
It’s up to you whether or not you want to trim your Goldendoodle’s coat. If you opt not to, brush her once every week to two weeks in order to keep tangles away.
Here’s How You Can Buy a Goldendoodle Puppy
First off, PLEASE stay away from puppy mills! Since the Goldendoodle is a rising star, puppy mills are popping up to meet the growing demand.
Take your time researching Goldendoodle breeders to find a reputable one. Visit the premises and ask lots of questions regarding background info on the puppy’s parents and medical clearances.
The price of a Goldendoodle will cost anywhere from $900 to $2400. Factors such as breed quality, the breeder and the geographic location can affect how much you ultimately pay for your new bestie.
Where to Adopt a Goldendoodle
Don’t forget about adoption! With puppy mills churning out cheap Goldendoodle puppies, it’s not uncommon to find them up for rescue. Here are some good resources to search listings:
Conclusion: The Easiest Companion Dog
The noble and loyal disposition of the Golden Retriever along with the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle makes a winning genetics combo for allergists, families, the elderly and service with the Goldendoodle crossbreed.
It’s important to note that since it is a new designer dog, you shouldn’t have high expectations for what it will look like or how the temperament will be. It all depends on the individual puppy’s parents.
Nonetheless, she makes the perfect workout partner if you like to go swimming or for hikes in the forest. And, you won’t have to worry about social situations, The kindred Goldendoodle wants to be friends with everyone!
What are your thoughts on the Goldendoodle? Share with us in the comments!
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