Dog Breed

Goldendoodle

Nanny
Primary image of Goldendoodle dog breed
Full Name
Goldendoodle
Alternate Names
Doodle
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Life Span
12 - 14 years
Weight
40 - 80 pounds
Description

The Goldendoodle is a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle and is quickly increasing in popularity. They are in high demand, and oftentimes require long wait times to get a puppy.

Goldendoodles make amazing family dogs. They have the loyalty, friendliness, and goofy playfulness of a Golden Retriever. But they also are a bit calmer tempered, don't need quite as much exercise as a Golden Retriever, are very low shedding, and are hypoallergenic due to their Poodle side. Of course, the mix of the two also results in an intensely cute curly dog, which has many variations. Goldendoodles, just like Poodles, can come in a range of sizes. They also are very similar to their cousin, the Labradoodle, which is a mix of a Poodle and Labrador. These two types of "doodles" are very similar in both temperament and appearance- the Goldendoodle is slightly lower energy.

Multiple factors dictate the appearance of a Goldendoodle- their 'generation' (the first generation are puppies of a Golden Retriever and Poodle), the color of parents, and percent of Retriever vs Poodle.

Origin
Australia
Bred For
Family Companionship
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Goldendoodle good with children?

    Yes! The Goldendoodle is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Goldendoodle is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Goldendoodle friendly with strangers?

    Yes! The Goldendoodle is naturally friendly with everyone. As always, socialization is always important, but the Goldendoodle typically loves everyone they meet
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Goldendoodle friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Goldendoodle naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Goldendoodle typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Goldendoodle like to cuddle?

    The Goldendoodle appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
    Playfulness

    Does the Goldendoodle like to play?

    The Goldendoodle will almost always be ready for play! The Goldendoodle is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Goldendoodle make a good service dog?

    The Goldendoodle can be a service dog with the proper training. Goldendoodles are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Goldendoodle good for first-time owners?

    The Goldendoodle is a good breed for first-time owners. A good fit for first-time owners are friendly breeds that are motivated to please their owner. This means they can be trained, and are rarely aggressive and overpowering.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Goldendoodle be trained?

    The Goldendoodle can be trained to the highest level and is oftentimes seen in various competitions. The Goldendoodle is not only intelligent, but it wants to please its owner and is motivated with competition, especially if it feels like it has a job assigned to it.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Goldendoodle shed a lot?

    The Goldendoodle does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Goldendoodle easy to groom?

    The Goldendoodle requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Goldendoodle to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Goldendoodle on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Goldendoodle need a lot of exercise?

    The Goldendoodle requires an average amount of exercise. You should be ready to dedicate a couple of short walks or a larger dog park session each day for your Goldendoodle to be happy and fulfilled.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Goldendoodle?

    The Goldendoodle is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Goldendoodle bark? Does the Goldendoodle bark too much?

    The Goldendoodle barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Goldendoodles - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Goldendoodle a good guard dog?

    The Goldendoodle would not make a good guard dog. They can be alert, but typically do not have the desire or instinct to take on "guarding" as their job.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Goldendoodle good at staying alone? Is the Goldendoodle independent?

    The Goldendoodle does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Goldendoodle a good apartment dog?

    The Goldendoodle is not the best dog apartment living, but it can work if the owner is dedicated to exercising and training their Goldendoodle
    Size

    How big is the Goldendoodle?

    The Goldendoodle is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Goldendoodle tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Goldendoodle?

    The Goldendoodle can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Goldendoodle tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Goldendoodle?

    The Goldendoodle can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Goldendoodle try to run away?

    The Goldendoodle does sometimes run away. This is especially true if they are distracted, or see other cats or dogs. They probably won't go out of their way to "escape", but a fenced yard is still recommended.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Goldendoodle a healthy dog? The health of a Goldendoodle should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Goldendoodle is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Goldendoodle?

    The Goldendoodle has a good amount of energy and it's important to give the Goldendoodle daily walks and ideally run time as well. A well-exercised dog is easier to train, and will be happier and have less likelihood for destructive habits.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Goldendoodle drool?

    The Goldendoodle drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Goldendoodle have a large prey drive? Does the Goldendoodle like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Goldendoodle has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
    Athleticism

    Is the Goldendoodle atheltic?

    The Goldendoodle is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.

Breed Variations

  • Image for the Miniature variation for dog breed

    Miniature

  • Image for the Black variation for dog breed

    Black

  • Image for the Red variation for dog breed

    Red

  • Image for the Cream variation for dog breed

    Cream

  1. Non-Sporting
  2. Poodle
  3. Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a purebred dog that belongs to the Poodle sub group, which falls under the larger Non-Sporting dog breed group.
Non-Sporting group: The Non-Sporting group of dogs is probably the most diverse in the sense that it has a variety of dogs, and they were not all bred for one specific purpose. Each breed in the non-sporting group is unique! They have been primarily bred as house pets, and because of that make excellent additions to the family. Exercise is still important for them, but the typical non-sporting dog does not have the energy of of a sporting or working group dog.
Poodle sub-group: Poodles will forever be some of the most famous dogs. They have strong personalities, and are oftentimes misunderstood. Because of their unique coat which is oftentimes styled in all sorts of elaborate styles, there is the misconception that they are only a show dog, and are not very sporty or fun. That is not true- in fact poodles are some of the most versatile dogs- both athletic and very intelligent. Poodles can be trained well, and in fact need to since they can otherwise either become dominant or have behavioral problems. They are one of the smartest breeds, but also expect a competent owner in return. Poodles also have above average health, are hypoallergenic, and do not shed very much.

Goldendoodles for adoption

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