Goldendoodle Breed Information, Facts and Care tips guide

Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between the hypoallergenic Poodle and the ever-friendly Golden Retriever. This mix is playful and comes in three different sizes, Miniature, Standard, and Large. The Golden Retriever Poodle mix has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

Goldendoodles also come in a variety of colors and different coat types.

They are also known for being ever-friendly and having endearing personalities which makes them exceptional family dogs.

So, if you are looking for your next companion the Goldendoodle mix may be the dog for you. But to learn more about that and how to take care of this cross, keep on reading.

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• Black Labradoodle mix. 
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About the Goldendoodle crossbreed

The Golden Retriever Poodle mix first emerged in the late 1990s, inspired by the Labradoodle that had been a huge success.

Breeders aimed at creating a mix that was friendly and that had a hypoallergenic coat.

You can learn more about the Labradoodle cross by visiting this link.

The Goldendoodle also proved to be a success inheriting the friendly nature of the Golden Retriever and the low shedding qualities of the Poodle which made this dog a universal hit.

Demand for this Golden Poodle cross increased which resulted in more mixes from the same parent but different sizes of the Poodle.

This led to the creation of different Goldendoodle sizes namely;

• Miniature Goldendoodles.
• Standard Goldendoodles.
• Large Goldendoodles.

However, this dog is not recognized by any of the major Kennel Clubs.

The Golden name comes from the Golden Retriever and Doodle is a term used to refer to Poodle mixes hence the name Goldendoodle.

7 Fun facts about the Golden Retriever Poodle mix

1. This dog was first seen in North America and Australia in the 1980s.
2. Goldendoodles are high maintenance dogs that require frequent grooming.
3. Due to their endearing and gentle nature, these dogs make great therapy and companion dogs.
4. They are intelligent and thus highly trainable.
5. In most cases, the Golden Retriever parent will be the mother (dam) but when bred from a Standard Poodle, the Poodle will be the mother.
6. They come in a variety of colors and can have different coat types that range from straight, wavy, or curly.
7. Goldendoodles are athletic dogs that also have a high affinity for water, especially muddy water.

Goldendoodle pros and cons

Pros:

✓ Can be hypoallergenic.

✔ Cuddly and friendly.

✓ Great swimmers.

✔ Adaptable and does well in apartments.

✓ Healthy.

Cons:

✗ Need a lot of exercises.

✘ Prone to separation anxiety.

✗ Is expensive.

✘ Not all will be hypoallergenic.

Characteristics and appearance of the Goldendoodle

How big does the Golden Retriever Poodle mix get?

Poodle Golden Retriever mixes come in three different sizes:

• Miniature
• Small Standard
• Large Standard

Coat colors

The Golden Retriever Poodle mix comes in various colors that include the following;

Whichever color this crossbreed will inherit will depend on the genes whether they are recessive or dominant.

These dogs can also come in color combinations such as phantom, parti, and merle.

• A particolored Golden Poodle cross is at least 50% white, with solid patches of any other color. Doodles that have a sold color with white markings that cover less than 50% of the body are known by several names: abstract, mismarks, or chrome.
• Merle is a varied coat pattern but the merle gene may cause deafness and blindness.
• Phantom Goldendoodles have markings above each eye, on the sides of the muzzle, chest, inside the legs, and under the tail.

What are Furnishings and Improper coats in Golden Doodles?

Furnishings are the longer facial hairs that are commonly found on the eyebrows, mustache, and beard. Dogs with furnishings shed less than dogs without furnishings.

Incorrect coats are used to refer to Golden Retriever Poodle mixes that do not have furnishing.

Golden Poodles mixes with furnishings are preferred to those with incorrect coats as they often shed less and trigger fewer allergies.

Is the Golden Retriever Poodle mix hypoallergenic?

These pooches do not shed much and produce less dander than most hence making they are considered hypoallergenic.

However, not all low-shedding Goldendoodles will be hypoallergenic and some people may be allergic to the dog’s saliva or urine.

One should also consider that dander, allergens, proteins, and saliva carried on dog coats can contribute to each individual’s allergic reaction.

This is because dogs produce a protein called “fel D 1” that triggers most allergies in most dog owners.

The fel D 1 protein can be found in the dog’s saliva, skin, and urine, most people don’t realize that pet allergy is caused by coming into contact with this protein. It is not simply a case of being around pet hair.

Personality traits and Temperament

These dogs are loved for their even-temperaments, intelligence, and accepting nature. They are also welcoming to everyone they meet.

These crosses are highly affectionate, gentle, and patient and make a wonderful family companion.

However, they are super playful and are prone to mischief.

Also, because of his super welcoming and friendly nature, you cannot depend on the Goldendoodle as a guard dog. This dog fails miserably at the guarding sector.

They also develop strong bonds with their family members and are prone to developing separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods.

When left alone this dog can also become super destructive and bark a lot.

Is the Goldendoodle a good family dog?

This Golden Retriever mix is an exceptional family dog that is best suited for active families that love spending most of their time outdoors. They are also great with young kids and get along well with other household animals.

Goldendoodle Puppies

These puppies are adorable, they look less “Poodley” and more “Doodley” making them incredible balls of fluff.

They need intensive care and should be placed in a secure area when unattended.

It is paramount to have the puppies socialized at an early age which allows them to learn to play nice with other pets and grasp the basic training that they may need.

Litter size:

3 to 8 puppies.

The Litter size will also depend on the size of the Poodle used during breeding.

How much do Golden Retriever Poodle mixes cost?

The average price of a Goldendoodle puppy is between $1500 and $2000 but the price can go as high as $5000. You can also adopt a Golden Retriever Poodle mix at a cost of about $300.

You must get your puppy from a responsible breeder that understands your needs. This will ensure that the puppy you are getting will be as healthy as possible.

Both parents should be as healthy as possible and the puppy should be tested for possible health problems.

You should avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders at all costs.

What you should know before buying?

It important to understand that Goldendoodle puppies can come in different generations that include the following;

• F1 Goldendoodles– These are mixes between purebred Poodles and purebred Golden Retrievers.
• F1B Goldendoodles– Is a combination of the F1 Goldendoodle cross with either a purebred Poodle or Golden Retriever.
• F2 Goldendoodles– Is a combination of two F1 Goldendoodles. And it goes on and on.

Also, both females and male crosses may be suitable for you, it all depends on your preference. None of the dogs is better than the other.

How to care for a Goldendoodle

These are the perfect dogs for either first-time trainers or inexperienced trainers due to their easy to train and intelligent nature.

They should be trained using positive reinforcement and rewards, shouting or rebuking them harshly may damage their confidence.

These are gentle dogs, so it is paramount to discourage any timidity or shyness even though they need to socialized consistently and from an early age.

Larger Goldendoodle may require more to move around and play. The home should also be well-fenced.

It is also crucial to note that Goldendoodles may suffer from separation anxiety which can lead to destructive behavior hence the need to attentive care at all times.

1. Grooming requirements

These canines often inherit the Golden Retriever’s or the Poodle’s coat but will usually be a blend of the two.

If left uncut, the hair will grow to about 4 – 7 inches long. Their hair is usually shorter on the face and longer on the body, legs, and tail.

They require regular brushing at least 3 times a week. This will get rid of dead hair, get rid of tangles, and evenly distribute coat oils.

Brushing keeps their coat in the best possible conditions.

Most owners usually prefer to give the coat a nice trim to make it easier to maintain and take care of.

Goldendoodles need to be bathed when it’s necessary, for example, when they play in muddy pools which they do a lot. But apart from this, it is recommended to bathe them after every 6 weeks using doggie shampoo and conditioner.

A nice smelling conditioner will help as this dog can get quite smelly.

Goldendoodle Proper hygiene tips

Paw hygiene:

You will need to take care of this dog’s paws by trimming the hair between the paw pads and getting rid of any debris/dirt between the paw pads.

The nails will also need to be checked and cut regularly using high-quality clippers. You will easily know when the nails are too long as they will click on the floor as the dog walks.

Do not cut the nail’s quick as this can cause bleeding. So if you are not very experienced in trimming dog nails ask a groomer or a vet for advice.

Clipping the nails will ensure that the dog does not get hurt as he walks and plays around.

Ear hygiene:

The ears will need to be checked and clean regularly.

In case of any odor, redness, or discharge coming from the ears, you will need to get the dog checked out as he may have an ear infection.

You can also clean the ears using cotton balls and a pH-balanced ear cleaning solution recommended by your vet.

Do not insert anything into the dog’s ear canal. Just clean the outer part of the ears. Also, do not use Q-tips.

Dental hygiene: 

Dental hygiene will involve taking your Goldendoodle to the vet for regular check-ups and cleaning them.

It is recommended to brush the teeth several times a week using a doggie toothpaste and doggie toothbrush or finger brush.

Brushing the teeth will help get rid of plaque and prevent the build-up of tar tar that can cause infections.

Dental sticks will also come in handy when you are taking care of the Goldendoodle’s teeth.

Also, if your Poodle Golden Retriever mix has a bad odor, you should take him to the vet for recommendations on what you can do about it. However, in most cases, brushing the teeth and using a doggie mouth spray should get rid of bad breath.

Eye hygiene:

You will need to check around the Doodle’s eyes for any discharge, swelling, or discharge.

If you notice any of these issues around the eyes, get a vet to check them out immediately as it could be a sign of an infection or underlying condition.

You will also need to clean any tear stain that may be on the Goldendoodle using eye wipes. Ensure that you wipe the eyes regularly but do not touch the eyeballs when doing this.

2. Food and Dietary requirements

It is important to make sure that your dog has a healthy balanced diet.

Nutrition is a crucial part of your dog’s wellbeing, the quality of your dog’s life may be impacted by failing to provide a diet that is of high-quality grade ingredients and in the right ratios.

Goldendoodles do well on premium dry food for dogs, as they meet all of the dog’s nutritional needs.

You will a diet rich in meat-based protein and contains healthy fats from vegetable and fish sources with an acceptable percentage of carbs.

Avoid food that has artificial fillers and other artificial ingredients that may upset the dog’s stomach.

How much should I feed a Goldendoodle?

Not all of them will thrive on the same diets as they come in different sizes. You should make sure that you are feeding your mixed dog on the correct amounts daily.

Each kibble has a feeding guide, it is best to stick to the guidelines for each specific kibble that you pour into your pet’s bowl.

Serving sizes vary depending on;

• the size
• build
• age
• activity level

Small Doodles may not need more than a cup and a half of food as compared to the standard Goldendoodle that may need double that amount.

A highly active dog will need more food than a lazy couch dog. The quality of the dog food you buy also makes a difference, the better the dog food, the better nourishment your dog will have.

However, in general, this dog will need 30 calories for every pound that he weighs daily.

It is good practice to feed your dog twice a day than free-feeding him.

3. Goldendoodle Exercise and Activity Levels

Goldendoodles are active dogs that need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day depending on their size.

You can take this dog for 2 walks a day which should be coupled with mentally stimulating games such as puzzles.

Swimming is also an ideal activity for the Goldendoodle as it inherits its parents breed Golden Retriever’s love of water.

They enjoy the outdoor space that they can run, play fetch, and explore.

4. Training a Golden Retriever Poodle mix

Goldendoodles are intelligent and are always eager to please.

Pups as early as 12 weeks of age are capable of learning basic tricks and commands that may help provide the foundation for all of the training they will need throughout their lives.

Beginning obedience training at an early age will be very beneficial.

These little ones are connected to their humans hence their sensitivity to their owner’s emotions.

Because of their connection to their owner’s emotions, Goldendoodles should be coached in a positive and encouraging atmosphere, they often do not do well in settings where they are being shouted at or criticize

How to Potty train a Golden Doodle

Goldendoodle puppies should be potty trained as early as possible and you should give preference to it. However, you should note the this will take time and will require you to be patient and consistent.

Put a small gate with bells where the puppy will potty and use that door each time you take the pup to potty. The bells should ring every time you take the pup through the gate.

• As you take the puppy to potty use the command “GO POTTY” or “LET’S GO POTTY” every time you take him out.
• After he potties on the designated spot reward and praises the puppy.
• Do this repeatedly after every meal, before you take the puppy to sleep, and after every exercise session.

Here is a food guide on how you can potty train any puppy step by step.

Health concerns

Like other large dog breeds, this Golden Retriever mix is susceptible to getting the following diseases.

And without proper screening, some of the health conditions can go unnoticed and become lethal to the pooch.

Crossbreeding may often introduce hybrid vigor, hence improving the health of the offspring.

Golden Poodle mixes may be at risk of developing some of the health problems as seen in their parent breeds.

Atopic Dermatitis – 

This is an allergic skin disease and is common amongst many different breeds, including the Golden Retriever Poodle mix.

The cause of the allergies is usually from contact either inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

This causes a hypersensitivity reaction that is seen present in the skin.

Some of the signs for Atopic Dermatitis to look out for in your dog would be, itching, redness, and malodor of the paws, ears, and perineum, confirming the diagnosis will require further careful examination.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

The cruciate ligament is in many ways responsible for stabilizing the knee joint. The cruciate ligament takes a great deal of strain during exercise.

Hindlimb lameness in Goldendoodle may be caused by degeneration and rapture of the cranial portion of the ligament.

Epilepsy

This occurs at about six months to five years of age, it occurs as either a grand mal convulsive seizure or petit mal episode that involves the muscular tics or behavioral abnormalities.

The severity and frequency of the epileptic attack will determine whether treatment is required or not. Many epileptics do not require treatment.

Hip Dysplasia

This is usually noticed in young dogs. It causes hindlimb lameness, the dog’s hip joints fail to develop normally.

This is an inherited condition, parent breeds should be radiographically scored to avoid producing breeds that will inherit the said disease from parent breeds that show signs of dysplastic changes.

Patellar Luxation 

During exercise, slight anatomic abnormalities in Goldendoodles may cause their kneecap to slip out of position.

This happens when the dog is temporarily unable to bear the weight of one hindlimb, it is generally referred to as intermittent lameness

Progressive Retinal Atrophy 

The degeneration of the retinal nerve cells may cause night blindness, loss of vision in middle-aged Goldendoodles. This is a common issue in many hybrids and pedigrees.

Von Willebrand’s Disease 

This is a clotting disorder that is caused by poor platelet functions which result in heavy bleeding, this may be seen during minor injuries as well.

Ear Infections 

Because of their floppy ears, which trap moisture. Check and clean the ears regularly. as it can cause problems for Goldendoodles.

Separation Anxiety

Goldendoodles love human interaction, hence they often suffer from separation anxiety.

They don’t like being left alone if you are fone for long periods, a Goldendoodle isn’t really for you, alternatively, get a sitter.

When Goldendoodles experience separation anxiety they may chew up the couch, scratch up the door, and anger your neighbors due to constant barking.

Mixed Breed Summary

The Goldendoodle is a wonderful family pet, especially if most of its traits are inherited from the Golden Retriever parent breed.

If so they are likely to be gentle and patient and easy to get along with children of all ages.

Goldendoodles do well in homes that have other pets beside them, they do not actively show aggression towards other animals.

Like any other dog, it is important to socialize your dog at an early age.

They are great companion dogs.

These dogs love people and they thrive more in a controlled environment hence they would need to live inside the house rather than outside in a kennel.

Like their Poodle parent, Goldendoodles can come in many different colors.

There you go WOOF!!!!!

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