Meet the Goldendoodle: the Designer Breed That Has Been Sweeping America

The Goldendoodle is a mixed breed of dog that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. These dogs are sought after for their cute appearance and fun-loving personalities. Here we will be explaining everything that you need to know about the Goldendoodle.

What is a Goldendoodle? 

The Goldendoodle is a mixed breed dog that is not technically recognized by the American Kennel Club. Goldendoodles are created by breeding a Poodle to a Golden Retriever. Mini Goldendoodles are the cross between a Golden Retriever and a toy or miniature Poodle. Meanwhile, the standard Goldendoodle is the cross between a Golden Retriever and a standard Poodle. 

Where did the Goldendoodle Originate From? 

The exact origins of the Goldendoodle are unknown. However, it is known that the first Goldendoodle was born somewhere in the United States in the 1990s. 

What was the Goldendoodle Bred For? 

The Goldendoodle was bred with the sole purpose of being a good companion dog. This is true for both Mini Goldendoodles and Standard Goldendoodles. 

What Does a Goldendoodle Look Like? 

The Goldendoodle is known for its adorable appearance. Here we will be breaking down what the average Goldendoodle looks like. 

The Goldendoodle’s Coat 

The Goldendoodle has a coat that can be curly, wavy, or straight in texture. Goldendoodles can also come in a very wide variety of coat colors and patterns including variations of apricot, black, red, gold, and cream. Goldendoodles can come in a variety of coat patterns as well. This includes variations of black and tan, merle, and tri-colored. 

Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? 

The Goldendoodle is widely considered to be a hypoallergenic dog thanks to the curly hair inherited by their Poodle parent. This coat can be low shedding, which makes it hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, curly-coated Goldendoodles tend to be the most hypoallergenic type. 

If you are allergic to dogs and may think that a Goldendoodle may be the right fit for you, then spending time with a Goldendoodle is a good idea. Spending time with a Goldendoodle before bringing one home will allow you to see if you are allergic to them before making that big commitment. 

Other Unique Characteristics 

The Goldendoodle should have a proportionate body and head. Their snout should be straight and well proportioned to their face. Goldendoodles have a long tail that is feathered, and droopy ears that should not be longer than the dog’s chin. The Goldendoodle should have oval eyes that can be brown, amber, or blue in color. 

How Big Does a Full-Grown Goldendoodle Get? 

The size of the Goldendoodle can vary depending on if they are a Mini Goldendoodle or a Standard Goldendoodle. This is because Standard Goldendoodles tend to be much larger than Mini Goldendoodles. Here is how big a full-grown Goldendoodle will get depending on what type they are. 

Goldendoodle Height

Mini Goldendoodle: Mini Goldendoodles are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. Males tend to be larger than females. Mini Goldendoodles that have a Toy Poodle parent tend to be smaller than Mini Goldendoodles that have a Miniature Poodle parent as well. 

Standard Goldendoodle: Standard Goldendoodles are 22 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Males tend to be larger than females. 

Goldendoodle Weight 

Mini Goldendoodle: Mini Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 15 and 35 pounds. Mini Goldendoodles with Toy Poodle parents tend to be smaller than Mini Goldendoodles with Miniature Poodle parents. Additionally, males tend to be larger than females. 

Standard Goldendoodle: The standard Goldendoodle can range from 45 to 100 pounds. Males tend to be larger than females. 

Different Types of Goldendoodles 

There are two different types of Goldendoodles. They are the Standard Goldendoodle and the Mini Goldendoodle. Here we will be examining these two different types of Goldendoodles a bit more closely. 

The Mini Goldendoodle

The Mini Goldendoodle is the smallest version of the Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles are bred by mixing a Toy Poodle or a Miniature Poodle with a Golden Retriever. 

The Standard Goldendoodle

The Standard Goldendoodle is the larger version of the Goldendoodle. The Standard Goldendoodle is created by breeding a Standard Poodle with a Golden Retriever. 

How to Take Care of a Goldendoodle 

Like any other type of dog, you will need to keep up with your Goldendoodles care requirements. Here we will be explaining how to properly take care of a Goldendoodle. 

Goldendoodle Exercise Needs 

A Goldendoodle’s exercise needs depend on how large they are. Here we will be breaking down how different-sized Goldendoodles need different amounts of exercise. 

Exercise Needs for the Standard Goldendoodle 

The Standard Goldendoodle is widely considered to be a high-energy dog that generally requires around an hour of daily exercise. 

Exercise Needs for the Mini Goldendoodle 

Mini Goldendoodles tend to be less high maintenance when it comes to their exercise needs. Mini Goldendoodles tend to be medium-energy dogs that do well with about a half hour to an hour of exercise per day. Generally, the smaller the Goldendoodle is, the less daily exercise they will need. 

Goldendoodle Grooming Requirements 

All Goldendoodles have a long coat that needs to be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and matting. This brushing should be done on a daily basis. 

Additionally, you will need to take care of your Goldendoodles’ ears, teeth, and nails regularly as well. Like all dogs, it is recommended that you brush your Goldendoodle’s teeth around once a day and trim their nails about once a month. 

Goldendoodles have floppy ears that can be prone to ear infections. As a result, it is best to check your Goldendoodle’s ears at least once a week and clean them when necessary. 

Goldendoodle Dietary Needs 

Goldendoodles have slightly different dietary needs depending on their size. After all, large dogs do eat more than small dogs do. Here are the dietary needs of both standard Goldendoodles and mini Goldendoodles. 

Dietary Needs for the Standard Goldendoodle

The standard Goldendoodle needs about three cups of food per day. This portion should be split into two 1.5-cup meals. 

Dietary Needs for the Mini Goldendoodle

The mini Goldendoodle needs about two cups of food per day. This should be split up into two one-cup meals. 

Common Food Allergies in Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are commonly allergic and sensitive to wheat, corn, and soy products. Additionally, some Goldendoodles are allergic to meat proteins, especially chicken and beef. It is also not uncommon for Goldendoodles to be allergic to milk and egg products. 

Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? 

Goldendoodles are generally considered to be easy to train, especially when it comes to teaching them basic obedience commands and tricks. This is true for both the standard and mini Goldendoodle. 

Are Goldendoodles Easy to Potty Train? 

Goldendoodles tend to be average when it comes to how easy they are to potty train. Most Goldendoodle owners find success with potty training when sticking to a consistent potty training schedule. Mini Goldendoodles may be a bit more difficult to potty train than standard Goldendoodles, however. 

What is the Goldendoodle’s Temperament? 

Goldendoodles are mainly bred to be companion dogs. As a result, Goldendoodles tend to be a good fit for families when they are bred to have a good and stable temperament. Here we will be breaking down how the Goldendoodle should act. 

Are Goldendoodles Good With Children? 

Goldendoodles are supposed to behave well around children. After all, their main purpose of the Goldendoodle is to be a good companion and family dog. This is especially true if the Goldendoodle is well bred and properly socialized with children. 

Are Goldendoodles Good With Other Pets? 

Goldendoodles also tend to do pretty well around cats and other dogs. However, it is crucial to remember that proper, early socialization is extremely important with setting your Goldendoodle up to behave well around other pets. 

Are Goldendoodles Aggressive? 

Goldendoodles are not known to be aggressive dogs by nature. However, Goldendoodles that have been mistreated or not properly socialized could potentially behave aggressively. Similarly, poorly bred Goldendoodles could become aggressive as well. 

What Environment is Ideal for a Goldendoodle? 

When it comes to the temperature of their environment, Goldendoodles tend t do alright in both cold and hot weather. However, you will need to be careful about your dog not overheating, just like with any other dog breed. 

Standard Goldendoodles tend to do best in either a rural or suburban environment. This is because standard Goldendoodles need a decent amount of room in a home due to their large size, and they also need a backyard to run around in due to their high-energy nature. Mini Goldendoodles tend to be better suited for apartment and urban living thanks to their compact size and low energy needs. 

What is the Average Lifespan of the Goldendoodle? 

The average lifespan for the standard Goldendoodle is 10 to 13 years. Meanwhile, the average lifespan for the mini Goldendoodle is between 12 and 16 years. 

Goldendoodle Common Health Issues 

Although they are technically the same breed, standard Goldendoodles and mini Goldendoodles tend to have different health concerns that owners should be aware of. This is mainly due to their differences in size and altering genealogy of different Poodles being used in their breeding. Here are some common health issues for both types of Goldendoodles. 

Common Health Issues in the Standard Goldendoodle 

Although the standard Goldendoodle is known to be a relatively healthy breed, they can be prone to some health issues. Here are some health concerns that prospective standard Goldendoodle buyers should be aware of. 

• Hip Dysplasia 
• Elbow Dysplasia 

The good news is that both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia can be prevented through health testing of parent dogs before breeding them. Additionally, standard Goldendoodles tend to be at risk of becoming overweight or obese. As a result, you will need to be very careful about not overfeeding your Goldendoodle and providing them with enough daily exercise. 

Common Health Issues in the Mini Goldendoodle 

Unfortunately, mini Goldendoodles are not free from health problems either. Here are some of the health issues that have been known to occur in mini Goldendoodles. 

• Hypothyroidism 
• Bloat or GDV 
• Bone and Joint Problems 

The good news is that many conditions affecting the mini Goldendoodle can be prevented through health testing. As a result, it is very important that you find a good Goldendoodle breeder that screens their dogs before breeding them. 

Common Health Issues in Both Goldendoodle Sizes

Despite their differences, there are some health concerns that overlap in both the standard Goldendoodle and the mini Goldendoodle. For instance, both versions of the breed are vulnerable to allergies, skin issues, and ear infections. 

Similarly, both versions of the breed are at risk of developing Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Luckily, PRA can be tested for and prevented by good breeders. Patellar Luxation and a condition called Von Willebrand’s Disease can also occur in both versions of the breed. These conditions are also preventable through health testing and genetic screenings. 

How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost? 

The average cost of a Goldendoodle puppy from a breeder is between $1,500 and $5,000. Price tends to vary depending on location and breeder. However, there are many Goldendoodles in rescues within the United States that have adoption fees that are much lower than this. Therefore, getting a Goldendoodle from a rescue may be a good option for those looking to get a Goldendoodle that is less expensive. 

Other Similar Dog Breeds 

Do you like the look and temperament of the Goldendoodle, but are interested in checking out some other similar dog breeds before committing to getting one? Well, you are in luck! The Poodle, Havanese, and Spanish Water Dog are all pretty similar to the Goldendoodle in size, temperament, and care requirements. Here we will be explaining a little more about these three amazing dog breeds. 

The Poodle 

The Poodle is very closely related to the Goldendoodle, and they often will have a similar coat type and care requirements. The Poodle is also a dog that comes in three different sizes: the toy, the miniature, and the standard. Like the Goldendoodle, toy and miniature Poodles tend to do better in cities than standard Poodles do. However, also like Goldendoodles, all Poodles tend to make for a great dog for families with children and other pets. 

Unlike the Goldendoodle though, the Poodle is a purebred dog that is officially recognized by the AKC. Unfortunately, this means that it may be more likely for you to find a reputable Poodle breeder than it is to find a reputable Goldendoodle breeder. Additionally, every Poodle is guaranteed to have a curly, hypoallergenic coat, while in Goldendoodles this is not necessarily a guarantee. 

The Havanese 

The Havanese is a small dog with a shaggy coat that can come in a wide variety of colors. Like the Goldendoodle, this coat will need regular grooming. However, the coat on the Havanese is silky and straight, not curly. Also like the Goldendoodle, the Havanese is a friendly dog that is pretty easy to train. Havanese also tend to do great around children and other pets. 

The Havanese only comes in one size, and that size is small. As a result, this may not be the best fit for prospective Goldendoodle buyers that are looking for a larger dog. Havanese also tend to adapt well to urban environments, and they do not need a ton of daily exercise. Plus, the Havanese was originally bred to be a companion dog, which is just like the Goldendoodle. This makes the Havanese a great option for those living in cities. 

The Spanish Water Dog 

The Spanish Water Dog is a lesser-known dog breed that is also fairly similar in appearance and temperament to the standard Goldendoodle. Spanish Water Dogs have a curly coat that can come in a wide variety of coat color combinations. Like the Goldendoodle, the Spanish Water Dog’s coat will need to be brushed out daily. Additionally, the Spanish Water Dog does fairly well around children and other pets. 

The Spanish Water Dog is in the AKC’s herding group. This means that they will need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Although Spanish Water Dogs tend to be high-energy dogs, they are also very trainable. Spanish Water Dogs tend to do better in rural and suburban environments than in urban ones due to their larger size and exercise needs. The Spanish Water dog is a great option for those with an active lifestyle and plenty of room in their house for their new pet. 

Finding the Right Breeder 

Considering that the Goldendoodle is very popular, you will find a lot of irresponsible and unethical breeders selling Goldendoodle puppies. As a result, it is very important that you are extra vigilant about red flags when getting a Goldendoodle puppy from a breeder. Here are some things that every good Goldendoodle breeder will do and some signs that you should avoid a Goldendoodle breeder. 

Things Every Good Goldendoodle Breeder Will Do 

There are some things that every reputable and ethical Goldendoodle breeder will do when producing and selling puppies. Here are some things to look for in a good Goldendoodle breeder. 

• You can see that all puppies and adult dogs are housed in good condition. 
• All puppies and adult dogs are well groomed and kept in good health. 
• All puppies are up to date on preventative care like deworming and vaccinations. 
• All adult dogs are properly health tested before being bred. (for Goldendoodles that are being bred, they should have health testing that is recommended for both Golden Retrievers and Poodles) 
• No dogs with poor health or temperament are bred. 
• All dogs are provided with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation.
• All puppies are socialized before going home. 
• No puppies are sent home before eight weeks old. 
• The breeder provides new owners with information about caring for puppies and the Goldendoodle as a whole.

Most of the time Goldendoodle breeders that do all of these things are considered to be both ethical and reputable. 

Signs to Avoid a Goldendoodle Breeder

When looking for a Goldendoodle breeder there are also some red flags that you should be aware of. Here are some signs that you should avoid a Goldendoodle breeder. 

• Their dogs are not health tested before being bred. 
• They are breeding dogs with known health issues and/or behavioral problems.
• Their dogs are in poor health. 
• Their dogs are not being housed in good conditions. 
• You are not allowed to see where their dogs are kept or meet your puppy’s parents. 
• Puppies are being sent home before they are eight weeks old. 
• Their puppies have not been socialized. 
• Your puppy was not kept up to date on their vaccinations or deworming. 
• The price of puppies differs depending on coat color. 
• The breeder is breeding for coat types that could lead to health problems. (ex: double merle) 

If you come across a breeder that is guilty of any of the above items on our list then this is a sign that you should not get a puppy from them. Looking for a reputable Goldendoodle breeder is not only the ethical thing to do, but it also makes it much more likely that your Goldendoodle puppy will grow into a healthy and well behaved adult dog. 

Conclusion (Is the Goldendoodle Right for You?) 

The Goldendoodle can be a good choice for many families that are looking for a friendly and fun loving dog. Standard Goldendoodles are best for active families that have plenty of space and time to exercise their new pet. Meanwhile, the mini Goldendoodle is better for families living in apartments. Additionally, Goldendoodle owners will need to have the time to brush their dog’s coat on a daily basis.