Goldendoodle Breed Characteristics
Height
35 to 63 cm at the shoulder
Weight
7 to 36 kg
Life Expectancy
10 to 15 years
Coat Colours
Golden, cream, red, black, brown, white, grey
Goldendoodle
Gentle, sociable and sensitive
About the Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle, a hybrid of the Golden Retriever and the Miniature or Standard Poodle, belongs to the increasingly popular Oodle or Doodle breeds, resulting from breeding a Poodle with another dog breed.
Goldendoodles shine in popularity due to their gentle nature and profound affection for humans. They excel as house pets and companions.
As a crossbreed, different puppies in a litter may exhibit varying traits. Generally, a well-trained and well-socialised Goldendoodle embodies kindness, friendliness, and loyalty, making them a cherished addition to any household.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Goldendoodle, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
5/5
Friendly with Dogs
5/5
Ease of Grooming
3/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Prey Drive
1/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
3/5
Good for Novice Owners
3/5
Apartment Living
1/5
Goldendoodle Breed History
The Goldendoodle’s inception owes much to the Labradoodle, another Doodle breed created by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. Enthusiasts desired a similar dog with Golden Retriever traits. Surprisingly, this concept materialised only in the 1990s, despite the Golden Retriever’s long-standing popularity.
Most Goldendoodles are first-generation hybrids, inheriting traits from either parent breed. Rarely do breeding programs extend beyond first-generation dogs.
Despite this, efforts to establish a breed standard persist, with expectations of defining official breed traits in the future.
Caring For a Goldendoodle
- Temperament: Goldendoodles inherit many parental traits, often blending the Poodle’s gentle nature with the Golden Retriever’s fun-loving disposition.
- Grooming: Their coat may be curly like a Poodle’s, wavy like a Golden Retriever’s, or a mix. Regular brushing and grooming are essential.
- Exercise: Both parent breeds are high-energy, and Goldendoodles follow suit. They require one to two hours of outdoor exercise daily.
- Nutrition: Adult Goldendoodles need two to four cups of dry dog food per day, while puppies need about half that amount, spread over three to four meals. This varies with size, so consult your vet for precise amounts.
- Training: With both parent breeds ranking high in intelligence, Goldendoodles are quick learners. Regular obedience training is essential, especially as they can grow large.
How to Choose a Responsible Goldendoodle Breeder
Given its novelty, purchasing your Goldendoodle from responsible, ethical breeders is crucial. These breeders possess the knowledge to produce well-tempered, healthy puppies. They should understand the genetic profiles of their breeding animals and test their puppies for common health issues.
If possible, visit the breeder to observe how they treat their breeding animals. Request a meeting with the puppy’s parents to gauge the potential temperament of your future pet.
Goldendoodle FAQ
Can Goldendoodles be left alone throughout the day?
Goldendoodles tend to be adaptable and can often entertain themselves if they have enrichment activities when left alone. However, they can be prone to developing separation anxiety. It’s best not to leave them alone for too long, or they may develop negative behaviours.
Do Goldendoodles make good watchdogs?
No, the Goldendoodle is not known to bark excessively, even when strangers approach their home. They’re friendly to a fault and may even welcome intruders.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Goldendoodle
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
