Part Golden retriever, part Poodle, and all adorable…it’s the Goldendoodle! They are a hybrid breed beloved for their outgoing nature, friendly personality, and intelligence. They are relatively new, gaining popularity since the 1990’s alongside other crossbreeds like Cockapoos and Labradoodles. Goldendoodles can be hypoallergenic, and most do have soft, wavy fur that sheds less than other dogs. They’re also one of the most popular breeds in the country.

​

Goldendoodle Appearance

When you hear the word “Goldendoodle,” you may be picturing an exact hybrid between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. In fact, they can vary quite a lot in appearance.

The size depends on the Poodle part of their heritage. Poodles come in miniature, medium, and standard sizes, and Goldendoodles do too! That’s why you’ll meet some ranging from small (15-30 pounds) to XL (up to 100 pounds). As for their coloring, they don’t always have golden fur! In fact, they come in as many different colors as Poodles, ranging from light tan to apricot to chocolate to black. 

Goldendoodles have shaggy, curly coats that are often described as being allergy-friendly or even hypoallergenic. However, the truth is, most allergies are caused by dander (dead skin cells shed alongside fur) more than the dog’s coat. Some people with more mild allergies may react less severely to these dogs because they shed less, but there’s no guarantee that a Goldendoodle will be hypoallergenic.

​

Goldendoodle Personality

One word describes the typical Goldendoodle personality: friendly! Goldendoodles are known for being happy, outgoing, and people-pleasing. Of course, dogs’ personalities vary a lot depending on genes and how much socialization they get. But in general, Goldendoodles get along with everybody.

In fact, the Goldendoodle’s everyone-is-my-friend personality gives them a great reputation as a family dog. They’re happy, playful, and have the patience and stamina to run around with kids. As with any dog, proper socialization and positive reinforcement training will help Goldendoodles and kids maintain friendly, safe interactions

​

Ideal Environment for a Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles have moderate energy levels and live to be around their humans. That means that whether you live in an apartment or a house with a large yard, your Goldendoodle will thrive with daily exercise alongside the people they love. In other words, they’ll need some long walks! The more human interaction they have the more calm-submissive they become.

Their retriever genes mean that some love a game of fetch, so a fenced yard can be a huge help! But Goldendoodles can also live in apartments as long as they have access to outdoor activities like walks, runs, hikes, and swims (though not all love water). 

As a social breed, they do best alongside their family and friends indoors. They need outdoor play time but shouldn’t stay outside all day. Give them a soft place to rest at home and access to plenty of water throughout the day.

​

Ideal Human for a Goldendoodle

Here’s a not-so-well-kept secret about Goldendoodles: they love attention! So, the ideal owner will have lots to give, alongside a healthy dose of patience. It helps to have an active lifestyle, or to at least have the ability to help your dog get the exercise they need whether or not you can run alongside them (fetch and tug are great games to play with your pup)! These dogs are known for being pretty easy-going, but their attachment to humans can sometimes result in separation anxiety. The ideal owner will be prepared to help their dogs get used to a routine and offer them plenty of outlets for their happy energy.

 

Tips For Training Smart Dog Breeds

Because of their intelligence and people-pleasing manner, well-bred Goldendoodles excel in training. They love being around their people and will work hard alongside you, especially with lots of positive reinforcement. You’ll be amazed what your Goldendoodle will do for a treat! If you get a Goldendoodle puppy, sign up for a puppy class with socialization ASAP–the whole family will learn alongside the puppy, and they will get the socialization they need to grow into amazing dogs.

Of course, adult doodles like training too! Due to their intelligence and athleticism, Goldendoodles are a lot of fun in dog sports. Once you have the basics of obedience down, you can explore agility, dock diving, and more with your doodle dog.

They are often trained as guide dogs alongside their Poodle and Golden Retriever relatives. Their brains, gentleness, and affectionate nature make them perfect for assistant dog roles.

 

Grooming a Goldendoodle

Grooming can depend on whether their coat is more like a Poodle’s or more like a Golden Retriever’s. If they have curly hair, they may need periodic trims from a professional groomer. If they have loose, wavy fur, regular brushing will help keep their coat shiny and remove shed hair. 

As with any dog, Goldendoodles need their nails trimmed and teeth brushed. It’s also a good idea to check their ears periodically, as those long, floppy ears can be prone to infections.

 

Goldendoodle Health

Hybrid breeds are generally thought to be healthy in part due to their genetic diversity, which may or may not be true depending on the individual dog’s origins. These are considered a healthy breed, particularly when they come from an ethical breeder who is mindful of health. 

Still, being knowledgeable about common health issues among Golden Retrievers and Poodles will help you monitor your Goldendoodle’s health throughout their life. Golden Retrievers and Poodles are both prone to hip dysplasia, so have your Goldendoodle’s hips checked at each veterinary appointment to be safe. Similarly, regular eye and ear exams will help ensure your doodle stays healthy. Some pet parents opt for pet health insurance, just in case.

 

History of This Newer Hybrid Breed

Goldendoodles are a relatively new breed. The first known intentional combination of a Poodle and Golden Retriever occurred in the late 1960’s. However, the Goldendoodle wasn’t considered a hybrid breed until the 1990’s, when breeders began intentionally pairing Poodles and Golden Retrievers after seeing the success of the Labradoodle. 

The name “Goldendoodle,” as you probably guessed, is a portmanteau combining “Golden Retriever” and “Poodle.” It joins other “doodle dog” hybrid breeds like Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever and Poodle), Bernedoodles (Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle), and Schnoodles (Schnauzers and Poodle).

In recent years, the original creator of the Labradoodle has expressed regret about sparking the crossbreed trend that led to Goldendoodles and other doodle dogs. The popularity of hybrid breeds led to some irresponsible breeding and unpredictable dogs. These days, it is important to seek out a responsible breeder committed to managing traits across generations of dogs.