• Best Suited For: Families with children, singles and seniors, houses with yards
• Temperament: Intelligent, lovable, energetic, friendly
• Comparable Breeds: Golden Retriever, Poodle

Goldendoodle Basics

Fun-loving and playful, the Goldendoodle is an active and energetic athlete. He loves to run around, play fetch and swim. With a little work, this intelligent guy will learn to catch a Frisbee or jump through a hoop. Highly trainable, Goldendoodles are great for first-time pet owners. This crossbreed loves everybody, especially kids. He’ll keep the kids busy and active for hours and even try to get guests involved in a game of chase. Goldendoodles will warn their families when someone approaches and then welcome them as if they were long lost friends. They do not make good guard dogs.

After a hard day of play, the Goldendoodle will gladly relax on the sofa and chill with the family. Beware at dinner time; this guy will make every attempt of getting your plate.

Origin

There is some controversy as to where the Goldendoodle originated. Those in England assert that the Goldendoodle originated there however; breeders in the United States swear that the first Goldendoodle was bred in America. This hybrid was created to be a hypoallergenic and active family pet.

Pedigree

The Goldendoodle came into existence by breeding a Golden Retriever to a Poodle. This combination is called crossbreeding.

Generations

One of the most common points of confusion regarding Goldendoodles is the generation number used to describe a new litter of puppies – the most common being F1, F1B, F1BB.   Although it might seem trivial, the generation tag of a Goldendoodle can have an impact on several of it’s characteristics, especially shedding.  So, if you or your family members have allergies, and want your doodle to be hypoallergenic, it’s important to understand the differences between doodle generations.

F1 Goldendoodles

First generation Goldendoodles are identified with the letters “F1.”   These are the product of a pure Golden Retriever bred with a pure Poodle, making the resulting doodle 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever.   F1 doodles possess all of the traits that make Goldendoodles such desirable dogs.  This includes marked intelligence, a loving demeanor, and hypoallergenic qualities.  However, it is important to note that some F1 Goldendoodles shed lightly to moderately, so are better for homes with only slight allergies. F1 Doodles tend to have a shaggy or wavy coats, but can occasionally have a very curly coat.

F1B Goldendoodles

When an F1 Doodle is cross-bred with a Poodle, the term “F1B” is used to describe resulting offspring.  An F1B Goldendoodle is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle. This generation has become the most popular generational breed largely because F1B Goldendoodles are non-shedders most of the time. Because of this this, F1Bs are great for families with moderate allergies. Even though F1B Doodles are technically 75% Poodle, they still benefit from the phenomenon of hybrid vigor and are known to exhibit the same favorable personality traits and behaviors as F1 Doodles.

As for coat types, F1B doodles tend to showcase more variety and can range from long and wavy to short and curly. F1B doodles also exhibit more color variation than the F1, giving rise to apricots, champagne, red, and parti colors.

F1BB Goldendoodles

When an F1B Doodle is bred with a Poodle, the term “F1BB” is used to describe resulting offspring.  An F1BB Goldendoodle is 12.5% Golden Retriever and 87.5% Poodle. This generation has become popular largely because F1BB Goldendoodles is the most likely to be totally non-shedding. Because of this this, F1BBs are great for families with moderate to severe pet allergies. The coat on F1BB Goldendoodles are normally curlier than  a F1 or F1B Goldendoodle.

Food/Diet

It is essential that the Goldendoodle be fed a high-quality diet of dry kibble. Foods that are specifically formulated for the dog’s activity level are best and will ensure that he is getting the optimum nutrition. Dry food will help to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease and bad breath.

Training

Highly intelligent, the Goldendoodle is easy to train, even for a first time pet owner. Fun-loving and playful, the Goldendoodle is an active and energetic athlete. Positive training techniques work much better than harsh words or physical methods. Training sessions should last for around 20 minutes. Rewarding the dog with delectable treats and excited praise will help make for a successful training session.

Goldendoodles take well to obedience training and because they are so bright and eager to please, they also do well in agility. Agility courses are a great place for the Goldendoodle to burn up his energy as well as reinforce the bond he has with his owner. He’ll also have time to socialize with other athletic dogs running the courses.

Weight

The Standard Goldendoodle should weigh between 50 and 90 pounds and stand 20 to 29 inches tall at the withers.

Temperament/Behavior

For the most part, Goldendoodles are pleasant dogs that are welcoming and accepting of strangers. He thinks that everybody should be his friend and take the time to play ball or go for a swim with him. Outgoing and playful, this hybrid dog is an exceptional companion for adults and children alike. Goldendoodles enjoy playing fetch, chase, tug of war, jogging and swimming however; they are also happy to lounge on the couch and watch TV with his family.

The Goldendoodle will bark to alert his family when someone or something is around but he is not a problem barker. If left alone for too long outside, he will dig. Digging is a favorite pastime of the Goldendoodle. He will happily create holes all over your yard!

Common Health Problems

Goldendoodles can be predisposed to all of the health issues faced by Golden Retrievers and Poodles because they are a combination of the two breeds. Some of the most common health problems are:

-Hip dysplasia

-Elbow dysplasia

-Von Willebrand’s Disease

-Juvenile cataracts

-Progressive retinal atrophy

-Sub-aortic stenosis

-Sebaceous adenitis

-Patella luxation

-Hypothyroidism

-Ear infections

Life Expectancy

The average Goldendoodle lives between 10 and 13 years.

Exercise Requirements

Goldendoodles require a fair amount of exercise each day. They need to be walked at least three times daily. Each walk should last for around half an hour. Time to stretch their legs and run is essential for the Goldendoodle. Living in the city is fine, provided they will have access to a dog park weekly. Those who have a fenced in yard will find that the Goldendoodle will get all the exercise he needs by playing ball with the kids in the backyard. Never let this dog exercise without being in a securely, fenced area or on a leash.

Coat

Because it is a crossbreed, the Goldendoodle can have a variety of coats. Mixing breeds means that the puppy can have coats that resemble either parent’s breeds. The coats can be wavy or curly and they may or may not be hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Coat colors can be apricot, red, gold, black, silver, blue, chocolate, fawn, white or parti-colored.

Goldendoodles require a fair amount of grooming. They must be brushed everyday or their coats will become matted. This crossbreed must be professionally groomed at least every other month. The groomer will trim and clip his coat as well as give him a good bath.