If you’ve been thinking about adding a dog to your family, chances are the Goldendoodle has come up more than once. They show up on social media, in dog parks, and in conversations with pretty much every dog-loving family you know. But what exactly is a Goldendoodle — and why has this breed become one of the most sought-after dogs in the country?
At Strong Oaks Goldendoodles, we’ve been raising these incredible dogs for years, and we get this question a lot. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Goldendoodle?
A Goldendoodle is a crossbreed dog created by pairing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle. That’s really the short answer — but what makes this particular combination so special is the best of both worlds it tends to produce: the warmth and loyalty of the Golden Retriever combined with the intelligence and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle.
The breed first gained widespread popularity in the 1990s, and the demand has only grown since. Today, Goldendoodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, particularly among families, first-time dog owners, and anyone who’s ever wished their dog shed a little less.
Goldendoodle Temperament: What Are They Like to Live With?
This is often the first thing families want to know, and the news is good. Goldendoodles are widely known for being friendly and social — they tend to love people, including strangers, children, and other animals. They are also highly intelligent, since Poodles are among the smartest dog breeds in the world and that intelligence passes right along.
They’re eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train even for first-time dog owners. They’re energetic but adaptable — they love a good run or play session, but they’re just as happy curling up next to you on the couch. Most of all, Goldendoodles are deeply affectionate and known for forming strong bonds with their families.
That said, temperament isn’t just about genetics. How a puppy is raised from birth makes an enormous difference. Puppies raised inside a family home — surrounded by everyday sounds, activity, and human interaction — tend to develop into confident, well-adjusted adults. That’s something we take seriously at Strong Oaks. Every puppy we raise is born and grows up right here in our home, not in a kennel.
Goldendoodle Size: How Big Do They Get?
One of the great things about Goldendoodles is the range of sizes available, which largely depends on the size of the Poodle parent used in breeding.
Mini Goldendoodle — 15 to 35 lbs
Medium Goldendoodle — 35 to 50 lbs
Standard Goldendoodle — 50 to 90 lbs
At Strong Oaks we specialize exclusively in Standard Goldendoodles. Our parent dogs are all health tested Standard Poodles and Goldendoodles, producing puppies that land right in that ideal range — substantial, sturdy, and built for family life.
Goldendoodle Coat Types
This is one of the topics we hear about most from families — especially those with allergies. Goldendoodle coats generally fall into three types.
Curly coats are the closest to a Poodle’s coat. They tend to shed the least and are often the best choice for allergy sufferers, but require more frequent grooming.
Wavy coats are the most common type — a nice blend of both parent breeds with low to moderate shedding and a bit easier to maintain.
Straight coats lean more toward the Golden Retriever side and can shed more than the other types.
It’s worth knowing that no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic — but Goldendoodles, especially those with curlier coats, are one of the better options for families managing allergies.
Goldendoodle Generations: F1, F1B, and F1BB
At Strong Oaks we breed three generations of Goldendoodles, each offering something a little different depending on your family’s needs.
F1 Goldendoodle — First generation: one purebred Golden Retriever parent and one purebred Standard Poodle. A classic 50/50 mix with the signature wavy coat most people picture when they think of a Goldendoodle. Low to moderate shedding, great for families without significant allergy concerns.
F1B Goldendoodle — An F1 Goldendoodle bred back to a purebred Poodle, making it approximately 75% Poodle. Curlier coat, lower shedding, and a great choice for families with mild to moderate allergies.
F1BB Goldendoodle — An F1B bred back to a purebred Poodle again, making it approximately 87.5% Poodle. The curliest coat, minimal to no shedding, and the generation we recommend most for families with significant allergies. F1BBs are one of the most sought-after generations we breed and are consistently in high demand.
We’re happy to walk you through which generation is the best fit for your family based on your lifestyle, allergies, and preferences.
Why Do Families Love Goldendoodles?
If you had to sum it up: Goldendoodles are joyful dogs that fit into family life remarkably well. They’re smart enough to learn quickly, gentle enough to be trusted with children, and social enough to thrive in busy households.
But the best Goldendoodles don’t just come from good genetics. They come from breeders who invest in health testing, careful socialization, and genuinely care about where each puppy ends up. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to at Strong Oaks — and it’s been our standard for over 30 years.
Ready to Find Your Goldendoodle?
If you’re seriously considering a Goldendoodle for your family, we’d love to talk. Browse our current and upcoming litters, learn about our 5-year health guarantee, or submit an application to get the process started.
We’re based in Morganton, NC — nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Charlotte and Asheville — and we place puppies with families across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and nationwide.
Have questions first? Give us a call at 828-408-3108 or send us a message. We’re always happy to help.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Goldendoodle?
Family-raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. Health-tested parents, 5-year guarantee, and 30+ years of experience.