A cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, the Goldendoodle hybrid (also called Golden Poo, Goldiepoo, or Groodle) is credited to breeders in Australia who wanted to create an intelligent, people-loving, low-allergy dog similar to the Cockapoo but larger in size. The original intent was to develop a suitable service dog for disabled individuals with allergies.
Goldendoodle History
Deliberate breeding in North America began in the 1990’s. The Goldendoodle combines the high intelligence and hypo-allergenic coat of the poodle with the characteristically affectionate, outgoing personality of the retriever. With their beautiful, soft coats and adorable faces, it’s no wonder these terrific dogs are becoming popular as family pets!
While most Goldendoodles being produced are first-generation crosses, breeders are beginning to breed Goldendoodle to Goldendoodle in an effort to create a breed standard. Some breeders prefer to breed Goldendoodle to Poodle in the second generation.
Smaller Goldendoodles are usually the result of artificial or surgical insemination of a toy or miniature poodle dam, with hope that the resulting dogs will remain small, but the resulting puppies may be of any size between the sire and dam.
First generation crosses of two pure breed dogs are generally considered healthier than the parent lines (“hybrid vigor”) but the appearance and temperament of the resulting puppies is unpredictable.
They may resemble one parent more than the other, or any combination in between. Careful breeding through many generations is necessary to produce a pure breed dog with generally predictable characteristics. Thus, the Goldendoodle is not an AKC recognized breed.
Goldendoodle Appearance
First-generation (F1) Goldendoodle puppies may be expected to grow to an average of their parents’ combined weights, although they may be any size in between. The coat may vary considerably. It may be smooth, shaggy, wavy or wiry, although a rough coat will feel softer than it appears.
Goldendoodle hair grows 4 to 8 inches long on the body but is shorter on the face. The coat comes in a wide variety of colors and may be solid, brindle, or parti-color. Goldendoodles usually have floppy ears and a long tail.
Goldendoodle Temperament
A well-bred Goldendoodle will combine the best traits of both parent breeds: The gentle, affectionate nature of the Golden Retriever with the high intelligence and easy trainability of the Poodle.
They are energetic dogs and moderately active indoors. Well-socialized Goldendoodles are affectionate with their family, friendly with strangers, and get along well with other dogs and household pets.
Goldendoodle Exercise Info
Larger Goldendoodles will do better in homes with some yard to romp in, but will do fine in smaller homes if they are taken on one brisk daily walk. Toy or miniature Goldendoodles will do fine in an apartment, and may even be paper-trained for convenience.
Goldendoodle Grooming Info
The Goldendoodles coat requires a moderate amount of grooming, and should be brushed often enough to keep it free from tangles. The longer hair on the body may be clipped short to make the coat easier to care for, especially if your Goldendoodle spends much time playing outdoors. Goldendoodles shed little, if any, and are considered hypo-allergenic dogs.
Goldendoodle Training Info
Typical of their sporting dog ancestry, Goldendoodles love playing outdoors and usually enjoy swimming. They are easily trained to many activities, and although they can’t compete in dog competitions which require AKC registry, they excel in dog activities such as obedience and agility trials.
Goldendoodle Health Info
Goldendoodles are generally healthy, but may suffer from inheritable hip or eye disorders. Reputable breeders will take care to produce Goldendoodle puppies free from genetic disorders. Buy your Goldendoodle from an experienced breeder who breeds for sound temperament and good health as well as an attractive appearance.
The breeder should be able to verify that both parents are AKC registered and have had DNA testing to rule out inheritable genetic conditions characteristic to those breeds. CERF and OFA testing and certification in the parent dogs is recommended.
Goldendoodle Right Breed Info
The Goldendoodle may be the ideal companion dog for families with active children. Goldendoodles need lots of attention from the family, and plenty of opportunities for playtime. They will not be content to be left alone all day, and may get into mischief to relieve their boredom!