Goldendoodle: Is this the Right Crossbreed for You? 

Last Updated on April 26, 2023

What happens when you mix the 7th and 3rd most popular dog breeds in the US? Possibly one of the greatest success stories of the world of crossbreeds!

Goldendoodle comes from two picture-perfect parents: the intelligent Poodle and the devoted Golden Retriever. So it’s no surprise that this mix makes a perfect companion to almost anyone!

Read on to find out everything you need to about this wonderful dog!

The Goldendoodle at a Glance

We’ve put together a table below to give you a quick overview of the Goldendoodle.

The tale of the perfect dog – Goldendoodle history

This playful pooch came about in 1969 when Monica Dickens invented this mixed breed. Yet, its popularity took off in the early 1990s, after other doodles enjoyed considerable success with owners around the globe. 

Goldendoodles started out as a service dog for people with pet allergies but soon proved to be much more than that. Today, this breed, which is known under many names including Groodle, Goldenoodle, and Goldenpoo, has become one of the best-loved family dogs. 

And it’s easy to see why! Having the Poodle and Golden Retriever for parents, this dog really genetic gold.

The Poodle – a dog of beauty and brains

When you think of this breed, the image that comes to mind is probably a stylish French girl in a cafe, while a gorgeous white Poodle sits by her side.

However, there’s a lot more to them than looks!

Poodles happen to be the 2nd most intelligent dog breed, which makes them quick learners and very adaptable to people’s lives. They are also loyal and very trainable.

They come in three sizes, which differ quite a bit. Although some dogs might end up being ‘in the middle,’ generally these are the types of Poodles:

• Standard Poodle – 20 – 27 inches (51-69 cm) tall and around 45 – 70 pounds (20-30 kg)
• Miniature Poodle – 11- 15 inches (28 – 38 cm) tall and between 15 and 17 pounds(6 to 7 kg)
• Toy Poodle – up to 10 inches (25 cm) and around 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
• Teacup Poodle – under 9 inches (23 cm) and around 3-5 pounds (1-2kg)

These elegant dogs sport a variety of colors such as black, grey, apricot, and cream. Of course, one of the best features of this breed is a low-shedding coat, which is often considered hypoallergenic.

The Golden Retriever – the boy scout of the dog world

If you grew up in the 1990s, you might remember this dog being a surprise basketball star in the movie Air Bud. In reality, these dogs’ affectionate and brave personalities make them as close to romanticized fiction characters as it gets! 

Golden Retrievers are known to be incredibly friendly and devoted. They also don’t lack brainpower, since they rank the 4th smartest dog breed. 

While they are best known for their beautiful golden color, this may vary depending on the type of the Golden Retriever – they can be American or British. 

The American version has a warm, golden to dark red coat and a more elongated nuzzle. British Goldies are white or cream in color with a square head and a stockier build. The thickness and the length of the fur also vary slightly – long and thicker on the American side, shorter and wavier on the British.

They are elegantly built, from 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm) tall, and weigh around 65 to 75 pounds (29 to 34 kg).

As with all hybrids, the Groodle is not recognized by major kennel clubs such as the AKC, CKC, UKC.

Goldendoodle generations – something to consider when choosing your dog

The Goldendoodle is one of those crossbreeds that can be bred several times in order to get a particular goal by breeders. These variations are called ‘generations.’

With that said, a mixed breed’s physical traits and temperament coming as a surprise are much higher than with purebred dogs. 

What is an F1 Goldendoodle?

Doodles, like the Goldenpoo, are mostly produced by continuous breeding of the designer breed. Aside from crossing a Poodle and a Goldie, their hybrid offspring can have more variations.

If you’re wondering what “F1” is, it’s the First Generation puppies that resulted from crossbreeding the Golden Retriever with a Poodle of any size.

Follow that up with another breeding, where you back cross a first-generation or F1 Groodle to either a Poodle or Golden Retriever, then that is an F1B Goldendoodle.

F2 or Second Generation Golden Poos have two Goldendoodle parents. The lineage goes on when you mix the last offspring or generation to another Groodle, which is a way for breeders to get consistent traits and qualities in a breed.

Golden teddy bear or mystery dog – what does a Goldendoodle look like?

If you’ve ever seen a Goldendoodle in person, we bet this real-life teddy bear made a lasting impression! 

With the Poodle’s curly hair and the Ret’s golden color and soft, symmetrical features, this mix is truly one of the cutest dogs out there. 

But like we said, as with any crossbreed, their looks are by no means a done deal. Their size, color, and coat may vary depending on the parents as well as what generation they are.

They have shapely, squarish head and a slightly elongated nuzzle. Their eyes are usually brown, but can also be blue, green, or even multi-colored. Ears are droopy and can be kept fluffy or shaved.

Their body shape is another thing that may vary. You might recognize the stockier, more muscular build of a Retriever, or one that’s more slender or Poodle-like. Sometimes, it will be hard to spot the difference under layers of fluffy fur!

Finally, once you reach the tail, a couple more variations come into play. Some Doodles have a tail that curls over the back, and it can be either thick and plumed, or covered in thinner, shorter hairs. On the other hand, it can look more like the tail of a Retriever – falling straight behind. Some might even have tails that stand up!

If you’re not one to embrace at least a degree of mystery when choosing your dog, you might be happier with a purebred.

Here’s a video compilation of cute Goldendoodles that anyone would absolutely adore!

The Poodle & Golden Retriever cross in 3 convenient sizes

One of the best features of this truly fantastic crossbreed is that it comes in 3 sizes. In that sense, choosing your Poodle-Golden Retriever cross can feel exactly like picking a teddy bear from a toy store!

Their size mostly depends on the size of the Poodle parent. 

Standard Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) in height and weigh 50 to 90 pounds (23 to 41 kg).

Miniature or Mini Goldendoodles are 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) in height and weigh 40 to 50 pounds (17 to 23 kg).

Toy Goldendoodles are 13 to 20 inches (23 to 51 cm) and weigh 15 to 35 pounds (7 to 16 kg). 

While you might think that a bigger dog is not suitable for apartment living, with enough exercise and regular walks, even a bigger Golden Poo will be happy in any type of home. For the dog’s comfort, a spacious house with a backyard is more recommended.

Coat and color variations of the Golden Retriever-Poodle mix

With one Poodle parent, this mixed breed may get a hypoallergenic coat. This means it doesn’t shed, and people who are allergic to dog hair won’t have a problem being around this furball.

However, this is somewhat of a misconception. In fact: there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.

Allergens that cause reactions are also found in the dander, saliva, and urine of dogs, and there is no telling how you might respond to an individual dog. So if you have known allergies, it’s a great idea to try and spend some time with a specific dog before taking it home. 

Goldendoodles can come in a whole range of shades: black, white, brown, cream, and even mixed. Some such variations include:

• Parti -at least 50% white with solid patches of a different color;
• Chrome – are less than 50% white, sometimes only ‘details’ such as the nuzzle or paws;
• Phantom – solid block of one color on a fur predominantly different color;
• Merle – varied color pattern (like an abstract painting)

Remember – puppies will have some changes while growing up. They will usually start shedding their puppy coat between 5 and 10 months old ( most commonly around their 6th month). So this might be the time when you can get a better idea of what your dog will look like when fully grown.

Be aware that some Goldendoodles are late bloomers, and will only start shedding at around 12 months old. 

When it comes to the type of coat, the friendly Groodle again doesn’t leave you wanting for options! 

The curly version is similar to the Poodle’s fur, which is characterized by tight curls and no shedding.

Doodles with wavy coats look like a slightly shaggier version – the curls are looser and can sometimes resemble straight hair with just a gentle spiral. 

Straight-haired Goldendoodles are the rarest of the three. Although one of their parents is the Goldie that is known for their silky, smooth hair, this crossbreed’s overall look is much fluffier! They will also usually have a little bit of beard, which you can’t see on their Retriever parents. 

Shedding levels are quite low for all three (somewhat higher with straight hair). However, each type of coat will require specific grooming, which can be demanding with these long-haired dogs.

Temperament: Are Goldendoodles the perfect family dog?

Short answer – yes! 

The Golden Poo is a highly intelligent, fun-loving, and eager-to-please dog, which will quickly become an essential member of the family.

These gentle dogs also tend to be careful and considerate around children and will love running around and playing with older kids.

On the other hand, although they are equally affectionate, smaller dogs are never the ideal choice for families with little ones. Toy and Miniature Goldendoodles are fragile, so they would need to be handled by someone who knows how to be gentle around tiny furballs.

As with all dogs, socialization is essential. Allow your dog to get used to children, especially younger ones. And they will likely become inseparable!

It would also be great if you can let your four-legged friend safely explore and be around other dogs. They are sociable creatures, and this means they crave both human and canine interaction.

Goldendoodles are smart and gentle: learn how to be their perfect owner 

Goldendoodles love to be around people – we simply cannot stress that enough! 

Leave them alone in an apartment for extended periods, and this dog will probably destroy your favorite rug – just to show how much they missed you!

But, don’t worry, destructive behavior like this is something which can be amended with training – which these clever Doodles take to very quickly. You can start training them quite young – as young as eight weeks old. 

Don’t believe us? Take a look at the irresistible Cody, doing all sorts of tricks at only eight weeks!

Of course, even proper training cannot change the Goldenpoo’s affectionate nature. These gentle furballs will get anxious or sad on their own. If you cannot be around, consider having a friend drop by and check on your pup while you’re at work.

The rule of thumb for highly intelligent dogs such as these is to provide continuous mental and physical stimulation. For example, make sure to have plenty of interesting toys to keep them entertained and occupied.

There are a lot of excellent family pets out there, but Goldendoodles are true champions as service dogs. They can be trained as a guide, therapy, and even as a sniffer dog. 

However, despite their intelligence, Goldendoodles do NOT make effective guard dogs. They are simply too trusting and will likely attempt to make friends with everyone – even strangers. 

They also don’t bark a lot, so don’t count on them alerting you of stranger danger. On the other hand, little barking and howling make them an excellent choice for apartment living. 

Goldendoodle’s favorite hobbies

Goldenpoos love to be an active part of your life – no matter what that entails!

You love to sail and would like to have a companion on board – done! This mixed breed loves water activities and is always ready for a dip! Of course, remember that their high-maintenance coat might require a bath and extra grooming care afterward.

Perhaps, you’re known to take hunting weekends and are wondering if this dog can join you?

Well, you probably know Golden Retrievers are regularly used for hunting – or rather retrieving. What might surprise you is that the stylish Poodle also makes an outstanding companion in this sport! So you can expect that their crossbreed offspring will always give its 100% in the field.

Hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking – your active and adventurous Goldendoodle will happily take part in any of those!

Caring for a Goldendoodle – they require little and give a lot!

As we have explained, your Goldendoodle will likely be hypoallergenic (meaning low to no shedding). But don’t count on it before looking into buying or adopting a specific one.

Depending on what type of coat your dog has, grooming requirements can differ quite a bit. So make sure you know what you’re getting into! 

Grooming a Goldendoodle – different coat types, different grooming needs

If you opt for a gorgeous Groodle, you’ll probably end up with one that has low-shedding curly or wavy hair. It’s important to remember that coats can change as puppies grow – so don’t be surprised if your pup’s fur becomes curlier in time.

Curly coats are by far the most demanding in terms of grooming. You will have to brush your dog’s thick curls daily to prevent matting and also detect objects which can get tangled up, irritate the skin or even seriously harm your pet.

Wavy is another type of Poodle-like coat, which is the most common with Goldendoodles. Luckily, since the curls are not as tight, grooming once a week should keep your Doodle healthy and looking sharp.

The long and straight hair of a Retriever is rarely passed onto Goldendoodles, and it’s also the easiest one to maintain. These dogs are likely to shed a bit more, although it will still be at a very manageable level. 

Goldendoodle haircuts

Like Poodles, Goldendoodles will benefit immensely from an occasional visit to a professional groomer. This is a great way to keep your dog healthy, as groomers will clean their ears and clip their nails.

It’s also an opportunity to give your pup a trendy look that you will fall in love with!

If you live in an area where temperatures get hot, giving your Doodle a short hairstyle (also known as the kennel cut) will help him cool. Also, if you treat your dog to an occasional swim, getting this haircut will help the coat dry quicker and make it easier to maintain after getting wet.

If you’re looking for a more stylish look, there is certainly plenty of room to get creative! These glorious golden dogs can certainly sport the distinctive lion cut in their unique way.

Check out this aptly named pooch called Simba!

The most popular is the standard or teddy-bear cut. This gives your dog a more natural look but still keeps its coat neat and maintainable.

These hairstyles will look especially good on Goldendoodles with luxurious curls or waves. Straight hair might prove a little more challenging. 

Uncut, Goldendoodle’s hair can grow between 4 and 8 inches long (10 and 20cm), and it will take from between two to three and a half months for it to grow back. So, you’re probably looking at committing to a trim every six months or so. 

The great thing about low-shedding Doodles is that you don’t have to spend hours vacuuming hair in your apartment. But be prepared to devote considerable time and attention to brushing, combing, and untangling their high-maintenance fur. 

Why do Goldendoodles stink?

We hate to hurt the feelings of these gentle creatures, but a fact is a fact: sometimes, these dogs smell anything but pleasant!

Your first point of reference should always be your dogs’ coat and skin – curly coat easily catches debris and dirt, which can make your pooch just a bit stinky. Bath them with appropriate products. Remember to cover their ears and always unmat their fur beforehand!

Goldendoodles naturally produce oils that keep the skin from drying out – so make sure you’re using a suitable shampoo and conditioner. However, if the bath doesn’t do the trick – look out for rashes and other symptoms of skin problems. 

A yeast infection can produce a very pungent smell as well as problems with gas. Though it may seem obvious, it’s crucial to try and figure out where the odor is coming from before you submit your unsuspecting pup to any kind of treatment!

Finally, a common problem with this aquatic dog is an ear infection. You can recognize the first symptoms if your dog is shaking its head excessively and then look out for dark, waxy discharge (which can also be the cause of a bad smell).

Remember – DON’T attempt to solve the problem yourself with Q-tips! Your dog will need to see a vet for proper cleaning and potentially have medications prescribed.

What kind of diet do Goldendoodles need?

Dry kibbles, wet food, or a raw diet will do since this hybrid is generally healthy and not picky. Since they are active dogs, look for food that is rich in vegetables and protein as this will provide your dog with the energy it requires. 

Adult standard-sized dogs need around 1-4 cups of food per day, but it depends on their size, age, and physical activity. 

Something to look out for is potential food allergies. In most cases, you won’t be aware of it until it happens, so keep an eye out for itchy skin or paws, skin rashes, eye or ear discharge, and infection. Some common allergies for dogs include ingredients found in most dog foods, such as beef, chicken, or lamb.

Don’t miss: Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are both a jock and a nerd when it comes to exercise

This designer breed may be trainable, eager to please, and a great companion, but since they’re active canines, they won’t be happy lounging around all day.

At least 1 hour of spirited, fast-paced exercise is sufficient to satisfy an adult Groodle’s need for physical stimulation.

With the Goldenpoo’s curiosity, their energy level may be quite overwhelming for some owners.

If your idea of a perfect walk is a quiet stroll around the block, then this might not be the dog for you!

Goldendoodles love to play, run, and sometimes they can get a little hyper.

Of course, they need to be taken out regularly for potty walks.

Keeping a Goldendoodle healthy

If you thought this dog couldn’t sound any better – you’re wrong! Apart from being intelligent, having an excellent temperament, and being (potentially) hypoallergenic, the Poodle and Golden Retriever mix is also quite healthy and has a good life expectancy.

Even if they come in a medium-to-larger size, their lifespan is between 10 and 15 years. 

As with all canines, they are susceptible to some common diseases. A few of those which their parents – the Poodle and the Golden Retriever are prone to. Some of those illnesses are:

Hip/elbow dysplasia

This is the most common hereditary condition with big or giant dogs. It causes pain in the joints and restricts movement. It can be detected during your pet’s regular physical check-ups with his vet. Remember that it’s not just genetics that can cause this issue. Proper nutrition and exercise can both prevent and help treat this disease. Sometimes surgery is required.

Gastric Dilatation

Poodles are particularly prone to this condition, otherwise known as bloating. Despite the common name, this is a severe problem and happens when the dog’s stomach twists when full of air or gas. Canines are unable to vomit or belch, which can cause shock and a lethal outcome. If you see your pet retching excessively without being able to throw up, take them to a vet immediately.

Ear infections

As was mentioned earlier, this is a common condition with these long-haired water-loving pooches. Although it’s usually not too dangerous, it might require medication. It’s also possible to avoid this by using drying ear cleaning. However, excessive cleaning might also cause infection in the first place.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is another hereditary disease common with Poodles. It can cause retinal disorders and can lead to blindness. Sadly, there is no treatment available as of yet. But you shouldn’t despair.

Pets are very adaptable to living with this condition and will rely on other senses to get around when their vision starts to fail. You can make a blind dog’s life a lot easier by helping them memorize their way around the house and keeping the same order of furniture etc.

Von Willebrand Disease

This is the most common bleeding disorder. It results in excessive bleeding, blood not clotting, bleeding from gums or nose, bloody urine. This disease is treatable with a drug called DDAVP. However, as different breeds can respond differently to treatment, it’s best to discuss your course of action with the vet.

Cancer

Since Golden Retrievers experience a much higher risk of cancer than most dogs, it’s imperative to screen Goldenpoos for issues such as these. As cancer in dogs and humans are quite similar, there are different treatment options available. Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, stage, and the likeliness of spreading.

Where can I find an adorable Goldendoodle?

As you might suspect, there are a lot of people who are very eager to take this loving, low-maintenance hybrid home. This also means that there are plenty of puppy mills out there – do the due diligence and make sure you’re buying from a reputable breeder!

Avoid pet stores as much as you can. Aside from asking a trusted vet or family members if they know anyone who breeds a Goldie & Poodle cross, we provided some websites that are worth considering during your search.

Buying a Goldendoodle from a breeder

You should expect to pay somewhere between $2,000 to $5,000 for your Goldendoodle, depending on factors such as the geographical location of the breeder, the generation or lineage of the breed, age, etc. Generally speaking, if a price sounds too good to be true, there’s usually a catch you’ll probably want to avoid.

Some puppies for sale may be found here or through the Goldendoodle Association of North America. Their list of registered breeders could also be a great resource to help you find a breeder near you!

Rescue or adopt: a cheap alternative to get your Goldendoodle

If the price mentioned above exceeds your planned budget – there’s nothing to worry about! These well-known canines are easily found, and you can adopt a beautiful and healthy Goldendoodle for just a few hundred dollars (usually covers transportation fee).

Make sure to check out some of these websites:

• Adopt a Pet
• Teddy Bear Goldendoodles
• Crocketdoodles

More fun crosses – doodle, doodle, doo!

With a breed that seems perfect like the Goldendoodle, it’s no surprise many people have tried crossing it with other breeds. Either to achieve a specific look or to make it better suited to particular purposes.

An absolute favorite is the Petite Goldendoodle. Unlike the name suggests, it isn’t just a tiny version of Golden Retriever and Poodle Mix – it also includes the Cocker Spaniel. This pup is only 10-18 inches (25 to 46 cm) tall and weighs between 15 and 25 pounds (7 to 11 kg). Its looks and personality are very similar to the Goldenpoo. 

But don’t forget that there are a lot of fantastic Poodle mixes out there, too. A great thing about them is that they all come in a ‘customizable’ size, whether you’re looking for a bigger dog or one that’s travel-size. 

 If you’re not too sure about the Golden Retriever mix, check out some of these great dogs:

Bernedoodle

The Bernedoodle is a mix of the Poodle and the adorable Bernese Mountain dog. Its kind, goofy personality resembles the Goldendoodle, although they can be quite a bit more stubborn and more difficult to train. 

Sheepadoodle

The Sheepadoodle is another adorable fluffball that comes from mixing Poodles with the Old English Sheepdog. As they are quite hard to come by, you should expect to pay between $1000 and $3000. 

Poogle

Poogles are another active and eager-to-please mixed breed that comes from mixing Poodles with Beagles. The difference between the other here mentioned is that they have a stronger prey drive, so you will want to train them early on if they live in a household with cats and other small animals.

Goldendoodle versus Labradoodle 

If you thought the dog we described is called Labradoodle – you’re not alone! These two breeds often get mixed up, and for a good reason. They are incredibly similar in both looks and personality.

Both breeds are highly intelligent and friendly and don’t differ in size too much – Labradoodles are only a few inches taller and a few pounds heavier.

Standard Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm) tall and weigh around 50 to 65 pounds (23 to 29 kg).

Medium-sized Labidoos are about 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall and 30 to 45 pounds (14 to 20 kg). The Mini Standard has a height of 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm) and weighs 15 to 25 pounds (7 to 11 kg).

Both breeds are equally popular with families and make fantastic service dogs.

Labradoodles are a little more energetic than Goldendoodles and quite a bit more reserved around strangers than the extremely friendly Goldenpoo.

The one most obvious difference is their coat. Goldendoodles can have curly, wavy, or even straight hair, while Labradoodles usually have shorter, wavy, or wiry fur.

While Goldendoodles are usually found in a shade between cream and dark red (although not exclusively), Labradoodles regularly come in a range of colors, including black, brown, cream, and yellow. 

And in case you couldn’t make your mind up between the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle, there’s also a happy medium. A Double Doodle is a relatively new mix of these two designer breeds!

Goldendoodle – the dog that’s right for everyone?

Intelligent and low-shedding like the Poodle, devoted and brave like the Golden Retriever – it’s easy to see how this hybrid makes an excellent choice for almost everyone!

First-time dog owners, families, people with allergies, those looking for a service dog or a loving companion to see them through thick and thin – anyone can fall for a Goldendoodle.

Remember that if you suffer from severe allergies, don’t expect that this dog will not affect you. Groodles are low shedder, that’s something to think about before taking one home. 

Finally, although love might be all that this fido needs, it won’t be happy sitting around the house all day. If you live an active life and want your pet to be a part of it – you and this marvelous pooch will become friends for life. 

Share with us how Goldendoodles have changed your life by commenting below!

Further reading:

• Goldendoodle Names