The Goldendoodle is one of the most popular designer dogs, or hybrids, in North America, even though it’s only been around since the early 1990s. With a charming personality and a goofy, fun-loving nature, Goldendoodle owners are quick to list off the positive traits of this popular family pet.
They’re family friendly, have great energy, are highly social, have a low-shed coat—the list goes on and on. About the only thing that Goldendoodles are not known for is their prowess as a guard dog—they’re just too friendly!
What exactly is a hybrid dog?
Pixabay
A hybrid dog is a first generation cross between two recognized breeds but is not considered a breed itself. While hybrid dogs are increasingly popular because they can minimize known health problems specific to certain breeds, such as hip dysplasia, their temperaments aren’t as predictable as a standard breed.
A Goldendoodle is—you guessed it!—a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever that results in a 50% poodle and 50% golden retriever puppy, or what breeders call an F1 Goldendoodle.
If you’re new to designer dogs, you may be asking yourself, what’s all the hype? Well, ask no more! Because both golden retrievers and poodles are known for their kind and intelligent personalities, the resulting cross is a trainable and outgoing family dog. Goldendoodles give you the best of both breeds in a warm fuzzy package.
Read on to see why Goldendoodle owners are 100% smitten with their dogs!
Goldendoodles come in all sizes
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU69h0VFS23/?utm_source=ig_embed
Do you love smaller dogs? Larger dogs? There’s a Goldendoodle size for everyone, which is usually dictated by whether the poodle parent is a standard poodle or a miniature poodle. The standard Goldendoodle will weigh between 30 and 45 pounds at maturity.
Some breeders will cross a golden retriever with a toy poodle, and the resulting mini Goldendoodle puppy will only grow to be about 15-25 pounds. As a general rule, the larger the Goldendoodle, the more energy they’ll have!
Goldendoodles have beautiful coats
Via Flickr/MJM
Poodles lend their range of sizes and colors to the classic good looks of the golden retriever. The resulting puppy can have a coat type ranging from black to a light golden color. The Goldendoodle coat can be tight poodle curls, flat retriever feathers, or a wavy combination of the two. While most Goldendoodles are known for their low- or no-shedding coat, keep in mind that all Goldendoodle coats will require consistent grooming and clipping.
Goldendoodles sometimes inherit hairy ears from their Poodle parent, so grooming can help to minimize ear infections. But, because Goldendoodles are known for loving people and attention, expect a fun and playful grooming session!
Goldendoodles are versatile
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU7JH1rAOeX/?utm_source=ig_embed
Because the Goldendoodle has intelligence, athleticism and a kind temperament on both sides of the family tree, they can excel at many activities. Goldendoodles can be fantastic companion dogs, guide dogs, agility and sport dogs, and therapy dogs! They require a moderate activity level, at least 20-30 minutes of exercise a day, but can thrive in homes and apartments, city and country alike!
Goldendoodles are delightful to train
Both the poodle and golden retriever dog breeds are known for being highly social and trainable. The Goldendoodle, therefore, is typically a quick student and can learn multiple commands with proficiency, which makes them great pets for first-time dog owners.
As with all dog breeds, it’s recommended to begin socializing and training at an early age. Goldendoodle puppies are naturally social, so they’ll enjoy socializing with dogs and people alike!
Goldendoodles are healthy dogs
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU7AMrCgzRY/?utm_source=ig_embed
One of the many benefits of the Goldendoodle crossbreed is that the resulting puppies tend to have fewer health issues than either of the parent breeds. Golden retrievers can be prone to dysplasias (such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia), but when crossed with a poodle, the risk of these inherited health problems is often mitigated.
Goldendoodles are actually known for being healthy dogs, and Goldendoodle breeders will often provide guarantees against major health issues. While no breed or hybrid can be guaranteed a lifetime clean bill of health, many of the doodles (dogs that are a poodle mix) are known for their good health.
Interested in learning more?
If you’re anything like us and are smitten with the Goldendoodle, research a reputable breeder in your area to learn more about this wonderful crossbreed. As poodle mixes become more and more popular, be sure to do your homework and avoid unverified breeders or dogs from puppy mills.
In addition to the Goldendoodle, the Labradoodle (mix between a Labrador retriever and poodle) and Bernedoodle (mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a poodle) are also increasing in popularity across America (and Australia! They love these guys down under too!).
If there aren’t breeders in your area, consider looking into a rescue or fostering one of these wonderful family pets. You can also contact the Goldendoodle Association of North America for more information.
More on Goldendoodles
_
Featured image: Neptune the doodle
