Goldendoodle puppy
adopted in Orlando
born 4/4/2022, Cream

Goldendoodles are a mixed breed rather than purebred with their own breed. Therefore, this doodle is a mix of Golden Retrievers and Poodles.  Resulting in cuteness and sweetness overload.

Although some will reach 100 pounds, they are very gentle and endlessly patient.  They are also super-affectionate and highly intelligent dogs.

These pups popped onto the scene very recently and it wasn’t until the 90’s they started growing in popularity.

North American and Australian breeders crossed Golden Retrievers with Standard Poodles mainly to create great guide dogs for people with allergies.

Goldendoodles are a big dog alternative to the wildly popular but small Cockapoo (a Cocker Spaniel bred with a poodle)

They are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any international purebred dog registries, although that may change in the future.

Anything you or your kids want to do, the Goldendoodle is more than ready to join in!  With their high energy, loyal love and playfulness, they’re great dogs for active families whether in your yard or anywhere in the great outdoors.

No two Goldendoodles are exactly alike because they vary so much in size, colors and fur type.

There are standard and miniature Goldendoodles. 

The mini puppies are from breeding Golden Retrievers with Toy Poodles, rather than a standard, to create much smaller puppies.  

Goldendoodles go by a few different names.  They’re mostly funny and fun to say!  In addition to Doodles, they may be called a Groodle or a Goldenpoo.

“The Intelligence of Dogs” by Stanley Coren states both Poodles and Golden Retrievers rank among the four smartest dog breeds. Goldendoodles inherited the super-smart genes and are easily trained.

There are doodle dogs, and then there are dogs that are poodle mixes but are not doodle dogs.  Cool, huh?

The doodles include Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Aussiedoodles.

Then the Cockapoo, Schnoodle and Maltipoo are part Poodle but are not doodle dogs.

“Abstract” Goldendoodles have a solid coat (any color) with white markings on 50% or less of their body.  The white patches are called abstract markings, chrome markings, or mismarks.

Many Goldendoodles work as sniffer dogs.  Researchers find these dogs can be trained to sniff out even tiny amounts of nuts or eggs in food.  Even disease in a person’s body.  They can detect an oncoming seizure or alert people with diabetes their blood sugar is too low.

The Goldendoodle is not a dog breed but, instead, a hybrid.  They’re considered designer dogs meaning intentionally crossing two purebred dogs chosen for particular desirable traits and characteristics.

Poodles are very smart and athletic, too.  One of their most popular traits is the fact Poodles don’t shed.  The Golden Retriever sheds a lot but makes up for the mess with their deep love for their people and playful attitudes.

It’s impossible to know exactly which traits a Goldendoodle ultimately has, and some may lean more toward Poodle traits and others their Golden Retriever parent.   (but with those two breeds, you really can’t go wrong!)

Let’s look at the two purebreds that make the Goldendoodle so smart, loving, obedient and willing to make friends with everyone.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the Poodle as, “Whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, and either black, white, or apricot, the Poodle stands proudly among dogdom’s true aristocrats. Beneath the curly, low-allergen coat is an elegant athlete and companion for all reasons and seasons. Poodles come in three size varieties: Standards should be more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder; Miniatures are 15 inches or under; Toys stand no more than 10 inches. All three varieties have the same build and proportions.”
And the AKC describes the loveable Golden Retriever this way, “The Golden Retriever, an exuberant Scottish gundog of great beauty, stands among America's most popular dog breeds. They are serious workers at hunting and fieldwork, as guides for the blind and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work. The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, muscular dog of medium size, famous for the dense, lustrous coat of gold that gives the breed its name. The broad head, with its friendly and intelligent eyes, short ears, and straight muzzle, is a breed hallmark. In motion, Goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a 'merry action.'”

Goldendoodles cannot be AKC registered, although their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents likely are.
Goldendoodles are said to have “hybrid vigor,” meaning they’re less susceptible to health problems than purebred dogs.  The idea is mixing breeds makes the resulting puppy healthier.

If a no shed, mostly hypoallergenic dog is your main goal, be aware the first-generation pup from a Poodle and a Golden Retriever will NOT be the best for people with allergies.

Experts explain the code:

F1 is that first-generation Poodle + Golden Retriever puppy
F1B Goldendoodle = Purebred Poodle + Goldendoodle
F2 Goldendoodle = F1 Goldendoodle + F1 Goldendoodle

Some studies show allergies are triggered by dogs’ saliva, not their hair or fur when it comes to people with allergies.  (Poodles have hair, and Golden Retrievers have fur.

Others point to dander from dogs’ fur that triggers allergies.

Beyond allergies, not having to clean up dog hair is a big plus for anyone.

Goldendoodles are dogs who never met a stranger.  Intelligent and extremely affectionate, these pups love people young and old and other dogs, cats, pretty much, EVERYONE.

The Doodles form close bonds with their humans whether it’s a family of one or ten people!

Goldendoodles do not do well if they’re left alone a lot.  They crave a playmate (any species will do) and a lot of playtime.  In the extreme Goldendoodles can develop separation anxiety.  This happens when a dog is so attached to its person it literally cannot cope when left alone. So the dog is sad and frets and soon turns to very destructive behaviors.  Such as excessive chewing (some dogs have been known to chew through walls, couches or fences), continual barking, pacing, whining, or howling.    

So if you know your lifestyle means your new pet will spend a lot of time alone, you may want a more aloof and independent breed of pup.

They will gaze adoringly at you while cuddling and get a goofy smile on their sweet faces when out playing.

These doodle dogs are absolutely not guard dogs.  A lot of times, they won’t even defend themselves because they just want to be friends.  They may not even bother to bark if someone comes into their yard or even knocks on the door.  Bringing a Goldendoodle into the family means it’s more likely you’ll be guarding the puppy and not the other way around.

Because they’re so smart and playful they’re usually looking for the next great adventure and if they have to create it for themselves they may cause some trouble.  They need plenty of activity so they do not get bored.

They will spend plenty of time curled up on their bed, or your bed, happily taking long naps.

Goldendoodles need to be brushed a lot.  Whether tight curls, a shaggy coat, or almost straight fur it can get matted if it’s not brushed several times a week.  The best would be a daily brushing session which your puppy will grow to love you for!

Also budget for a visit to the groomer every couple of months.  Keep an eye on your baby’s eyes, ears, footpads and rear ends which tend to need regular grooming.
Give their floppy ears a gentle wash every couple of weeks.  Always clean them after the Goldendoodle has been playing in water.  

And each week give their teeth a good cleaning.  Your vet can show you how and you only need a baby toothbrush and some dog toothpaste.

Unless they get into something messy they can go weeks without a bath.

You can leave their coat all natural, with regular brushing they’ll be all set.
You can have them trimmed something similar to a poodle style.  You can have them shaved short to make brushing much easier.

Goldendoodles will learn quickly to love their grooming sessions if you give plenty of treats.  Let them smell any grooming tools, first, and check everything out then provide a bullystick or a steady stream of small treats to make sure it’s a positive experience for everyone.
They barely shed, if at all, which is why your grooming is so important to keep that healthy coat.

This is where Goldendoodles may not be for everyone. (hard to believe, right?)  If you don’t have an active lifestyle you might want a more sedentary pup and there are plenty to choose from.
Goldendoodles have to have regular exercise every day. So the goal would be 30 minutes of exercise, three times a day.

Larger Doodles tend to need more exercise than the miniatures.  The same goes for adult dogs needing longer walks than puppies.

In addition to walks, Goldendoodles love to play fetch, Frisbee catch or work agility courses.

They’re perfect additions to active families and will always enjoy going on hikes or even runs with you.

Most Goldendoodles also love to swim.  It’s great exercise, easy on their joints and it makes them happy.

Goldendoodles are not known for being picky eaters.  As long as they’re maintaining a healthy weight you can free feed.  This means leaving their food out so the pup can graze rather than having set mealtimes.  If you have another dog, or cat, that wants to eat the food this won’t work because the Doodle will never stand up to anyone, even if their food is at stake. 

Watch to see which times of day your Goldendoodle seems to be the hungriest.  Many enjoy a big breakfast while others are late-night snackers and anything in between.

Weight is not likely to be a big issue.  They have the enviable trait of generally being leaner like their poodle parent so you don’t have to measure or count every calorie in their food carefully.

Goldendoodles are always up to play and mealtime can become a game.  Doggie puzzles, or slow feeders will still allow your dog to get their meal but it makes it a lot more interesting for your intelligent pup.

There are all kinds of products to challenge your dog's mental abilities while delivering the food they need.

Also, during training use small training treats or bits of kibble to reward a job well done.

Ask your vet for help deciding what to feed your new baby.  Popular “people food” for Doodles include chicken, lamb, beef, Brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, bell peppers, apples (without seeds), apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe.  Never feed dogs grapes or cherries.