Everything about your Goldendoodle
Also known as the Groodle, the Goldendoodle ranges in size from small to large, depending on the variant of Poodle that the Golden Retriever is crossed with. Originally bred as a larger alternative to the already popular designer breed known as the Cockapoo, the Goldendoodle has proven to be an excellent family dog.
The Goldendoodle is an affectionate and gentle dog that has gained popularity since he was first developed in 1990s. He’s still a young cross compared to other designer breeds, and many of today’s litters are the results of first-generation breedings between Poodles and Golden Retrievers.
Goldendoodles are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. They don’t do well in any type of guarding or watchdog role and should not be used in that capacity. They can thrive in both city and country settings, but they’re not well suited to apartment living, since they do better with the space provided by a fenced yard. Goldendoodles should not live outside or in a kennel, however, since they thrive when they are in contact with the people they love.
Overview
The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed. Opening your heart and home to a crossbreed is like opening a beautifully wrapped package on your birthday: it’s exciting, but you never know what’s inside. It’s often assumed that a cross breed will combine the best of two or more breeds, but genetics doesn’t always work that way. The way genes express themselves is not always subject to a breeder’s control, even less so when two different breeds are crossed. That’s something to keep in mind before you lay down lots of money for a dog that you have been assured will be hypoallergenic or healthier than a purebred.
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle . At their best, they are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature, medium , and standard. Because they are a cross breed, their traits are not fixed, so there is not a guarantee that the Goldendoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range.
Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can supposedly be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Goldendoodles are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are not caused by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs . There is no scientific evidence that any breed or cross breed is more or less allergenic than any other dog. Some people with mild allergies react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic.
Highlights
- Designer dogs, also called hybrids, aren’t true breeds — they’re crosses of two specific breeds. If you’re interested in a Goldendoodle puppy, understand that his looks, size, and temperament aren’t as predictable as those of purebreds, since you don’t know which characteristics from each breed will show up in any given dog.
- The Goldendoodle is considered to be a non- to light shedder, but he requires regular grooming and clipping. If the coat is kept short, it should be clipped every six to eight weeks and brushed every few weeks. If the coat is kept in its natural state, it should be brushed once every week or two.
- The Goldendoodle is not a watch dog, and he’s generally not known to be noisy. He may not bark even if someone knocks on the door.
- Although he’s got an average energy level, the Goldendoodle is not recommended for apartments. He does much better in a home with a fenced yard.
- The Goldendoodle requires about 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise.
- Being a wonderful family companion, the Goldendoodle generally gets along well with children and does well with other dogs and family pets.
- The Goldendoodle is a very social dog who should not live away from his family. He’s are not suited to living in a kennel or outside; he wants to be in the house.
- The Goldendoodle can suffer from separation anxiety if left for long periods at a time.
- The Goldendoodle may make an excellent companion to people with allergies.

- Some Goldendoodles have been trained as guide dogs, a job for which their temperament and intelligence is ideally suited.
- Goldendoodles are companion dogs. They love their people and need to live in the house, never outdoors.
- Like their Poodle parent, Goldendoodles can come in many different colors.
Care
The Goldendoodle can be easy to train. Intelligent, he’s usually eager to please — a perfect combination for either first-time trainers or experienced trainers. He should be trained with positive reinforcement, since harsh corrections could damage his confidence.
Socialization is important for all breeds, but for a gentle dog like the Goldendoodle it can be instrumental in discouraging any shyness or timidity.
The Goldendoodle has an average energy level and will require daily exercise through walks or a good romp in the back yard. Generally speaking, 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise will be enough to keep a Goldendoodle from becoming bored. He’s known for his love of water, so swimming provides another opportunity for appropriate exercise.
Since the Goldendoodle may grow large, he does require room to move. He’s not recommended for apartments but should have a home with some type of fenced yard. He’s not an ideal pet for outdoor or kennel living, since he thrives when he’s with his family, so owners should expect to keep him primarily in the house.
The Goldendoodle can also suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior, if he’s left alone for long periods at a time.
Trainability
Most Goldendoodles are smart and easy to train. They are eager, willing learners that respond best to positive reinforcement and gentleness. Harsh, loud corrections or training by punishment are not helpful when working with these dogs. Socialization and training should start while the dog is still a puppy and continue throughout its life. A well-socialized, well-trained Goldendoodle is a happy Goldendoodle and a wonderful companion.
Exercise Requirements
Goldendoodles require a fair amount of exercise each day. They need to be walked at least three times daily. Each walk should last for around half an hour. Time to stretch their legs and run is essential for the Goldendoodle. Living in the city is fine, provided they will have access to a dog park weekly. Those who have a fenced in yard will find that the Goldendoodle will get all the exercise he needs by playing ball with the kids in the backyard. Never let this dog exercise without being in a securely, fenced area or on a leash.
High Maintenance: Grooming should be performed often to keep the dog’s coat in good shape. Occasional trimming or stripping needed.
Minimal Shedding: Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with hair in their cars and homes.
Easy Training: The Goldendoodle is known to listen to commands and obey its owner. Expect fewer repetitions when training this breed.
Very Active: It will need daily exercise to maintain its shape. Committed and active owners will enjoy performing fitness activities with this breed.
Good for New Owners: This breed is well suited for those who have little experience with dog ownership.
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.
Did You Know?
Well-bred Goldendoodles are outgoing, social dogs and often have an uncanny ability to communicate with their people. Some Goldendoodles have even been trained as guide dogs.
Since 2005, Goldendoodles have been used as pets, agility dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, diabetic dogs, search dogs and rescue dogs, as they have inherited the poodle’s intelligence and the golden retriever’s ease of training. Goldendoodles have also become increasingly used as domestic pets due to their affection towards families, as well as their friendliness and patience with children and strangers.