Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles, or Groodles, is a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Despite being marketed as a potentially hypoallergenic alternative for sensitive people, their shedding depends on the ratio of their parent genes. A higher amount of Poodle, seen usually in F1B types, results in coats with lesser hair loss.
Depending on their Poodle lineage, they come in four sizes: Standard, Medium, Miniature or Mini, and Petite. Additional traits vary based on the unique combination of their parent genes. Generally, they have round heads with broad muzzles, floppy ears, and feathery tails.
Goldendoodle Pictures


















Quick Information
Other names | Groodle, Doodle, Curly Golden, Goldie Poo, Golden Poo |
Coat | Long double-coat, with a thick undergrowth and outer layer of guard hairs |
Color | Golden, apricot, cream, gray, white, black, brown, copper, or red, with some parti-coloring |
Breed type | Crossbred |
Group | Sporting |
Life expectancy | 10 – 15 years |
Size | Medium to large |
Height | Standard – 21 – 25 inches Medium – 17 – 21 inches Miniature/Mini – 14 – 17 inches Petite – 13 – 14 inches |
Weight | Standard – 51 – 60 pounds Medium – 36 – 50 pounds Miniature/ Mini – 26 – 35 pounds Petite – 15 – 25 pounds |
Litter Size | 3 – 6 puppies |
Behavioral Characteristics | Affectionate, friendly, intelligent, energetic, patient |
Good with children | Yes |
Barking Tendency | Moderate; doesn’t bark excessively |
Climate compatibility | Moderate; they can live in both warm and cool weather |
Apartment compatibility | Low; they need plenty of outdoor space |
Do they shed | They are low shedding |
Are they hypoallergenic | No |
Trainability | High |
How much do they cost | $500 – $2,000 |
Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | American Canine Hybrid Club, Goldendoodle Association of North America |
Country | Australia and the US |
History and Origin
One of the newest designer breeds, the Goldendoodle, emerged in the 1990s after the widespread popularity of the Labradoodle and Cavapoo. Wally Conron named it after its parent strains in 1992. However, its exact origins are unknown, with examples dating back to the 1960s. Monica Dickens, great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, bred a hybrid in 1969. The goal was to create a companion that retained the low-shedding qualities of the Poodle while adopting the charming personality and greater size of the Golden Retriever. Quickly becoming popular, breeders soon started introducing smaller sizes to accommodate requests. Still, none of the eminent kennel clubs recognize it as a separate dog. Alternatively, owners can register it with hybrid-specific clubs such as the Goldendoodle Association of North America and the American Canine Hybrid Club.
As a relatively young crossbreed, most pups available are F1 crosses between a Poodle and a Retriever. F1B types, born from a Goldendoodle and either of the parent lines, typically a Poodle, are also gaining prominence. Lastly, F2 mixes from two Goldendoodles and multigenerational pups are newer, having more irregularities and undesirable traits.
Temperament and Personality
This friendly and eager breed is well-loved worldwide. Combining the best features from both lines, it is loyal and loving, forming unbreakable bonds with its family. Still, it is not a good watchdog or guard dog, seldom barking even at strangers. Playful and patient, it does brilliantly with children and other pets, often showing affection by licking and pawing. Due to its high energy and attachment to family, it is best suited for indoor living and can suffer from separation anxiety. However, this breed is not an apartment pet, requiring an open yard or fenced area to run around in.
Their high emotional intelligence and trainability make them ideal service animals. They are often used as guides, therapy dogs, and as companions for hospital patients. Additionally, they make excellent medical service dogs used to monitor blood sugar and detect seizures. Lastly, they also help in mobility therapy.
Care
Exercise
These hybrids require ample physical and mental exercise to stay fit and healthy. A minimum of half an hour of daily walks accompanied by hiking, fetching, agility, and interactive toys is necessary. They love swimming and are happy in any body of water. However, you must provide them with a life jacket and be careful while entering and exiting a pool.
Grooming
They have three primary coat types, which decide their grooming regimen: straight, wavy, or curly. Their Golden Retriever genes mainly influence the straight fur, which is prone to comparatively more shedding and matting, thus requiring daily brushing. The wavy and curly coats are due to their Poodle DNA, which is relatively denser and with less shedding. Owners should get these coats regularly trimmed by professionals to prevent excess hair loss. Of these three, wavy fur is the most common.
Bathe your pet only when necessary to avoid drying out their skin, trim their nails monthly, and brush their teeth daily to prevent plaque buildup. Check their ears periodically for infection and redness and wipe them with a cotton ball dipped in pH-balanced cleaner.
Health Problems
It can inherit conditions such as patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease, progressive retinal atrophy, GDV or bloat, hypothyroidism, and various cancers from its genetic pool. Other common issues are seizures, allergies, and ear infections.
Feeding
Their diet should be outlined, considering a medium to large breed with sensitive stomachs. The recommended amount for adults is one to four cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into multiple meals to aid digestion. Avoid overfeeding and consult your veterinarian for options based on age, weight, and lifestyle.
Training
Goldendoodles are famed for their eager-to-please attitude, intelligence, and high trainability. These qualities make them marvelous pets for first-time owners.
Socialization: Early socialization ensures your pup becomes a well-rounded adult. Exposing them to new sights and sounds, taking them to pet-friendly spaces and busy parks, and inviting strangers into your home are excellent methods to encourage outgoing behavior. Puppy kindergarten is another brilliant option. Consistency and positive reinforcement are crucial to avoid unwanted fearfulness or shyness.
Obedience: Boredom and separation anxiety can lead to destructive actions like digging and barking. The best way to deal with this is to provide distractions like toys, treats, and music. You can also crate-train your pup to help manage this tendency. They are quick learners, effortlessly picking up commands such as stay, sit, and come, rapidly moving on to advanced tricks like dance, roll over, and shake.
Interesting Facts
- In Australia, this dog made it onto the list of the top twenty most popular breeds in 2020.
- Notable celebrities owning one of them are Paula Deen, Perez Hilton, Jensen Ackles, Kenny Chesney, and Usher, who reportedly got his pet for $12,000 at a charity auction.
- They are also trendy on social media, with famous Goldendoodles like Brodie and Samson having millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram.
FAQs
They modify the existing Mini or Miniature Goldendoodle, crossing it with a Poodle for an even tinier version. Thus, they are ten to twelve inches tall, weigh less than ten pounds in adulthood, and make splendid apartment companions.
The average pregnancy lasts 63 days, though it may range from 58 to 68 days, depending on the individual.
Teddy Bear Goldendoodles are a mix of the Standard Poodle and the English Golden Retriever. They get their distinctive “teddy bear” look from their boxy head, square frame, and rounded eyes, courtesy of their English Retriever heritage.
Bernedoodles are a designer cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle and are thus significantly larger. They are known to be more gentle, affectionate, and relaxed.
A hybrid of a Poodle and a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Cavapoos have some significant differences. They can be half the size and weigh much less than the Goldendoodle, with a more laid-back attitude and moderate energy levels.