This “designer breed” of dogs combines two of the most intelligent and people-friendly breeds of dogs: the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Popular since the early 90s, here are 10 facts you need to know about Goldendoodles!
10. Goldendoodles Love People and Other Dogs
Golden Retrievers are very social animals, good with family, young children, and other dogs. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Goldendoodles are the same. They aren’t territorial and can almost be too friendly at times. Where the poodle traits come through is that Goldendoodles are “Velcro dogs” that love, more than anything, to cling to their owners.
9. Goldendoodles Don’t Bark Much
As a rule, Goldendoodles tend to be calm dogs. If you’re looking for a quiet dog, you’ll find it in a Goldendoodle. They don’t bark a whole lot. They may not even bark when someone knocks at your door. So as you could imagine, Goldendoodles don’t make the best watchdogs. If you need a watchdog, you might consider a different breed.
8. Goldendoodles Come in 3 Types of Fur Styles
Depending on what genes a dog picks up, the result is a Goldendoodle with either straight, wavy, or curly fur. Wavy with loose, shaggy curls tend to be the most common. A Goldendoodle’s fur can be challenging to groom, requiring daily brushing and frequent bathing. Ask your vet to help identify the type and how to best groom your Goldendoodle.
7. Goldendoodles Come in Several Colors
Poodles come in at least 27 colors, while Golden Retrievers typically come in golden, light golden, or dark golden. Most commonly, Goldendoodles come in either cream, gold, apricot, brown, dark brown, gray, black, red, or orange. However, sometimes a Goldendoodle will come out with a multi-colored coat that is a combination of the common colors.
6. Goldendoodles Come in Various Sizes
Because a golden retriever can be mixed with a standard, miniature, or toy poodle, it can result in Goldendoodles in various sizes. Therefore, you can get a wonderful Goldendoodle in Miniature (15-30 pounds), Medium (30-45 pounds), and Standard (45-100 pounds). And for the record, a miniature results in one of the cutest little Goldendoodles you’ve ever laid eyes on.
5. A Goldendoodle’s Height and Weight Are Predictable
There is an accurate formula to determine what size Goldendoodle will result when breeding a parent Poodle with a parent Golden Retriever.
- Record the height and weight of each parent.
- Separately, add heights and weights together.
- Divide the height by two to get the Goldendoodle’s height. Similarly, divide the weight by two to get the Goldendoodle’s weight.
4. Goldendoodles Are Intelligent and Love to Learn
Because Goldendoodles are the product of the second-most intelligent dog breed, Poodles — and the fourth-most intelligent dog breed, Golden Retrievers – the result is one very smart dog. Goldendoodles excel at learning lots of commands and tricks and are easy to train. They need lots of mental stimulation to keep them happy. Poodles can learn up to 400 words.
3. Goldendoodles Love Water
Poodles were Germany’s water dogs, originally bred for use in hunting and retrieving waterfowl, so swimming and comfort in the water come naturally. Out of the water, a poodle’s hair quickly wicks away moisture. Golden retrievers were bred for work in cold and wet conditions and have a water-resistant coat. This history makes Goldendoodles a water-loving breed.
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2. Goldendoodles Make Excellent Service Pets
Golden retrievers are often used as a guide, therapy, search-and-rescue, and emotional support dogs due to their obedience and friendly nature. Combining that with the intelligence of a poodle, you have an ideal service pet. They also make excellent companion dogs for retirees, in nursing homes, and for support in hospice care.
Read More: Top 10 Best Therapy Dog Breeds
1. Goldendoodles Are Healthy and Have Long Lifespans
Poodles are one of the healthiest breeds, sturdy with very few major health issues, and Golden Retrievers are healthy as well. These genes are passed on to Goldendoodles. Poodles have a long lifespan between 10-18 years, and Golden Retrievers generally have lifespans from 10-12 years. As a result, Goldendoodles have a lifespan ranging from 12-15 years.
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