Everyone loves a golden retriever, and no one can resist the cuteness of a poodle. But what if we combine both breeds? Well, we’re going to get a Goldendoodle! The Goldendoodle is an adorable hybrid breed rising in popularity among different pet owners over the last three decades. And while it might be popular, not many people know a lot of facts about the Goldendoodle.
The Goldendoodle is a hybrid of the golden retriever and the poodle and has the poodle’s friendly nature and the golden retriever’s outgoing personality and intelligence. And while a lot of people are allergic to different dog breeds, the Goldendoodle doesn’t shed very often.
Those are merely some of the basic things you should know about the Goldendoodle. Like many other dogs, there are unique qualities about this breed. And if you want to know more about the Goldendoodle, we have a lot more facts that may get you interested in this rising and adorable breed.
History of the goldendoodle
As you may know, the Goldendoodle is the offspring of the golden retriever and the poodle. It is a relatively new breed and has only been around for less than a handful of decades. This dog was first bred in America sometime during the early 1990s but has since gained popularity because of its many different lovable qualities.
However, it is actually believed that the Goldendoodle has been around since the 60s as there are records that show that there were crossbreeds between the golden retriever and the poodle that existed back then. Nevertheless, their status as a hybrid breed only came about in the 1990s when different breeders actually intentionally made it a point to breed golden retrievers with poodles to produce the Goldendoodle.
Some records would indicate that the Goldendoodle was intentionally bred when the labradoodle, the crossbreed between the Labrador retriever and the poodle, became very popular. The original labradoodle breeder had since expressed his regret of making it popular because some breeders had become very greedy to the point that they are now irresponsibly breeding Goldendoodles when the labradoodle became popular.
That’s why, if you want a Goldendoodle, you have to make sure you are getting it from a responsible breeder who actually cares about the dogs they are breeding and is not simply there for the money. Irresponsible breeders of Goldendoodles over the years have led to the rise of different Goldendoodles that may not have the same kind of appearance and temperament you would expect from them.
The Goldendoodle, although now very popular among different dog owners, is actually a designer breed. That means that this dog breed is not officially registered and is actually a breed that is considered a designer breed because it came from two different purebred dog breeds that are different from one another. It might not be an official dog breed yet, but it is pretty much a rising name in the dog industry and might even become an official purebred dog later on.
Goldendoodles are also known as…
While Goldendoodles are popularly known by their name “Goldendoodle” name, they are also widely known to many different people and breeders by different nicknames. Some people call them groodles while some would prefer to call Goldendoodles simply as doodles. All of those nicknames are insanely cute and are befitting of the nature and appearance of the Goldendoodle.
Goldendoodle physical traits
One of the biggest problems that most people have with dogs is that they shed a lot. This can be quite problematic for allergic dog hair as shedding will only serve to aggravate their allergies. Some of these people may love dogs but they cannot force their bodies to cooperate with dog hair!
The Goldendoodle can be a refreshing type of breed for those who are allergic to dog hair. That’s because some Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic and will not trigger a person’s dog allergies. And even if you have a Goldendoodle that isn’t hypoallergenic, you can still breathe easy knowing that this breed doesn’t shed a lot compared to other types of dogs.
That means that, even if you are allergic to dogs, you won’t have to suffer too much if you have a Goldendoodle. And, of course, it makes it easier for you to clean up because there won’t be many dog hairs scattered around the house.
They differ in size
When you try to picture out what a Goldendoodle looks like, you may be coming up with your own fusion of a golden retriever and a poodle inside your head. And don’t fret about it even if you are wrong because Goldendoodles can actually vary in terms of how they appear. In short, they are not merely uninformed combinations of a golden retriever and a poodle.
When it comes to size, the Goldendoodle varies but actually relies a lot on its poodle heritage. While golden retrievers don’t necessarily vary in size, poodles actually come in all sorts of sizes. There are mini, medium, and standard poodles. That is why Goldendoodles really vary in size as they may come in small packages and may even be as heavy as 100 pounds depending on their heritage.
And also in color
Similarly, the color that a Goldendoodle comes in also varies depending on its genetics. While it does come with the “golden” tag in its name, the Goldendoodle isn’t always golden and doesn’t always have the golden retriever’s standard gold color. In fact, not all golden retrievers are actually gold, to begin with, because of how they come in all sorts of colors as well.
That said, the Goldendoodle’s color not only varies depending on the color of its golden retriever parent but also varies depending on the genetics of its parents. That is why there will be some Goldendoodles that come in black, chocolate, and tan. So, with that, don’t let the name fool you because not all Goldendoodles come in gold colors.
Unlike how the Goldendoodle’s size and hair color differs, its fur is usually the same in terms of its appearance. Goldendoodles have shaggy and curly coats that are different from that of the golden retriever’s straight coat. Nevertheless, the coat of the Goldendoodle is just as thick as its golden retriever parents. And, again, there is no guarantee that the Goldendoodle’s hair is hypoallergenic, but it is very much more bearable due to how this breed doesn’t shed a lot.
Temperament and personality of the goldendoodle
When you think about a poodle, you would most likely think about a pet dog that isn’t the most active because they are usually raised as toy dogs that don’t always play with their owners. But when you think about the golden retriever, you would actually think about an active dog breed that loves to play and is very cheerful, athletic, and energetic.
The Goldendoodle is a lot like the golden retriever in that regard. While it might not be as good of a retriever as the golden retriever itself, the Goldendoodle is almost just as athletic and as energetic as its parent. They may be as large as a hundred pounds, but Goldendoodles are playful breeds that love to go on walks and handy animals to have with if you are out on a hike or an outdoor adventure.
That’s why Goldendoodles require a lot of exercise and activity. They are perfect for owners who prefer to have dogs as energetic and as athletic as they are. So, the next time you go out for a run, just let your Goldendoodle tag along with you.
And similarly…
They are the greatest playmates anyone can have
If you want a dog breed that is extra-playful and wouldn’t mind spending a lot of energy moving, jumping, and playing around not only with you but also with your other dogs, the Goldendoodle should be one of the greatest playmates to have.
Goldendoodles often love hanging out with their owners and are very likely to spend an entire day trying to socialize with them. On top of that, they can be pretty playful and would always want to play with you with every opportunity that they can get. But this isn’t only true when it comes to how they treat humans, but they are also just as playful and sociable with your other dogs and pets.
This leads us to the fact that…
They are the perfect family dogs to have
Aside from the fact that Goldendoodles are active, playful, athletic, and very sociable, they also have the golden retriever and the poodle’s temperament. That makes them dogs that are very friendly and extremely loving not only to the entire family but also to other pets and people they usually encounter. You can even expect them to treat guests with the same kind of playful glee that they would with their families.
That said, the Goldendoodle is the perfect family dog because everyone in the family can enjoy this breed. Kids of the proper age can socialize and play with them very easily without you having to worry about the dangers of them playing with a dog. You and your partner can easily spend an entire afternoon jogging around the park with your faithful Goldendoodle. And even if you are not doing anything, your Goldendoodle would love to hang out with you in the living room as you are enjoying your favorite shows.
In that sense, the Goldendoodle can be as big a part of your family as any of your family members are. They will treat themselves as a part of the family and will love the entire family equally. And if you have other pets, your Goldendoodle will easily get along with them as they don’t usually have the aggressive nature that some dog breeds have towards other animals.
Habits of the goldendoodle
They love the water
Aside from being known to be extra-friendly and playful dogs and are very sociable and active, these energetic Goldendoodles are instinctive swimmers who will love everything about the water. They are not afraid of bath time and will actually love it when the water splashes on their coat or when you soak them in the tub.
Similarly, Goldendoodles will always love to swim and will not hesitate to get into the water when they sense a body of water nearby. As athletic as they are, they are great swimmers that can spend very long periods of time in the water without getting tired due to how high their energy levels are and how they love the water.
In that sense, Goldendoodles are perfect for families that love the water. If you happen to live near the beach or the lake, you can take your Goldendoodle there for a quick swim. And when you want to go on a summer trip, the Goldendoodle is the perfect companion to have because this breed has a unique love-love relationship with the water to the point that it will not hesitate to swim when given a chance to do so.
You can’t expect them to be watchdogs or guard dogs
Given that the goldendoodle’s habit is to be friendly and playful with the people around it, they should be the last dogs to think of if you want a dog to guard your house or watch over your property.
You would easily notice your Goldendoodle befriending people it had just met on the streets while you are walking or guests that are new to your home. That’s because they are so friendly that they might not even try to differentiate friend from foe or family from a stranger. In some cases, they may even treat these people better than they would you because of how friendly Goldendoodles truly are.
On top of that, you also won’t expect your Goldendoodle to bark at strangers due to its friendly nature. Their top priority is to befriend someone they had just met instead of actually acting a bit hostile towards them. That is why there is a higher chance of your Goldendoodle getting kidnapped by robbers alongside your household belongings than your Goldendoodle warning everyone in the house that there is a burglar who had trespassed into your property.
Still, they make good service dogs
Even though Goldendoodles are extra-friendly and can be quite playful, they still do carry the genetics of their golden retriever parents. Golden retrievers are particularly known for their top-notch intelligence and obedience. That is why many of the service dogs we see helping disabled members of the community are golden retrievers.
In that regard, because Goldendoodles have the genetics of golden retrievers, they are still very much capable and intelligent enough to be trained as service dogs. They may be playful, but they are still very obedient dogs that you can easily train to be guide dogs.
Goldendoodles can also be trained to be service dogs working in hospitals and nursing homes. You can teach them how to care for the sick to make them happy, much like how golden retrievers are trained to do the same. And for older people who want some cheering up in nursing and retirement homes, Goldendoodles make the best service pets due to their friendly and playful nature.
Living with a goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs.
Another reason why you should get a Goldendoodle and have one life with your family because this dog breed is very resilient, hardy, and generally healthy. Goldendoodles are considered one of the healthiest popular breeds you can find today, particularly because they are not as prone to ailments and illnesses compared to other breeds.
The reason why Goldendoodles are hardy, resilient, and healthy is the same fact that it is a hybrid dog. Breeders would know that many purebred dogs are generally susceptible to certain illnesses and health conditions because of how limited their gene pool is. That means that purebred dogs won’t be able to carry on the genetic qualities of other breeds. They are going to easily carry over the genetic problems that their parents had and inherited from previous generations.
You cannot simply say the same about the Goldendoodle because it is bred from the combination of the golden retriever and the poodle, two different breeds that come from different genetic lineages. That means that whatever genetic weaknesses the golden retriever or the poodle carries can be remedied by the genetic strengths of the other parent from a different breed.
In other words, you can expect the Goldendoodle to have fewer genetic weaknesses than its parents. They will generally have longer lives and can live for up to 15 years without many different issues and concerns. As such, you can expect your Goldendoodle to be able to live with your family long enough that your kids will practically grow up alongside them.
Still, just because Goldendoodles are generally healthy and have longer lifespans, it doesn’t mean that they are invincible dog breeds. You still have to take them regularly to the vet for routine health checkups so that your vet will be able to detect early signs of illnesses or health conditions. In addition to that, if your Goldendoodle gets sick, you should be prudent enough to take it immediately to the vet. It is also important that you provide your Goldendoodle with the proper type of food so that it will grow up healthy, hardy, and resilient.
Give them a lot of room
If you are living with a Goldendoodle or if you had just taken one home, you must provide your dog with a lot of room in its new home. Due to how active and playful they are, Goldendoodles require a lot of room to move and run around. They are generally better off living in midsized houses and have a backyard where dogs can stay and play.
In other words, it might not be ideal for you to keep a Goldendoodle if you live in a smaller apartment unit. You need to be able to provide your dog with the room. It needs to feel free to move and play around. That’s why Goldendoodles are a lot better off in actual houses that are large enough for them to move around in.
You don’t want them getting bored
Goldendoodles are not like any other dogs in the sense that they can go on a few days without mental and physical stimulation. Unlike their poodle parents that don’t need a lot of attention, Goldendoodles require you to give them plenty of attention. They easily get bored when they are not doing anything, and that is why potential and current Goldendoodles should be attentive enough to provide their dogs with the kind of love, care, and attention they need to make sure they don’t get bored.
When a Goldendoodle gets bored, it will not be as happy and as playful as it should be. So, in your case, the best thing to do is to give your Goldendoodle at least 30 minutes of exercise a day so that it would be able to stimulate itself mentally and physically. It is best to give them puzzles to play with so that both their mind and body are exercised simultaneously.
The ideal owner of a Goldendoodle should be someone who isn’t too busy with work and personal endeavors that he or she cannot give their dog the attention and love it needs and deserves. The fact that a Goldendoodle loves attention should never be overlooked. That’s why Goldendoodle owners should always be present or should have someone back home to take care of the dog and play with it.
As easy-going as Goldendoodles are, they are quite prone to separation anxiety. People who are always at work or are usually out of town shouldn’t try to own Goldendoodles unless, of course, they also have other people living with the dog back at home. If you are a single dog parent and you are unsure of whether or not you can stay home all the time, you should probably think twice about getting a Goldendoodle due to how these dogs are prone to separation anxiety and can get affected mentally and emotionally if you cannot stay at home long enough to give your dog the attention it craves.
The best environment for a goldendoodle
As mentioned, the best kind of environment to keep a Goldendoodle in is a house that has enough space for it to move and run around. You may keep it in an apartment but make sure that your place has enough room for your Goldendoodle to be active in. If not, it might be best to move out and find yourself a larger home for you and your dog.
Aside from that, you also need to provide a safe living space for your Goldendoodle. That means that there should be no dangerous objects that can easily come into contact with due to how playful it is. Keep sharp and pointed objects hidden at all times, and make sure that there aren’t a lot of fragile things that can harm your dog when they break after getting knocked over.
Goldendoodles do best when there are also other people or pets around them. You might want to think twice about getting a Goldendoodle if you plan on living alone with it. If you don’t have a family of your own, it might be best to get a second dog or another pet so that your Goldendoodle won’t feel too lonely when you are at work or if you cannot help but leave the house for whatever reason.
Finally, always make sure that you have a soft spot for your Goldendoodle to rest on when it is tired, and make sure that it has easy access to a clean source of water due to how active this dog is.
