Although Golden Doodle dogs haven’t been around for long, this breed has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to its adorable looks and notably curly fur. This breed is one of many “doodle dog” hybrids, such as Labradoodles (Labrador Retrievers and Poodles) and Schnoodles (Schnauzers and Poodles). Whether you’re interested in adopting a Golden Doodle or just want to learn more, read the guide below to discover everything you need to know about this breed.
History
Golden Doodles are a relatively new dog breed, with their origins mainly occurring in the last 35 years. The origins of this breeding stem back to the late 1960s when the first known intentional breeding of a Poodle and Golden Retriever occurred. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that Golden Doodles were regularly bred and considered an official hybrid breed. Breeders gained inspiration to begin marketing these breeds after observing the success of the Labradoodle breed. Golden Doodles have similarities to this previous hybrid but are smaller and have darker, wavier fur.
As demand for Golden Doodles grew, breeders began creating variants to meet demand for various sizes, coats, and coloring. The one downside of the rising popularity of Golden Doodles is that irresponsible and excessive breeding is common. If you are considering purchasing a Golden Doodle, ensure the breeder you work with is responsible and focuses on safe breeding.
Quick Facts
- Height: 17-21 inches
- Weight: 50-100 pounds
- Coat: Curly, hypoallergenic, & minimally shedding
- Colors: Black, brown, cream, fawn, gold, grey, & white
- Grooming: Regular brushing & grooming
- Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, & great with kids
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Personality
Golden Doodles are known for their friendly and social temperament. These pups inherited their happy and outgoing nature from their Golden Retriever roots. Golden Doodles build close connections with humans and are commonly used as emotional support animals or therapy dogs. These pups are very attached to their family and are always happy as long as they’re spending time with their humans.
This affectionate breed loves meeting new people, including children. Thanks to their patience and friendliness, golden doodles are excellent family dogs. These pups rarely meet a person or animal that they don’t like and typically get along well with cats. Golden Doodles are also easily trainable, especially when guided by professionals like the trainers at Sit Means Sit. These pups are obedient and value making their owners happy. In addition, Golden Doodles are incredibly smart, thanks to their parent breeds. Golden Retrievers and Poodles are ranked in the top five smartest dog breeds out of 150, so it makes sense that Golden Doodles are quick learners.
Health
Golden Doodles are typically healthy due to their careful breeding and genetic diversity. When purchasing a dog from a breeder, request a health clearance document to ensure they have conducted the proper health tests and documentation. If you’ve obtained your pup from an ethical breeder, your dog typically won’t experience any major health issues. That being said, there are a few medical conditions that any Golden Doodle may be susceptible to.
Golden Retrievers and Poodles are prone to hip dysplasia, so your veterinarian should check out your pup’s hip health at each appointment. Additionally, Golden Doodles are prone to ear infections because of their long, floppy ears that can easily trap moisture. To prevent this, clean and dry your Doodle’s ears after baths or water activities. Lastly, Golden Doodles can inherit certain forms of cancer from their Golden Retriever parent. Doing research on reputable websites and discussing warning signs with your veterinarian can help you know what signs to look for. By being knowledgeable about common health issues among Golden Doodles, you can confidently monitor your pup’s health. With proper care, these pups can have long, happy lives and live up to 15 years.
Grooming
For many families, one of the most appealing aspects of adopting a Golden Doodle is their hypoallergenic coat. Since the coats of Golden Doodles can vary based on how they were bred, the grooming care and upkeep will depend on each individual dog’s needs. Pups with more Poodle genes and curlier fur will need more frequent brushing and grooming appointments. Comparatively, dogs with looser, wavier fur may be able to go longer between grooming appointments. Experts recommend brushing your Golden Doodle daily to prevent matted fur for pups with curly or wavy coats.
On average, this breed needs to be groomed every 6-8 weeks. Other than these appointments, Golden Doodles don’t need to be bathed much; in fact, frequent baths can result in your pup getting dry skin. Golden Doodles will need regular nail trimming and teeth brushing, just like any dog. These pups may also need extra ear care to prevent infections in their long ears.
Activities
Golden Doodles enjoy a mixture of physical activity and relaxation time, making them perfect for families with moderately active lifestyles. This breed needs about half an hour of daily physical activity. Owners can exercise their pups by taking them for a hike, letting them run around the backyard, or swimming with them in the pool. When they’re not engaging in physical activity, Golden Doodles also enjoy resting at home or snuggling with their humans.
No matter what activity Golden Doodles are doing, they love to be with their owners. Avoid leaving these sweet pups home alone for long periods since bored or lonely doodles may experience separation anxiety or exhibit bad behavior. Golden Doodles are a highly social breed, so owners should engage them in proper socialization early on.
Golden Doodles are a wonderful addition to any family. Now that you’ve read this guide on Golden Doodles, you should be well-prepared to care for a Golden Doodle or adopt your own.