Goldendoodle

Breed Type: Crossbreed
Common nicknames: Doodle, Golden Poo, Goldie Poo, Groodle
Coat: Flat, straight, wavy, curly
Hypoallergenic: Yes, they may not trigger allergies.
Temperament: Friendly, social, affectionate, gentle
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Color & patterns:
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Goldendoodle - Black
Goldendoodle - Gray
Goldendoodle - champagne
Goldendoodle - champagne
Goldendoodle - golden
Goldendoodle - white
The Goldendoodle, a cross between the Golden Retriever and Poodle, comes in all shapes and sizes, from miniature to standard, but no matter their size, this breed is renowned for their friendly and outgoing nature. Goldendoodles thrive on human interaction and are known for their affectionate and patient demeanors, especially with children, making them exceptional family companions. They also make great therapy dogs, bringing comfort and joy to those in need. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes training a breeze and enables them to become quick learners and expert entertainers. Whether you’re going for an adventure in the great outdoors or opting for a cozy night in, Goldendoodles are up for anything. People also adore their less-allergenic coats, which make them ideal for those with allergies or anyone wanting to keep their home fur-free.

Goldendoodle characteristics

Learn about about Goldendoodle basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Goldendoodle facts.

Average height

13-24 inches (33.0-61.0cm)

Average weight

15-100 pounds (6.8-45.4 kg)

Average lifespan

12-15 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
How big do Goldendoodles get?

Goldendoodles can grow to weigh up to 90 pounds or more, depending on the type. Miniature Goldendoodles are 13 to 16 inches tall and weigh 15 to 30 pounds; Medium Goldendoodles are 17 to 21 inches tall and weigh 30 to 45 pounds; and Standard Goldendoodles are 21 to 24 inches and weigh 45 to 100 pounds.

How big do Miniature Goldendoodles get?

Miniature Goldendoodles weigh between 15 to 30 pounds and stand around 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Their size depends on the size of their parents which can vary as these are mixed breed dogs.

Can Goldendoodles be black?

Yes, Goldendoodles can be black. Black Goldendoodles typically have a solid black coat without markings of other colors. While black is less common than some other coat colors in Goldendoodles, it is still a valid and recognized coat color for the breed.

What color are Goldendoodles?

Goldendoodles come in white, cream, apricot, red, and gold but can also be gray or black. The specific coloration can vary depending on the genetic traits inherited from their parents.

  • Cream: A light, pale cream color.

  • Gold: A golden or honey-colored coat, reminiscent of the Golden Retriever’s signature shade.

  • Red: A deep, vibrant red, often seen in both solid and combination coats.

  • Apricot: A lighter, orange shade.

  • Chocolate: A rich brown coat.

  • Black: A solid black coat.

  • Silver: A silvery-gray coat, sometimes with a mix of darker and lighter shades.

  • Parti: A parti-colored Goldendoodle has two or more distinctly separate colors, often including white along with another color like black or red.

Is a Goldendoodle a high-maintenance dog?

Yes, Goldendoodles are high-maintenance dogs. If your Goldendoodle inherits a straighter, more Golden Retriever-like coat, they can be higher maintenance, needing more frequent brushing and grooming. Goldendoodles with a curly or wavy coat, tend to be lower maintenance.

What is a teddy bear cut on a Goldendoodle?

A teddy bear cut on a Goldendoodle is a grooming style that aims to give your furry friend a cuddly teddy bear-like appearance. The dog’s fur is trimmed to a medium length all over their body and their face and ears are usually rounded.

Do Goldendoodles shed?

Yes, Goldendoodles shed, but the degree of shedding can vary among individual Goldendoodles due to factors such as genetics and the specific type of coat they inherit. Some Goldendoodles inherit the low-shedding coats of their Poodle parents, while others might be more Golden Retriever-like in their coats. For example, F1B Goldendoodles tend to shed less and are more likely to have hypoallergenic coats, while F1 Goldendoodles vary in their shedding tendencies.

Are Goldendoodles double coated?

Low-shedding Goldendoodles have a single coat rather than a double coat, which is one of the reasons why Goldendoodles are often considered to be low-shedding and hypoallergenic; their single coat sheds less dander compared to breeds with double coats.

Do Goldendoodles have hair or fur?

Goldendoodles have hair, not fur. This is one of the reasons why they are often considered hypoallergenic or low-shedding. Their hair grows continuously and is more similar in texture to human hair.

What is a Goldendoodle?

The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed dog resulting from a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. In 1969, Monica Dickens bred the first Goldendoodle, but the breed became popular in the 1990s when American and Australian breeders began crossing Standard Poodles with Golden Retrievers in earnest, attempting to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. 

How long do Goldendoodles live?

Goldendoodles have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. A Goldendoodle’s lifespan can vary depending on several factors, however, including genetics, overall health, diet, exercise, and access to veterinary care.

When do Goldendoodles stop growing?

Goldendoodles reach their full adult height and weight between 12 to 18 months of age. Some may continue to fill out and mature slightly beyond this timeframe, but significant growth typically slows down after the first year.

What is an F1 Goldendoodle?

An F1 Goldendoodle, also known as a first-generation Goldendoodle, is a crossbreed of a purebred Golden Retriever with a purebred Poodle. The “F1” stands for “first filial generation,” indicating that an F1 dog is the first generation of offspring produced by two different purebred parents.

While F1 Goldendoodles can inherit the best qualities of both parent breeds, there can be variations in size, coat texture and type, and temperament within this generation.

What is an F1b Goldendoodle?

An F1b Goldendoodle, also known as a first-generation backcross Goldendoodle, is a Goldendoodle resulting from breeding a first-generation (F1) Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle. An F1b Goldendoodle is one generation removed from the original cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.

These pups have an increased likelihood of traits such as a hypoallergenic coat or a more predictable size and temperament. Because these dogs have more Poodle genetics, they are more likely to inherit Poodle-like characteristics, including a curly or wavy coat that is often hypoallergenic.

What is an F2 Goldendoodle?

An F2 Goldendoodle, also known as a second-generation Goldendoodle, is a Goldendoodle resulting from the breeding of two first-generation (F1) Goldendoodles. Unlike F1b Goldendoodles, which are bred back to a purebred Poodle, F2 Goldendoodles are the result of crossing two F1 Goldendoodles. Because F2 Doodles are essentially the result of two mixed breed parents, their coat types and size can vary, so you might see F2 Goldendoodles with curly poodle-like hair or completely straight hair like a Golden Retriever.

Goldendoodle health

Learn about about the Goldendoodle health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?

The Goldendoodle is considered a hypoallergenic or low-allergen dog breed due to their coat type, which they inherit from their Poodle parent. But because Goldendoodles are mixed breeds, their coat type can vary, which means not all Goldendoodles are low-allergen dogs.

If you’re an allergy sufferer considering a Goldendoodle, it’s a good idea to spend time with the individual Goldendoodle you plan to adopt to assess your tolerance to their specific coat and dander.

How often should you groom a Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles need regular grooming to keep their coat in tip-top shape. They should be brushed several times a week and will need monthly to bi-monthly visits to the groomer. 

While the Goldendoodle’s coat is not as thick as its forebear, the Poodle, it is substantial and will need frequent brushing and clipping to make sure the hair does not become matted. If not trimmed, the Goldendoodle’s hair can grow over eight inches long.

Do Goldendoodles have sensitive stomachs?

Goldendoodles can have sensitive stomachs due to genetics, allergies, diet, stress, or common dog mischief. If you suspect that your Goldendoodle has a sensitive stomach or is experiencing digestive problems, consult with a veterinarian. They can help identify the underlying causes and recommend appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes to promote better digestion and overall health. Additionally, providing a balanced and high-quality diet and ensuring that your dog eats at a moderate pace can help maintain digestive well-being.

What do most Goldendoodles die from?

The leading cause of death in Goldendoodles is cancer. Other common causes of death are often related to age-related illnesses including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver failure, and simple old age.

What diseases are Goldendoodles prone to?

Goldendoodles are prone to many of the same diseases as their Poodle and Golden Retriever parents including:

  1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. 

  2. Sebaceous Adenitis: This rare skin condition affects the skin glands of both young and middle-aged dogs. It can cause hair loss, skin lesions, bacterial infections, scaling of the skin (dandruff), and odor along the hairline. Symptoms can vary slightly among long-coated and short-coated breeds. Veterinarians may suggest a combination of oils, shampoos, antibacterials, and other medications to help relieve symptoms.

  3. Subaortic Stenosis: Subaortic Stenosis is an inherited heart condition that is most common in larger breed dogs and is present at birth. It occurs when a dog is born with an abnormally narrow aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. The narrowing makes it difficult for blood to flow properly through the heart and can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment.

  4. Von Willebrand’s Disease: Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder seen in dogs. It happens when a dog does not produce enough of a specific protein that helps the blood cells used in clotting stick together. This results in dogs being unable to clot properly and could cause hemorrhages or other bleeding issues. The deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor (vWF).

  5. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: (PRA) is a group of genetic diseases that affect the retina. They are progressive degenerative diseases and will eventually cause blindness in both eyes. There is no effective treatment to stop PRA.

  6. Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, this is a common problem in many dog breeds. Patellar luxation is when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

  7. Others: Cataracts, glaucoma, ear infections, epilepsy and cancer.

Do Goldendoodles have health issues?

Goldendoodles tend to live fairly long lives but are subject to the same diseases that affect their parent breeds, Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Because they are a mixed breed, Goldendoodles are not as susceptible to cancer as purebred Golden Retrievers (though it still can occur). 

The key to keeping your Goldendoodle healthy is ensuring that their needs are met and keeping track of their health. Providing your dog a high-quality diet can have a huge positive impact on their health in the long term and can help reduce the chances of obesity (to which their Golden Retriever parents are prone).

Goldendoodle history

Learn about where this Goldendoodle came from!

What were Goldendoodles bred for?

Goldendoodles were originally bred to be companion dogs with the personality of a Golden Retriever and the hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle. This designer breed was developed to serve as excellent companions and service dogs, and they possess a charming and affectionate character that makes them a beloved choice for families and individuals alike.

Goldendoodle temperament

Learn about about the Goldendoodle temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Goldendoodles good with kids?

Yes, Goldendoodles are wonderful with children: gentle and patient with their high-energy antics yet still playful enough to be a great companion. They have the gentle mouths of a Retriever, which is always ideal for playing with children.

However, it’s still important for parents to teach their kids how to properly treat dogs of any breed, and for pet parents to train their dogs to interact gently with children. It’s best to teach this mutual respect as early as possible. As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Goldendoodles to keep both the child and dog safe.

Are Goldendoodles good family dogs?

Yes, Goldendoodles are great family dogs. Despite being a relatively new breed, Goldendoodles are extremely popular with families. They’re joyous, extroverted, people-loving, animal-loving, water-loving animals, and a general joy to be around. If you’re going to have a Goldendoodle join your home, plan on including them in as many activities as possible.

Goldendoodles love people, get along great with other pets, and tend to be patient and gentle with young children. However, as with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Are Goldendoodles easy to train?

Yes, Goldendoodles are easy to train. The Goldendoodle has the intelligence of a Poodle and the eager-to-please nature of a Golden Retriever, making them a breeze to train even for first-time pet parents.

Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment. Additionally, individual personalities can vary, so consistent and positive reinforcement-based training methods are essential for achieving the best results. Early socialization and ongoing training can help ensure that Goldendoodles develop into well-mannered and well-behaved companions.

Do Goldendoodles bark a lot?

No, Goldendoodles do not bark a lot; they are not a noisy breed or known to arbitrarily bark. But, like most dogs, they might bark at loud noises or intruders, and they may bark during play and as a form of communication. Proper training and socialization from a young age can help manage and reduce any barking tendencies in Goldendoodles.

Are Goldendoodles hyper?

Yes, Goldendoodles can indeed be hyper dogs. Their active and playful nature, influenced by the breeds in their lineage (Poodle and Golden Retriever), often leads them to display high levels of energy, especially during their puppy and adolescent stages. Providing them with regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, and socialization is essential to help manage their energy and keep them happy and well-balanced companions.

Can Goldendoodles be service dogs?

Yes, Goldendoodles can be service dogs. Service dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities, and Goldendoodles can excel in various service roles such as guide dogs, mobility dogs, therapy dogs, autism dogs, and alert dogs because of their high intelligence, trainable nature, and friendly dispositions. Working with a reputable service dog organization or trainer is crucial to ensure that both the dog and the person with disabilities receive the necessary support and training.

Are Goldendoodles smart?

Yes, Goldendoodles are super smart dogs. Their intelligence is often inherited from their Poodle parent, a breed known for being one of the smartest dog breeds (although Golden Retrievers are pretty smart, too). These pups are quick learners and good problem solvers whose trainability makes them ideal for roles such as therapy dogs, service dogs, and family companions.

Are Goldendoodles good with cats?

Goldendoodles are a cat-friendly breed and are likely to become fast friends with other pets, including cats, because of their sociable nature. Even though these pups are notorious for their affable, gentle, fun-loving dispositions, however, it is always best to introduce your cat to your dog slowly and with a plan in mind, and individual temperaments can vary with this relatively new breed.

Are Goldendoodles protective?

No, Goldendoodles are not protective dogs. Being suspicious is not in their nature, so they are not the best choice if you’re looking for a dog to protect the family. They’re more likely to try to befriend a stranger than warn them off. 

Do Goldendoodles like water?

Yes, Goldendoodles enjoy water and swimming. Both of their parent breeds, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, are known for their love of water. A dog’s individual preferences may vary, so not all Goldendoodles may share this enthusiasm for water, but with proper socialization and positive experiences, many Goldendoodles become avid water enthusiasts, making water-based activities a fun and enjoyable pastime for both the dogs and their people.

Are Goldendoodles good dogs?

Yes, Goldendoodles are good dogs known for their friendly and affectionate nature. These social butterflies get along with other pets and thrive with a job. If you can meet their social and active needs, they can be fantastic pets.

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Adopting a Goldendoodle

Learn about acquiring a Goldendoodle - the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.