Introduction

Loving, affectionate, and intelligent, the Goldendoodle is a hugely popular cross-breed. A cross between the sweet-natured Golden Retriever and the athletic Poodle, the Goldendoodle is a friendly dog that gets along well with people of all ages.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean this is the right breed for everyone. Before you rush out to buy a Goldendoodle puppy, it’s important to be aware just what it takes to care for one of these dogs. Keep reading to find out about the training, grooming, exercise, and healthcare requirements of Goldendoodle puppies.

Goldendoodle: fast facts about its parent breeds

Golden Retriever

Height: 23 to 24 inches (male), 21.5 to 22.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65 to 75 pounds (male), 55 to 65 pounds (female)

Lifespan: 10 to 12 years

Standard Poodle

Height: Over 15 inches 

Weight: 60 to 70 pounds (male), 40 to 50 pounds (female)

Lifespan: 10 to 18 years

A brief history of the Goldendoodle

This gorgeous designer dog is a relatively new arrival to the dog world, having first been developed in the USA in the 1990s. The goal was to combine the best features of the Poodle, including its intelligence and its non-shedding coat, with the gentle and affectionate nature of the Golden Retriever. Having earned a reputation as an excellent family pet, the Goldendoodle is a dog of many names. Also known as the Groodle, the Curly Golden, and even the Goldenpoo, this is a people-loving dog that can adapt to life in a wide range of homes. What the Goldendoodle is not, however, is a recognized breed. Because it’s a cross between two purebred dogs, the Goldendoodle is classed as a designer dog and is not recognized by groups like the American Kennel Club.

What do Goldendoodle puppies look like?

Completely adorable! Of course, due to the fact that this is a hybrid breed, there’s no way to accurately predict what your Goldendoodle puppy will look like and which characteristics they’ll inherit from each of their parents. For example, your Goldendoodle could inherit a straight or wavy coat like the Golden Retriever, or those distinctive curly locks for which the Poodle is famous. The coat could take on the lustrous golden hue of the Golden Retriever, or feature any of the several accepted coat colors found in the Poodle. Size can also vary from one Goldendoodle to the next. Not only are there size differences between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle — Golden Retrievers are taller and a little heavier — but some Goldendoodles are the result of breeding with Miniature Poodles to create the Miniature Goldendoodle.

Goldendoodle temperament

Just like looks, the temperament of your Goldendoodle puppy will also depend on the traits they inherit from each parent. The good news is that both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle bring plenty of wonderful characteristics to the table. The Golden Retriever is famous for being friendly, affectionate, and devoted. These dogs simply love being around their people and get on well with everyone they meet. Meanwhile, the Poodle is something of a surprise package. Often stereotyped as being snooty and pampered, Poodles are loyal and loving companions that are always eager to please. They’re incredibly intelligent, plus a whole lot more athletic than many people realize. Put the two together and you get the smart, friendly, and loyal Goldendoodle. These gentle dogs get on well with kids and generally make wonderful family pets — provided you’re committed to training and socializing your pup from a young age.

Training your Goldendoodle puppy

If you’re looking for a puppy that’s easy to train, the Goldendoodle may be the “pawfect” choice for you. Both of its parent breeds are intelligent (especially the Poodle) and eager to please, so your Goldendoodle puppy should be highly trainable from a young age. This makes the breed an excellent choice for first-time pet parents. Start training your puppy as soon as possible and use positive reinforcement techniques for the best results. Avoid excessive repetition to prevent boredom setting in, and try to keep training sessions quick and fun. Your dog will quickly learn the right way to behave, and may even excel at a number of dog sports if you decide to give them a go. The other important consideration when raising Goldendoodle puppies is socialization. This is crucial to help your pup develop into a confident and well-mannered dog, so make sure to give your pup lots of exposure to new people, pets, and experiences before 16 weeks of age.

Diet and exercise for Goldendoodle puppies

Choosing a high-quality dog food designed for large-breed puppies will help give your Goldendoodle a healthy start to life. Treats can also be a useful asset during training, but it’s important that you monitor your pet’s calorie intake. Golden Retrievers can be somewhat prone to becoming overweight, so be careful not to spoil your pooch too much. Regular exercise is also essential for weight management, and it’s something your Goldendoodle needs to stay happy and healthy. Goldendoodles tend to be active dogs with relatively high energy levels. Your dog will love long walks, trips to the dog park, and games in the backyard, while many Goldendoodles will also excel at sports like agility and dock diving. However, these high energy levels mean Goldendoodles are better suited to a house with yard space rather than life in an apartment. You’ll also need to live an active lifestyle if you want to call one of these dogs your own.

Buying a Goldendoodle puppy

If you’re searching for Goldendoodle puppies, you’ll quickly discover that there are plenty of breeders who specialize in this handsome hybrid. However, you’ll need to take care to choose a responsible breeder who puts the welfare of their dogs as their number-one priority. Trustworthy breeders will let you see where their puppies are kept and meet one or both parents of a litter. They'll also offer advice on how to care for Goldendoodle puppies and take care to ensure that you are a suitable owner for one of their pups. Dogs that come from puppy mills can suffer from a wide range of health and behavioral problems, so it’s essential that you buy from a responsible breeder. In many cases, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $4,000 for a Goldendoodle puppy. If you’re looking for a more affordable option and you'd like to give an unwanted pet a second chance at happiness, you may want to consider adopting a Goldendoodle instead.

Is the Goldendoodle the right breed for you?

Goldendoodles are gorgeous dogs with adorable personalities. They love people and form strong bonds with their owners, but they’re not necessarily a good choice for everyone. While the Goldendoodle is always up for a cuddle, this is no lap dog. Your Goldendoodle puppy will need regular exercise and will do best when they’ve got a yard to call their own. Goldendoodles also need regular grooming and need to be welcomed into your home as part of the family. If you can’t meet these requirements, this isn’t the breed for you. But if you can, a Goldendoodle puppy might be the ideal choice as your next furry family member.
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