11 Facts About the Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles Are a Designer Breed

Goldendoodles are a relatively new dog breed, first appearing in America in the 1990s. Their adorable name was coined in 1992. While not officially a registered breed of their own, Goldendoodles are considered a "designer breed" because each of their parents is a purebred, but different breeds from each other.

Poodles don't shed and are very athletic and intelligent, while golden retrievers are lovable and playful family dogs. The mix makes the Goldendoodle a great choice for a lifelong pal, especially for those with mild pet allergies, though no dog is completely hypoallergenic. It should be noted, again, however, that Goldendoodles are a mixed breed, and it's difficult to tell which traits they will eventually inherit. After all, every dog is a unique individual, regardless of breed.

Got Allergies? Get a Goldendoodle!

Many goldendoodles are low shed, making them great for handlers with allergies, or those who want to avoid constantly picking up the vacuum. It is important to realize, however, that all dogs have dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine, where allergens exist, so there is no guarantee a Goldendoodle won't set off an allergic reaction. Regular baths and grooming sessions can help reduce the chances of your pooch setting off your allergies.

Goldendoodles Are Natural Athletes

Energetic and playful, Goldendoodles love to exercise. They’re happy to laze around on the sofa (and they make great cuddle buddies), but agility is where they shine. With a heritage of two retrieving breeds, Goldendoodles love to play fetch, accompany you on a jog, race around the dog park with the other pooches, or tussle with the kids. These dogs are great companions for active families.

There are several different sizes of Goldendoodles, depending on whether their poodle half was toy, miniature, or standard, and their weight and size can vary from 15 pounds up to 60 pounds depending on their parents. Most love going on long walks, runs, and hikes with their owners, but of course you'll need to pace yourself if your Goldendoodle is on the small side. If you like bringing your pup along on outdoor adventures, consider the Goldendoodle for your next dog.

Goldendoodles Make the Best Playmates

If you imagine playing fetch and frisbee with your dog, then the Goldendoodle is an ideal choice. This breed loves to socialize and be near their owners; marry that with a penchant for playfulness, and you will have a buddy to enjoy plenty of time together in the park.

They love to play with children as well, and a good romp in the backyard is a great way to burn off some energy from both your kids and your pet. And because this is an intelligent breed of dog, you can easily teach your Goldendoodle not just basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come, but also tricks like roll over, shake, and dance.

Goldendoodles Are Often Extremely Friendly

While not all are this way, most Goldendoodles are known to become fast friends with children, cats, and other dog breeds, making them an ideal dog for a family pet. They also typically enjoy spending time interacting with other pooches at doggy daycamps or the local dog park.

But it doesn't have to be all hustle and bustle with your pet. Those who prefer peace and quiet can still live very happily with a Goldendoodle; they often don’t even bark after a knock on the door. Although this doesn't make them the best watchdogs, their calm demeanor is part of what makes this adorable canine so friendly.

Goldendoodles Have One of Three Fur Types

Depending on which genes your Goldendoodle picked up more of, they could have a straight, wavy, or curly coat type; usually, the straighter the coat, the more shedding to expect. In general, however, they have thick coats that are medium-to-long. Many people choose to have their Goldendoodle trimmed every few weeks, similar to poodles. This is especially helpful if your dog has longer, curlier hair that's prone to tangles. If you prefer to keep your Goldendoodle natural, it's important to brush the coat regularly to remove tangles and debris.

Goldendoodles Love the Water

Most Goldendoodles have an instinctive love-love relationship with swimming, whether in a lake, at the beach, or in your backyard swimming pool. That's not surprising when you consider that both poodles and golden retrievers were originally bred to serve as retrievers for hunters shooting ducks.

Your Goldendoodle will be thrilled to join the whole family for summer fun at the beach, lake, or swimming pool, but be sure to provide your pooch with a doggy life vest in open waters, and teach him how to enter and exit a swimming pool by using the steps. But you'll want to stand clear when your Goldendoodle decides to shake off all that water!

Goldendoodles Can Be Quite Colorful

Goldendoodles' coats are a cute mix of their parent breeds—some are curlier like poodles while others can be shaggier like a golden retriever’s. They can be orange, cream, dark brown, gray, or black in color, although most are golden. Some Goldendoodles are somewhat darker along their upper body, with lighter hair along their chest and belly. Some are even multiple colors. Aging Goldendoodles can sometimes seem to "fade" a little in color.

Goldendoodles Vary in Size

If you don't want to take on the responsibility of a big dog, you don't have to rule out a Goldendoodle. While the first of these dogs were bred from golden retrievers and standard poodles, producing fairly large offspring, there was soon demand for smaller versions of this popular canine. Today, there are three basic sizes of Goldendoodle, each depending on whether the poodle parent was a toy, mini, or standard poodle.

• The mini Goldendoodle is around 15 to 16 inches in height and weighs less than 30 pounds.
• The medium Goldendoodle, which is the most common size, ranges in height from 16 to 20 inches and can weigh between 30 and 40 pounds.
• The standard Goldendoodle is the biggest size, with an average height of 22 inches and weight of 50 to 60 pounds.

So whatever size dog you prefer, there's a Goldendoodle to fit.

Goldendoodles Are Ideal Service Pets

The poodle’s intelligence and golden retriever’s obedience make this breed wonderful service animals. If you’re in need of a guide dog or therapy dog, look no further. They’re also great companion pets for hospital patients or people in nursing homes. For anyone needing a little cheering up, their happy demeanor will bring an instant smile to anyone's face.

Goldendoodles also do well as medical alert dogs, which are service dogs specially trained to alert their owner or even call for help when the dog senses that their person is about to experience a seizure or that a diabetic is suffering from low blood sugar. Standard Goldendoodles can also work as mobility service dogs, which help people with mobility issues stand, walk, or balance better.

Goldendoodles Have Several Nicknames

Goldendoodles are referred to by a few different names, all of which are cute and/or silly sounding. Groodles is one, while Doodles is another. This breed of dog is also sometimes referred to as the Goldenpoo. But whatever you call them, the Goldendoodle is an adorable, affectionate, intelligent, and lively breed of dog.