Goldendoodle Breed Information, Temperament, Puppies & Pictures

Goldendoodle Feature
This year (2019) the Goldendoodle is 50 years old!

The Goldendoodle is a designer crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and poodle.

They are one of the most popular dogs in the world because they are hypoallergenic, easy to train, and friendly.

These beautiful teddy-bear like dogs come in a huge variety of colors and sizes; there are even mini Goldendoodles!

This dog loves to be busy outdoors and will make the perfect companion for an active family.

Ready to adopt this affectionate and goofy dog?

Keep reading to learn more about this breed’s temperament, where to buy puppies, and much more…

Goldendoodle Puppy

Goldendoodle Breed Overview

Goldendoodles are the result of mating a Golden Retriever with a standard-sized Poodle.

Originally from Australia, the Goldendoodle dog breed was first called the ‘Goodle’ and many previous owners will remember it fondly by this name! The Goldendoodle name was first used in the 1990s when designer dog breeds really began to become widespread thanks to the Labradoodle.

Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and one of their first uses was as guide dogs for blind people with allergies. They shed very little dander (the fluff that falls off most dogs’ coats that can cause allergic reactions), so they are much less likely to cause allergic reactions.

The Goldendoodle was first bred as a companion dog in 1969 for Monica Dickens, the great-granddaughter of the famous English author Charles Dickens.

However, it wasn’t until two decades later in 1990 when these dogs became popular.

Now, they are a hugely popular family pet, twenty years since first discovering popularity.

These dogs have taken social media by storm with some Goldendoodles 500,000 followers on Instagram.

They have become so popular because they combine the best of both a Golden Retriever and Poodle:

  • Very intelligent and easy to train like a Poodle.
  • Friendly and loyal temperament like a Golden Retriever.

This dog is often calm and welcoming to everyone, and so has had many roles in the past 15 years including: Search and Rescue, Medical Assistance, and Therapy work. Because of their ability to perform many roles, Goldendoodles are a great addition to families with children of all ages as well as families with other dogs.

Why We Love Goldendoodles

Goldendoodle Smiling
Goldendoodle Smiling

This dog is a special breed combining two already much-loved breeds in the Golden Retriever and Poodle – the 3rd and 7th most popular dogs in America. They have so many great traits that it is almost impossible not to fall in love:

  • Has the combined intelligence of the Poodle and great temperament of the Golden Retriever, making a clam, friendly dog.
  • The Goldendoodle is hypoallergenic so they barely shed and don’t cause allergic reactions for many people.
  • Make great companions as they love company and can build a strong bond with their owners.
  • With the combination of two highly intelligent breeds, they are easy to train. They have been used as guide dogs and therapy dogs and have an amazing ability to learn.
  • They not only look golden but can be a ray of sunshine in your life. They are high energy and lively dogs, who are always happy to see you!

Goldendoodle Facts

DogWeight

Weight

40 to 60 pounds

DogSize

Height

20 to 24 inches

DogPrice

Price

$1,000 – $2,000

DogHealth

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Goldendoodle Puppies

Young Goldendoodle Puppy
Goldendoodle puppies are often called “tiny teddies” due to their small size and curly fur.

Since the Goldendoodle is not registered by any kennel club it can be hard to find a responsible breeder to buy a puppy from. These dogs are not recognized by kennel clubs is because they are crossbreed so their characteristics are less predictable than purebred dogs.

To avoid accidentally purchasing a Goldendoodle puppy from a puppy mill, make sure you ask the breeder about:

  • Hip and elbow score results of both parents.
  • The puppy’s first health check (if older than six weeks).
  • The pedigree of both parents.
  • How many previous litters the dam has had.
  • If you can meet the mom and her puppies.

You should always choose a breeder who can answer all your questions confidently.

Avoid Goldendoodle breeders who have too many litters and are only focused on selling their puppies fast.

Goldendoodle litters often range from 3 to 8 puppies. You should not expect to take a puppy home before eight weeks old, as they are learning important skills from mom when younger than that.

Look for a confident puppy who is bold enough to interact with you or your family.

How Much Does A Goldendoodle Puppy Cost?

A price of a Goldendoodle puppy will be anywhere between $1,500 and $2,000.

If they are bred from registered kennel club pedigree dogs then sometimes the price can be as high as $2500.

Their high price makes it even more important to make sure you buy from a responsible breeder who is not breeding puppies purely for financial gain.

When purchasing a puppy it is important to understand the different genetic mixes of Goldendoodle and the terminology:

Parent A
Parent B
F1Golden Retriever Poodle
F1BF1 Goldendoodle Poodle OR Golden Retriever
F2F1 Goldendoodle

Early generation puppies (e.g.) are very unpredictable when it comes to appearance and personality.

Where to Adopt a Goldendoodle Rescue?

Goldendoodles are often bought in response to a current trend (or celebrity owner) and are more likely to be abandoned and need rehoming.

A Goldendoodle rescue is normally $300 USD.

If you would like to adopt, start by checking your local shelter. Organizations such as DoodleRockRescue help rehome poodle crossbreeds like the Goldendoodle so check out their websites too.

Goldendoodle Size and Appearance

Standard Size Goldendoodle Sitting
They are best described as oversized teddy bears!

The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and Poodle so it can be hard to pin down exactly what they will look like.

Each dog is unique as there is no breed standard.

Although it is impossible to say for sure what a Goldendoodle will look like, usually you can spot them from their curly coat and their happy smile.

The two key variations in this dog are their color and their coat:

  1. Not all Goldendoodles have a curly Poodle coat, but most will be low-shedding. Second generations are much more likely to display the fluffy Poodle coat, but even this is a genetic lottery.
  2. Golden Retrievers come in one color, but the Poodle comes in a variety! This means Goldendoodle puppies can be: Black, Brown, Cream, Gold, Red or White

Goldendoodle Size

A standard sized Goldendoodle is between 20 and 24 inches tall and weighs 40 to 60lb.

The Goldendoodle can come in two different sizes (standard and miniature) depending on which variety of Poodle they have been bred with.

Mini varieties are closer to 30lb and are just 16 inches tall.

Their size can vary massively depending on their parents’ size. The easiest way to estimate the height of a crossbreed dog is to add up the parents’ height and weight and divide by two to get an average.

If a Golden Retriever parent weighs 65lb and the Poodle parent weighs 55lb then the full grown off-spring will weigh approximately 60lb.

Coat and Color

Within the same litter of Goldendoodle puppies, it is likely that there will be many different colors and coats! This is especially true of earlier generations (e.g F1). Although they may all look different, this breed will still certainly catch your eye with its friendly face!

Their colors can range from the Poodle’s white or black to the Golden Retriever’s golden-brown.

Coat type will be either straight (like a Golden Retriever) or long and curly (like a Poodle), or a wavy mixture of the two.

In most cases, their coat is curly and dense, but occasionally it may be long and straight like a Retriever. Both types of coats are double coats, meaning they have a dense underlayer and a thinner overlayer.

These dogs are classed as hypoallergenic, so they don’t really shed.

White Goldendoodle
White Goldendoodle

Goldendoodle Temperament

  • Friendly
  • Calm
  • Intelligent
  • Excitable
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Prey Drive

If you are thinking of using a Goldendoodle as a guard dog, you will fail miserably! This breed is one of the friendliest dogs you could wish to meet and is happy to say a cheery hello to almost anyone.

This dog is especially friendly and approachable. They have inherited a calm and relaxed temperament from the Golden Retriever side of this mix which makes them super friendly to all.

For a Goldendoodle, everyone is a friend.

Their white cream coat makes them look soft and cuddly, much like their snuggly personality. This sure is one mixed breed dog that got all of the good characteristics from both dog breeds. 

The most dominant characteristics are that they are super eager to please and get along with most other dogs too. This is important if you already have pets, especially other dogs at home. Due to their highly energetic nature, they will need to have daily exercise that is appropriate for their activity level to keep them happy and healthy.

This dog will not feel threatened by house guests and is generally not good at distinguishing between threatening and non-threatening situations.

Because this breed has a lot of confidence with new people, they develop a strong bond with their owner, but this can cause them to lose confidence when not in their owner’s presence. This makes it important that you have enough time to give this breed all the attention they need to stay happy and confident.

They are never aggressive, and any sort of aggressive behavior should be a cause for concern; this is not in their temperament. At most, your dog may appear uncomfortable in situations, but they should never bite or snap.

Goldendoodles are perfectly content to sit and relax with their owners.

Are Goldendoodles A Good Dog?

Yes. This dog has a great temperament for many people, particularly for families as they are rarely aggressive or hostile. These dogs are amazing family pets, known for their patience and loyalty.

Goldendoodles love to be busy and fit in well with any active household.

They are super friendly and do not care if you have somewhere to be, they will be by your side smiling up at you.

This mix has the ability to get on well with people from all walks of life, both inside and outside the home, as well as with other household pets if they have been socialized to them from a young age.

Mini Goldendoodle Dog

Are They Good Family Dogs?

Yes. This breed is well known for its compatibility with family life.

The Goldendoodle welcomes new people and is always ready to play and receive attention. They are also very calm and gentle which means they even fit in well with families with small children – provided the parents can still give enough time to their dog.

Goldendoodles are very active dogs too. They do especially well with an active family who can take them on regular hikes, walks, runs, and even swims.

Although this dog will fit into most households with ease, they do have a prey drive. This means that they might chase prey if they are allowed to run free. So homes with other small pets (especially cats) might not be a great choice. Their love for exercise makes them unsuited to seniors who don’t want such a lively dog.

What Health Problems Do Goldendoodles Have?

Goldendoodle Dog

The Goldendoodle is known for being a healthy dog breed and fortunately is prone to very few health conditions. However, a known health problem for designer dogs are shared illnesses or genetic diseases in the parent breeds.

Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are likely to contract hip and sometimes elbow dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is very common in larger breeds and can be an issue for the Goldendoodle. It is important, once your dog has finished growing, to get them screened by an organization like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

This mix is also genetically prone to eye problems (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) which can also be screened for in the parent breeds. Regular eye checks by a vet are therefore essential.

Finally, like Golden Retrievers this breed has low hanging ears that don’t drain water as effectively as other dogs. They should not be allowed to stay wet as this can encourage infections. Keep this in mind when bathing or swimming with your dog.

You may wish to insure your Goldendoodle. On average, health insurance costs between $28 and $42 USD per month.

How Long Do Goldendoodles Live?

Goldendoodles live for around 10 to 15 years depending on their size. Typically smaller dogs are likely to live longer.

Good nutrition, frequent exercise, and visiting the vet each year can help reduce the risk of illness and ensure a life as long and happy as possible for your dog.

Care Guide (Grooming, Feeding & Exercise)

Goldendoodle Dog Playing In The Park

This mix is a relatively easy-care dog.

These friendly dogs do well with most people and can be the perfect pet for almost any family as long as you love to get outside and play with them!

Feeding Guide

Daily Food Consumption
Guide ~1,200 calories
Cups of Kibble Three Bowls of Kibble Required per Day

As this breed is big and energetic, it is important to feed them high-quality dog food that will release energy slowly throughout the day.

Goldendoodles should eat three cups of high-quality kibble every day.

Ideally, meals should be split into at least two portions daily, to split up their intake.

Splitting their meals will help include structure and routine in your dog’s life, and also helps to prevent bloat (i.e. Gastric Torsion) as this is common in Golden Retrievers.

Exercise Requirements

Daily Exercise
Minutes 60+ minutes
Activity Level This is a high activity dog breed
Favorite Exercise Fetch

This dog loves to get out for some exercise provided they have the space to run and play. They will try anything new and are known to enjoy running, swimming, and fetch!

A very playful dog, they are happy to chase a ball or frisbee for as long as you are willing to throw it.

It may be a good idea to encourage your dog to swim in environments where it is safe to. This will help to channel their Golden Retriever heritage.

They are very active and need an owner that can keep up. On average, these dogs need around 12 miles of exercise a week.

Ultimately, they love the outdoors and need around 60 minutes of intense exercise daily.

Training Tips

This breed is often selected as a service or therapy dog because of its highly trainable nature. It is fair to assume they are the perfect breed for first-time owners to train. They love to learn and get great joy from pleasing their owners.

Both of their parents are very intelligent and incredibly good=natured too, making this mix very good at training.

When it comes to training, use lots of positive reinforcement to help them learn. This will result in a happy dog who is willing to learn and will easily be able to perform many dog tricks such as roll, down, and sit!

Grooming Guide

Grooming will vary depending on what coat your dog inherits. Both types of coat will require regular brushing, but the thicker Poodle coat will need brushing daily to prevent matting. Brushing once a day with a soft brush is enough. While brushing check their ears for signs of infections, especially if your dog is an active swimmer.

Both of these coats grow continuously, so haircuts will be required every eight to twelve weeks. Since this dog is hypoallergenic you can choose a long or short haircut without being concerned that a longer coat will cause allergies. At the groomers, ask for their nails to be trimmed too.

You should start grooming your dog as early as possible, this will allow for your dog to become used to being handled.

Summary

If you are looking to complete your home with a playful, active, and friendly dog then this breed is perfect for you. Kind, patient, and gentle, they are perfect for anyone looking for an active family dog.

The Goldendoodle is a dog like no other as they are hypoallergenic, smart (making them easy to train), and have a patient temperament. Calm and friendly too, they get on well with small children and other dogs.

Before adopting make sure you can commit to their high exercise needs and you will have an adorable dog capable of loving everyone in the family.

Do you have a Goldendoodle already? Thinking about getting one? Leave us a comment below.

Goldendoodle FAQ

Q: What is a Goldendoodle mix-breed dog?

A: A Goldendoodle is a crossbred dog. A golden retriever and poodle are bred together to make a Goldendoodle. 

Q: What is the difference between a first-generation Goldendoodle to a second-generation Goldendoodle?

A: A first-generation Goldendoodle is a puppy that was born to a golden retriever and standard sized poodle. These pups are great for families with allergies as they shed very lightly, or not at all. 

A second generation Goldendoodle is a first-generation Goldendoodle that has been bred with a poodle. These dogs are also highly recommended for families that have severe allergies as they rarely shed their coat. You can also have second-generation Goldendoodles that are bred together. 

Q: How much will my Goldendoodle weigh as an adult?

A: If you are curious to find out how much your Goldendoodle puppy will weigh when it reaches adulthood, you should add the mother and father’s adult weight together and divide it by two to get a prediction. 

Q: Should I get a Goldendoodle if I live in the city? 

A: Yes, you can grow a Goldendoodle in the city and in the countryside. Just make sure they are getting enough exercise so that they stay happy and healthy. 

Q: Are Goldendoodles low maintenance?

A: Yes, they are. Their coat is very low maintenance and does not need to be clipped or trimmed; however, you should brush their coat daily to prevent matting and tangles. 

Q: At what age do Goldendoodles start to calm down?

A: Puppies are hard work, in fact, it can be just as hard as having a baby! But do not worry if your pup is slightly on the lively side, they will start to calm down between the ages of 8 to 15 months old. 

Q: Are Goldendoodles chewers?

A: Yes, Goldendoodles chew on objects to relieve stress. If your adult Goldendoodle is chewing more than usual, it is likely that something is bothering them. Goldendoodle puppies will chew on things to relieve teething discomforts, so you should always have a chew toy lying around for them!

Q: What is the lifespan of a Goldendoodle?

Q: Goldendoodles live to the age of 10 and sometimes even 15 years old. Make sure you take your pup on regular healthy visits and give them the exercise they need to keep them in tip-top shape. 

Other Golden Retriever and Poodle Mixes

If you’re interested in learning about other Golden Retriever mixes or Poodle mixes, check out the hybrid dog breeds below.

Golden Retriever Mixes

Poodle Mixes

About John Woods 300 Articles
John Woods is the founder of All Things Dogs, member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, graduate in Animal Behavior & Welfare and recognized author by the Dog Writers Association of America.

1 Comment

  1. We have 2 f1b petite Goldendoodles. They are both from the same litter. Their mom was 22lb and dad was only 14. Strange thing is that our male Ben is 34lb and female Betsy is around 20lb.

    They are the best dogs.

    Betsy could care less about food and ben lives for it, she is a bit more timid with unusual noises.

    Ben is a baby who cries when you are getting ready to walk him, so excited. Ben trains easily as long as there is food around. Ben gets very excited when first greeting people as does Betsy. She learned that behaviour from Ben. After a minute they settle down.

    I want to take Betsy for training as a service dog. But not sure how she will do without Ben. They are both 2 and a half.

    Anyway we recommend these dogs to everyone. Their sweet nature. Great with everyone including 7 kids at once when visiting grandkids and all the neighborhood kids wanting to hug and kiss them all day long – thanks for all your info.

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