Goldendoodle Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Average Height: 21-24 in
Average Weight: 50-75 lbs
Average Life Span: 12-14 yrs
Coloring: White, black, apricot, chocolate; white markings sometimes occur on darker coats
Area of Origin: Victoria, Australia
Similar Breeds: Labrador Retriever, Standard/Toy Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Newfoundland

History and Origin:

The term, “Goldendoodle,” was first used in 1992 and refers to a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle (standard or toy). The Goldendoodle’’s initial purpose was to serve as a hypoallergenic service dog. While not all Goldendoodles are ultimately appropriate for allergy-sufferers, the ones that are tend to be greatly valued. While some have attempted to cross other retriever breeds (Chesapeake Bay/ Curly Coat/ Flat Coat) with the Poodle to produce a similar offspring, these mixes do not tend to have the level temperament of the Golden Retriever/ Poodle combination.

Personality and Temperament:

The Goldendoodle typically possesses the calm, friendly intelligence of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. A companion dog to the core, the Goldendoodle is affectionate with everyone it meets, but can become a bit too enthusiastic if not raised with clear boundaries. It enjoys working, and is at its best behavior when it has a job to do. Sensitive and steady, it generally makes a great family companion. Unfortunately, the Goldendoodle is like any mix-breed; and consistent characteristics have not been solidified. The individual dogs can vary greatly in both appearance and temperament. Most Goldendoodles, for example, are not suitable for guide dog or assistance dog work, and only a small minority are ever fully trained in this capacity. Regardless, the Goldendoodle is overall a joy to own, and its eagerness and loving nature matches well with a nervous or first-time owner.

Exercise & Training:

As a large-breed dog, the Goldendoodle needs daily exercise so it does not become bored and destructive. Both the Golden Retriever and Poodle are working dogs, so the Goldendoodle will also be happiest with a job to do. It is a smart dog with lots of energy and is easily trained; it would do well in obedience trials or agility. As both the Retriever and the Poodle are water dogs, the Goldendoodle is frequently an avid swimmer, and will enjoy fetching in the water. It is an active and excitable dog whose ideal home has space to stretch and a yard to play in.

Grooming:

The Goldendoodle can have a range of coat types, depending on the genes it inherits from its parents. It will frequently have wavy or curly fur, which will need brushing a few times a week to keep it free of tangles. Professional grooming twice a year will help manage the sometimes unruly coat. Bathe rarely; unless it gets dirty, the Goldendoodle does not need frequent baths.

Similar Breeds:

As a hybrid of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, the Goldendoodle inherits its qualities from these two breeds (both good and bad!). Through the Retriever, the Goldendoodle is a descendent of the Newfoundlander; through the Poodle, it is related to other water dogs such as the Portuguese Water Dog.

Interesting Facts about the Goldendoodle:

1. The Goldendoodle have been used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs due to its inherited intelligence and train-ability from both the Retriever and the Poodle.

2. While not accepted by major kennel clubs, the Goldendoodle can be registered for performance events (agility, etc) with the Continental Kennel Club, as long as both parents were papered purebreds verifying the Goldendoodle’’s pedigree.

3. The pop singer Usher owns a Goldendoodle named Poppy Raymond, which he bought for his kids paying $12,000 at a charity auction.