Breed Highlight: The Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a highly affectionate crossbreed known for their intelligence, playful attitude and loyalty to their humans. A mix between a poodle and a golden retriever, Goldendoodles fit in well with families and they are a great option for first-time dog owners. 

The Goldendoodle

Vital Stats of Goldendoodle’s

Vital stats of this breed include the following:

  • Dog breed group: hybrid
  • Height: 17-21 inches
  • Weight: 50-90 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10-15 years

Physical Characteristics of the Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, which means they do not shed! They are easy to train but because of the nature of their curly coats they do require a lot of grooming. They require a medium amount of exercise with their active energy level. They have a low drool amount and a medium coat length. They vary a lot in colors such as black, grey, red, blue, cream, white, fawn, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate or silver.

Care for Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are active and will require some exercise but not as much as sport breeds. Because of the natural nature of Poodles and Golden Retrievers, Goldendoodles are very loyal and playful but safe with families and small children due to their low aggression. They make great hiking dogs or just a fun companion for backyard playtime! Extremely smart and very well trainable, Goldendoodles are ideal for first time dog owners. They do not shed as their coat is hypoallergenic and not very long but due to its curly nature, does require grooming.

Health of Goldendoodles

Similar to any other breed, Goldendoodles can be prone to specific health problems such as:

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Ear Infections
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Von Willebrand’s Disease
  • Allergies
  • Gastric Dilation Volvulus
  • Hypothyroidism

History of Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are considered a “designer” breed because of the desired non-shedding coat of the poodle and temperament of the golden retriever. Goldendoodles were first bred in 1969 to be guide dogs. The idea for the crossbreed was inspired by the successful breeding of the labradoodle, which is a poodle and Labrador retriever hybrid. As one of the most popular domestic dog breeds in the United States, the golden retriever was an obvious choice for crossbreeding with the delightfully hypoallergenic poodle. Goldendoodles are not recognized by the AKC as an AKC breed due to their crossbreeding.

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