A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.
The result is a designer dog breed that can make excellent family pets given their friendly personalities and playful nature.
Goldendoodles were first bred in the 1990s in the United States following the success of the Labradoodle.
They can come in three different sizes depending on whether the Golden Retriever is standard, miniature or toy.
Goldendoodles can often work as therapy dogs, guide dogs or assistance dogs given their intelligence levels, loyalty and sociable personalities.
In this Goldendoodle feature, we’ll hear from Bentley (@minidoodlebentley), Brodie (@brodiethatdood), Roosevelt (@roosevelttheteddy) and Gator (@gator.thegoldendoodle).
Jump To Section
What is a Goldendoodle?
Bentley the Mini Doodle (Photo: minidoodlebentley / Instagram)
A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle to result in a dog that encompasses traits of both of these popular breeds.
Goldendoodles can go by a variety of different names, although Goldendoodle is the most common way to refer to their particular hybrid.
Some of the other potential names for this cross breed include: Groodle, Curly Golden, Curly Retriever, Goldenoodle, Goldenpoo.
Although the American Kennel Club recognise the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, they haven’t granted the Goldendoodle status.
Having said that, the Goldendoodle is recongised by American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, Goldendoodle Association of North America, Goldendoodle Registry and International Designer Canine Registry.
What size is a Goldendoodle?
Roosevelt the Goldendoodle (Photo: roosevelttheteddy / Instagram)
The size of a Goldendoodle will depend on whether the Golden Retriever parent is bred with a standard, miniature or toy Poodle. Usually, Goldendoodles will either by miniature, medium or large.
The Mini Goldendoodle are up to 20 inches (51 cm) tall and weigh between 15 to 35 pounds (6.8 to 15.9 kg). The medium Goldendoodle stands between 17 and 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) and weighs between 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg). Finally, the large Goldendoodle can reach a height of up to 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) and weigh from 50 to 80 pounds (23 to 36 kg).
Chelsea gave us an insight into Roosevelt’s size.
Roosevelt is currently 6 months old and ~35 lbs. He will probably grow to about ~50 lbs, which I would consider to be average Goldendoodle size and a medium-large dog breed.
Goldendoodle appearance
Gator the Goldendoodle (Photo: gator.thegoldendoodle / Instagram)
Goldendoodles can inherit traits from both their Golden Retriever and Poodle parent. So it’s impossible to predict the traits that a Goldendoodle will have. Each Goldendoodle can have a slightly varied appearance depending on whether they take after their Golden Retriever or Poodle parent.
Goldendoodles will usually have broad skulls, long muzzels with blue or brown oval-shaped eyes. They tend to have a black or brown nose. Their coat colors range from brown, red, cream, sable, silver, black and blue.
These designer dogs will usually have a coat that is shaggy in appearance, requiring regular grooming to maintain it’s health.
Gator is a big Goldendoodle weighing in at around 83 pounds.
He is a tall, large dog at 83 pounds that looks more like his father, a Golden Retriever then his mother, a large white standard poodle. He has straight hair but there is some kinky curls under ears or if he gets wet and dries naturally. His hair is long, fluffy and soft and has a golden color with variations of lighter blonde mixed with red on the top of his back that darkens in the winter months.
Goldendoodle temperament
Bentley the Mini Doodle (Photo: minidoodlebentley / Instagram)
Just like appearance, Goldendoodles can have different temperament depending on the traits that they inherit from their Golden Retriever and Poodle parent. Having spoken to a number of Goldendoodle owners, the traits that are regularly mentioned include a willingness to please, easy to train, friendly and sociable and loving companions.
Mini Doodle Bentley gave us an insight into the Golden Retriever and Poodle traits that this Insta-famous pup displays.
I always say this. The Golden Retriever traits are the happy, goofy, and silly ones like when he brings something (usually a toy) outside to pee with him, to bed, and to greet us at the door. Also just the endless love of tennis balls and the happy smiles I always see in Goldens. On the Poodle side, he is so so smart which also makes him a bit stubborn! He catches on to things way too quickly and sometimes can outsmart us…
Clifford explained to hellobark.com that Brodie is just a regular Dood.
Just a Dood’s Dood. His main goal in life is to have a good time. He doesn’t really put much thought into his actions, he’s just interested in making me and the people around him happy. He is an attention seeker and loves being noticed in public. If he feels the correct amount of attention is not being allotted towards him (typically when I am working from home), he will march around with a bath mat, kitchen towel or sock, to try to get more attention focused his way.
Do Goldendoodles suffer from separation anxiety?
Bentley the Mini Doodle (Photo: minidoodlebentley / Instagram)
Goldendoodles, just like any breed or mix, can suffer from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a chronic canine disorder that usually manifests when a dog is left at home alone. The symptoms can start to appear before a Goldendoodle owner has even left the house. The symptoms of separation anxiety include excessive barking, howling or whining, destructive chewing or digging, relentless pacing, and in some extreme cases, defecating or urinating inside the home.
Bentley’s mom admitted that they have experienced some separation anxiety with their Goldendoodle.
This is an effect of how you train your dog. We did not do a great job of letting Bentley be independent therefore he craves our attention. It is not uncommon that when I leave the house, he whines by the door waiting for me. It’s gotten much better; he used to not let me close the door to the bathroom unless he was there also.
Chelsea has also experienced this issue with Roosevelt.
Roosevelt had significant anxiety when we first left him alone. We now use CBD oil in his treats when we leave him and try to wear him out beforehand. Additionally, he has gotten more accustomed to being left alone as he is gotten older, but it is definitely not his favorite. When we are home, he is beside us at all times!
Do Goldendoodles make great family pets?
Goldendoodles can make great family pets provided they are socialised from a young age. It’s a good idea to bring a Goldendoodle pup to socialization classes to ensure they learn how to behave. If you’re bringing a Goldendoodle into a family setting with young children, it’s important to educate your kids on how to handle their new four-legged companion. While Goldendoodles have a reputation for being friendly and loving dog, you should never leave a dog alone with children unsupervised.
Are Goldendoodles smart?
Bentley the Mini Doodle (Photo: minidoodlebentley / Instagram)
By combining the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, the result is usually a highly intelligent dog. The Poodle is the second smartest dog in the world, while the Golden Retriever is ranked at number four.
Bentley is a smart pup who is quick to learn new commands.
Bentley is extremely smart. As I mentioned above, he always surprises me with how quickly he’ll catch on to things and how obedient he is.
Are Goldendoodles easy to train?
Brodie the Goldendoodle (Photo: @brodiethatdood / Instagram)
Picking up on our last point, Goldendoodles are smart dogs that are usually highly trainable. They tend to be quick to learn new commands and new tricks. Having said that, it’s still a good idea to start training your Goldendoodle from a young age to lay down the basic rules of obedience.
For example, Bentley was an easy dog to train.
Bentley was/is a fast learner. He was potty trained within two weeks, and with lots of practice, he learned all of the basic commands within a month or two of being home. Since they’re such loving and calm animals, they are often used as therapy dogs!
Clifford added that Brodie was relatively easy to train.
Generally speaking, they’re fairly easy dogs to train, I believe it can vary generation to generation. I have heard F1s tend to be more trainable than some of the other generations, but overall they’re a very trainable breed.
Are Goldendoodles hyper?
Roosevelt the Goldendoodle (Photo: roosevelttheteddy / Instagram)
Goldendoodles can be quite high energy dogs given their parent breeds were traditionally used as retrieving dogs. Therefore, they can have a reputation for being hyper dogs.
Chelsea explained to hellobark.com that Roosevelt is quite a hyper dog.
Roosevelt is full of energy. He will run all day if you let him, only stopping at the end of the day to pass out. That being said, he is also very good at self-soothing, quiet play, and “settling” when we are unable to get outside.
Are Goldendoodles stubborn?
Goldendoodles can inherit something of a stubborn streak that is usually associated with the Poodle parent more than the Golden Retriever breed.
Shedding light on this stubborn streak is Bentley’s mom.
This one is specific to golden doodles (and I think poodles in general). Bentley is really smart. So smart that he can be stubborn when he decides he doesn’t want to do something (like going in his crate, taking a bath, etc.)
Do Goldendoodles bark a lot?
A question that we noticed a lot during our research is whether this particular hybrid dog is one that barks a lot. Goldendoodle owner Clifford told us that Brodie doesn’t bark much at all.
Brodie is an F1 standard Goldendoodle, which is the variation that tends to shed the most out of Doodle generations. He has mild shedding, but it’s nearly unnoticeable compared to my golden retriever.
Bear in mind that each Goldendoodle will vary different in terms of personality traits.
How much exercise do Goldendoodles need?
Goldendoodles are active dogs that require a lot of exercise. They’ll benefit from regularly daily walks, trips to the dog park if properly socialised, training at home or in the garden and playtime with their fellow family members. Dog walking website Wag Walking recommend around 60 minutes of exercise a day for Goldendoodles.
According to his mom, Bentley has a laid back personality so doesn’t require a lot of exercise.
I’d argue all dogs need lots of exercise! He may not need as much as others, but we also got exceptionally lucky that Bentley is content to just chill out with us and lay on us.
Are Goldendoodles aggressive?
Roosevelt the Goldendoodle (Photo: roosevelttheteddy / Instagram)
This is another question that we spotted on Google when researching this designer breed. We put the question to Goldendoodle owner Chelsea but this dog mom hasn’t experienced any aggression with Roosevelt.
Goldendoodles are not aggressive. Roosevelt tends to bark at people/dogs/sounds he is uncertain of, but does not attack other dogs, animals, or people. He loves any person or animal that will play with him!
Do Goldendoodles like to cuddle?
Gator the Goldendoodle (Photo: gator.thegoldendoodle / Instagram)
Goldendoodles have earned a reputation for being affectionate, loving and loyal dogs that like to be close to their owners. While standard Goldendoodle might make rather large lap dogs, they love nothing more than to cuddle up with their pet parents.
For example, Gator enjoys some cuddle time with his pet parents.
He loves to be on someone’s lap not understanding his large size. He sleeps on the bed and if people are in a hug, he tries to get in on it too.
Do Goldendoodles get along with other dogs?
By and large, Goldendoodles appear to be sociable dogs that do well around other canines. However, they’ll benefit from socialization from a young age to ensure they learn puppy manners around other dogs. You may see the value in bringing your Goldendoodle pup to classes designed to allow dogs to interact in a controlled environment.
Gator loves to meet other dogs.
He loves other dogs and he will cry if he sees one and doesn’t get to meet them. He is curious about cats, bunnies and wild animals but doesn’t understand the difference between animals like coyotes that are dangerous and squirrels that are more of an annoyance.
Are Goldendoodles sociable?
Bentley the Mini Doodle (Photo: minidoodlebentley / Instagram)
Goldendoodles will usually relish the chance to make friends of the two-legged or four-legged variety. They’re friendly dogs that are sociable in nature. It’s a good idea to expose your Goldendoodle to a variety of different situations to ensure their social skills are developed.
Bentley is a sociable pup who likes to interact with other dogs and people.
There are always situations where someone is going to come up and touch your dog without asking. While I do not advise that for anyone with any dog; you would never have a problem doing that to Bentley. He gets along with every single other dog that he meets and all humans from new born to grandparent. Kids on the street often ask if they can pet him. Some kids that are scared of dogs even will pet him once they see others doing it. My cousins will pull on his tail and he won’t have a care in the world.
Roosevelt is a sociable dog like Bentley.
Roosevelt is very sociable! He loves all animals and people, regardless of size, age, gender, breed, race, or background. We could learn so much from a heart like his.
Gator the Goldendoodle (Photo: gator.thegoldendoodle / Instagram)
Gator loves to meet other dogs.
He loves other dogs and he will cry if he sees one and doesn’t get to meet them. He is curious about cats, bunnies and wild animals but doesn’t understand the difference between animals like coyotes that are dangerous and squirrels that are more of an annoyance.
Are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?
Goldendoodles are often billed as a hypoallergenic cross breed. The American Kennel Club write on their website that there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. However, the organization concedes that some breeds do have hypoallergenic qualities. One such breed is the Poodle.
The Goldendoodle cross breed can be hypoallergenic depending on whether they take after their Poodle parent or Golden Retriever parent where hair and shedding is concerned.
In spite of claims made by Goldendoodle breeders, there’s no guarantee a Goldendoodle puppy will be hypoallergenic given the Golden Retriever isn’t considered a hypoallergenic breed.
Bentley’s parents are both allergies to dogs, so fortunately their Goldendoodle doesn’t shed.
We are super allergic to dogs; typically when we’re in a room with them for a while we get to a point where we can’t breathe. We have had absolutely no problems with Bentley. He does not shed and has a hypoallergenic coat.
Chelsea, who is allergic to dogs, revealed that Roosevelt has never caused her allergies to flare up.
Roosevelt sheds minimally, and though other dogs have given me the sniffles, Roosevelt does not. He sleeps in my bed with no difficulty.
Do Goldendoodles shed?
Brodie the Goldendoodle (Photo: @brodiethatdood / Instagram)
If a Goldendoodle takes after their Poodle parent more than their Golden Retriever parent, there’s a good chance they’ll be low shedding dogs. However, there’s no guarantee that a Goldendoodle won’t shed a little. Each member of this Goldendoodle cross breed could shed to varying degrees.
Clifford hasn’t experienced much shedding with Brodie.
Brodie is an F1 standard Goldendoodle, which is the variation that tends to shed the most out of Doodle generations. He has mild shedding, but it’s nearly unnoticeable compared to my golden retriever.
Do Goldendoodles need regular grooming?
Brodie the Goldendoodle (Photo: @brodiethatdood / Instagram)
If you’re lucky, you’ll have a Goldendoodle that doesn’t shed so you won’t have to worry about getting the vacuum out on a regular basis to clean up dog hair. However, Goldendoodles do require a lot of maintenance where their coats are concerned. Their hair can grow curly and long so they need to be brushed daily to ensure dead hair, debris and dirt is removed from their coat to keep it healthy. Goldendoodles will usually require a haircut every 6-8 weeks to prevent their coats from becoming too long and dragging along the ground.
Clifford admitted that the biggest challenge when it comes to owning a Goldendoodle is grooming.
The biggest challenge is grooming, especially maintaining a coat the length of Brodie’s. If unattended for just a short time, Goldendoodle’s coats will tangle, knot, and matt very easily. This is why most Goldendoodle owners keep their dog’s coat much shorter than Brodie’s; it almost becomes a full-time job.
Clifford added that grooming Brodie can take up to half an hour a day.
A lot! I brush Brodie at least three times a week, 20-30 minutes a session. I also have him professionally groomed about every 6-8 weeks.
Gator, for example, gets a bath every four to six weeks.
Every 4-6 weeks he has to be washed. Brushing weekly to prevent mats is required. He can be shaved especially in the summer for easy maintenance. He loves water and swimming so this makes it more fun and a lot easier to enjoy these activities.
Are Goldendoodles fussy eaters?
Some dogs can be fussy eaters, something which I’ve experienced with my Alaskan Klee Kai. Your Goldendoodle could be fussy due to a sensitive tummy, food intolerance or a behavioral problem. If you’ve encountered this problem, you may find it useful to check out some of the best dog food delivery options in the USA available right now (click here for the UK options).
Do Goldendoodles have any health problems?
Gator the Goldendoodle (Photo: gator.thegoldendoodle / Instagram)
While cross breeds are generally considered healthier than pure bred dogs, Goldendoodles can still be prone to some health issues. For example, Goldendoodle owners should be aware of the following conditions:
• Patellar Luxation
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Hip Dysplasia
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
Jeniffer shed light on some issues to be aware of.
Like other large dogs, they can be susceptible to hip dysplasia so that was checked at his first vet visit and was clear. He also has some stubborn tartar issues on his teeth so early on he had a few teeth pulled before we understood the importance of proper teeth brushing and quality dental sticks. Without proper dental care, he can also have bad breath. Since the ears are floppy and tend to have lots of hair in them, we try to keep them dry or he can develop ear infections. Using an ear cleaner after grooming or getting wet will prevent problems. He loves the water so making sure he dries after play keeps him from developing hot spots on his skin as well.
Goldendoodle Price
Goldendoodles can be quite expensive dogs. They can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000 depending on the size, coat color and whether they’ve already been trained.
It’s a good idea to research respected breeders within the Goldendoodle community. You should ask to see your pup with its mother and father, proof of health and vet checks as well as relevant documents relating to the parents.
Alternatively, you could always contact your local rescue shelter or a dedicated Goldendoodle rescue to see if there’s a member of this cross breed that needs to be rehomed.
Are Goldendoodles expensive?
Aside from the initial cost of adopting a Goldendoodle, there are monthly costs such as dog food, pet insurance, vet costs to consider.
Gator’s dog mom Jeniffer gave us an insight into the costs of grooming.
It can be if you go to a larger chain pet store or veterinary businesses. I usually find a local groomer that has their own business and the costs can be cut in half, around $40-$60 depending on services.
Would you recommend Goldendoodles to first-time owners?
Chelsea had this to say when we asked her the above question.
If you have the energy for a higher energy dog, Goldendoodles are wonderful for first time dog owners as they are loving, smart, and eager to please. Additionally, because they don’t shed, their clean-up is easy!
Jeniffer gave a resounding yes to this question as a first-time dog owner herself.
I am a first time dog owner myself. I had a lot to learn and had the help of a professional trainer and did my research. He is very smart but could be stubborn that first puppy year. Goldendoodles come in different sizes, so taking his large size into account is important when traveling. I recommend a fenced yard and time for walking and outdoor activity atleast 45 minutes, twice daily, especially the first few years.
Goldendoodles to follow on Instagram
If you’re looking to learn more about Goldendoodles, a good way to find out more information about the breed is to contact current Goldendoodle owners on social media. In our experience, dog owners are more than willing to offer advice and help to would-be Goldendoodle owners.
Here are some Goldendoodle accounts to check out on Instagram.
• Bentley (@minidoodlebentley) (full interview with Bentley here)
• Brodie (@brodiethatdood) (full interview with Brodie here)
• Roosevelt (@roosevelttheteddy)
• Gator (@gator.thegoldendoodle)
What are the pros and cons of Goldendoodles?
Roosevelt the Goldendoodle (Photo: roosevelttheteddy / Instagram)
Pros
Jeniffer/Gator: The pros would be how loving, playful and energetic they are. A great family dog. Everyone loves his sweet, goofy personality and assumes he is younger than he is. He is loved by everyone he meets.
Chelsea/Roosevelt: Intelligent, fast learners, friendly, hypoallergenic.
Cons
Jeniffer/Gator: The cons would be that they tend to have social anxiety and can get lonely/depressed if you are away from home often. So if they are home alone a lot you would need to consider a second dog or dog sitter. They need lots of exercise and attention. He is also a “talker” and will bark to alert us if anyone is going by the house even if he knows them. He barks when excited or playful too.
Chelsea/Roosevelt: Need groomed, require large amounts of exercise
Goldendoodles Pictures
Roosevelt the Goldendoodle (Photo: roosevelttheteddy / Instagram)
Roosevelt the Goldendoodle (Photo: roosevelttheteddy / Instagram)
Gator the Goldendoodle (Photo: gator.thegoldendoodle / Instagram)
Gator the Goldendoodle (Photo: gator.thegoldendoodle / Instagram)
In conclusion
Brodie the Goldendoodle (Photo: @brodiethatdood / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our feature on Goldendoodles.
They’re friendly, fun, energetic, loyal and low shedding dogs that can make an excellent choice for family pets.
They can come in three different sizes: miniature, medium and standard. Their coat colors can range from brown, red, cream and black.
Goldendoodles can be hypoallergenic depending on whether they take after their Poodle parent or Golden Retriever parent.
