12/11/2019
Dog Breeds
12 Facts About the Goldendoodle
This Golden Retriever-Poodle mix makes the perfect pet
By Lauren Murphy
Updated 07/19/19
An adorable mix between the Golden Retriever and Poodle, Goldendoodles are the ultimate combination of good looks, smart wits, and playfulness. The hybrid is known as a “designer breed” because they were bred to have the lovable qualities of both of their parents. Keep in mind, though, that because they're a mix, it's hard to know how much of each parent they inherit.
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Goldendoodles Are a Designer Breed
Goldendoodle Dog with Ball
Maria Jeffs / Getty Images
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, that goldendoodles are a mixed breed, and it's difficult to tell which traits they will eventually inherit.
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Got Allergies? Get a Goldendoodle!
Goldendoddle Puppy Laying in Grass
sdominick / Getty Images
Some Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic and most don’t even 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.
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Goldendoodles Are Natural Athletes
Goldendoodle dog standing in the ocean, United States
meaghanbrowning / Getty Images
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. These dogs are great companions for active families.
Goldendoodles typically weigh between 50 and 100 pounds and love going on long walks, runs, and hikes with their owners. If you like bringing your pup along on outdoor adventures, consider the Goldendoodle for your next dog.
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Goldendoodles Make the Best Playmates
Playing dogs.
happyborder / Getty Images
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.
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Goldendoodles Are Often Extremely Friendly
goldendoodle dogs
Lisa Garlick / Flickr
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.
In addition, those who prefer peace and quiet will love them; they often don’t even bark after a knock on the door. Although this doesn't make them the best watch dogs, their calm demeanor is part of what makes Goldendoodles so friendly.
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Goldendoodles Have One of Three Fur Types
goldendoodle dogs
Joerg Asmus-Wieben / Flickr
Depending on which genes your goldendoodle picked up more of, they could have a straight, wavy, or curly coat type. This means that there's no one way to groom goldendoodles. Some may have smooth, easy-to-maintain coats while others may require daily brushing, bathing and in some cases, even drying. Goldendoodle owners should check with their veterinarian, who can help identify a particular fur type, on the best way to groom their furry friends.
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Goldendoodles Love the Water
goldendoodle dogs
Ramblin San / Flickr
Most Goldendoodles have an instinctive love-love relationship with swimming, whether in a lake, at the beach, or in your backyard swimming pool. A great thing in the summer when the whole family is enjoying the outdoors, but you do need to be watchful at times—and stand clear when your Goldendoodle decides to shake off all that water.
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Goldendoodles Can Be Quite Colorful
Goldendoodle in wheat field
MATTHEW PALMER / Getty Images
Goldendoodles' coats are a cute mix of their parent breeds’—it’s not nearly as curly as a Poodle’s, but is shaggier than a Golden Retriever’s. They can be orange, cream, dark brown, gray, or black in color. Some are even multiple colors.
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Goldendoodles Vary in Size
A big dog has squeezed himself into a tiny dog's bed.
Diana Haronis / Getty Images
Not ready for the responsibility of a big dog? Luckily, there are miniature Goldendoodles, too. Instead of being bred with a Standard Poodle, Golden Retrievers are bred with a Toy Poodle to create a pint-sized pup. These mini Doodles may possibly be the cutest thing you'll ever see.
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Goldendoodles Are Ideal Service Pets
goldendoodle dogs
/ Instagram
The Poodle’s intelligence and Golden Retriever’s obedience makes 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.
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Goldendoodles Have Several Nicknames
Miniature goldendoodle in dog park
nycshooter / Getty Images
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.
