Goldendoodle Breed Information

Are you thinking about adding a Goldendoodle to your home? If so, learn if this dog breed is right for you and your family.

Goldendoodle Facts

A Goldendoodle, mistakenly spelled golden doodle, is a mix breed. They’re a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. The original purpose of crossing these two breeds were to develop a hypoallergenic dog for guide and service. Plus, they wanted to maintain a large-sized dog with a social (friendly and outgoing) temperament plus a vest for learning.

While there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, Goldendoodles are non-shedding that produce less dander than shedding breeds. Non-shedding breeds need regular grooming, as their undercoat does not shed on its own. To keep dander to a minimum, for allergy-prone owners, it’s best to bath dogs weekly using a gentle oatmeal shampoo.

Temperament

As a dog trainer, I usually have 2-4 Doodles in each class, so I’ve had plenty of experience with the Goldendoodle temperament and teaching this dog breed polite manners. 🙂 Goldendoodles are usually exuberant and social dogs. However, I’ve noticed a few Doodles with anxiety. Make sure to meet the puppy’s Sire and Dam before choosing him. It’ll provide you insight into your puppy’s adult Goldendoodle temperament.

It’s also important to socialize puppies before 16 weeks of age, as that will help shape your puppy’s temperament. Many shelter workers offer temperament testing if you’re adopting a puppy or older dog.

Grooming

Since Goldendoodles are non-shedding, they need daily brushing to remove their dense undercoat plus scheduled grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks. Interestingly, due to genetics, their coats can vary in length and color. Some will have a flatter (straight hair) or dense (curly hair) coat. Genetics are so interesting!

When brushing, it’s important to brush skin deep to prevent matting. Start in small sections, such as a back leg. Using your finger, divide  small sections of his coat (width of your finger), brush from root to tip with a slicker brush. By brushing in small sections, you’re removing tangles and undercoat,  which prevents matting later. Slicker brushes contain firm steel bristles, which are close together, and capture undercoat and dead hair. Due to the steel bristles, make sure not to touch your dog’s skin with the bristles, just his hair. To make sure all tangles are thoroughly brushed out, follow each section with a comb.

Every 6-8 weeks, schedule a professional grooming, which will shorten your Goldendoodle’s coat length. At home, continue daily brushing and weekly baths, with an oatmeal-based shampoo to keep mats away. After weekly baths, follow up with nail trimmings and ear cleaning.

Dog Training

Goldendoodles are easily trained. They gleefully respond to positive reinforcement dog training. 🙂 Some Goldendoodles can have excessive energy so it’s important to remember Golden Retrievers and Poodles were designed for hunting. They need extra energy to work all day. Due to the Goldendoodle’s larger size, he can pull you around on leash or easily knock you down so enrolling in a group class is a must.

Use food puzzles to feed your dog’s daily meals and take him on daily walks to burn off excess energy. Teach your dog polite behaviors and be aware he may hold rocks, sticks and even your arm in his mouth.

Health

Goldendoodles are predisposed to Gastric Torsion and Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia. Since they have floppy ears, which block air from entering their ear canals, they can develop ear infections so wipe with a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls.

Where to Find a Goldendoodle

If you’re considering adding a Goldendoodle in your home, view the experts for Standard Poodles and Golden Retrievers. These folks health test their adult dogs, can put you in touch with recuses in your area, and lead you in the right direction.Also, do a search at Petfinders for local rescues in your area.

Before you bring a Doodle home:

• Be prepared for a larger adult dog about 25-28 inches (measured from his shoulders) and weighing 50-100 pounds.
• Enroll in a puppy and basic manners class soon, as Doodles have high energy, are easily excited and are strong enough to pull you on leash.
• Locate a gentle and patient groomer who accepts Goldendoodles
• Enjoy his smile, as he inherited this from his Standard Poodle side of the family. 🙂
• If you purchase a puppy, ask for health testings for both parents.