About Goldendoodles
A Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever and Poodle cross. They have been bred in North America since the mid-1990s. Because the smaller poodle hybrids (e.g., Cockapoo) had been such a success in filling the niche for small, allergy-friendly family pets, Golden Retriever breeders decided to try a breeding with a Standard Poodle for a larger family pet.
The quick rise of the popularity of Goldendoodles is due to the dogs themselves. The cross between these two parent breeds results in terrific family dogs that are friendly, intelligent, affectionate and easy to train.
First Goldendoodle site on the internet
The Goldendoodle website - www.goldendoodles.com - was the first website on the Internet to use the term Goldendoodle. It was created by Blue Sterling in early January 2001 along with the Doodle Discussion Forum to find other Goldendoodle owners and to pull together and provide resources for the community similar to the one the Labradoodles had at the time (forums, etc.) The term Goldendoodle was chosen instead of Golden Poo, so that a shared Doodle community could be created, a place where both Goldendoodle and Labradoodle Owners would be welcome. A special 'Thank You' to Blue Sterling for some of the information found on this page and all you do for the Doodle community.
Description
The Goldendoodles ancestry along both parent lines is as hunters and water dogs. The physical appearance of the Goldendoodle runs anywhere from a shaggy-looking retriever to a curl-relaxed poodle, but usually it falls somewhere in between. The length when left unclipped grows to about 4-8 inches. The color of the coat can be cream, red, white, gold, apricot, chocolate, parti and black.
Some Goldendoodles have a Standard Poodle as a parent, and are standard sized. Those with a miniature or a moyen Poodle as a parent are smaller. Like many poodle crosses, most F1 Goldendoodles have light shedding and most live easily with families with MILD allergies. Families with moderate to severe allergies often find that Goldendoodle backcrosses (F1B) or second Generation (F2B) Goldendoodles work well.
Temperament
Goldendoodles are an intelligent and obedient family companion. They are everybody's friend and devoted to their family. They are friendly towards children, other dogs and pets, and easy with strangers. They are social dogs, happiest when with people. Goldendoodles are likely to get into mischief and develop behavior problems if they spend most of their lives alone. Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and love of learning make them very easy to train. They are medium-to large sized family dogs with easy dispositions.
Size
Our Standard Goldendoodles ~ 20" - 25" tall at the shoulder
Our Medium Goldendoodles ~ 17" - 20" tall at the shoulder
Our Smallest Goldendoodles ~ 15" - 17" tall at the shoulder
Health Concerns
Goldendoodles that are a first generation cross exhibit hybrid vigor. This is a phenomenon in animal breeding referring to the fact that the first cross between two unrelated purebred lines is healthier and grows better than either parent line. The other generations still exhibit hybrid vigor, but not as strongly as the first generation. As a hybrid cross they grow healthier and live longer than either parent line. The only genetic diseases they can be prone to would be those shared by both the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle. No Major Concerns. Minor Concerns - CHD, PRA, VonWillibrands, Elbow and patella disorders. Suggested tests - hip and eye.
Living Conditions & Exercise
Goldendoodles require a moderate amount of exercise and their coats are generally low maintenance. They can live in the city or on a farm. They are social dogs and they are happiest when they are with people.
Life Expectancy
About 13-15 years
Grooming
As a hybrid cross, Goldendoodles will inherit fur that looks retriever-like or poodle-like, but usually something in-between. Unclipped Goldendoodles will have hair about 4-7 inches long, shorter on the face and longer on the body, tail and legs. They require brushing every few days. Depending on how often the dog is groomed. Clipped Goldendoodles are groomed several times a year. More info on grooming your Goldendoodle!
