About the Breed: Goldendoodles
Summary
photo courtesy of High Desert Paws Kennels
Height:
13"-21" (Miniature), 20"-24" (Standard)
Weight:
25-45 pounds (Miniature), 45-75 pounds (Standard)
Colors:
cream,
gold, tan, brown, grey, black, or a mix
Best features:
kid-friendly, clever, friendly and low-shedding
A Goldendoodle (or Golden Doodle) is a mixed-breed dog, the product of breeding a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Like the Labradoodle, Goldendoodles were originally bred as the perfect solution for challenged folks needing a companion that wouldn't agitate their allergies, the Goldendoodle's low shedding coat has made them a family favorite since their appearance in the mid 1990's.
About Allergies
Goldendoodles are low-shedding, so if you and/or your family members are mildly allergic to dog hair, you may have found the perfect pet (aside from fish!). However, if dander and/or saliva are your allergens, any hairy pet who licks their coat may be trigger allergic reactions. If your family has more severe hair allergies, a backcrossed Goldendoodle (F1-B) might be the answer for you.
Size
Goldendoodles come in a wide range of sizes, depending on the size of their Poodle parent. As you'd guess, a Standard Goldendoodle is a medium/large dog that is parented by a Standard poodle, the largest of the poodle breed. Mini Goldendoodles have a Miniature or Toy Poodle parent, and while smaller than Standard Goldendoodles, Mini Goldendoodles can grow to be much larger than their wee poodle parent.
Just like their coat color and texture, a Goldendoodle's size cannot be predicted. They can grow to be larger than either parent, sometimes nearing 100 pounds. Still, most adult Goldendoodles fit within the ranges below:
| Standard Goldendoodle | ||
| Female | Male | |
| Height | 20-22 inches | 21-24 inches |
| Weight | 45-65 pounds | 55-75 pounds |
| Miniature Goldendoodle | ||
| Female | Male | |
| Height | 13-21 inches | 13-21 inches |
| Weight | 25-40 pounds | 30-45 pounds |
Color
You will find Goldendoodles in a range of colors, like Labradoodles: cream, gold, tan, brown, grey, black, or a mixed combination of any of these. Black Goldendoodles are common, and thereby less expensive. Expect to pay more for a gold Goldendoodles, as they are always in demand.
Coat
The style of a Goldendoodle's coat is as unpredictable as their size or color. Their coat can have the Retriever-shag (though a bit shorter), the Poodle-curl (though not as curly), or any style in between. Whatever the style, their coat is typically full and soft and grows to 4"-8".
Temperament
Goldendoodles have the best of their parents' temperament. They are devoted, obedient, kid-friendly and intelligent like both Golden Retrievers and Poodles, and also have their parents' love of water. They love to play and fetch like their Golden Retriever parent. Very patient and easy to train, Goldendoodles are social and enjoy the company of other dogs and strangers. They're comfortable with either city or country life, as long as they have your good company.
Care
Moderate exercise is sufficient for a Goldendoodle, likely of a daily fetch game and a long walk. It is important to embrace their social nature and provide them with lots of companionship, since they can be mischievous if they get lonely from long periods by themselves. Grooming is a rare task. A longer-haired Goldendoodle will need a good brushing once or twice a week, but a shorter-haired or clipped Goldendoodle will only need brushing twice a month.
Health Concerns
As a mixed breed dog, Goldendoodles are healthier than either of their parents, aren't prone to any canine diseases of major concern, and have a life expectancy of 15 years.
Cataracts, CHD, PRA, vonWillebrands Disease (vWD), elbow and patella disorders are possible, and breeders commonly test for hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, and vWD.