What is a Goldendoodle?

The Goldendoodle is a “designer dog,” a hybrid dog breed resulting from mixing the Poodle and the Golden Retriever.  Like all other designer “breeds,” this Doodle is not truly a breed of  its own, but is a crossbreed — and in this case, a cross that is  enjoying growing popularity. 

Affectionate, intelligent, and low-shedding, these dogs inherited  some of the best traits from their parent breeds. Good for novice dog  parents and experienced canine families alike, you’d have a hard time  finding a more loving companion. Originally bred as a larger alternative to the already  popular designer breed known as the Cockapoo, the Goldendoodle has  proven to be an excellent family dog.

They're also versatile  working dogs. Goldendoodles have achieved success as guide dogs, service  dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs (one study tested their success at  sniffing out peanuts in foods for owners with nut allergies).  Goldendoodles have also done well in agility.

The Goldendoodle is  an affectionate and gentle dog that has gained popularity since he was  first developed in 1990s. He's still a young cross compared to other  designer breeds, and many of today's litters are the results of  first-generation breedings between Poodles and Golden Retrievers.

Goldendoodles  are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. They don't  do well in any type of guarding or watchdog role and should not be used  in that capacity. They can thrive in both city and country settings, but  they're not well suited to apartment living, since they do better with  the space provided by a fenced yard. Goldendoodles should not live  outside or in a kennel, however, since they thrive when they are in  contact with the people they love.

Goldendoodles can be very easy to train and are a good match for first-time or timid owners. They're not known to have any aggressive traits, but they do need proper socialization to avoid any shyness or fearfulness. Goldendoodles also need daily contact with their owners; they'll suffer from separation anxiety if they're left for too long.

The best way to avoid any destructive behavior is to crate them and to provide toys and treats to keep them busy  throughout the day. Keeping the radio on when you're out is another  great way to keep them happy.

Goldendoodles are considered to be non- to light shedders and may be a good match for people with allergies. They do require weekly or biweekly brushing, and many owners opt to have them clipped.

Although  Goldendoodles are a young designer breed, that hasn't stopped people  from understanding their worth. They have become popular quickly, and  their star is still rising. They make excellent family dogs and provide  gentle, intelligent companionship throughout their lifetimes.

Designer  dogs, also called hybrids, aren't true breeds — they're crosses of two  specific breeds. If you're interested in a Goldendoodle puppy,  understand that his looks, size, and temperament aren't as predictable  as those of purebreds, since you don't know which characteristics from  each breed will show up in any given dog.

• The  Goldendoodle is not a watch dog, and he's generally not known to be  noisy. He may not bark even if someone knocks on the door.
• Although  he's got an average energy level, the Goldendoodle is not recommended  for apartments. He does much better in a home with a fenced yard.
• The Goldendoodle requires about 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise.
• Being  a wonderful family companion, the Goldendoodle generally gets along  well with children and does well with other dogs and family pets.
• The  Goldendoodle is a very social dog who should not live away from his  family. He's are not suited to living in a kennel or outside; he wants  to be in the house.
• The Goldendoodle may make an excellent companion to people with allergies.

The Goldendoodle is considered to be one of the newest of the "Doodle," or Poodle mix, breeds. Breeding began in the 1990s, after both the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle gained footholds. The theory behind the Goldendoodle's development was  to create a larger Doodle that maintained the desired low-dander,  low-shedding coat and that possessed the intelligent and friendly nature  of the Golden Retriver.

The  Goldendoodle has not become popular for lack of good reason. His  positive personality traits are numerous — he endears himself to  everyone he meets with his friendly, intelligent, accepting nature.
Usually  highly affectionate, he's gentle and patient and makes a wonderful  family companion, especially since he actively enjoys human company. He  is loyal and, with proper training, can be highly obedient. He does have  a playful side and can be mischievous if the mood hits.

Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training,  and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and  playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the  middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates  or the one who's hiding in the corner.