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Breed Guide & Insurance Plan: Goldendoodle

By Christy True and medically reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM
published: December 31, 2020 - updated: April 24, 2023 • 7 min. read
Goldendoodle

Introduction to Goldendoodles

Often referred to as a “designer breed” of dogs, a goldendoodle is a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. These adorable dogs make wonderful companions and are often successful guide dogs and therapy dogs. As a relatively new crossbreed of dogs, goldendoodles come in a range of sizes. However, they are not officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club.

Goldendoodle puppies
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Size of Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles can be miniature, medium, or standard (large) in size. When your Goldendoodle reaches maturity, miniature dogs weigh between 15-35 lbs and standard dogs weigh between 45-100 lbs according to Hill’s. Medium-sized dogs would generally fall between these ranges.

Here is what you can expect size-wise when your Goldendoodle reaches maturity.

Weight Chart

MiniatureMediumStandard
Male Goldendoodle28-35 lbs.35-45 lbs.65-75 lbs.
Female Goldendoodle 26-30 lbs.30-40lbs.55-65 lbs.

When fully grown, a standard-size male goldendoodle will be about 23 to 24 inches tall, and a standard-size female goldendoodle will be about 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall. Mini goldendoodles are generally between 14 to 17 inches in height. Medium-size goldendoodles can fall anywhere in between these ranges.

Characteristics of Goldendoodles

Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles have inherited some of the very best traits of both golden retrievers and poodles, including being affectionate, smart, and not big shedders. As you get to know a goldendoodle’s personality, here’s what you can expect based on his or her breed characteristics.

Breed CharacteristicLevel (High, Medium, Low)
Affectionate with PeopleHigh
Good with KidsHigh
Good with PetsHigh
Need for ExerciseHigh
Energy LevelMedium
Intelligence LevelHigh
Able to Be TrainedMedium
Amount of BarkingMedium
Amount of SheddingLow

In addition to these common characteristics, goldendoodles are moderately tolerant of hot weather, cold weather, and intervals of solitude. Goldendoodles are also easy to groom, don’t drool too much, and aren’t mouthy.

These playful dogs need a fair amount of exercise, but don’t have a strong prey drive. Goldendoodles are very social and affectionate dogs that are gentle and versatile. They work well in household settings with families and are good dogs for guiding and therapy. They are non-aggressive but do benefit from good socialization and training classes. Goldendoodles get very attached to their families and prefer to be part of the pack most of the time.

History of Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are a relatively new crossbreed of dog that only dates back to the 1990s. This crossbreeding picked up after the labradoodle and cockapoo crossbreeds started becoming more popular in American households. However, the first records of mixing golden retrievers and poodles dates back to around 1969 when Monica Dickens crossed the two breeds. Early breeders wanted to create a dog that was just as friendly and intelligent as the golden retriever, but shed less and had some desirable poodle characteristics too. Goldendoodles are particularly popular in the U.S. and Australia.

Most people choose to have goldendoodles as family dogs, although they are helpful working dogs as well. These dogs are favored because they get along with practically everyone and are easy to introduce into social settings. People with allergies also prefer them because they shed much less than other breeds. Overall, the goldendoodle history is still being written since this is a new crossbreed that people are just learning about and embracing. Goldendoodles are already becoming one of the most popular dog breeds.

Goldendoodles Standard Information

Goldendoodles are generally not considered to be a breed of their own, but rather a crossbreed of two different dogs. Therefore, the prominent kennel clubs have not established standards for goldendoodles. The appearance of goldendoodles varies a lot, which is understandable and acceptable given this breed’s history. For example, the long coat of a goldendoodle can be curly like a poodle or straight like a golden retriever.

However, the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) has created a registry to document Goldendoodles’ development and promote the improvement of these dogs. GANA has also established breed standard information as general guidelines for breeding this type of dog.

Goldendoodle

Head:

  • Top skull broader at back than front
  • Straight muzzle that is wider at stop than tip
  • Oval, moderately-wide-set- eyes
  • Low set or low hanging ears
  • Scissor bite
  • All colors of noses are common

Neck, Topline, Body:

  • Moderate length neck that is slightly arched and muscled
  • Level topline with slight dip behind withers
  • Short-coupled and well-balanced body with elliptical-shaped ribs and chest

Forequarters:

  • Laid-back shoulder blades for balance
  • Four legs near-vertical to the ground

Hindquarters:

  • Strong muscles with croup sloped at 20 to 30-degree angle
  • Stifles well bent and hocks well let down

Coat:

  • Curly, wavy, or straight hair are all acceptable
  • Low-shed or no-shed qualities

Color:

  • A range of white to orange-brown colors are common

Gait:

  • Endurance trotter
  • Lively and fluid gait that appears nearly effortless

Caring for Goldendoodles

Because goldendoodles have easygoing temperaments and pleasant attitudes, they are generally well-rounded and reliable dogs that are easy to care for. Here are some general tips for taking the best care of a goldendoodle.

Trainer Tip

“Goldendoodles are moderately easy to train with their high intelligence and eagerness to please. Because they are so social, they thrive with positive reinforcement and in most family dynamics. Because of their easygoing temperaments, they are often trained as therapy or guide dogs. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise but are just as happy to play fetch in the yard, as they are to go hiking with you. ” — Sarah-Anne Reed, holistic dog trainer, and owner of Pack Dynamics, LLC ®.

Best Living Environments:

  • City settings with small yards
  • Country settings with substantial open space
  • Indoors with family members
  • Crated while owners are out of the house to prevent destructive behavior

Type of Exercise:

  • Playtime with family members in a yard
  • At least 30 minutes of exercise per day
  • Swimming in a safe body of water

Mental Enrichment:

  • Playtime with children and other dogs
  • Lots of engaging toys to play with
  • Trips to parks and to meet neighbors

Training Strategies:

  • Start socialization early to expose the goldendoodle to different dogs and people
  • Invite visitors over to interact with the dog
  • Use positive reinforcement instead of harsh corrections to boost confidence

Grooming Tips:

  • Brush coat every 1-2 weeks
  • Cut coat every 6-8 weeks
  • Keep coat short and trimmed
  • Brush teeth daily or at least three times per week
  • Bathe monthly to avoid drying out coat
  • Trim nails twice per month or when you hear them clicking on the floor
  • Clean ears once per week while checking for any odor or redness
Goldendoodle
Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash

Common Health Problems of Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles have relatively good health, but their genetic composition puts them at increased risk for several medical conditions.

The following list includes some of the most common health issues that can be found in goldendoodles:

  • Hip dysplasia, which is a genetic, orthopedic condition that may affect gait
  • Patellar luxation, which is a genetic, orthopedic condition that can cause intermittent limping
  • Ear infections, which are due to their floppy ears trapping moisture
  • Progressive retinal atrophy, which is an eye disease that can progress to blindness
  • Hypothyroidism, which is an endocrine disease resulting from lack of thyroid hormone production
  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus, which causes bloat and is a medical emergency
  • Addison’s Disease, which is an endocrine disease resulting from low cortisol production
  • Heart disease, which can lead to high blood pressure and congestive heart failure
  • Cancer, which can affect many body systems
  • Cataracts, which is an eye disorder that can progress to blindness in old age
  • Epilepsy, which is a condition resulting in seizures and usually requires long-term medication

To predict possible health issues in goldendoodles, veterinarians often look to what poodles and golden retrievers commonly suffer from. Common poodle diseases include Addison’s Disease, epilepsy, bloat, sebaceous adenitis which affects the skin, and von Willebrand’s disease which interferes with blood clotting. Golden retrievers often have issues with cataracts, hip dysplasia, heart disease, cancer, and other orthopedic issues. However, by crossbreeding, goldendoodles often have fewer of these conditions than their parent breeds.

The life expectancy of this hybrid dog is between 10 and 15 years. With plenty of room to exercise and play, a high-quality diet, and regular veterinary care, pet owners can enjoy many wonderful years with their goldendoodles.

Diet and Nutrition for Goldendoodles

Miniature goldendoodles eat between 1-2 cups of food per day, while large standard goldendoodles can eat up to four cups per day. The food should be divided into three meals per day. Goldendoodles are prone to bloat and benefit from three smaller meals per day rather than just one or two larger meals.

Young goldendoodles (<1 year of age) should be fed a dry kibble specifically formulated for the growth stage to meet their higher caloric and nutritional requirements. Adult goldendoodles should be fed a dry kibble formulated specifically for adults (not a puppy or senior formula) to help regulate their weight and maintain their health. A large breed formula will help support bone and joint health in standard-sized goldendoodles as well. There are many quality brands to choose from, but it is recommended to choose a diet that is well-balanced and AAFCO approved. You will find this statement of approval on the back of the bag of food, which certifies that the diet meets quality standards and that it is nutritionally complete.

Where to Adopt or Purchase Goldendoodles

Many reputable breeders offer goldendoodles because of how popular these dogs have become. Steer clear of puppy mills with questionable breeding practices, and choose responsible breeders that provide health certifications and take excellent care of their dogs. The Goldendoodle Association of North America is the first and only official breed club established for goldendoodles. There is a “Find a Puppy” feature on the GANA website to help you find a puppy from a reputable breeder.

To adopt a goldendoodle from a rescue, check the websites PetFinder.com and Adoptapet.com to search for dogs in your area. Marvelous Dogs has a directory of goldendoodle rescues by state. The website AnimalShelter.org can also help you find a goldendoodle in your home region.

Related Breeds

Several other doodle breeds exist. One of the most well-known breeds is the labradoodle, which is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle. Cockapoos are a cross between cocker spaniels and poodles, and these are considered the earliest doodle dogs since they first started being bred around the 1950s. Other popular mixes are schnoodles (schnauzers + poodles), shepadoodles (German shepherds + poodles), and whoodles (Wheaten terriers + poodles).

People often select doodle dogs for their non-shedding characteristics, adorable looks, and pleasant personalities. For breeders, the goal of breeding doodle dogs is to combine the best qualities of two desirable breeds. However, it is important to remember that each dog has a unique personality and genetic makeup.

Pet Insurance for Goldendoodles

Medical issues may arise with goldendoodles, and accidents can happen with these fun-loving pups. This is why many responsible pet owners choose to protect their goldendoodles with pet insurance from Healthy Paws.

Check out our website to compare the different insurance options from various companies and to read customer reviews to learn more about why Healthy Paws gets a 9.8 out of 10 customer satisfaction rating among pet owners and goldendoodle-lovers like you.

Christy True and Tomas
By Christy True

Christy has been writing about pets for Healthy Paws for 28 dog years. She also coordinates media requests and manages the Healthy Paws Foundation. A background in journalism may be why she enjoys writing about offbeat animal studies and the latest viral pet trends. She has been owned by several dogs, and she volunteers with a local dog rescue. Outside of work, she can usually be found sliding down a mountain near her home in Bend, Ore.

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About DVM contributor, Brittany Kleszynski
By Brittany Kleszynski, DVM

Dr. Brittany Kleszynski is a freelance veterinary and medical writer for Healthy Paws who specializes in creating meaningful content that engages readers and speaks directly to the intended audiences. She writes and edits educational articles for pet parents and creates continuing education and online learning modules for healthcare professionals. She has worked in research and small animal practice since graduating veterinary school and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

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