What is a Golden Doodle?


Are you considering getting a Goldendoodle or just someone curious about exactly what this new popular breed is? You’re not alone if you’ve heard the term and asked “Golden-what?” We’re going to help clear up the confusion regarding this elite breed of dog so you can walk away feeling like an expert even if you’ve never seen a Goldendoodle before now.


A Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed- a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They have also been known by names such as Goldie Poos, Golden Poos, and Groodles. This breed has what is known as “hybrid vigor” and the term refers to the phenomenon of a hybrid breed becoming stronger, healthier and more resilient than the original two breeds. They have been bred in North American since about the early to mid nineties and they are growing more and more popular.


Description of the Goldendoodle:


Since the Goldendoodle is a cross between a Poodle and Golden Retriever, you might be wondering what they look like. The physical appearance can vary greatly according to what generation hybrid you have as well as what parents they were bred from. They can vary in color from cream, gold, tan, brown, grey, black, or a mix of any of these colors.


Their coat can vary from a shaggy retriever-looking coat to a curly poodle or anywhere in between. Most Goldendoodles are a fair mix in between the two and are usually low to no shedding which also makes them great for families with allergies or high allergy risk. The length of the coat when left uncut usually falls between four to eight inches.


Generations of the Goldendoodle:


When you talk with a breeder about getting a Goldendoodle, you might hear about the generations of Goldendoodles. This refers to how the dog was bred. For example, a first generation Goldendoodle (referred to as F1) was the first to be bred. This comes from the Golden Retriever and a Poodle, both pure bred.


The backcross Goldendoodle (F1b) comes from crossing a first generation Goldendoodle with a Poodle. Then you may also hear about second generation Goldendoodles (F2) and these come from a Goldendoodle being bred with another Goldendoodle.


Size of the Goldendoodle:


There are different sizes of Goldendoodles, based on the parentage of the dog in question. A good way to predict the size of puppies is to add the weight of the parents together and then divide by two. This is of course, just a general idea and there could be puppies that will fall above and below that line.


While some standard Goldendoodles have grown to more than 100 pounds, the average is as follows:


Standard - A Goldendoodle that is predicted to be 45 lbs or more at adulthood.

Miniature/Medium - A Goldendoodle that is predicted to be 30-45 lbs at adulthood.

Petite - A Goldendoodle that is predicted to be 15-30 lbs at adulthood.


Living Conditions and Exercise RequirementsThe Goldendoodle is a fairly easy to care for breed which is another thing that makes them so popular. They require a regular, moderate amount of exercise and fairly low coat maintenance (depending on the type of coat). They are very social dogs and love to be around people and are also known for being great with children. The Goldendoodle can live in the city or on a farm with just as much comfort and ease.


Health Concerns/ Life Expectancy:


Because of the hybrid vigor, Goldendoodles are generally very healthy. They are stronger than their parent breeds and live longer. The average life expectancy is around 15 years although some have been known to live longer.


There are no major health concerns for this breed but minor concerns include CHD, PRA, VonWillebrand's, elbow and patella disorders. It is suggested that you have regular tests on the hips, eyes and for vWD to detect possible problems early on.




Goldendoodles need regular grooming and coat care as all dogs do but for most, the maintenance is minimal. For short to medium length coats, you will need very little care. Regular washings and brushings will do just fine. These are usually low allergen risk and safe for most families with mild allergies.


If you have a Goldendoodle with a longer, curlier coat like a poodle, it may require more grooming care. Many owners enjoy styling the coat of their longer haired Goldendoodles and if properly cared for, the hair can grow all the way to the ground. Regardless of which type you have, the hair around the eyes and the genitals should also be neatly clipped and regular brushing will keep the coat shiny all over.




Goldendoodles are a very social breed. They love human interaction and are most likely to get into trouble or have behavior problems when they are left alone with little human contact. They have a strong desire to please which makes them easy to train and they are very loyal to their family.


Goldendoodles are an excellent, well tempered breed that is suitable for most any home. Any owner will testify to how enjoyable they are. Now that you are more informed about this breed, you can make a decision about whether or not they are right for you.






(information courtesy of goldendoodles.com)


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