Known by various names, such as Groodle, Goldie Poos, or Golden Retriever Poodle mix, these sociable dogs are relatively new to mixed breed dogs but have quickly become extremely popular. They were initially bred to produce a hypoallergenic, intelligent, and affectionate poodle-like dog. And the results have been remarkable!
Aggression and disobedience are rare traits in Goldendoodles, provided they are well-treated and properly trained. If you're seeking a medium to large-sized dog that enjoys long walks and gets on well with everyone, the Golden Retriever Poodle mix might be the perfect fit for your family.
The Goldendoodle's parents
Golden Retriever
We all know just what wonderful dogs Golden Retrievers are. From puppies to adulthood, all they want to do is love and be loved. Overall, this breed is playful, patient, obedient and affectionate. They're pretty large dogs, with males growing to around 58-62cm and females slightly smaller. They're often chosen as pets for families with young children. As long as they've been properly trained from a puppy, you can trust a Golden Retriever to be gentle and well-tempered around kids.
Poodle
Poodles are popular for their distinctive appearance, beautiful coats, exceptional intelligence and loving temperament. They are highly trainable and available in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. They often excel as service dogs.
"Ranked as the most intelligent dog breed second to the Border Collie, the Poodle is known for being very skilful. This is why they do very well as assistance or service dogs,” explains Susanne Saben in Goldendoodle: Goldendoodles Owners Bible.
Golden Retriever Poodle mix - the Goldendoodle
The positives of the Goldendoodle
- They are very friendly, affectionate and generally great with people
- Known to be good for first-time dog owners
- These dogs are smart, intelligent and easy to train
- This breed is non-shedding, which means they are great for those with allergies
- These dogs are very adaptable
The negatives of the Goldendoodle
- These dogs are prone to separation anxiety and shouldn't be left alone for long periods
- They can be high maintenance depending on their coat
- They typically need lots of exercise, playtime and mental stimulation
- Don’t make great guard dogs - simply because they're so lovely!
- Can become destructive if bored
Physical attributes of a Goldendoodle
Height: Males 61-66cm, females 56-58cm
Weight: 14-21kg
Coat: Varies depending on parents - often curly but can also be straight. Gold, black, brown, white, grey, cream, red or a combination.
Life expectancy: 10-15 years.
The appearance of a Golden Retriever cross Poodle can vary depending on which traits they inherit from each parent. However, they typically have athletic, muscular bodies with a square-ish shape. Their coats are often wavy and can grow quite long if not regularly groomed. The big, round, expressive eyes of a Goldendoodle puppy, framed by hair resembling doggy eyebrows, make them all the more adorable. They typically have fairly flat, high-set ears and a square-shaped nose.
Temperament of the Goldendoodle
It's rare to come across a Golden Retriever Poodle mix who isn't happy, bubbly and easy-going. Goldendoodles are typically not nervous or aggressive, especially when raised in a loving home and properly trained. This is why they make great guide and therapy dogs.
Goldendoodles thrive on human companionship and are especially fond of being around people. They make excellent playmates for children and are known for their trustworthiness around them, making them a wonderful choice for families. However, Golden Retriever-Poodle mixes are prone to separation anxiety and do not do well when left alone for extended periods. Providing regular interaction and avoiding leaving them alone for long stretches is important. Golden Retriever-Poodle mixes can become despondent and develop behavioural issues when left isolated.
Additionally, Goldendoodles are incredibly playful and can display a charming mischievous streak. For instance, they may cleverly locate where you store doggy treats and help themselves from the cupboard.
Training and socialisation
Despite the Goldendoodle's intelligence and obedience, they still need training and socialising to become a well-rounded pup. Training should start early, with puppies learning the "ground rules" from the beginning. Once a puppy has received all their vaccinations, their education can begin in earnest. These dogs love learning new things and a great way to start their training and socialisation is by enrolling them in puppy classes. They can meet other dogs and people in these classes while training in a safe and controlled environment. This breed can begin learning simple commands at just eight weeks old.
Start socialising your Goldendoodle from a puppy around humans, animals and children.
One of the great things about this breed is its love for learning and eagerness to please its owners, making positive reinforcement highly effective. Inheriting intelligence and sensitivity from both parents, the Golden Retriever-Poodle mix does not respond well to shouting or harsh corrections.
Grooming your Goldendoodle
The Golden Retriever Poodle mix's coat varies from puppy to puppy, even within the same litter. The different coat types can be straight, wavy or extremely curly and come in various colours. You can expect this curly-coat dog to have its hair grow 5-8cm. While they are low-shedding dogs, which means they're a good choice for those with allergies, Goldendoodles still need regular brushing to keep their coats in tip-top condition. Their coats should also be clipped once or twice a year and their ears checked for wax regularly.
Exercises for a Goldendoodle
Regardless of the size you choose, Goldendoodles are consistently energetic and require daily physical exercise, ample toys and engaging playtime to stay stimulated. Expect to dedicate at least 60 minutes a day to exercise for this breed. They are quite adaptable and can thrive in apartments as long as they receive daily walks, frequent outdoor outings and plenty of social interaction.
Health concerns
As with any mixed breed, Goldendoodles may inherit health issues from either parent breed. Common health concerns for this type of doodle include allergies, hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts and hypothyroidism. Regular veterinary check-ups and prompt attention to any symptoms are essential for maintaining their health. Golden Retriever Poodle mix dogs are prone to:
- Allergies
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Cataracts
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Subaortic stenosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Ear infections
If you're looking for a family-friendly, friendly and sociable pup, the Golden Retriever Poodle mix could be the perfect match for you. After all, with its intelligence, playfulness, and loving temperament, what's not to like?
Other mixed breeds
Here are some more examples of mixed breed dogs:
- The American Bulldog cross Staffy
- The Border Terrier cross Jack Russell
- The Cavapoo
- The Chihuahua cross Pug
- The Chi-poo
- The Cockapoo
- The French Bulldog cross Pug
- The French Bulldog cross Staffy
- The German shepherd – Labrador crossbreed
- The Goberian
- The Goldador
- Golden retriever x German shepherd
- The Husky cross Collie
- The Husky cross Staffy
- The Horgi
- The Jack a Bee
- The Jackshund
- The Jack Russell cross Chihuahua
- The Jack Russell cross Pug
- The Jack Tzu
- The Labrador Collie crossbreed
- The Labrottie
- The Labsky
- The Lhasapoo dog
- The Patterjack
- The Pom a Pug
- The Pomchi
- The Pomsky
- The Pugapoo
- The Puggle
- The Pug-zu
- The Shichi
- The Shichon
- The Staffador
- The Staffy cross Jack Russell
- The Rottsky
