Goldendoodle

Updated August 11, 2025

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A hybrid of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, the Goldendoodle was developed to be a friendly, low-shedding companion dog. They are highly intelligent, trainable, and affectionate, making them one of the most popular 'doodle' breeds for families and individuals alike.

Temperament

Friendly, Intelligent, Affectionate, Sociable, Trainable

Weight

45-75 pounds

Height

20-25 inches

Life Expectancy

10-15 years

Coat Color

Cream, Apricot, Red, Chocolate, Black, Silver, Parti, Phantom, Merle

At a Glance

Maintenance Level

4/5

Friendliness

5/5

Energy Level

4/5

Good with Kids

5/5

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Characteristics Appearance Temperament Care Health History FAQs

About Goldendoodle

A hybrid of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, the Goldendoodle was developed to be a friendly, low-shedding companion dog. They are highly intelligent, trainable, and affectionate, making them one of the most popular 'doodle' breeds for families and individuals alike.

10-15 years
Lifespan
45-75 pounds
Weight
20-25 inches
Height
4
Energy Level

What Makes Goldendoodles Special

The Goldendoodle is the quintessential family companion, blending the Golden Retriever's friendly nature with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat.

They are known for their 'teddy bear' appearance and their happy, sociable demeanor. These dogs are playful, gentle, and deeply devoted to their families, thriving on activity and affection.

Goldendoodle History & Origin

The Goldendoodle was first intentionally bred in the late 1980s and early 1990s in North America and Australia. The goal was to create a guide dog for visually impaired individuals with allergies, by combining the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentle, trainable nature of the Golden Retriever.

The first widely publicized breeding efforts began in the 1990s after the Labradoodle gained popularity.

The breed's friendly temperament, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat quickly made it a popular choice for a family pet, not just service work.

Breeders began developing different sizes, including Miniature and Toy Goldendoodles, by using Miniature or Toy Poodles as a parent.

While not recognized as a standardized breed by major kennel clubs like the AKC, organizations like the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) were formed to establish breed standards and promote responsible breeding.

The cost of a Goldendoodle puppy from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on factors like size, coat type, color, and breeder reputation.

Goldendoodle Characteristics

Individual Variation

Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

Couch Potato Star Athlete

Grooming Needs

Minimal Grooming Extensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal Training Requires a Lot of Training

Health Issues

Few Known Health Issues Many Known Health Issues

Shedding Level

Sheds a Little Sheds a Lot

Goldendoodle Appearance

Goldendoodles have a friendly and intelligent expression and a confident, athletic build. Their appearance can vary significantly depending on which parent breed's traits are more dominant.

Their coat is their most famous feature, ranging from straight to wavy to curly, and comes in a wide variety of colors. They often have a scruffy, charming look with long hair on their face, including eyebrows and a mustache.

Physical Features

Ears

A Goldendoodle's ears are floppy and hang close to their cheeks.

Eyes

Their eyes are typically brown and convey a friendly, intelligent expression.

Nose

The nose is usually black or brown and can lighten in color during colder months, a condition known as 'snow nose'.

Coat & Build

Coat Length

Goldendoodles have a single coat of hair (not fur) that is medium to long.

Coat Color

Goldendoodles come in a wide array of colors, including cream, apricot, red, chocolate, black, silver, and various patterns like parti (patches of color and white) and phantom (specific markings on a solid background).

Tail

They have a long tail that is often carried with a cheerful, upward curve.

Goldendoodle Temperament

Goldendoodles are renowned for their sociable and friendly nature, often greeting strangers with enthusiasm. They inherit the intelligence of both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever, making them highly trainable and eager to please.

Their patient and gentle disposition makes them excellent family companions, and they generally get along well with children and other pets. This breed thrives on human interaction and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.

Goldendoodles are typically playful and maintain a puppy-like demeanor well into adulthood. They are adaptable dogs, but their high social needs and energy levels mean they flourish in an environment where they are an integral part of the family.

Due to their intelligence, they require mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can sometimes lead to mischievous behavior. Early and consistent training using positive reinforcement is highly effective.

Their affectionate nature means they often seek out cuddles and want to be close to their family members, making them loving and devoted pets.

Temperament Traits

FriendlyIntelligentAffectionateSociableTrainable

Good With

ChildrenOther DogsCatsFirst-Time OwnersActive Families

Health

Goldendoodles have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. As a hybrid breed, they can be susceptible to health issues from both the Golden Retriever and Poodle parent breeds. Reputable breeders will screen for genetic conditions.

Common Health Issues

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia - A malformation of the hip or elbow joints that can lead to arthritis. Common in both parent breeds.
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) - A heart condition that involves a narrowing of the area below the aortic valve, which can cause a murmur or more severe issues.
Eye Issues - Can be prone to several eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma.
Cancer - Golden Retrievers have a high rate of cancer, and this risk can be passed to Goldendoodles. Common types include hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma.
Skin Allergies - They can suffer from allergies to food or environmental factors, leading to itchy skin and hot spots.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) - A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Poodles are at a higher risk.

Preventive Care

Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, consistent exercise, and purchasing from a breeder who performs genetic health testing are key to a long, healthy life.

How to Care for a Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are intelligent and social dogs that require regular grooming, daily exercise, and consistent training to thrive. While they can be adaptable, their needs for attention and activity make them a significant commitment.

Living Conditions

Space Requirements

Best suited for a home with a fenced yard, but can adapt to an apartment with enough exercise.

Climate Adaptability

Adaptable to most climates, but care should be taken in extreme heat.

Apartment Living

Not ideal but possible for dedicated owners who can provide ample outdoor time.

Best Suited For

Perfect for active singles, couples, or families with children.

Training Tips

Begin socialization and training from a young age.
Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise.
Keep training sessions short, fun, and consistent.
Enroll in puppy classes for socialization and basic obedience.
Challenge their intelligence with puzzle toys and new tricks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Specialized Care Guides

Puppy Care

Requires early socialization, consistent puppy training classes, and a diet formulated for puppy growth.

Senior Care

May need joint supplements, a modified exercise routine, more frequent vet check-ups, and a diet for senior dogs.

First-Time Owner Tips

An excellent choice for first-time owners due to their high trainability, forgiving nature, and friendly temperament.