Goldendoodle
Updated December 1, 2025
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.
Friendly, Intelligent, Affectionate, Sociable, Trainable
45-75 pounds
20-25 inches
10-15 years
Cream, Apricot, Red, Chocolate, Black, Silver, Parti, Phantom, Merle
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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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.
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
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
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
Good With
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
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.
Grooming
Goldendoodles have high grooming needs to prevent matting, especially those with wavy or curly coats. Daily brushing is recommended.
Professional grooming is typically required every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat at a manageable length and in good condition.
Their floppy ears should be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent infections, as they can trap moisture and debris.
Nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks, and regular dental care is important for their overall health.
Bathing should be done as needed, but not too frequently, to avoid stripping natural oils from their skin and coat.
Training
Thanks to their Poodle and Golden Retriever heritage, Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train.
Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, are the most effective training methods. They are sensitive dogs and do not respond well to harsh training.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are crucial to ensure they grow into well-behaved and confident adults.
They excel at obedience and can be taught a wide variety of commands and tricks. Their intelligence also means they need mental challenges to stay happy.
Diet
A high-quality, balanced dog food appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, senior), size, and activity level is essential.
The amount of food will vary, but typically an adult standard Goldendoodle will eat 2 to 4 cups of dry food a day, divided into two meals.
They can be prone to food allergies and sensitivities, with symptoms like itchy skin. Consult a vet if you suspect an allergy.
Monitor their weight and body condition to prevent obesity, which is a common health issue.
Exercise
Goldendoodles are an active breed that requires at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. This can include walks, jogging, swimming, and vigorous playtime.
They need both physical and mental stimulation. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training games can help keep their minds engaged.
Most Goldendoodles love water and are natural swimmers. Fetch and other retrieval games are also favorite activities.
They make excellent companions for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Environment
While they can adapt to apartment living with sufficient daily exercise, Goldendoodles do best in a home with a fenced yard where they have room to run and play.
They are social dogs that need to live indoors with their family and do not do well when left alone for long periods.
Their friendly nature means they generally thrive in households with children and other pets, provided they are properly socialized.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Goldendoodles good with children?
Yes, Goldendoodles are known for being exceptionally good with children due to their patient and gentle nature.
How much do Goldendoodles shed?
Goldendoodles are considered low-shedding dogs, but the amount of shedding can vary based on their coat type. They are a popular choice for people with mild dog allergies.
How much exercise do Goldendoodles need?
They are an active breed and need at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, including walks, play, and mental stimulation.
Are Goldendoodles easy to train?
Yes, their intelligence and eagerness to please make them one of the easier breeds to train.
Do Goldendoodles bark a lot?
They are not known to be excessive barkers, but they may bark to alert their owners or when excited.
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.
Looking for a Goldendoodle?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.