Goldendoodle

Canis lupus

Last updated: March 24, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© cine-nomadic/Shutterstock.com

Due to their breeding, no two Goldendoodles are alike.


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Goldendoodle Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Goldendoodle Conservation Status

Goldendoodle Locations

Goldendoodle Locations

Goldendoodle Facts

Fun Fact
Due to their breeding, no two Goldendoodles are alike.
Temperament
Energetic, intelligent, gentle
Diet
Omnivore

Goldendoodle Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Black
  • White
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
10-15years
Weight
75 lbs

Goldendoodle as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$1,500 to $2,000
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
65-75 lbs
Female weight
55-65 lbs

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Goldendoodles are a type of hybrid dog, though their pedigree sometimes earns them the name “designer dog.” They come from a blend of a golden retriever and a poodle and were bred so that the personality and temperament of both these dogs could be combined and brought forward.

They are medium-sized and often have a shaggy, low-shedding coat. Since they are a mix of two dogs, they have the sweet and pleasing nature of the golden retriever and the intelligence level and hypoallergenic fur of a poodle. Though they may come at a high price from a breeder, they may also be found in shelters with a low adoption fee.

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Goldendoodle lying on grass

Goldendoodles are a mix of a poodle and a golden retriever.

©cine-nomadic/Shutterstock.com

Evolution

Goldendoodles were developed in 1969 to be guide dogs for people with allergies. Their popularity grew during the “designer dog” trend of the 1990s – when the non-shedding coat of the poodle and the sweet temperament of the golden retriever were considered to be the perfect mix. Goldendoodles were the next offering after the success of the Labradoodle – another sweet-tempered breed. Both poodles and golden retrievers score high in intelligence – so owners are guaranteed an intelligent, athletic, obedient pet.



brown mini labradoodle

Labradoodles have different coat colors and temperaments than Goldendoodles.

©KariDesign/Shutterstock.com

Health and Entertainment for your Goldendoodle

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Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle

While both the labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are half-poodle, the major difference between the two is that the former is mixed with a Labrador retriever while the latter involves the genetics of a golden retriever. The breeds tend to have different coat colors, and the texture varies between them. When grooming, they also end up with different haircuts.

Apart from their looks and parent breeds, there are also slight differences in their temperaments. Both of the animals are quite energetic. However, the Goldendoodle has a more unbridled disposition. The Labradoodle, on the other hand, is rather reserved. The same can be said for the Australian Labradoodle vs the Goldendoodle as well.

Goldendoodle standing on grass

Goldendoodles’ coats can be black, white, copper, cream, apricot, golden, or red.

©Rena Schild/Shutterstock.com

The Different Colors of Goldendoodles

The Goldendoodles can have a wide variety of coat colors. Their coats can be black, white, copper, cream, apricot, golden, and/or red. As the name suggests, the golden coat is the most popular in Goldendoodles, only getting the other colors from being bred with poodles. Many owners find that the Goldendoodle’s coat lightens with age (much like the lightening of the golden retriever), featuring a white hue along with the feathering of their coats.

You can check out incredible facts about Goldendoodles.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Goldendoodles

Before you give a home to a Goldendoodle, it would be nice to know what works and what does not work for you. Here are a few pros and cons of Goldendoodles:

Pros!Cons!
Good for allergies: Since they shed much less than most dogs, they would be a good choice if you are looking for an allergy-friendly pet. Some Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic.Exercise requirements: Goldendoodles require a lot of exercise. If you are not up for that kind of effort, it can be a little cumbersome.
Intelligent: Goldendoodles usually inherit poodles’ intelligence and are brainy pets to have.Social anxiety: These dogs are socially anxious and would need special training to get over it.
Snuggle lovers: Do you want a snuggle-loving pet? Goldendoodles love to cuddle up with their owners.Expensive: If you’re worried about your pocket capacity, you might want to rethink buying a Goldendoodle. They are generally expensive dogs.
Golden doodle puppy playing with ball on beach

Goldendoodles come in standard, mini, and large sizes.

©W.H. Photography/Shutterstock.com

Size and Weight

Goldendoodles come in a lot of sizes. They can be standard, mini, and large sizes. The standard average size of a Goldendoodle is about 13 to 20 inches. The standard Goldendoodles are 15 to 35 pounds in weight. However, a mini Goldendoodle is about 17 to 20 inches and a large one is about 20 to 24 inches. The mini weighs about 40 to 50 pounds and the large one weighs 50 to 90 pounds.

Usually, the standard female Goldendoodles are about 21 to 22.5 in size and weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. the male Goldendoodles are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh around 65 -75 pounds.

Height (Male)23-24 inches tall
Height (Female)21-22.5 inches tall
Weight (male)65-75 lbs., fully grown
Weight (female)55-65 lbs., fully grown

Common Health Issues

Hip dysplasia is a common condition among Goldendoodles.

©gorillaimages/Shutterstock.com

Like all other living creatures, Goldendoodles suffer from a variety of health issues. Many of the issues they face come from the breeds that make up their DNA.

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common conditions. This issue impacts the growth of the hips within the sockets, causing massive pain as the dog walks as they get older.

Cataracts are another typical risk, as they are rather common in poodles. Cataracts cause cloudiness in the eye, presenting as a milky-white circle that blocks the retina. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness.
Goldendoodles are prone to Addison’s disease, sub-valvular aortic stenosis, and sebaceous adenitis.

Overall, the common health issues in Goldendoodles include:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Addison’s disease
  • Sub-valvular aortic stenosis
  • Sebaceous adenitis

Temperament

How Big Do Mini Goldendoodles get - Mini Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are guaranteed to be sweet, intelligent, and obedient.

©Anasty/Shutterstock.com

These dogs make great family pets and are sweet in nature. They are intelligent and obedient. They are also known to be extremely loving towards their owners. Luckily, they are nice to other pets as well, and they have incredible patience with children of all age groups.

However, if you’re looking for a guard dog, the Goldendoodle may not be right for the job. They tend to bond easily with strangers. Their desire to be with the family they love results in substantial separation anxiety. They won’t do well if they are left alone, but they travel rather well.

The Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles

Iams lamb and rice

Goldendoodles need a high-protein diet to provide energy.

©demanescale/Shutterstock.com

These dogs need a high-protein diet to keep up with the high energy that they expend rapidly. They’ll eat dry kibble just as happily as they’ll eat wet food, but high-fat options provide their brain with the omega-3s that they need to nourish their brain as well.

To keep them safe, avoid any foods with corn, soy, dairy, and wheat are usually foods that can cause allergies in these dogs. Also stay away from dog food with legumes, which are connected with heart failure, since this breed is vulnerable to the heart condition sub-valvular aortic stenosis. We compiled a complete list of the best food for all the stages of your Goldendoodle’s life.

At A-Z Animals, we feel the best dog food for Goldendoodles is Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Classic Kibble Dry Dog Food.

This tasty and hearty chicken, duck, and turkey blend kibble is packed with protein, 81% of which comes from animal sources. Real meat is also a source of glucosamine to help prevent hip dysplasia. The amino acid, taurine in this legume-free food is an important part of both heart and eye health.

Check Chewy and Amazon for this product.

Best Overall
Stella & Chewy's Classic Kibble
  • Packed full of protein with beef, pork, and lamb
  • Crafted without legumes or poultry
  • 81% of protein is from actual animal sources
  • "Whole prey” ingredients including muscle meat, organ meat, and cartilage
  • No fillers, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or preservatives.


Check Chewy

Maintenance and Grooming

Petite Goldendoodle playing outside.

Goldendoodles can get a variety of haircuts to suit their personalities.

©Making Connections/ via Getty Images

Goldendoodles come in different types of fur. They do not need a lot of grooming and are relatively low-maintenance. Like any other dog, they need their fur brushed regularly to prevent tangles and eliminate any hairs that have been shed. Speak with a groomer to discuss the many different haircuts from which you can choose. After all, they are part-poodle!

These dogs also suffer from ear infections, so regular cleaning of the ears is necessary. They also need regular nail trims and teeth cleaning.

Training

goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are very easy to train – perfect for first-time dog owners.

©everydoghasastory/Shutterstock.com

Goldendoodles are very easy to train. For anyone that is a first-time dog owner, you’ll be pleasantly pleased that it won’t require much of your time and effort. These dogs are intelligent and can pick up commands quickly. With a good attitude and positive reinforcement, training your dog can be a rewarding experience.

Exercise

Goldendoodles love to swim – just like their golden retriever parent!

©iStock.com/Guy Banville

These dogs do need regular and consistent exercise for their active personality. They will require a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily which will prevent them from becoming bored and lethargic in daily life. Whether they get the workout from a walk or two, or you let them go outside to play, they’ll still be happy.

Puppies

Mini Goldendoodle puppy

It’s always good to socialize puppies so they won’t be anxious around people when they are older.

©Marcello Sgarlato/Shutterstock.com

It is important to train puppies from an early age so that they are not socially anxious when they are older. They also need a little more protein as they grow. However, their meals should be divided into smaller installments as their tiny stomachs can’t take a lot at once.

Children and Goldendoodles

goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are so sweet – they may even tolerate being dressed up!

©iStock.com/Hilary DAnna

These dogs are known to be great family pets and are very sweet in nature. They are energetic and playful around children. They are also known to be very patient as well as gentle with children of all age groups.

Dogs Similar to Goldendoodles

If this dog is not the right match for you, there are a few similar breeds that you might be interested in instead. Here are a few recommendations!

Golden retriever stands on the grass and looks forward

Golden retrievers are bred with poodles to make a Goldendoodle.

©Burin P/Shutterstock.com

  • Golden Retriever: These dogs are one of the parents of the Goldendoodle dogs and are very loving and gentle. They are known to be easy to please and loyal.
  • Poodle: These dogs are impressive and elegant and are known to be intelligent. They are one of the parents of the Goldendoodle dogs.
  • Labradoodle: Labradoodles have a different coat color and are a little more reserved than Goldendoodles. However, these dogs are also energetic in nature.
red royal poodle

A Poodle is one of the Goldendoodle’s parents.

©Diana Kellior/Shutterstock.com

Famous Goldendoodles

There are several famous Goldendoodles – some of which you could even follow on Instagram. These include Orbit. @orbidoodle, That Dood Squad. @thatdoodsquad and Indy. @indythegoldendoodle. The breed is still fairly new, so they may not yet be credited for the roles that they’ve had in entertainment.

Here are some popular names for these dogs:

  • Luna
  • Cooper
  • Lucy
  • Charlie
  • Ollie

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

After a career of working to provide opportunities for local communities to experience and create art, I am enjoying having time to write about two of my favorite things - nature and animals. Half of my life is spent outdoors, usually with my husband and sweet little fourteen year old dog. We love to take walks by the lake and take photos of the animals we meet including: otters, ospreys, Canadian geese, ducks and nesting bald eagles. I also enjoy reading, discovering books to add to my library, collecting and playing vinyl, and listening to my son's music.

Goldendoodle FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Goldendoodle?

A Goldendoodle is a hybrid dog that is a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.

How do you groom a Goldendoodle?

You will have to brush its coat every few days, its nails have to be trimmed and the teeth have to be brushed. You can also give them different kinds of haircuts.

How big is a goldendoodle?

Females are 21-22.5 inches while males are 23-24 inches.

How much is a goldendoodle?

The price of a Goldendoodle can be anywhere between $1500 to $2500. There could also be an additional annual price of $2000 for their maintenance.

What's the lifespan of a Goldendoodle?

The lifespan of a Goldendoodle is about 10 to 12 years.

Is a Goldendoodle good with kids?

Golden doodles are great with kids and are known to be patient and gentle with them. They are also very energetic and playful towards children of all ages.

What are the key differences between Cavapoos and Goldendoodles?

The key differences between Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are parent breed, size, lifespan, health, personality, temperament, and energy level.

What's the difference between a goldendoodle and an Aussiedoodle?

Goldendoodles differ from Aussiedoodles in that they are bred with golden retrievers and Aussiedoodles are bred with Australian shepherds. Read all of the differences between these two hybrid dog breeds here!

What's the difference between goldendoodles and cockapoos?

Goldendoodles are bred with golden retrievers and poodles, while cockapoos are bred with cocker spaniels and poodles. Read all of the differences between these two dogs here!

What are the differences between F1 vs F1B vs F2 goldendoodles?

F1 goldendoodles have golden retriever and poodle parents, F1B goldendoodles have poodle and F1 goldendoodle parents, and F2 goldendoodles have F1 goldendoodle parents entirely. Learn all about them here!

What's the difference between goldendoodles and schnoodles?

Schnoodles are poodle and schnauzer mixes, while goldendoodles are poodle and golden retriever mixes. Additionally, goldendoodles are friendlier than the alert schnoodle.

What's the difference between Goldendoodles and Sheepadoodles?

The main difference between Sheepadoodles and Goldendoodles is their genetics and colorations. Sheepadoodles are a cross between poodles and Old English Sheepdogs, while Goldendoodles are a cross between Golden Retrievers and poodles.

What are the differences between Irish Doodles and Goldendoodles?

The differences between Irish Doodles and Goldendoodles include size, appearance, temperament, trainability, and health issues.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources

  1. Hill's Pet, Available here: https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/goldendoodle
  2. Crocket Doodled, Available here: https://www.crockettdoodles.com/goldendoodle-vs-labradoodle
  3. Dog Time, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/goldendoodle#/slide/1
  4. Puppy Spot, Available here: https://www.puppyspot.com/content/2017/02/10/goldendoodle-facts/
  5. Green Garage, Available here: https://greengarageblog.org/16-pros-and-cons-of-owning-a-goldendoodle
  6. The Happy Puppy Site, Available here: https://thehappypuppysite.com/goldendoodle-size/
  7. Vetstreet, Available here: http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/goldendoodle#grooming
  8. The Spruce Pets, Available here: https://www.thesprucepets.com/goldendoodle-dog-breed-profile-4169836
  9. Pride and Prejudoodles, Available here: https://www.prideandprejudoodles.com/blog/how-to-train-a-goldendoodle-or-labradoodle/

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