Goldendoodle
Canis lupus

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 Facts
- Fun Fact
- Due to their breeding, no two Goldendoodles are alike.
- Temperament
- Energetic, intelligent, gentle
- Diet
- Omnivore
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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View all of the Goldendoodle images!
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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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.

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.

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. |

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

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

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.
- 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.
Maintenance and Grooming

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

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

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

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 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.

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.
Popular Names for Goldendoodles
Here are some popular names for these dogs:
- Luna
- Cooper
- Lucy
- Charlie
- Ollie
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.
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Sources
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