How Big Do Goldendoodles Get?

The Goldendoodle is a designer dog also known as Groodles. It is a hybrid dog breed obtained from cross-breeding Golden Retrievers with Poodles. This means Goldendoodles are not true dog breeds. However, they seem to be enjoying increasing popularity in recent times. 

You probably already noticed that Goldendoodles come in various sizes. This is because most breeders tend to shy away from multigenerational breedings (inbreeding between two Goldendoodles). Another reason is that breeders do not have a general standard for the variant of Poodle and Golden Retriever parent used in crossbreeding. 

Like you, most people have noticed these differences in size and are curious to know how big Goldendoodles get.

How Big Do Goldendoodles Get?

Goldendoodles come in three main sizes: Miniature, Medium, and Standard. The Miniature Goldendoodle is the outcome of a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Golden Retriever. It gets as big as 13 to 20 inches in height and weighs about 15 to 35 pounds. The medium Goldendoodle gets as big as 17 to 20 inches in height and weighs about 40 to 50 pounds, and the standard Goldendoodle gets as big as 20 to 26 inches in height and weighs about 50 to 90 pounds. 

Typically, the size of a Goldendoodle puppy depends on how big the parent dogs are. This means the best clue to knowing how big your Goldendoodle will get comes from the size of the parent dogs. Also, it is essential to note that your Goldendoodle will grow fast initially but will have its growth rate diminish at around 10 months.

In addition, Goldendoodles are a dog breed that are very active since they hail from a background of working dogs. So, before you acquire a Goldendoodle, you should first evaluate how much space you have, after which you should measure the type of lifestyle you live. This means if you own or rent a house that has a spacious yard, you can get a standard-sized Goldendoodle. Otherwise, a miniature Goldendoodle should suffice.

What is the Difference Between a Male and Female Goldendoodle?

One of the most significant differences between a male and female Goldendoodle is their adult size in terms of weight and height. The size difference between a male and female Goldendoodle is approximately 10% on average, which means, depending on the breed, the majority of the females will be smaller than the males.

Bear in mind that although male Goldendoodles often eventually become larger than female Goldendoodles, the females tend to mature faster than the males. That means female Goldendoodles achieve their full-grown size much earlier than males.

Furthermore, male Goldendoodles have oversized features such as bigger muscles, larger bones, broader shoulders, and giant paws. These oversized features play a significant role in the overall weight and height of the dog, and the weight difference can scale up to about 40 pounds.

However, the size and weight of a Goldendoodle would only be an issue if you have space limitations. With that said, if you are trying to decide which gender of Goldendoodle to adopt based on small apartment size, you’ll be better off with a female Goldendoodle.

Factors that Affect How Big Your Goldendoodles Get 

Adequate Feeding

The recommended daily quantity for a Goldendoodle is 1 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into multiple meals. The following are noteworthy points in the feeding of your Goldendoodle:

• Don’t leave food out where it’s easily accessible to prevent excessive eating. Also, when overweight, make sure they exercise more than they eat.  

• Instead of one large meal, your Goldendoodle should be fed with several small meals per day. This is because the parent Golden Retriever can suffer from bloat or gastric torsion – a trait that can easily be passed on to many Goldendoodle.

Where Do Goldendoodles Come From?

In 1969, the great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, named Monica Dickens bred the first cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. However, this hybrid did not become popular then, not until it took off in the 1990s.

The popularity grew in the 1990s when the breeders in Australia and North America started crossing Golden Retrievers with standard Poodles. They then made their first appearance in the United States in the early to the mid-1990s. The major objective of the cross was to create guide dogs appropriate for visually impaired individuals with allergies.

Though they were a newer hybrid, they rapidly earned devoted pet parents.

Are Goldendoodles Good Pets?

Yes, a Goldendoodle makes an amazing family pet, especially if its nature takes more after the Golden Retriever parent. It has a high level of patience and gentleness, making it get along well even with children of all ages.

However, even though they do very well in homes and with other pets and dogs, it is essential to socialize your Goldendoodle right from puppyhood properly, and it should not be left unsupervised with a child. This is to avoid any biting or ear/tail pulling on either of the parties.

Interesting Facts About Goldendoodles

• They are versatile dogs, and they have success, achieved as service dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, etc.

• Goldendoodles are an excellent match for first-time owners or timid owners. There is no aggressive trait that has been attributed to them so far, but they need good socialization to avoid fearfulness or shyness.

• Even though Goldendoodles are young designer breeds, it has not prevented people from understanding their worth. Their star is fast-rising, and they are gaining popularity already. They make excellent family dogs, providing gentle companionship throughout their lifetime.

• As applicable to every dog, Goldendoodles need early socialization, that is, exposure to various sounds, people, sights, and experiences when they are still young.

• Before you decide to purchase a Goldendoodle, ensure you have a clear understanding of what it takes to own a Goldendoodle.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Photo Sendra