9 things to know before getting a Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are one of those crossbreeds that more and more people are starting to gravitate toward. Unfortunately, a lot of people’s interest is based on some misconceptions about the breed. This isn’t to say that Goldendoodles are a fantastic dog breed – they definitely are. However, as with any other pet, you ought to know what you’re getting. So, here are the 9 crucial things to know about the Goldendoodle.

9 things to consider before buying a Goldendoodle

1. The Goldendoodle combines the best characteristics of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle

The problem with most crossbreeds is that they can have widely varying traits. That’s because crossbreeds are bred as first-generation dogs – a cross between the two purebred dogs and not already existing crossbred dogs. That’s done to make sure that you’re getting a true 50/50 cross but it also makes some crosses very unreliable.

That’s not the case with the Goldendoodle, at least not for the most part. The two parent breeds - Golden Retrievers and Poodles - are similar in so many ways that their crossbreed is quite consistent as well. As retrieving water dogs, both breeds have similar temperament, intelligence, sociability, trainability, and physical needs, so the same applies to their crossbreed. The coat really is the main exception to the rule.

2. Goldendoodles are incredibly smart and social – almost to a fault

Like all retrieving gun dogs, Goldendoodles and their parents are incredibly smart animals. Bred to interact with people, to follow commands and ques, and to perform complex work tasks, these dogs have very impressive intelligence. And, as dogs bred to work with people, they are perfectly social too. The last century or so of transitioning more to the “job” of family pets has only made Poodles, Goldies, and the resulting Goldendoodle even smarter and more social.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you won’t need to train or condition your dog – it just means that it’s going to be easier than with other breeds. Obedience training is still very much a must for Goldendoodles as they can be quite lippy and mischievous without it. Good socialization is also very important, both with other animals and with other people.

A Goldendoodle is extremely unlikely to be aggressive toward other people even without socialization – not to the extent of a guard or watchdog anyway (unless the dog has been mistreated in the past). However, without socialization, your dog may get too socially awkward and frightful which isn’t great.

If you have or plan to have kids, proper socialization with children is also important. Goldendoodles are definitely not a problematic breed for kids but the basics still need to be covered.

3. This is a very high energy dog breed

Goldendoodles are very energetic dogs and they require a lot of exercise and playtime. Ideally, you will be able to provide your Goldendoodle with:

• Two 1-hour trips to the dog park every day, including jogging, playtime, and socialization with other dogs.
• At least a couple of hours of yard playtime. The yard should be fenced and the playtime should be supervised but spending more time in an open space is very important.
• Prolonged trips and hikes to new locations. Remember that Goldendoodles are descendants of hunting dogs – **it’s in their nature to occasionally go explore new biomes. **Hikes over the weekends are a great way to do that. Goldendoodles also tend to love swimming and it is a great exercise, especially for older dogs with joint issues.

4. Goldendoodles are fairly adaptable to their environment but are not suitable for apartments

As smart and social as these dogs are, they can live very well in all types of places. As long as they are with their humans and they get enough exercise, they should be fine whether they are in an urban or rural environment, or in colder or warmer climates.

Trying to live with such a dog in an apartment really isn’t the best idea, however. It can work if you spend enough time in the dog park and if the apartment is spacious enough but a house with a yard is strongly recommended. Besides, your downstairs neighbors really won’t be happy with a dog that’s both large and exceptionally active. The best apartment dog breeds are either small or large but calmer and with more laid-back personalities – that’s not the Goldendoodle.

5. Finding a great breeder and/or a healthy puppy is a must

This is true for all crossbreeds and the Goldendoodle is no exception. Technically it’s true for purebred dogs as well but with there it’s somewhat easier to find the right breeder as there are established standards for their breeding.

The reason this is important is that you want your pet to come from healthy parents and without any unfortunate hereditary conditions passed down the line. If you’re adopting it can be difficult to ascertain what the dog’s lineage is but you can at least ask for its health details.

Whatever you do, however, never buy a dog from a pet store or a puppy mill as these places typically lack any standards when breeding their dogs. Either adopt from a shelter or find a reputable breeder.

How much does a Goldendoodle cost?

Goldendoodle puppies can be expensive which further pushes people toward the puppy mill market. Prices can vary anywhere between $600 in pet stores, to over $1,000 at many reputable breeders, and to as high as $8,000 for certain rare coat types. The average price tends to be around $2,500 for a certifiably healthy puppy.

6. This is quite a healthy and long-living breed overall but there are still things to watch out for

Goldendoodles inherit the health predispositions of their parents. That’s a good thing as both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are quite healthy, at least when they are purebred. Still, even such health breeds aren’t immune to health issues. Some of the more common problems to watch out for include:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• Ear infections
• Skin allergies
• Addison's disease
• Skin conditions such as Sebaceous Adenitis
• Heart problems such as Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Picking a healthy puppy is the first step of preventing these issues but the next is proper skin and health care. Grooming helps deal with most skin and ear problems. Good food and measured exercise are vital for hip and joint issues. For everything else, you should make sure never to skip your routine vet check-ups.

7. The Goldendoodle’s coat can vary quite a bit

The one trait that isn’t consistent in Goldendoodles is their coat. Many people get a Goldendoodle because they think they are just a Golden Retriever that doesn’t shed cause it’s half Poodle. That’s not how crossbreeds work, however. Yes, a Goldendoodle can have a Poodle’s coat. However, it can also have a coat that’s identical to that of a Golden Retriever. Or, it can have a coat that’s anywhere in between.

So, most Goldendoodles do shed and only a few have a truly Poodle-like coat. Even if your Goldendoodle sheds less than a Golden Retriever would, you can still expect them to shed quite a bit. And, given that they have long hair, said shedding will be noticeable. This means that you should only get a Goldendoodle if you’re ready for lots of dog hair. Unfortunately, a lot of people get these dogs hoping for a non-shedding pet and many of them end up leaving their dogs to shelters a few months later.

8. Grooming a Goldendoodle is no joke

Whatever your Goldendoodle’s coat ends up being, you can expect to have to do a lot of grooming. Another common misconception is that dogs that shed less need less grooming. That feels logical as there would be less dead hair to remove. However, brushing and grooming aren’t only – or even primarily – for removing dead hair. Instead, and especially for long-haired pets, grooming is done to remove mats from the hair and to maintain good skin health.

As we mentioned above,** Goldendoodles have a predisposition to skin issues**. Their long coats further complicate this as they can trap heat and moisture if they get matted. So, prepare for regular – preferably daily – brushings. A couple of visits to the groomer a year are also recommended.

9. You can’t expect a Goldendoodle to be “hypoallergenic”

No dog breed is truly hypoallergenic as it isn’t their coat that triggers people’s allergies – it’s their dandruff and saliva that loose hair floats in the air. However, Poodles do have a reputation for being “hypoallergenic” as they are the closest a dog can be to something like that. Goldendoodles can be lighter on people with allergies if their coat is very close to that of their Poodle parent, however, you can’t rely on that eventuality. If you need a “hypoallergenic” dog get a Poodle, not a Goldendoodle.

As you can see, Goldendoodles have many of the traits that make both Golden Retrievers and Poodles such awesome pets. The only thing one can say is holding these dogs back is the same thing that applies to all crossbreeds – not much of a standard when it comes to certain characteristics.

Fortunately, Goldens and Poodles are quite similar in terms of size and temperament so the only question mark is their coats. So, as long as you’re ready for all the extra fluff and quite a bit of time in the dog park, a Goldendoodle can be an excellent pet for you.