Goldendoodles are a mixed do breed

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A Goldendoodle dog is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden retriever and the result is a friendly, easily trained dog that is great for families (some say)– especially those families whose members have allergies.  Mini Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden retriever and a Miniature Poodle. They are smaller than the average Goldendoodle, hence the “mini” attached to their name. The breed was established in the 1990’s, soon after Labradoodles became popular. Goldendoodles are considered a mixed breed.

Goldendoodle dogs are gaining popularity, especially with many celebrities now owning goldendoodles.

Goldendoodle Breed Specific

First generation Goldendoodles are considered to have “hybrid vigor” because they come directly from full-bred dogs with a reputation for desirable qualities. This hybrid vigor makes them suitable as pets.

Classifications

The first generation or those that are directly descended from a full bred Golden retriever and a full-bred Poodle, are classified as F1. The F1B is a backcross between a Goldendoodle and a poodle and an F2 is a cross between one Goldendoodle and another Goldendoodle.

Appearance

Depending on which genes dominate, their fur may be curly, wavy or straight and between 4 and 8 inches long when not clipped. The combination also makes their fur particularly suitable for those who have allergies because they shed little or not at all.

They may be closer to the size of a Retriever (though not quite so large) or to the size of a poodle. Most of them hit an average between the two breeds. A standard Goldendoodle weighs 45 pounds or more at adulthood. Medium-sized doodles range between 30 and 45 pounds. Miniatures weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.

Grooming

Goldendoodles should have their fur trimmed every few weeks to keep it from getting long and tangled. Comb their regularly.

Personality

Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are known for their intelligence and trainability. This makes Goldendoodles particularly smart and easily handled, though how well they learn depends on the amount of time you spend with them. When left alone the majority of the time, their behavioral skills will suffer.

Health Issues

There are no major health concerns involved with Goldendoodles but the few that may come up are:

• VonWillebrand’s – a blood clotting disorder found in some Golden Retrievers and Poodles
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) – more common in Golden Retrievers than Poodles
• Elbow and patella disorders

A vet should be consulted concerning genetic testing for these disorders though the mix of a golden retriever and a poodle in the first generation most often produces a very healthy dog.

Life Expectancy

Goldendoodles can live for up to 15 years.

Registry of Goldendoodles

The Goldendoodle Association of North America or “GANA” was established to keep a record of Goldendoodle breeds and follow the breed lines for the purpose of ensuring good health and development down through the lines.