Goldendoodle
A golden retriever crossed with a poodle: friendly, clever and very popular, with a coat that needs a groomer and no promise of being allergy free.
Overview
The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, first bred widely in the 1990s in Australia and the United States. No major kennel club recognises it as a breed, so size, coat and temperament vary more than in a pure breed. Size follows the Poodle parent: a standard is usually 20 to 25 inches and 50 lb or more, a medium 17 to 20 inches and about 36 to 50 lb, and a miniature 15 to 35 lb. Most live 10 to 15 years, the smaller ones often longer.
Temperament
Friendly, affectionate and enthusiastic like a Golden Retriever, and intelligent and trainable like a Poodle, which is why so many families choose one. They are energetic, playful and usually good with children, other dogs and cats after a settling in period. They are prone to separation anxiety, especially as puppies, so they suit a home where someone is around for much of the day. They are not big barkers, though most will alert you to a visitor.
Care and grooming
The coat can be straight, wavy or curly, and it mats if neglected: brush several times a week and book a professional groom every four to eight weeks. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and a curlier coat or more Poodle ancestry does not guarantee less shedding, so anyone with allergies should spend time with the actual puppy's parents first. Health problems from both parents occur, including hip dysplasia, a heart condition called subaortic stenosis, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, bloat in large dogs, dental disease and megaesophagus. Ask for health results on both parents.
Living and exercise
Plan for 30 to 60 minutes of real exercise a day plus training or games to keep a clever dog busy. A standard Goldendoodle is a large, strong dog and needs the space and the training that goes with that size, while a miniature fits more easily into an apartment. Most love water and retrieving. Because they are so social, they do badly left alone for long workdays without company or a walker.
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