Golden doodle

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The Goldendoodle — a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle — was first bred as a guide dog in the 1990s in the United States. Since then, the dogs have been coveted companions who are popular due to their low coat formation, their clever yet easily trainable personality and their patient, family-friendly nature.

The large, wavy standard Goldendoodle can grow up to 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh around 50 to 90 pounds, but is also available in smaller sizes as mini Goldendoodles. It all depends on which poodle parents they have — the standard poodle or the toy poodle.

Caring for a Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is bred to have the best qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. The result is a smart, fun-loving puppy that is a wonderful addition to any household if given enough exercise from an early age to satisfy and train their high energy levels.

Goldendoodles are very intelligent and are good for obedience courses and mobility training. While they can live happily with other dogs, cats, and children, the puppies may be susceptible to separation anxiety. Therefore, pet owners should ensure that their doodle has plenty of social activity every day and avoid leaving them alone at home for extended periods of time (more than 8 hours).

Goldendoodle health issues

Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs that can live 10-15 years, but they are susceptible to general health problems of the Poodle and Golden Retriever breeds.

While you can’t ensure that your Goldendoodle is free from health issues, you can buy your puppy from a reputable breeder, says Jamie Whittenburg, DVM. “Breeders should thoroughly test their breeding stock by carrying out OFA or PENNHIP tests on their hips, echocardiograms with a cardiologist, and extensive genetic testing before breeding.”

hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common problem in dogs of large and giant breeds and occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally, resulting in a loose joint. This can happen during a Goldendoodle puppy’s growth period.

Puppies often experience discomfort due to limited mobility, which can include reduced activity, difficulty climbing stairs, or even difficulty standing up. There are many options for treating hip dysplasia, from supplements to anti-inflammatory drugs to surgery. However, it’s important to consult your vet to find the best treatment for your Goldendoodle.

heart disease

Goldendoodles are genetically predisposed to heart disease, particularly a congenital variant called subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). In this case, the aortic valve of the heart narrows and an obstruction develops. The heart must work harder than normal to pump blood through this constricted area, which causes heart muscle abnormalities, Whittenburg says. “There are no foods or things to avoid to prevent an hereditary heart defect,” she says. “However, it’s important not to compound the problem by eating a food that has been linked to heart disease. Grain-free foods and branded products should be avoided.”

Congenital eye problems

Goldendoodles are susceptible to two eye conditions: glaucoma and cataracts. Glaucoma is an eye disease involving increased pressure. Symptoms pet owners should watch out for include bulging eyeballs, watery discharge, reddening of the whites of the eyes, and dilated pupils. The condition can be treated with long-term medication. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.

Cataracts are a common condition in dogs that can cause clouding of the eyes and result in loss of vision. If you notice that one or both of your Goldendoodle’s eye lenses look cloudy or opaque, or that your vision is limited, contact a vet. Cataracts can be treated surgically, but if left untreated, they can result in complete loss of vision.

What to feed a Goldendoodle

A well-balanced diet will help your Goldendoodle maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related conditions. This means that your puppy is eating the right amount of high-quality dog food and always has access to fresh water.

How to feed a Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles belong to the Golden Retriever, a breed that is susceptible to heart disease. Avoid feeding your dog grain-free and brand-name foods to reduce the risk of heart disease, Whittenburg says. Instead, pet owners should look for dog food that complies with the Association of American Feed Control Officials, such as Purina® Pro Plan, Hill’s Science Diet, and Royal Canin.

“These dogs should always be fed smaller amounts, at least twice a day, and they’re not allowed to [inhale] their food or exercise up to an hour after eating,” she says. “These measures will reduce the likelihood of life-threatening gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV).”

How much should you feed a Goldendoodle?

To determine the right amount of food for your Goldendoodle, talk to your vet, who will assess your puppy’s lifestyle, health, reproductive status, allergies, and breed to determine how many kilocalories your dog should consume each day.

“Take the food or a photo of the nutrition label to the vet and they’ll calculate the amount of food you should feed,” says Whittenburg. “If you’re making a homemade diet, the veterinary dietician will calculate it for you.”

In general, Goldendoodle puppies under 6 months of age should be fed at least three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day, depending on their stage of life (youth versus senior age). “While adults can technically be fed once a day, this can lead to anxiety and hyperfixation at mealtimes,” says Whittenburg. “It is better for the dog’s metabolism and mental health to be fed every 12 hours.”

Nutrition tips for Goldendoodles

Excess protein and calories aren’t necessary for pet dogs, including active dogs like Goldendoodles, and can lead to obesity and kidney problems, Whittenburg says. Treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s calorie intake and should never replace a diet.

Unless recommended by a vet, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial diet should not need supplements. It is therefore important to choose food that is tailored to the life stage of your Goldendoodle, regardless of whether it is a puppy, an adult, or an older dog.

Behavior and training tips for Goldendoodles

Goldendoodle personality and temperament

If Goldendoodles are properly socialized as puppies, they can certainly live in homes with other dogs. “They are also generally good for cats and children, although there may be some initial settling in time as they get used to new family members,” says Sophie Whoriskey, DVM.

Goldendoodles are energetic dogs that need 30-60 minutes of physical exercise per day, which can include a combination of everything from walks and runs to hikes and games.

Goldendoodle behavior

Since Goldendoodles value the time they spend with their family, they are prone to separation anxiety if they don’t receive the right level of social stimulation. Pet owners should avoid leaving their four-legged friends alone at home for too long.

These relaxed dogs may not be big barks, but they can get loud to warn their people. Overall, Goldendoodles are known for their gentle temperament and are therefore ideal for households with children and the elderly. “They particularly benefit from having a strong bond with their human family and being part of their daily routine,” says Whoriskey.

Goldendoodle-Schulung

Goldendoodles are known for being smart and easy to train. They are therefore ideal for activities such as agility and obedience courses. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and use treats to reward good behavior.

It’s also important to raise Goldendoodle puppies at a very young age to ensure they develop good habits that last throughout their lives and minimize malicious behavior. “With patience and consistency, you’ll be able to teach your Goldendoodle lots of tricks and commands,” says Whoriskey.

But Mindy Waite, CAAB, CPDT-KA is warning pet owners not to be outsmarted by the cleverness of their Goldendoodle. “They’re so smart that they can easily adapt their [pet parents] to their own needs,” she says. “Because they are so easy to train, they respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, although [pet owners] must be careful not to be manipulated by their highly intelligent dogs.”

Fun activities for Goldendoodles

• Gehen or Laufen

• Wandern

• Frisbee

• Schwimmen

• Tauchen am Hafen

• Jagen

• Hundepark

• Tauziehen

• Chase

• Agilitätstraining

• Time to cuddle

Goldendoodle care guide

Since they are a mix of golden retrievers and poodles, Goldendoodles are known for their beautiful curly coat that only minimally falls off. However, Goldendoodle puppies need a low-maintenance hair care routine, including regular brushing and appointments with a professional hairdresser.

Skin care

While Goldendoodles don’t require a regular bathing routine, your dog can benefit from a bath in the shower or bathtub if he gets wet or dirty from outdoor adventures.

Fellpflege

To avoid unruly tangles and tangles, Goldendoodles must be maintained constantly and regularly. Brushing your teeth regularly at home is also a must. “It is absolutely important to train these dogs from an early age to provide this consistent grooming,” says Waite. “In addition, [pet owners] must be prepared to spend a lot of money on care every 4-8 weeks.”

Eye care

Cut off your puppy’s bangs to make sure his voluminous hair doesn’t obstruct his vision. Since Goldendoodles are prone to congenital eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, pet owners should also keep an eye on the respective symptoms and visit their vet if necessary.

Ear care

To prevent infections in your Goldendoodle’s ears, always keep them clean and dry, especially after a bath or swim.

Considerations for pet owners

The Goldendoodle is a friendly, springy and energetic breed that is available in many sizes and is therefore an ideal companion for any household. You can live in any type of house but prefer one with a garden and plenty of space to run around.

When you bring a Goldendoodle puppy home, be prepared to give your puppy the right positive reinforcement and attention to ensure they don’t become easily excitable, loud, and prone to frustration. Goldendoodles need lots of training and exercise every day, particularly in their first puppy years, to stay entertained, tired, and happy, Waite says.

Goldendoodle FAQs