What is a Goldendoodle?
A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. A Goldendoodle is not a purebred, and therefore is not a registered breed. Goldendoodles make amazing pets and are great family dogs. In general, mixed breed dogs are known to be healthier and more genetically sound than purebreds. Goldendoodles are fun, goofy, family dogs that are great with kids and love to participate in family activities. I think the best way to describe Goldendoodles is “little people in fur coats.”
What is the Goldendoodle’s temperament like?
Goldendoodles are very intelligent family dogs. Retrievers and poodles are ranked in the top five smartest dogs in the world. Goldendoodles love people and are loyal family dogs. They are great with children, other animals and people in general. They love being with the family and aren’t a dog to be left on a chain all day outside by themselves. They need human companionship. When Goldendoodles are taken to obedience class and trained properly they learn quickly and I’ve heard time and time again that they are always in the top of the class. They are goofy, fun-loving dogs that are full of charisma and character. While they will bark to warn you that someone is at the door, they are not excessive barkers. If you want an easygoing, fun dog, the Goldendoodle is for you!
What are the different generations of Goldendoodles?
There are different generations of Goldendoodles and terms to describe them:
F1 Goldendoodle: Golden Retriever crossed with a Poodle (50:50)
F1b Goldendoodle: Goldendoodle bred back to a Poodle (25:75)
F2 Goldendoodle: Goldendoodle bred to a Goldendoodle
F3 Goldendoodle: F2 Goldendoodle bred to a F2 Goldendoodle
In order to make the Goldendoodle a purebred dog, you’d have to breed Goldendoodles together for seven generations—an F7 Goldendoodle.
The F1 Goldendoodle is the healthiest because it displays what is known as “hybrid vigour.” The more you inbreed, the more genes Goldendoodles will have in common and the more health issues to which they may be prone. This is why mixed breed dogs are healthier and prone to fewer health issues than purebred dogs. When both parents have traits in common, puppies are more likely to display a disease. If only one parent carries the trait, the gene is recessive in the puppy.
Poodles and retrievers do have some diseases in common. That is why it is crucial to find a breeder who is doing all the right health testing.
What is the difference in temperament between males and females?
There isn't a huge difference between males and females. Males tend to be bigger, more affectionate, goofy, but also a little more stubborn. Females tend to be smaller, more independent but easier to train and less stubborn. These differences are minor, and both males and females make amazing pets. I think it is far more important to choose a pup based on temperament before gender.
What is the difference between an English Goldendoodle and a regular Goldendoodle?
English Goldendoodles are usually light in color, more laid back and have a stockier build. All of the parents of my English Goldendoodles have been imported straight from Europe. I have flown all over Europe visiting many kennels and have incorporated some of the finest breeding stock out of Europe into my breeding program. My male, Monty, is from Spain. His father was the top dog in Europe in 2004 and Monty is a Canadian Champion. He is stunning! I waited over two years to get him.
Please note that many breeders in the states use field retrievers to produce their Goldendoodles. These retrievers are bred for field work and tend to be very lanky and hyper, and as a result, tend to produce hyper, lanky Goldendoodles. I do not use these retrievers in my breeding program. I strive to produce beauty, character and health within my program. It doesn't matter if you get an English Goldendoodle or normal Goldendoodle from me, I will temperament-test all the pups and find a solid pup that best suits your family.
What genetic diseases should Goldendoodle breeders be testing for in the parents?
Goldendoodles have become so popular that there are now many careless breeders doing little to no testing. Please do your research and make sure breeders are performing the testing below. It’s better to wait for a good quality pup from a great breeder than to support careless breeders who are just out to breed as many pups as possible without regard for the breed as a whole. If you buy your Goldendoodle puppy from a disreputable breeder, you may end up with many health problems and expensive vet bills.The website www.Goldendoodle-labradoodle.org has some of the top Goldendoodle breeders in the world.
Tests required for Breeding of Golden Retrievers
1. Hips (HD) OFA or Pennhip or OVC
2. Eyes (CERF) Required Yearly
3. Hearts - tested and certified by OFA
4. Elbows (OFA)
Elbows have become a recent problem in the breed. Many dogs tested years ago will not have elbow clearances. To continue to keep up with the research and the recommendations of the breed Association, we require elbow tests on all Golden Retrievers to be cleared on all new certifications. We will not require elbows on the older certifications.
Tests required for the Breeding of Standard Poodles
1. Hips (HD) OFA or Pennhip or OVC
2. Elbows OFA
3. Eyes (CERF) -- Required Yearly
4. Von Willebrands (vWd) (bleeding disorder) DNA or Blood screen
5. Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) Skin Disorder
* Thyroid malfunctions - Not Required but a highly recommended test for all breeding dogs.
Tests required for breeding of Miniature and Toy Poodles.
1. Hips for HD and Legg-Perves Disease OFA, Penn hip or OVC
2. Stifles for Luxating Patellas
3. Eyes (CERF) Required Yearly
4. Von Willebrands Disease (vWd) DNA or Blood screen
* Thyroid malfunctions - Not Required but a highly recommended test for all breeding dogs.
How should I choose a Goldendoodle breeder and what should I look for?
A good breeder will perform all clearances listed above and will share all health certificates with potential clients. If a breeder is unwilling to show you health clearances of the parents, this is a red flag. I’ve had dogs with grade four hip dysplasia who are healthy, happy and jumping around. There is no way I would have known they had hip dysplasia if I didn’t get them tested. Imagine if I were a disreputable breeder and didn’t get these dogs tested and sold you a pup out of one of these parents. ASK TO SEE CERTIFICATIONS.
A responsible breeder will:
·
be willing and able to provide you with references;
·be honest with you and have high standards and integrity to provide clients with a quality puppy;
·be willing to work with you even after your pup goes home;
·ask to be kept up-to-date on how the pup is growing and maturing, and about their temperament. (This is how responsible breeders improve their breeding programs. By knowing what my breeding stock produces, I’m better able to pair my dogs appropriately and breed the best Goldendoodles out there );
·provide you with a health guarantee, and make sure the pups are vaccinated, microchipped and dewormed before they go home;
·have some type of adoption form;
·ask you questions about what you are looking for in a dog (This will help the breeder give you the most suitable pup in terms of temperament and coat-type);
·allow clients to visit their kennel, although each one may have different rules (At SwissRridge, we only allow people who have purchased a pup to view the kennel at the time of pickup to reduce the risk of many different diseases like parvo, canine distemper, canine herpes, kennel cough, canine flu being spread to our dogs.);
·provide you with references from clients, other breeders, veterinarians, etc.
·ask questions to help determine if you will provide a great home to their pups.
A responsible breeder cares about their pups and where they are going.
What are the coat types of Goldendoodles?
Every Goldendoodle has a different coat type, and there is no guarantee this will be a hypoallergenic or non-shedding dog. That said, I’ve sold many Goldendoodles to people with allergies with much success. If you have allergies, it’s best to get a Goldendoodle with a wavy to curly coat. The curlier the coat the less your Goldendoodle will shed. We can tell coat type when they are six or seven weeks old and will help match the right Goldendoodle puppy with you.
Please note that there are two different types of allergies. Most people are allergic to canine dander and are fine with poodles. However, if you are allergic to saliva (e.g., if you break out in hives and can’t be around poodles), you will be allergic to doodles as well.
What are the different sizes of doodles?
We breed three different sizes:
Standard Goldendoodles: These are medium- to large-sized dogs bred from a standard poodle and a golden retriever.
Height: Males 21-29 inches; Females 20-25 inches.
Weight: Males 55-90lbs; Females 50-65lbs.
Mini-Goldendoodles: These are small- to medium-sized dogs, around the size of a cocker spaniel. A mini- or toy poodle is mixed with a golden retriever to produce a Mini-Goldendoodle
Height: 13– 21 inches
Weight: 25-50 lbs
Tiny F1b Goldendoodles: A Mini-goldendoodle is bred to a mini or toy poodle.
Height 10-15 inches
Weight 10-30lbs
What is the difference in temperament between mini and standard Goldendoodles?
I find that as pups, the mini doodles are more outgoing and take a little more work, but as adults they seem to calm down. The nice thing about the mini doodles is they are a great size and you can take them almost anywhere. They are great city/condo dogs.
Other than that, both mini and standard Goldendoodles love to play fetch, swim, and hike, are great family dogs and awesome with kids.
How much exercise does my Goldendoodle need?
Goldendoodles require a moderate amount of exercise. They should to be taken for at least three walks a day for 15-30 minutes. They love being with people and if you’re active they will participate. If you’re just chilling on the couch, they’ll join you. They are happiest being with people. You can take these dogs almost anywhere and they acclimatize well to new situations.
How do I groom my Goldendoodle?
The curlier the Goldendoodle’s coat, the harder it is to care for. If your Goldendoodle is very low to non-shedding, you will need to brush it every day to prevent matting, and it will need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Make sure to be very specific with the groomer as to how you want your dog groomed because some owners have been horrified when their Goldendoodle comes out looking like a poodle. Be specific and show the groomer a picture of how you want your dog to look.
You should take your pup to the groomer only after its full set of three vaccines (at around 14-16 weeks). To get them used to the process, ask the groomer only to give them a bath, clean the ears and cut the nails. The full clip might scare your pup. The next time you visit the groomer, you can have the pup clipped.
You should only bath your Goldendoodle every 3-4 months as bathing strips all the essential oils out of the fur.
What is the life expectancy of a Goldendoodle?
Usually the smaller the dog the longer they live. Goldendoodles life expectancy is anywhere from 10-16 years. Tiny doodles will live longer then standard goldendoodles.
What colors do Goldendoodles come in?
Goldendoodles come apricot, gold, red, black, silver, parti (two colors), blue, chocolate, white and blonde. See my gallery and reference page for many different doodles in many different colors.
What is an English Goldendoodle?
Our English or European Goldendoodles are a cross between an English/European golden retriever and a poodle. We import all our English style retrievers straight from Europe. English retrievers tend to be stockier, more laidback and lighter in color. We see these characteristics displayed in the English Goldendoodles as well.
