Goldendoodle breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Goldendoodles
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Goldendoodle breed
Goldendoodles are a popular hybrid breed resulting from the crossbreeding of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They were originally bred to create a hypoallergenic and non-shedding dog that possesses the friendly and intelligent traits of both parent breeds.
Weight, height and life expectancy
Goldendoodles come in different sizes, including standard, medium, and miniature.
The average height of a standard Goldendoodle can range from 53 to 63cm, while miniatures stand at about 38 to 48cm.
They typically weigh between 11 to 32kg, depending on their size.
The life expectancy of a Goldendoodle is generally between 10 and 15 years.
What is the temperament of a Goldendoodle like?
Goldendoodles are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They tend to be outgoing, affectionate, and eager to please, making them great companions for individuals and families alike.
With their intelligence and willingness to learn, they are highly trainable and excel in activities such as obedience training, agility, and even therapy work.
Goldendoodles are generally good with children and other pets, although early socialisation and proper training are still important.
Our Goldendoodle Community
“Tilly is our fun loving goldendoodle, she loves walking in the woods, the downs and playing with her ball. She loves to be around people.”
Tilly’s owner, Lucy from Somerset
“Alexanders is a friendly and playful Goldendoodle. Loves his tennis ball, tug-of-war rope, and frisbees slightly more than he loves his edible treats.”
Alexanders' owner, Robert from Midlothian
How much exercise does a Goldendoodle need?
Goldendoodles are energetic and active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They benefit from approximately 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day. This can include activities like brisk walks, jogging, playing fetch, or engaging in interactive games.
Mental stimulation is also crucial for Goldendoodles, so puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive play sessions are highly recommended. However, keep in mind that individual exercise needs may vary depending on the dog's age, size, and overall health.
Puppies have specific exercise requirements that should be adjusted according to their age and physical development. For Goldendoodle puppies, short, controlled playtime and gentle exercise are ideal to prevent injury and strain on growing joints.
Gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise as your puppy grows. Avoid strenuous activities and excessive jumping until their skeletal system is fully developed, which typically occurs around 12 to 18 months of age.
Consulting with your vet can provide tailored advice for your Goldendoodle's exercise routine.
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Do Goldendoodles need a lot of grooming?
Goldendoodles have a variety of coat types, including wavy, curly, or straight. Their coat is usually low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a good option for individuals with allergies, but always remember that hypoallergenic does not mean they will cause no allergic reaction.
Grooming requirements can vary depending on the type of coat. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and keep the coat clean and tangle-free. Aim for brushing sessions at least 2 to 3 times a week.
Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks may be required to maintain the coat's length and overall appearance. Your groomer can advise on your individual dog’s needs.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Goldendoodles easy to train?
Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and eager to please, which contributes to their trainability. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and enjoy learning new commands and tricks.
Start training from an early age to establish good behaviour and socialisation skills. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key when training Goldendoodles. Keep training sessions engaging and fun to prevent boredom.
Goldendoodles thrive in environments where they receive mental stimulation and have a job to do. With the right approach, they can excel in various training activities and become well-behaved, obedient companions.
Want to experience spending time with a Goldendoodle to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Goldendoodle near you.
What do Goldendoodles eat?
Feeding your Goldendoodle a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Choose high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their size, age, and activity level.
Puppies should be fed puppy-specific food until they reach around 12 months of age to support their growth and development. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old, then twice daily. At around 12 months old, depending on the brand of food and vet recommendations, gradually change on to an adult dog food.
Monitor their weight and adjust their portions accordingly to prevent obesity.
Are Goldendoodles healthy?
Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health conditions. It's important to be aware of potential health concerns, which can include:
Bones and joints
Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint.
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis.
Eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness.
Skin
Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation.
Ear infections - the ear canal, and sometimes the ears flaps have an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast etc. which can cause signs including irritation, inflammation, smell and thickening of the ear canal tissue.
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Goldendoodle is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Prioritise regular grooming and coat maintenance. Regular brushing (at least a few times a week) and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks will keep their coat healthy.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
