Goldendoodle
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Find Goldendoodle Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Goldendoodle puppies available.
Find Goldendoodle BreedersGet to Know Goldendoodles
- Popular Designer Breed: Goldendoodles are a popular designer breed, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They were first bred in the 1990s to combine the best traits of both breeds, such as intelligence, a friendly temperament, and hypoallergenic coats.
- Non-Shedding Coats: Goldendoodles have non-shedding coats. Although it cannot be guaranteed that they are hypoallergenic, they are a good bet for people with allergies, as they are less likely to emit dander when they take on the curly coat of their Poodle ancestors. However, their coats can range from curly, wavy, or straight. Regardless, Goldendoodles require regular grooming.
- Friendly and Affectionate: Goldendoodles are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are great with children and other pets, making them ideal family dogs. Their sociable temperament also makes them excellent therapy dogs.
- Variety of Sizes: Goldendoodles come in a range of sizes, depending on whether they are bred from a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle. This variety means there’s a Goldendoodle to suit different living environments.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Goldendoodles inherit the intelligence of both parent breeds, making them highly trainable. They excel in obedience training and can learn a wide range of commands and tricks.
Breed History
The Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed resulting from the cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, typically a Standard or Miniature Poodle. Developed in the 1990s, the Goldendoodle was bred to combine the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the friendly, sociable nature of the Golden Retriever. This designer breed gained popularity for its low-shedding curly coat, making it a sought-after choice for families with allergies. Although not officially recognized by major kennel clubs, the Goldendoodle has become a favorite among dog lovers for its affectionate personality and versatility.
Personality and Behaviour
- Friendly and Affectionate: Goldendoodles are incredibly sociable and thrive on human companionship. They are known for their friendly and loving nature, making them excellent family pets. They are great with children and tend to get along well with other pets.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Inheriting the intelligence of both parent breeds, Goldendoodles are highly trainable and eager to learn. They excel in obedience training and canine sports, and their versatility makes them ideal for therapy or service work.
- Energetic and Playful: Goldendoodles are active dogs that enjoy outdoor activities and playtime. Their energy levels vary depending on the Poodle influence, but they generally require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They love activities like fetch, swimming, and long walks.
Care
- Exercise: Goldendoodles are active dogs that need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily. Activities such as walking, running, swimming, and playing fetch are ideal for keeping them physically and mentally stimulated. Without enough exercise, they can become bored, which may lead to destructive behaviors.
- Grooming: Goldendoodles have a curly or wavy coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain a healthy appearance. Brushing should be done 3-4 times a week, and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is recommended. The coat’s texture and shedding tendencies can vary depending on the genetic influence of the Poodle or Golden Retriever parent. Regular bathing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming are essential, along with routine dental care to prevent oral health issues. Goldendoodles may be more manageable for some allergy sufferers.
- Training and Socialization: Early training and socialization are crucial for Goldendoodles. They are highly responsive to positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. Exposure to different environments, people, and animals at a young age helps ensure they grow into well-rounded adults. Their natural intelligence and eagerness to please make training both effective and enjoyable.
Goldendoodle Summary
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Exercise
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Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Golden Retriever Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation (At least 4 months of age) |
| Elbow Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation |
| ACVO Eye Exam | Annual Eye Examinations. Results registered with OFA |
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Congenital Cardiac Exam at 12 months or older, with exam by cardiologist Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam at 12 months or older, with exam by cardiologist |
Poodle Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Elective Testing | One of the following: Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. Sebaceous Adenitis evaluation by an approved dermapathologist. Results registered with OFA. Basic Cardiac Exam Advanced Cardiac Exam |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Goldendoodle Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Goldendoodle is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Goldendoodle
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Goldendoodle puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Goldendoodle, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Goldendoodle is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
