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Goldendoodle 101

April 1, 2024


Caught the Goldendoodle bug? Well… you're not alone. Goldendoodles have put the entire nation under a spell with their sweet teddy bear faces and adorable curls. They're sweet, smart, and an excellent option for families. Now, with any other breed, you probably have some questions. This is why we have created this guide to give you all the information you need before you meet your new best friend.

What are Goldendoodles?

Golden doodles are a popular hybrid dog breed that crosses a Poodle with a Golden Retriever. Because of their mixed heritage, this breed truly embodies the best of both worlds. Getting their friendly and sociable traits from their Golden Retriever parent while their high intelligence comes from their Poodle parent. There's a reason these dogs have been sweeping the nation with their popularity. They're a loyal and loving companion that embody all the wonderful things about adding a dog to your family.

How big will they get?

Goldendoodles come in various sizes, which is great for a future doodle owner. Different sizes will allow you to find the right dog that fits your lifestyle. While the sizes range from large to small, we specialize in breeding two specific sizes.

  • Micro Goldendoodle:
  • Our Micro Goldendoodle breed is the smallest option we have to offer. They will grow to be about 5 – 10 pounds.

  • Teacup Goldendoodle:
  • Our teacup Goldendoodle breed is the next size up from our Mircros. They will grow to be about 8 – 15 pounds.

What is their temperament like?

Temperament is defined as a dog's personality, disposition, or nature. Though temperament is not a dog's physical characteristics, it is biologically based. Understanding any dog's temperament is one of the best ways to determine if that breed fits your family and lifestyle well. Here are a few things to consider about a Goldendoodle's temperament.

  • Training comes easy. Goldendoodles are very smart dogs and are willing to learn new behaviors and commands with the help of positive reinforcement. Most Goldendoodles will find training fun since it helps keep their minds and bodies engaged.
  • They're social butterflies. Do you have a big family? Got lots of activity going on in your home? Want a dog that you can take everywhere with you? If you answered yes to these questions, then a Goldendoodle is an excellent choice for you. Goldendoodles are known to be friendly with other dogs, children, new faces, and animals. One thing to consider is that Goldendoodles can become very anxious when they're left home alone for an extended period of time. There are ways to solve this issue through crate training, hiring dog walkers, or moving your work schedule around.
  • Get ready to play! No matter which size you choose, this dog breed is incredibly playful. A Goldendoodle will thrive on ample playtime with you and the rest of your family. They're known for getting the "zoomies," so if you see them running back and forth without stopping, don't be worried. That is entirely normal. It's important to note that Goldendoodles can get bored quickly if they don't get the proper amount of daily exercise, which can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging. So, ensure they have plenty of time to play and daily walks.
  • At your service. Goldendoodles make an excellent choice for a service dog. Their intelligence, ability to train easily, and friendly nature make Goldendoodles excellent service dogs. In fact, a Goldendoodle can offer all the same services as its Golden Retriever parent, including:
    • Assist those with hearing and vision impairments.
    • Act as guide dogs for those with a disability.
    • Learn how to open doors.
    • Learn to switch lights off and on.
    • Alert owners to oncoming seizures or other medical issues.
    • Be taught to bring extra help in the event of an emergency.
    • Provide emotional support for anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.

What are their grooming needs?

As with any dog, grooming your Goldendoodle is essential for them to live a long and happy life. Their grooming needs may depend on whether their coat resembles a Poodle's (curly) or a Golden Retriever's (straight). Due to these variations in their coat, we recommend meeting with a groomer to figure out how often they should come in for a trim. When it comes to at-home grooming, here's what we recommend:

  • Brush, brush, brush! Make sure to brush your doodle every day to keep their coat free of mats and tangles and to keep it shiny.
  • Dogs need a spa day, too. Bathe, blow dry, and brush your doodle once a month to maintain a clean coat and a happy dog. Well, we can't guarantee their happiness while they're getting their bath, but they'll love how they feel after all is said and done.
  • It's all about maintenance. We recommend setting grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks, depending on their coat texture. It's also important to ensure their nails are trimmed, and their teeth are brushed.

How much energy do they have?

Goldendoodles are known to have lots of energy. As intelligent and friendly as they are (both traits inherited by their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents), Goldendoodles require lots of exercise, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement. So, what are the best ways to manage their energy levels?

  • Early training. Issues such as play biting, excessive licking, chewing, tugging, and wrestling are common among puppies. You can manage these behaviors by using positive reinforcement for proper behavior, leading by example calmly, and consistent routines.
  • Regular exercise. Ensure you're giving your Goldendoodle ample time to release its energy. Take daily walks and have lots of playtime in the backyard. Getting the right amount of exercise doesn't just promote good behavior; it also helps ensure your beloved dog lives a longer, healthier life.

Are there any health considerations?

Goldendoodles are generally very healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10 – 15 years, but like any animal, they can be prone to common health conditions. It's always good to be aware of these so that you can provide your dog with the best possible care.

  • Common health problems:
    • Goldendoodles may be prone to hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and heart disorders. All these conditions are common in Golden Retrievers and Poodles.
    • Skin conditions and allergies can also affect this breed.
  • Measures to prevent health problems:
    • Regular vet check-ups. These help in the early detection of potential health issues.
    • Balanced Diet. Feeding your dog a well-balanced diet supports their overall health. Check with your vet or nutrition specialist to find the proper brand to help your dog thrive.
    • Regular Exercise. Keeping your Goldendoodle physically active is also good for their overall health. It especially helps prevent obesity, which is often associated with various health problems.
  • Grooming. Taking care of your pet by maintaining healthy grooming practices can help stop ear infections and tooth problems.

Though potential health issues may be a concern, don't let it discourage you. Many of these conditions are very manageable with the proper care and attention.

Successful Training Tips:

  • Consistency is key. Establish clear and consistent rules during training. This helps your Goldendoodle understand your expectations and respond accordingly.
  • Always choose positive reinforcement. Praise and rewards should be given immediately after your Goldendoodle successfully performs the desired command. Treats, verbal praise, and cuddles can help reinforce positive behavior.
  • Don't wait—start training now. Beginning your training sessions when your Goldendoodle is a puppy helps instill good habits and build a strong bond from the start.
  • It's all about patience. Every dog learns at their own pace. It's essential to be patient and understanding, adjusting your training accordingly.
  • Socialization is vital. Expose your Goldendoodle to various environments, people, and other animals to develop their confidence and adaptability. Click here if you would like to learn more about socializing your dog right from home.

Why get a Goldendoodle?

Where do we begin? Whether you get a Micro or a Teacup Goldendoodle, this breed has many pawsome benefits. We've narrowed down a few for you:

  • Goldendoodles are irresistibly loving. Their warm-hearted nature is contagious, making them very friendly toward everyone. They are known for being happy, outgoing, and people-pleasing. Of course, every dog has a personality of their own. It's essential to provide them with socialization to help reduce their stress and promote safe interactions.
  • Good with kids and other pets. Given their gentle (and playful) personalities, they can fit right in with your family. Whether you have children or other pets, rest assured that everyone will not only adjust but also bond well with such a friendly dog. 
  • Say goodbye to shedding. You can thank the Poodle parent for this trait. While the actual amount of shedding can vary, you won't have to worry about cleaning up a lot of dog hair around the house. 
  • They're built-in best friends. Given their loving and gentle nature, the bond between a Goldendoodle and their owner is strong. They will always greet you with cuddles, love, and kisses, which will inevitably boost your mood. 

Are you ready to meet your new best friend? Join our waiting list to bring home one of these adorable teddy bears. 
 

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