Goldendoodles are a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle. There is more variation from dog to dog than you might see in a purebred dog, but they have many of the same characteristics.
They have quirky personalities and beautiful coats, and they are generally considered to be a joyful breed. They are smart and affectionate, and they are very popular.
Continue reading to learn the Goldendoodle pros and cons.
Goldendoodle Pros
There are many reasons to bring a Goldendoodle into your home, which is why they have become such a popular mixed breed. Take a look at some of their positive characteristics.
1. They Are Wonderful Family Companions
If you are looking for a family companion, you can’t find a friendlier, more loving dog on the planet. Goldendoodles love people and they get along well with children.
Keep in mind that they are usually larger dogs and they can be very energetic. You will want to supervise small children around them, as you would any type of dog. However, they are gentle and patient with children, and they make wonderful family companions.
Goldendoodles are social and they will always be in the middle of your family gatherings. They will want to watch television with you and they will want to go along when you go outside. If you want a dog that will truly become a family member, you can’t go wrong with a Goldendoodle.
2. They Get Along with Other Pets
Goldendoodles are rarely aggressive and get along beautifully with other types of dogs. They will also do well if you have a cat in the home. They are very social animals and they love to make friends.
You can safely take them to a dog park and expect them to enjoy the company of other dogs. If you have another dog at home, be sure to introduce them appropriately. You will find that they are fast friends in just a short time.
3. They Have Three Different Coat Types
Another benefit of choosing a Goldendoodle is that you can choose from three different coat types. The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. You can get a Goldendoodle with long straight hair, long curly hair, or a waxy coat that is a combination of the two types.
Crossbreeding gives you a dog with a lower allergen content than a purebred Golden Retriever, which is the same no matter which coat type you choose. However, each has different grooming needs, and it is nice to have choices.
These dogs also come in a range of colors. You can find them in any of the following colors:
- White
- Cream
- Gray
- Gold
- Red
- Brown
- Black
It is nice to be able to choose from a variety of colors and coat types when you choose your new family member.
4. They Come in Different Sizes
Another benefit to choosing a Goldendoodle is that they come in a variety of sizes so you can get a dog in the size that is ideal for your family. The smaller Goldendoodles weigh around twenty pounds, and they are perfect for living in apartments or small homes. These smaller dogs are usually a mixture of a small Poodle with a Golden Retriever.
They also come in larger sizes, which is great for families who want a bigger dog. You can choose from a variety of options when you select this breed.
5. They Are a Lot of Fun
Goldendoodles are energetic and they are always up for a good time. They love playing outside, hiking, and swimming. They are natural swimmers so you can take them with you when you go to the river, the lake, or the beach.
Goldendoodles are energetic and will keep up with you no matter what you are doing. They love playing outdoors but they are also content to snuggle up while you read a book. You will always enjoy this breed of dog.
6. They Bark Less Than Other Breeds
Goldendoodles don’t bark as much as other breeds of dogs. In fact, they limit their barking to situations where they feel nervous or threatened. They don’t always join in when they hear another dog barking.
If you want a dog that is quieter than most, this is a great breed. It might bark when there is a stranger at the door, but it won’t bark to hear its own voice.
7. They Are Easy to Train
Another great characteristic of Goldendoodles is that they are easy to train. They are intelligent, learn easily, and will stay focused as long as you keep it interesting.
You should sign up for obedience training and they will learn everything you teach them. They enjoy the challenge of learning new things and the time you spend training them will pay off in the end.
8. They Love to Play Fetch
Goldendoodles come from two breeds that are natural retrievers. You can play fetch with them for hours and they will never grow bored. Keep in mind that they will retrieve on their own if you don’t spend enough time with them. They love to put things in their mouths.
9. They Make Great Therapy Dogs
Goldendoodles are very social, intelligent, and loyal. They naturally bond with their family members and they make great therapy dogs. They are easy to train and intuitive, and they can be of great benefit to someone who needs a therapy dog.
They also make great emotional support dogs. They are loving and kind, and they know how to make someone smile. They want to please their companions, and they can help someone find joy and purpose in life.
Goldendoodle Cons
While there are many reasons to bring a Goldendoodle home, there are a few challenges that are worthy of consideration. Before you make the decision to get a Goldendoodle, make sure that you understand both sides of the coin.
1. They Require Grooming
No matter what type of coat your Goldendoodle has, you will need to devote time to grooming. They have long hair, and some of them will need to be clipped. You will need to brush your Goldendoodle regularly to make sure that it doesn’t get mats.
You should get a sturdy brush and brush your Goldendoodle on a daily basis. This will help to keep its coat nice and smooth. In addition, you will need to bathe your dog regularly. They require more grooming than some short-haired dog breeds.
2. They Have a Lot of Energy
If you have a Goldendoodle, you need to have enough time to give it the exercise it needs. You can play outside in the yard or take it out for walks. They will need to burn off energy or they will feel cooped up.
Make sure that you have the time to give your Goldendoodle so that it gets enough exercise. When it does, it is a wonderful family dog.
3. They Are Excitable
Goldendoodles are very social and they get excited to see the people they love. In fact, they get excited to see people they don’t know very well too. You need to watch them with small children because they can get too excited and accidentally knock them down.
You will want to take the time to train them so that they learn not to jump on people. If you spend time on this, they will learn how to express their enthusiasm in other ways.
4. They Can Be Chewers
By nature, Goldendoodles love to retrieve objects for you. They aren’t picky; they will retrieve anything they find. If you want them to learn which things they should retrieve and which to leave alone, you will want to do obedience training.
When they are puppies, they will go through teething. All dogs do, and they find things to chew to alleviate the discomfort as teeth grow in. You will want to have some safe chew toys that your dog can find to prevent them from chewing on your furniture, your shoes, and other objects around the house.
5. They Can Be Messy
One of the adorable characteristics of a Goldendoodle is its beard. However, this also gives them a way to drip water around your home. When they drink, the beard will soak up water and it will drip as they move away from the bowl.
You need to be prepared for this. Some people don’t mind, but if you are concerned about your dog dripping water outside of the bowl, this might not be the best breed for you.
6. They Can Grow Unhappy If Left Alone Too Long
Goldendoodles are very social dogs and if you leave them home alone for long periods of time, they can grow unhappy. They might get depressed or they might try to find something to do. They might decide to chew up the cushions on your sofa or they can find your favorite shoes and chew them.
You need to make sure that you have enough time for this breed, and if you are away, you should bring in a dog sitter to spend some time with it. They are very friendly dogs who love to be around people, so you shouldn’t leave them home alone for long periods of time.
7. They Can Get Hip Dysplasia
Although most responsible breeders make sure that they breed healthy dogs that do not carry genetic diseases, some Goldendoodles will still get hip dysplasia. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers have this in their genetic history, so you can always find out if the breeder had the parents tested.
You should ask the breeder for the results of the PennHIP or OFA exam, which is the test for this disease. If they won’t give it to you, you should be suspicious and reconsider getting your dog from this breeder.
8. Some People Will Be Allergic to Them
Although they tend to shed less than a Golden Retriever, they still do shed some. This means that you will need to take time to devote to grooming the dog and cleaning your home to minimize the dog hair. If someone in your family is allergic to dogs, they may react to this breed.
9. They Are an Expensive Mixed Breed
The price of dogs is based on how popular they are more than what breed they are. You will pay top dollar for a show-quality purebred dog but pet dogs can also be thousands of dollars. The Goldendoodle is a very popular breed, so you can expect to pay a lot of money for a well-bred dog.
Once you purchase your Goldendoodle, you will still need to factor in the cost of having it as a part of your family. You will need to pay for quality dog food, bowls, toys, grooming supplies, routine vet care, and more. Make sure that you can afford it before you bring your dog home.
This is another reason to make sure that your dog has been checked by a vet and has a clean bill of health. Vet care can be very expensive, so you will want to make sure that your puppy is healthy.
Final Thoughts
Goldendoodles are a mixed breed created by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Standard Poodle. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and they have three different types of coats. These dogs are friendly, intelligent, and loyal, and they make fast friends with everyone in the family, including your pets.
If you are looking for an energetic and friendly dog, be sure to read through the pros and cons of owning a Goldendoodle. This is a wonderful dog breed that does well in a variety of environments.
These dogs love to play and bond with their families. They don’t bark too much and they are easy to train. As long as you groom them regularly, they are easy to care for. All of these characteristics make Goldendoodles a popular breed of dog.
Resources
- 12 Facts About the Goldendoodle by The Spruce Pets
- Goldendoodle Temperament – The Perfect Friendly Pet? by The Happy Puppy Site