Where most hybrids in the designer dog industry have created controversy, some have managed to create history, and Goldendoodle or Groodle falls in the latter category. A mix between the world’s second most intelligent dog and the friendliest dog on the planet is a hybrid that has intensified and mastered all the good traits of the parental breeds.
Ever since the Goldendoodle came into existence, they’ve redefined intelligence and friendliness in the canine context. So, if you want to own this recent but one of the most popular crossbreed dogs in the world, stay tuned! This article reveals all the details of owning the Golden Retriever Poodle Mix for any dog lover!
Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Breed Characteristics
| Names | Groodle or Goldendoodle |
| Purpose | Companion Dog |
| Size | Medium to Large |
| Height | 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) |
| Weight | 50 to 90 pounds (23 to 41 kg) |
| Coat | Medium, Straight, Wavy or curly |
| Colors | Shades between cream and dark red |
| Shedding | Low |
| Dietary Needs | High-quality protein diet |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
| Health Issues | Hip dysplasia, Gastric Dilation Volvulus, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Elbow dysplasia, Patellar luxation,von Willebrand’s disease |
| Temperament | Friendly, Gentle, Patient, Intelligent, Affectionate, Playful |
| Family Friendly | Yes |
| Energy | High |
| Best Suited For | Both first-time and experienced owners |
| Exercise Needs | Highly energetic, requires at least 1 hour activity daily |
| Average Price | $2,000 to $5,000 |
Parent Breeds Overview
Golden Retriever
Few dogs in the canine world have reached the popularity level of the Golden Retriever. Their celebratory status stems from the placid and ever-pleasing nature that wins over people in a heartbeat. However, long before Golden Retrievers became the effortless image of a perfect house dog, this goofy yet sturdy canine was built for rugged and strenuous work with the hunters. Golden Retrievers belong to the lands of Scotland, where Lord Tweedmouth, a passionate waterfowl hunter and a breeder of different animals, felt the need for a four-legged hunting companion.
Back in the day, Spaniels and Setters were used to retrieve ducks from the hunting site and assist hunters. Yet, these dogs lacked the efficiency, intelligence, loyalty, and working attitude that Lord Tweedmouth desired. Being the visionary man he was, Tweedmouth kept his dog breeding senses peeled. In the 19th century, only black-colored dogs were considered good hunters, and all light-colored dogs were disposed of. However, in a smooth stroke of luck, Tweedmouth’s efforts led to fruition in 1865 when he spotted Nous, a wavy-coated gold-colored dog, in a cobbler’s house.
Later, this dog he bred with Belle, a Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct), at his Guisachan mansion. This led to the formation of the famous litter of 1868 consisting of Cowslip, Crocus, and Primrose; the light-colored puppies considered the world’s first Golden Retrievers.
Poodle
Poodles are one of the oldest dog breeds in history, with illustrations found in Egyptian and Roman artifacts. These artifacts document a Poodle-like dog retrieving nets and games from the marshes. Although, the current reputation of a Poodle with their perfectly groomed hair couldn’t be further from their history as sturdy working dogs.
Due to the varied documentation on the breed, it isn’t easy to pinpoint exactly where it belongs. However, it’s mostly agreed upon that the breed was standardized in France. The mid-size and the smaller versions of the Poodle are believed to have been developed around the same time. The toy versions were created to appease the Parisian bourgeoisie. The Standard Poodle was used for duck hunting, while the Tiny Poodle was primarily a companion dog for the elite and wealthy class of the day.
Later this breed also worked in the circus mastering various tricks owing to its intelligence. Over years and years of crossbreeding and working in the fields later, the Poodles became the intelligent breed we know today.
Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever Poodle Mix)
Goldendoodles or Groodles are a cross between the popular family pets, the Golden Retriever and Poodle. Considering the temperament of the parent breeds, this designer dog breed is highly sociable and easy to train. These dogs take up many roles, like service dogs and therapy dogs; however, their parental history makes them the perfect family dogs. Although, they are not the ideal choice for watchdogs or guard dogs, as they would trade anything for a couple of belly rubs.
History
The Groodles are a relatively recent mix whose breeding began in the 1990s, much after the Labradoodle and Cockapoo breeds. This hybrid dog aimed to create a giant Doodle dog with the same traits of a mix, like less dander, a low shedding coat, and a friendly and reliable temperament. Ever since the breed hit the market, its popularity has been on the rise. They’re continuously becoming a prime choice for designer breed enthusiasts for their superior coats and amiable temperament.
Physical Traits
The Groodle comes in miniature, standard, and large sizes depending on the size of the Poodle the Golden Retriever is crossed with. The Miniature Groodles result from a Toy Poodle and a Golden Retriever; they weigh 15 to 35 pounds (7 to 8 kg) and stand 13 to 20 inches in height.
A Standard Groodle is a mix between a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever, and they tend to weigh 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 22 kg) on average and stand at 17 to 20 inches in height.
The Large Golden Retriever and Poodle crossbreed weighs nearly 50 to 90 pounds (23 to 50 kg) and reaches an average height of 20 to 24 inches in adulthood.
Temperament
It’s usually tricky to speculate the temperament of a hybrid dog breed; however, in this scenario, it’s pretty predictable. As the parent breeds are both joyful and vibrant-natured breeds that make excellent family dogs, the hybrids are expected to have the same traits. Therefore, despite being a recent breed, Groodles are regarded as intelligent, pleasant, and friendly dogs.
Besides the traits that make this breed an excellent house pet, since Golden Retrievers and Poodles are sturdy dogs, the hybrid can also work many jobs. Typically, these dogs can succeed as a guide, service, and even sniffer dogs. One of the reasons this hybrid excels at these jobs is their easy-to-train and eagerness to please nature. With consistent training, these dogs can be taught to pick up on any tricks.
Although these dogs are usually a great joy to live with if you stay away a lot, this breed might not be for you, as these dogs require a lot of attention from their owners. Failure to meet their emotional requirements may lead to destructive behaviors in this designer dog breed. They may also suffer from separation anxiety; therefore, owners must ensure that their dogs are engaged.
Coat and Colors
Goldendoodles or Groodles are especially loved for their teddy bear looks, courtesy of their curly and thick coat. Usually, there are three types of Goldendoodle coats, and these include curly, wavy, and straight. The straight coat is curlier than it is straight, while the curly coat resembles the coat of a Poodle. The wavy coat lies somewhere in between the other two types. The coat length is considered to be medium.
One of the primary reasons behind the popularity of this breed is its low-shedding hypoallergenic coat. The Groodles take after the Poodles in this regard, sport a coat low in dander, and shed less. This is in stark contrast to the other parental breed, as Golden Retrievers are known to be notoriously heavy shedders.
The color spectrum of the Goldendoodle has a wide range and features cream, apricot, red, black, chocolate, silver, and even gray. Besides the solid colors, the breed also comes in several patterns of different colors, like the particolored Goldendoodle featuring a solid color mixed with patches of different colors on the dog’s entire body. The phantom, merle, and brindle coats are also available in this breed. The phantom pattern is usually when a dog has markings of a particular shade against a solid background color. In contrast, a brindle dog features stripes and merles a random pattern of colors.
Common Health Problems
Goldendoodles are a healthy dog breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 14 years. However, like all dog breeds, they’re prone to diseases. These include Patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, ear infections, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, von Willebrand’s disease, gastric dilation, and hypothyroidism. Therefore, if you wish to own a Goldendoodle, be sure to ask for health clearances from the breeder you buy your Goldendoodle from. Additionally, it’s also essential to verify the documents and certifications produced by the breeder. Once you own a healthy dog, regular vet checkups and a healthy diet and exercise program are vital in maintaining your Goldendoodle’s health.
Fun Facts About The Goldendoodle Mix
1. Goldendoodles are allergy-friendly dogs
People with allergic reactions in the vicinity of dogs can get a Goldendoodle home. This breed sports a low-shedding coat that is typically dander free. For this reason, they are an excellent choice for allergic people. However, getting this dog does not guarantee that no allergic reactions would set off; only the possibility is significantly reduced.
2. Goldendoodles are social butterflies
The mix between the friendliest dog on the planet and a highly sociable dog yields a breed that has those qualities intensified. The Groodle is known to make friends everywhere, making those long walks longer! This trait also makes them exceptional family pets and great companions for children.
3. Goldendoodles are highly athletic dogs
Both the parental breeds of the hybrid were bred to retrieve game from the marshes; therefore, the resultant breed retains the energy levels of the parents. The Groodles love to play all day long. This is especially true if they’re in the water, as the breed is incredibly fond of water owing to their parental history of waterfowl hunting.
How To Take Care of the Golden Retriever Poodle Mix?
Goldendoodles are often categorized as velcro dogs due to their clingy and attention-seeking nature. Therefore, these dogs need an owner that is constantly present around them. Caring for this sturdy dog breed requires physical, financial, and emotional efforts to stay healthy. Hence, for owners to be, it’s vital to factor in the time and physical strain involved in owning this breed. Here are some significant boxes owners need to check to raise a healthy Goldendoodle.
Training
Poodles are consistently ranked the world’s second most intelligent dog, while Golden Retrievers are ranked fourth in intelligence. Hence the hybrid Goldendoodle is a brilliant dog that is easy to train and eager to please its humans. These traits make the Goldendoodles a delight to train as they tend to pick up commands quickly. Training for these dogs must be consistent and should begin as soon as you bring your pup home. This step is essential to raise a well-balanced dog. The best way to train your Goldendoodle is to use positive reinforcement techniques by praising and treating him for following commands.
Another important strategy to raise a well-rounded pup is to receive early and adequate socialization early in puppyhood. Allowing your pet to interact with as many dogs and humans as possible lets them have positive experiences, and these dogs usually grow up to be confident pets.
Exercise
The exercising Goldendoodle’s Exercising requirements largely depend on the dog’s size. The minimum exercise requirement is nearly an hour daily if you own a Standard-sized Groodle. The hybrid also tends to be active due to the high energy levels of both parental breeds. Therefore, committing to providing your Groodle with their daily activity time is essential. Failure to provide enough physical stimulation to your pet may make your dog frustrated and mischievous. Typically, in this scenario, the unspent energy is utilized in destructive behaviors; hence it’s best to give your pet adequate attention.
Since these dogs belong to the retriever category, a game of fetch is a great way to bond with your pet. Additionally, the Groodles love water and will enjoy diving in the lake. Also, don’t forget to provide your pet with mental stimulation with puzzles and plush toys to keep them engaged.
Grooming
Goldendoodle’s coat is a low-shedding and almost dander-less coat. Therefore, grooming is not as strenuous as with other dog breeds. However, daily brushing is vital to keep your dog’s coat mat tangle free. Ensure that the undercoat gets the same attention and care as the outer coat to keep ticks and fleas at bay.
Bathing is only required every six to eight weeks. However, make sure you use only dog-friendly products based on your dog’s coat type and age. It’sGetting your dog used to a grooming routine as early as possible is essential to avoid your grown-up dog fussing over it. Clipping nails and cleaning ears and paws are other things owners need to do regularly to keep their dogs healthy.
Diet
The amount of food your Goldendoodle requires will depend on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. However, a general estimate could be three cups of high-grade kibble daily. This is usually broken up into three or four meals daily.
When deciding the best diet for your dog, it’s essential to contact a veterinarian to make a decision tailored to your dog’s needs. Always choose a high-quality kibble and never free-feed or over-feed your dog, as your dog will likely pile on pounds quickly.
How Much Does It Cost To Own Golden Retriever Poodle Mix?
Goldendoodles are in high demand despite being a recent mixed dogs, and their prices reflect that. In the United States, you can expect your Groodle to cost anywhere between $2000 to $3000. While in India, a Goldendoodle can cost you INR 30,000 to INR 80,000. Due to fluctuations in demand and availability of the dog in a particular location, the prices mentioned above are expected to vary. The estimates also vary based on age and breeder reputation as well. Additionally, often the rarer colored dogs fetch higher prices as they are highly sought after and unique.
Also Read: Dog Price in India
Where Can You Get Golden Retriever Poodle Mix?
Since the Goldendoodle is a popular breed, finding your perfect dog won’t take long. If you wish to adopt your Goldendoodle, you can search for a reputable shelter that screens its dogs for health and behavioral problems. Adopting a dog is a noble and inexpensive way to own a Groodle. However, there are many challenges that a shelter dog comes with. Therefore, your dog may still be difficult to handle despite all the certifications. Prospective owners must scrutinize their limitations and patience before owning a shelter dog.
Buying is another way to own your Goldendoodle. This option is usually expensive. However, it suits people with a specific color and coat requirement. Due to the popularity and high demand of the breed, there are many places you can buy your dog from. However, owners must be extra cautious when dealing with a breeder or a merchant. The high-demand breeds are rampant in the market, and most merchants selling the dog produce them illegally and unethically. Since these merchants sell their dogs for lower prices than the average, cheap purchase prices are an apparent warming signal that prospective owners must avoid.
Sourcing your dog from a top-quality breeder is the most expensive and safest way to own your Groodle. Reputable breeders breed their dogs ethically and sell them to people who are suitable for the breed. Therefore, this is the best option to buy your Groodle from. To make an informed decision, thoroughly research the breed and verify all the breed documents provided by the breeder.
Annual Maintenance Cost of a Golden Retriever Poodle Mix
The ongoing cost of owning a dog is significant and can amount to a hefty sum annually. The case for the Goldendoodle is no different. You can expect to spend anywhere between $600 to $2500 annually on your dog in the United States. The Goldendoodle in India averages around INR 40,000 to INR 70,000 annually. These estimates factor in all the recurring and one-time expenses of owning a Goldendoodle, such as feeding, insurance, and health costs.
Are You the One for Golden Retriever Poodle Mix?
A Golden Retriever and a Poodle hybrid is a show-stopper with teddy bear looks and a well-balanced temperament. These dogs are allegedly known to be the right crossbreed for everyone, and we can hardly disagree. Owning and training this breed is a dream for all owners.
People allergic to dog hair can also own this low-shedding hypoallergenic breed. Additionally, since the breed is not high maintenance, owners can easily keep the dog healthy and looking his best. However, despite its good traits, the dog has high energy levels and won’t do well in a passive household.
A Goldendoodle is a loyal, intelligent, and eager-to-please dog that can be a dream pet for any owner, provided their emotional, mental, and physical demands are met. So if you are someone who doesn’t mind their dog following them around, this affectionate fur ball may be the right breed for you!
FAQs
Are Goldendoodles kid and pet-friendly dogs?
Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are excellent pets for families with young kids. Hence, the hybrid checks this box too! However, as with all breeds, kids should not be left alone with a dog without adult supervision.
Although both the parental breeds are great with other dogs and pets, early socialization is necessary to lock this trait in your hybrid.
At what age do Goldendoodles calm down?
Goldendoodles are known to be high-energy dogs and will likely keep their owners on their heels all their life. However, the hyperactive puppy phase lasts only about 12-18 months. This phase usually marks the beginning of adulthood for dogs.
Are Goldendoodles high-maintenance dogs?
Goldendoodles are not high-maintenance dogs; however, they still require a lot of effort from their owners, such as regular brushing, daily walks, and playtimes, to be healthy and happy dogs.
Can Goldendoodles be left alone?
This breed thrives on human relationships; therefore, these dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than eight hours. Goldendoodles are also prone to separation anxiety; hence, owners must ensure that the dog has plenty of toys to keep them engaged while away.
Do Goldendoodles bark a lot?
Most Goldendoodle bark only when necessary however some are known to bark constantly at everything. There’s no way to tell beforehand whether your dog is a barker. However, barking can be managed with training and positive reinforcement.