Goldendoodles

They combine the biddability and intelligence of both breeds, adding the Poodle’s curly coat and the Golden’s robust build. Goldendoodles are perpetually happy and good-natured, great with everyone, and equally at home in the field or den. They shed far less than Golden Retrievers but the trade-off is they need a lot of professional grooming. They come in different sizes depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Finally, not only do owners love Godendoodles, but people on the street do too. Everybody seems to want to stop and say hi to the dog with the wildly wagging tail.

Their bone and body are of moderate heaviness, they are slightly longer than tall, and even the largest and smallest are not as small or as tall as some Poodles. The topline is fairly level, with a slight dip behind the withers and slight rise over the loin. They have a noticeable but not extreme tuck-up, with a short croup. The tail is fairly long. The head is fairly broad, with the muzzle slightly shorter than the back skull. The skull and muzzle are on parallel planes. The muzzle is slightly square and straight, somewhat more Golden Retriever-like than Poodle-like. All colors are acceptable except those, such as double merles, associated with health problems. The Golden Retriever side of the family comes in only shades of gold, from dark orange to light cream. The genes responsible for this are recessively inherited, and they cover up genes for other colors. Poodles come in a variety of colors, including black, chocolate, apricot, white, and silver. Some, but not all, of these colors may be expressed in a first generation cross. For example, chocolate Godlendoodles should not arise in a first generation (F1) cross because Golden Retrievers don’t have the recessive chocolate gene in their gene pool. The same is true for spotted dogs. Second generation (F2) and backcross Goldendoodles can exhibit the entire spectrum of colors in either breed. Brindle, merle, or tan-pointed Goldendoodles are more likely indicative of a cross to yet another breed, as neither pattern should appear in either purebred Golden Retrievers or Poodles. There are three approved coat types: curly, wavy, and straight, all with furnishings including facial beard and whiskers. First generation crosses should only result in curly coats. Later generations can be any type.

Everyone knows the Golden Retriever was bred to retrieve from water, but not everyone realizes the Poodle was as well. Retrievers have in common biddability, which is the tendency to learn easily and obey directions. If a water retriever ignored commands, they could end up just swimming around in circles looking for a downed bird. Or worse, swim out to sea. Those that paid attention to the hunter’s directions were the ones that were bred to continue the breed. This is why retrievers in general are some of the best dogs for obedience. Goldendoodles weren’t bred to retrieve, but both their parent breeds were. This trainability made retrievers popular as guide dogs. Poodles were also used, but not as commonly because they were harder to maintain and often not large enough. The first “doodles” were an attempt to create a hypoallergenic guide dog by crossing Labrador Retrievers with Poodles. It was only natural that Golden crosses were just as successful. Goldendoodles are happy dogs that love to please. They make great playmates for children, adventurous partners for adults, and steadfast companions for the elderly. The larger ones can be overly boisterous and overpowering, so choose your size accordingly. Goldendoodles get along well with people of all ages, including strangers, as well as other dogs and pets.

Their retriever background makes them extremely biddable, and they enjoy working with people to accomplish a common goal. They don’t enjoy being forced into compliance, and are strong enough to resist, but they will work eagerly in exchange for treats and toys. They especially enjoy having a ball or toy thrown for them as a reward for a job well done. Often their biggest challenges in obedience training is learning to calm down, and to take things slowly, or stay when told to do so. A wagging tail is a hallmark of their attitude when training. They excel at formal obedience, agility, rally, and trick dog competitions.

Cockapoos and Pekapoos were already popular mixes by the time the Labradoodle was created in an attempt to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. In the 1990s crosses between Golden Retrievers and Poodles were made as an alternative to the Labradoodle. The cross gained in popularity and is now one of the most popular hybrid dogs. They have been used as service dogs, therapy dogs, as well as contraband detective dogs. Their major role is as a companion. Celebrity owners include Usher, Tiger Woods, Perez Hilton, Ashley Tisdale, Kenny Chesney, and John Travolta.