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The Groodle or Goldendoodle is a hybrid of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle (toy, miniature or standard). They have become increasingly popular over the last 10 years. The aim of crossbreeding is to minimise the genetic diseases that can be present in purebred dogs. First-cross Goldendoodles will have the maximum genetic benefits associated with a hybrid dog – in other words, a Goldendoodle with one parent purebred Golden Retriever and one parent purebred Poodle will have less genetic diseases than second or third cross Groodle or Goldendoodles.
DID YOU KNOW? Goldendoodles are very intelligent dogs but can be stubborn. They need a lot physical and mental stimulation and would also benefit from early obedience training.
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Weight: | 22 – 41kg |
| Height: | 50 – 61cm |
| Colours: |
The Goldendoodle can come in any colour variant common to the Golden Retriever or the Poodle including: black; copper; white; cream; grey; golden; apricot or red. However, golden is the most common colouring |
| Size: | Medium to Large (depending on whether a Miniature is used) |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 4/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
| Energy level: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 2/5 |
Like most crossbreeds, the personality of a Goldendoodle depends on the parents and how they have been bred and reared.
It’s clear from looking at the two breeds that make up the Goldendoodle that this is an extremely active dog who needs a lot of exercise and input (often more than many new owners expect) and being highly social, needs to be a part of the family.
The personality of a Goldendoodle seems to be more consistent when they are first crosses (F1). As a line is successively bred, they can be either bred back to one of the original breeds (and so strengthen either the Retriever or the Poodle personalities) or else be bred to another Goldendoodle, in which case there is less predictability in temperament (and in-breeding becomes more of a potential issue). Some breeders will cross Goldendoodles and Labradoodles which adds to the unpredictability of the offspring.
The Goldendoodle is one of the newest ‘Doodle’ types and was first intentionally bred in the 1990s, following the success of the Cockapoo and Labradoodle. Due to the fact it’s still a relatively new breed, it requires knowledge of the two breeds involved in its creation in order to learn more.
The Goldendoodle can have any combination of the two breeds in their appearance, behaviour and temperament.
The Golden Retriever is one of the most loved dog breeds in the world, so it may surprise you to know that its history is a little hazy in parts. It’s thought that the foundations of the breed were developed by a member of the British aristocracy, Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth). It’s said that he took a liking to the striking yellow colouring that was sometimes found in Retrievers, so he set to creating a new breed with the dazzling golden hue. To begin, he acquired a dog called Nous from Brighton, the only yellow puppy in a litter of black Curly-Coated Retrievers, then bred this to a liver coloured Tweed Water Spaniel bitch called Belle, who was said to be an excellent retrieving dog. The produced litter contained four yellow puppies and in the following 20 years of further breeding he continued trying to perfect the breed by bringing in Red Setters, other Tweed Water Spaniels, Retrievers and possibly even a Bloodhound or two. Finally, in 1908 the breed was registered and shown as Golden Flat Coats until 1913 when they claimed the Golden or Yellow Retriever name.
The Standard Poodle originated in Germany as a water retrieving dog, specifically bred for the purpose of hunting waterfowl. This breed is commonly depicted donning haircuts which are thought to be all about fashion, but their unusual style is actually far more than that. The haircut was developed to prevent the dogs from getting waterlogged and too heavy to swim, so they trimmed off as much hair as possible, whilst still keeping their vital organs and joints protected. The Miniature and Toy Poodles came later as a result of individuals wanting all the charming personality of the Poodle but didn’t want such a large dog.
