Goldendoodle Information
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The Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever and Poodle cross. The Goldendoodle gets its name from it's mixed heritage - Golden Retriever and Poodle. Many will try to get you to believe that since this is a cross of 2 breeds, the puppies produced will be the "best of both breeds". This is not true unless you begin with the best of both breeds in the first place. You cannot breed two dogs and only get the best possible qualities of the two.
Without properly testing and titling the dogs that are being bred, there is no way anyone can tell what is going to come out of the mix. You could have a very sweet puppy who is crippled with hip problems at 2 years old, which is why health testing is extremely important prior to breeding- this goes for purebreds as well as mixed.
The Goldendoodle's ancestry along both parent lines is as hunters and water dogs. The physical appearance of the Goldendoodle runs anywhere from a shaggy-looking retriever to a curl-relaxed poodle, but usually it falls somewhere in the middle. The color of the coat can be cream, gold, apricot, chocolate and black. Most Goldendoodles have a Standard Poodle as a parent, though a Miniature Poodle is possible and would produce a smaller dog.
As for health, the Goldendoodle may be prone to even more health issues since the majority of the people breeding these dogs do not do the proper health tests prior to breeding. Reputable breeders will always test, and if their dogs do not pass those health screenings, they are not bred.
Goldendoodles do shed. You cannot breed a shedding breed (Golden Retriever) with a non shedding breed (Poodle) and get a completely shed-free dog. You must also remember that Goldens as well as Poodles are very active in their youth. Goldens are destructive if left unattended and they get bored, and they also tend to remain in their puppyhood much longer than other breeds (sometimes as long as 4 years).
Many require extensive training or they are literally uncontrollable. Most are not biters however they simply just act so goofy all the time and jump on literally everyone they see that they can really become a problem. They don't realize how big they are, and for most, dirt and mud is their best friend- they love to stomp in it and then run right to you and jump all over you.
If you're looking for a "clean" dog, I don't believe the Goldendoodle is for you. As stated above, they do shed, they do love to play/stomp/roll in mud and tend to not care where they track that mud.
If you're truly serious about getting a Goldendoodle, do your best to find a breeder who tests their breeding stock. The certificates you should really be looking for are from OFA or Pennhip (hips and elbows) and CERF (for eyes).
Another thing to consider when getting a Goldendoodle- the grooming. They tend to get matted very quickly and will need combed/brushed several times a week. They will also need professionally groomed at least every 6 weeks, unless you have them totally shaved down, and then they can wait 8-10 weeks.
