Origin
Goldendoodles are a hybred cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The Goldendoodle came into existence in the 1970's in Australia. Canine Companions were the first ones to do this cross in attempts to create an even better assistance dog for the disabled. A first generation Goldendoodle (Poodle to Golden Retriever) exhibits "hybrid vigor." This is a phenomenon in animal breeding referring to the fact that the first cross between two unrelated pure bred lines is healthier and grows better than either parent line. The puppies take on the best traits of both breeds. The hybrid cross between the Golden Retriever and Poodle make a terrific family dog who will be friendly, intelligent, gentle, calm, affectionate and easy to train. As more and more people live in the city or suburbs and work full time jobs, needs have changed. People are no longer looking for a dog that can hunt (though sometimes these guys can make better mousers than your cat!) but looking for a companion. The need for dogs who are playful, friendly towards people and other pets, (think dog parks!) easy to train and easy to maintain is what has spurred this new breed on.

Description
The physical appearance of the Goldendoodle can have a wide range of looks. They can run from looking like a shaggy Golden Retriever to a relaxed curl Poodle. The Goldendoodles I breed look like something in the middle, (see Maggie's picture to see what they will look like as adults.) As puppies they look very much like Golden Retrievers, about 8-9 weeks you can begin to see that they are growing more hair and then you can begin to see the Goldendoodle begin to take shape! Most of my Goldendoodles have a typical look of blocky heads, more like the Golden, hair that's loose curls to wavy, though both types are soft, not course. They tend to be a bit taller than a Golden Retriever and not quite as lanky as a Poodle. They have a scissors bite and big brown eyes. Pads of paws can be either black or pink or a combination. Colors vary depending on the color of the Poodle being used and it's pedigree. They range in size from 48-65 lbs and 21-27 inches in height for the full sized Goldendoodles and 25-45lbs and 15-19 inches for the Miniature Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles are low shed to non shedding and possibly hypo-allergenic though you won't know until the puppy matures into it's adult coat.

Temperament
Goldendoodles are an intelligent and obedient family companion. They are everybody's friend and devoted to their family. They are friendly towards children, other dogs and pets and easy with strangers, though females in general will make good watchdogs should the need arise. They are social dogs and happiest with their people, though not overly needy. A mature trained adult can be left at home during normal work hours, but certainly would love the company of a dog walker or neighborhood teen to drop by and play with them! Goldendoodles are likely to develop behavior problems if left neglected and alone in the garage or backyard spending most of their life alone. Their intelligence, eagerness to please love of learning and calm gentle spirit make them very easy to train. They make wonderful family dogs with easy dispositions.

Health Problems
As a hybrid cross they grow healthier and live longer than either parent line. The only genetic diseases they can be prone to would be those shared by both parents. Recommended tests of breeding parents are hips, heart and eyes (patella's if using a miniature Poodle)

Living Situation best suited for breed
The Goldendoodle requires a moderate amount of exercise and their coats are low eminence and low to non shedding. Daily walks would be much appreciated though if you don't have the time to get out or it's pouring rain they certainly won't be bouncing off the walls. They would be happy playing ball in the living room or working on some obedience commands. The exuberance of the Golden Retriever is calmed down by the mellowness of the Poodle. They also mature faster than a Golden Retriever. They can live in a small city apartment or on a farm. They are a social dog that's content wherever it might live as long as they knows their human is there with with or coming home soon!