Is a Goldendoodle the Dog for You?
This information pack is given to any person who inquires in to purchasing a Goldendoodle puppy from us. As breeders, we feel that the more information that a prospective family can gain before actually getting the puppy, the more aware they will be of the responsibilities of owning a Goldendoodle puppy.
Although we would always like to have a puppy for everyone who wishes one, we cannot guarantee that at the time of asking or even from the next litter that there will be a puppy available. Puppies can be booked many months in advance and we always like to make sure people are aware that we have no control over how may puppies are born in any one litter.
Goldendoodle History
Goldendoodles were developed in 1969 and gained a lot of popularity beginning in the 1990’s. Originally, they were bred to create suitable guide dogs for visually impaired people with allergies. Crossing the Golden Retriever with the poodle has decreased the amount of shedding to low, to non-shedding in some dogs. Therefore, many people find that they can safely cohabitate with this larger breed of dog.
Temperament
Goldendoodles make great family pets. They are highly intelligent, playful, sweet, non-aggressive, fun-loving and very loyal. This breed is highly intelligent therefore, easy to train as they learn quickly! They do not make great watchdogs or guard dogs and are more apt to go up to your guests and lick them verses running and barking!
Breed Standard
Goldendoodles can vary in size but are typically between 19-25 inches tall and weigh between 35-85 pounds. The coat colors can vary depending on the poodle used for breeding. Goldendoodle coat colors can vary from shades of white/cream, apricot, red, parti-factored, dark brown, black and some are even multi colored depending on the dogs used in breeding.
Not all Goldendoodles coats are the same. It depends primarily on which parental genes they picked more up of. You will also notice several coat changes during puppyhood. These are all normal. A goldendoodle can range from straight, shaggy, wavy to curly. You may not know the true coat characteristics until adulthood. The coat colors can range from red, apricot, cream, dark brown, black and some are even multi colored.
Coat Care:
Your Goldendoole will need regular coat care and maintenance. It’s best to invest in a few tools to have on hand at home in between visits to your groomer. I will list suggestions below:
· Brush – Several weekly brushings helps prevent mats
· Slicker comb- To detangle small mats
· Round tip scissors or thinning shears – To trim hair away from eyes etc.
Feeding/ Diet:
Goldendoodles need 2-3 cups of food twice daily. As a puppy, you will want to feed them a high quality puppy chow for the first year.
Exercise:
Exercise for any dog is important to maintain proper body weight. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight helps prevent medical problems such as those associated with the hips. Too much weight on your dog can impact their joint health tremendously. Goldendoodles are active and very energetic especially as a puppy. A good walk, a game of fetch and daily outside time to romp in the yard will suffice.
FAQ:
Can Goldendoodles cope in the Summer/ Winter?
They need to be protected from the heat due to their fluffy coats. This requires maintenance and grooming to keep them cool in the summer. Even though Goldendoodles are a larger breed of dog, they are kept inside. This protects them from extreme temperature changes as well.
What are they like with Children?
Goldendoodles are a great family dog and adapt well with a family that has children.
Do they shed a lot?
Goldendoodles are low to non-shedding dogs. They shed very little if at all.
What are they like in the House?
Goldendoodles should always be kept indoors and never outside in a kennel. They need protection from the elements as well. Goldendoodles are full of energy and can be very rambunctious in the house especially as a puppy. They will depend on you to set the ground rules and correct them for wrong behavior and reward them for good behavior. As they get older and out of puppyhood they will slow down more.