Caring For a Golden Doodle

Credit: www.pixabay.com

What do you get when you mix a golden retriever with a standard size poodle?  That's right, a golden doodle.  "The theory behind the Goldendoodle's development was to create a larger Doodle that maintained the desired low-dander, low-shedding coat and that possessed the intelligent and friendly nature of the Golden Retriever".[1]  Golden doodles are very high energy dogs, but they are absolutely adorable and have a very fun personality to them.  

If you own a golden doodle, you probably already know that your dog never gets tired.  The dog can probably run for miles and still have a lot of energy at the end of the day.  If you own a golden doodle, it is important to take them out for a walk at least twice a day.  Since they are so hard to keep up with, people have actually taught their golden doodles how to run on a treadmill since their owners simply do not have enough energy to take them on a walk that could go on for miles.

If you are purchasing your dog from a breeder be sure to ask for the papers to ensure that they are up to date on their shots and mom and dad are healthy.  It is best to avoid puppy mills and go with a reputable dog breeder as they have both parents tested for any genetic diseases before breeding.  A responsible dog breeder will usually allow you to meet with the mom and dad to get an idea how they are behaved and what their temperament is like.  You can usually get a good understanding of how their offspring will behave.  Remember the behavior of the dog doesn't solely rely on the parents.  It does take time to train any type of dog.  Choosing a name for your dog is one of the best things.  You want to make sure it is a name that fits your dog though.  If nothing comes to you right away, don't be concerned.  Get to know your dog and give it a few days before you name him or her.  This way you can name the dog based on the characteristics that display.

You can change the name of your dog if it has been adopted, but this can be very confusing for the dog.  The golden doodle is going to be entering an entirely new home and a new world for them so keeping their name the same will be much less confusing as they get to know you.

This breed of dog is very smart and can learn multiple tricks in no time.  Make sure you teach them young as they will get more stubborn as they get older.  Going to a dog training class is a great idea as there are professionals who can help guide you in teaching your dog basic commands and can work with potty training your new pup.

The average size for a golden doodle is about 50 pounds however they can be much smaller or bigger than this ranging from 40 up to 80 pounds.

This type of breed has some amazing characteristics as they are great for families since they do so well with kids.  They are also great in both cold and warm weather because they can be shaved down in the summer months and they can grow a long curly coat in the winter months to stay warm.

Grooming them is very time consuming as they seem to mat pretty easily.  It is a good idea to get them professionally groomed at least once every three months.  If your dog gets into trouble, expect him to come home with burrs stuck in his fur and covered in mud.  Their fur is a pain to brush out, but with a special brush designed to get rid of mats, it makes life a lot easier.  Some golden doodle owners will keep them shaved down all year round to prevent the mats.  Other owners like their long curly fur, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors.

Miracle Coat Slicker Brush

Miracle Coat Slicker Dog Brush, Large
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(price as of Mar 3, 2016) Great for dogs prone to mats.

You can save money by grooming your golden doodle at home by yourself.  It does take practice, so don't expect to perfect it the first time around.  There are different blade sizes available so you can decide how short or long you want your doodle to be.  For some people it is easier to take them in to a professional, but others prefer to save the money and clip them at home by themselves.

Wahl Professional Animal Deluxe U-Clip Pet Grooming Kit 16 pc. set #9484-300
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(price as of Mar 3, 2016)

This video shows the excellent technique to groom your dog.  Some people bathe their dog before their clip them and others bathe them afterwards.

Even though golden doodles look cute and harmless, they can be excellent guard dogs.  While they don't carry on with their barking, if they see someone who they do not recognize they will let you know.

Golden doodles make excellent pets for a family as they do not have an aggressive state to them at all.  With any pet, before you invest in an animal for the family, be sure that you can devote enough time to your pet as they can need a lot of attention.  If you have kids who are older, you can teach them responsibility and give them each a chore to help with the dog.  Between walking the dog, feeding and giving them water, picking up their dog messes and brushing the dog, there is plenty of work to go around.

Golden doodles are gorgeous dogs with a really fun spirit and personality.  If you are looking for a high energy, happy and fun dog for your family, a golden doodle may be the right option for you.