The Goldendoodle gets its name from the combination of breed names. The Goldendoodle is considered a hybrid cross or a first generation cross (F1), and as such they exhibit "hybrid vigor".  Hybrid vigor 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.

I believe the Goldendoodle puppies take on the best traits of both parent breeds.   Both breeds are smart, easily trained, and great water dogs.  We were inspired to have this litter because there is a need for dogs that are good with children and other pets, healthy and devoid of all the genetic junk that comes along with the desirable purebred genes.  Goldendoodles should shed less than golden retrievers but should not require frequent grooming like the poodle.

Our pups appearance range from a shaggy-looking  golden retriever to a curl-relaxed poodle.  The color of the goldendoodle coats can be white to cream, golden, apricot to red, and brown or black. Our puppies are various shades of gold and some are black or salt-and-pepper black.  Like many poodle crosses most goldendoodles don’t shed, or shed only slightly, and could be hypoallergenic.

Goldendoodle Temperament:

A goldendoodle is smart and easily trained to become an obedient family companion. Like the golden retriever, goldendoodles are good with children, other dogs and pets, and are easy going with strangers. The goldendoodle is a very social dog and happiest with people or other dogs. 

The Standard Goldendoodle:  A standard size goldendoodle comes from a golden retriever bred with a standard poodle, this produces a medium to large size goldendoodle depending on the size of the parents.  Indy is 20 inches at the shoulder and generally weighs 55-60 pounds and Bert is 23 inches at the shoulder and weighs 70 pounds.  This is the first mating for both dogs. 

The average adult size of these standard goldendoodle pups should be:

Males : Height 21-24 inches. Weight: 55-85 pounds.

Females: Height 20-22 ½ inches. Weight 45-70 pounds.

Life expectancy for a Standard Goldendoodle:

10-14 years, depending on size and condition.

 Goldendoodle Health Problems:

As a hybrid cross the goldendoodle puppies should grow healthier and live longer than either parent line. The only genetic diseases the Goldendoodle can be prone to would be those shared by both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.  We have the mother and grandparents and even the great grandmother of Indy and have had no problems with hip dysplasia, cataracts, or SAS (heart disease).  Bert is new to our home but no genetic problems are noted in his history. 

There are no known major concerns for the Goldendoodle. Minor concerns for the Goldendoodle would be - cataract, SAS (heart disease), and CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia) with the standard goldendoodles

Goldendoodle Grooming & Maintenance:

Most Goldendoodles shed very little or not at all, and Goldendoodles may not cause allergies. Goldendoodles are relatively low maintenance. The Goldendoodle requires little grooming, sometimes only some slight trimming around the eyes. However a Goldendoodle should be brushed daily, so that they don't get matted.

Goldendoodles are not recognized by the AKC American Kennel Club.