Get 25% off if you order before Thanksgiving!
225 North Main Street, Monticello, Utah 84535, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The qualities, appearance, sizes and coat of Goldendoodles can vary considerably according to their breeding generations and what type of Poodle parents they have. While most Goldendoodles share common traits, each Goldendoodle might have its own unique appearance and temperament.
Additional appearance attributes of Goldendoodles are a round skull, broad muzzle, heavily feathered tail, drop ears, and oval-shaped eyes. Goldendoodles’ Golden Retriever parentage makes their body long and muscular, and likely to have deep chest and wide stance.
The Goldendoodle is a long-haired dog breed and their coat can can vary considerably, there are three main coat types: straight, wavy and curly. Straight coated Goldendoodles resemble the coat found on their Golden Retriever parents, which would usually lie flat on their body. Wavy coated Goldendoodles are a combination of the Poodle’s curly coat and the Golden Retriever’s straight coat. Their coat is wavy, with loose, shaggy curls. This type of coat is the most common among Goldendoodles. Curly coated Goldendoodles resemble the coat of a Poodle. Their coat is thick, curly and less likely to shed much. Different generational breeding will bring out different looks as some are curlier than others so if a Goldendoodle is more poodle, it will have tighter curls. If the Goldendoodle is more Golden Retriever then it will have flatter and looser curls.
Goldendoodles' coats come in varying colors, with the most common colors being cream, red, black, gold, apricot, brown, or a combination (parti-colored).
In general, the characteristic behavioral qualities that make Goldendoodles such wonderful pets include:
- Mellow temperament – You’re bound to notice their easy-going and fun-natured spirit, handed down from their Retriever side.
- Intelligent – A result of being bred from two extremely intelligent breeds; the Poodle and Golden Retriever.
- Loyal – Carrying a deep connection with their owner and family unit.
- Easy to train – A combination of their high level of intelligence and their desire to please their people.
- Playful – Always up for a game of chase, fetch, or even a swim.
- Easy to maintain – With good grooming, diet, and exercise routines, they are a pretty easy breed to care for.
Depending on if the Golden Retriever was mixed with a miniature, medium-size, or standard Poodle, their weight can range anywhere from 15 pounds to 100 pounds.
Goldendoodle can be bred from any one of the Standard, Medium, or Miniature Poodles and the resultant offspring coming in several sizes: the Large, Medium and Miniature and Teacup Goldendoodles.
- The Large Goldendoodle typically stands 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) and weighs 50 to 80 pounds (23 to 36 kg).
- The Medium Goldendoodle typically stands 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) and weighs 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg).
- The Miniature Goldendoodle typically stands up to 14 to 17 inches (36 to 51 cm) and weighs 20 to 35 pounds (9.1 to 15.9 kg)
- The Teacup Goldendoodle typically stands up to 14 inches (36 cm) and weighs 8 to 20 pounds (3.6 to 9.1 kg).
Our Goldendoodles are the miniature variety that, with proper socialization and training, make excellent family pets, watchdogs, or all-around companion dogs.
Often Goldendoodles are claimed to be 'hypoallergenic' or 'non-shedding', The idea that furry animals such as dogs and cats are hypoallergenic is a myth that is used to market these animals. So no, Goldendoodles are not hypoallergenic and neither is any other type of dog. They do shed hair, although often in lesser quantities than many other dogs. Research has shown that hypo-allergenicity can not be an official dog breed characteristic, and the AKC also asserts that "there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog". However as a general rule, the higher the percentage of Poodle in a Goldendoodle’s heritage, the less likely it is to shed. Curlier coated Goldendoodles tend to shed lighter and have less dander. As such, an F1BB (First Generation Backcross Backcross) Goldendoodle (87.5% Poodle) is more likely to shed less than an F1B (First Generation Backcross) Goldendoodle (75% Poodle), which is more likely to have non-shedding attribute than an F1 (First Generation) or F2 (Second Generation) Goldendoodle (50% Poodle).
As with any breed, it takes many generations of careful breeding to produce dogs with repeatable traits such as low-dander/low-shedding qualities such as a Goldendoodle and it is these qualities that make them fantastic pets for those with allergies to furry animals.
While it would be rare to find a Goldendoodle with low energy, their energy level can range from medium energy to high energy. Either way, prepare for lots of walks and backyard exercise sessions. Fetch seems to be a particular favorite way to burn off energy. You may want to invest in a ball launching device, or you might find that your arm is completely wiped out from throwing the ball again and again.
The variance in energy comes because the Goldendoodle is a mixture of Poodle and Golden Retriever. When you’re mixing two different breeds of dog, you’re going to get a little from each breed. Golden Retrievers can be very laid back and mellow but, like most working dogs, can still have a good energy drive. Miniature or Standard Poodles, which make up half the DNA of the Goldendoodle, typically are high-energy dogs. Regardless of which side the energy comes from or what percentage comes from each breed,
Additionally, when the Goldendoodle is taken outside for exercise, the dog should be taken to places where there will be contact with other dogs and animals. This should also start at a very young age. Dog training programs usually consist of several parts, and socializing with other dogs is often a significant part of those programs.
Goldendoodles are loaded with energy and are always in need of some action. Much of this comes from the Golden Retriever, which was bred for hunting, retrieving, and herding. Because of their energy level, it’s essential that they get sufficient exercise on a daily basis.
The American Standard Goldendoodles are natural retrievers and swimmers. This is due to the fact that both foundation breeds (Golden Retriever & Standard Poodle) were both bred to be water retrievers.
Goldendoodles make excellent watchdogs for many families but not guard dogs. Their love of their family members, their loyalty, and their alertness combine making them the ideal dog to watch your family and alert you to visitors.
Despite their great watchdog abilities, their friendliness and love of people do not make them good aggressive guard dog material. This is not to say it’s impossible to have a Goldendoodle as a guard dog; it’s just not something you see often or that they’re naturally cut out for.
If you want a watchdog that barks, you won’t be disappointed with the Goldendoodle.
Primarily bred as companion dogs, Goldendoodles have been successfully trained as therapy dogs, guide dogs, nut-detection dogs detecting nuts in food for people with nut allergies, and other forms of assistance dogs.
The basic rule of thumb is the smaller the dog the higher the cost. Standard sizes are usually the lowest priced dogs while teacup sizes cost the most. In some regions of the United States Goldendoodles have become one of the most popular dog and ranked 7 of 197*. It has been named one of the top ten most popular dog varieties in 2020 where, due to the increased demand for pets during the COVID-19 pandemic, prices for a puppy have risen from around $3,500 pre-pandemic, to as much as $15,000 by September 2020. In a charity auction it was reported that the musician Usher paid $12,000 for a Goldendoodle puppy.
As a responsible breeder, we want you to be aware of the truth so you can make the best decision for you and your future pet. Even if you choose to purchase your Goldendoodle from someone else, we hope this information will help you decide.
An American Kennel Club (AKC) Registered Dog is a dog whose owner has submitted an application and received approval through a registration certificate from the American Kennel Club. Knowing whether your dog is registered with the American Kennel Club adds an additional bit of important information you should know if you are looking for the purest breed of dog. When you purchase a dog that is said to be AKC-registrable, you should get an individual Dog Registration Application from the seller. This means that you are being given the information and paperwork necessary to register your dog with the American Kennel Club and receive your dog's AKC Registration Certificate.
With so much popularity around Goldendoodles, you may be wondering whether these beautiful and popular dogs are some sort of new AKC breed, or a new purebred dog, or if you can adopt an “AKC Goldendoodle”. The truth is, none of these is the case.
These dogs who are taking the world by storm, don’t appear on any AKC registry, are not an AKC breed, and are not a purebred dog. There is plenty of confusion on the internet about Goldendoodles, and especially the term “AKC Goldendoodle”.
To help you understand the truth, you first need to know that the AKC actually is. The term “AKC” stands for The American Kennel Club. The AKC is the largest not-for-profit registry of dog breeds in the U.S and according to the AKC’s mission statement, the organization “advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion.” Even though this is just one facet of the AKC’s mission, it is the key to understanding why Goldendoodles aren’t part of the registry.
AKC registration is only for dogs who come from a long history of purebred dogs. That means the dog, the dog’s parents, and the dog’s ancestors are all purebred dogs of the same breed. Purebred dogs include breeds like the Poodle, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever, just to name a few. In all, there are over 197 breeds of all sizes, shapes, and colors on the AKC’s breed registry.
So why isn’t the Goldendoodle one of the 197 on the AKC? Simply put, the Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle hence, the Goldendoodle is not a purebred dog. Even if a Goldendoodle’s parents are a purebred Poodle or purebred Golden Retriever and the parents are AKC, that does not automatically make the offspring purebred. Breeding two purebred dogs of different breeds simply results in a crossbred dog. Since the Goldendoodle is a mix of two very different dog breeds (the Golden Retriever and the Poodle), Goldendoodles don’t fit the definition of a purebred dog. This is true for other many other wonderful dogs as well.
Another term commonly used to describe the Goldendoodle is “designer breed” or “designer dog.” Typically, designer dogs vary in size, coat type, and weight because the parent breeds are not similar. Designer breeds are often created to meet individuals’ specific desires for traits of two different breeds that does not currently exist. Technically, the Goldendoodle could fit this definition.
If this is true then why do I see ads that say “AKC Goldendoodles” or “purebred Goldendoodles”?
Simply put, the people making these claims are either misinformed, or they are making intentionally false claims in a marketing effort to scam unknowing future pet parents. Either way, you are dealing with an inexperienced/ignorant breeder or a dishonest seller. Terms like “AKC Goldendoodle” or promises of receiving “AKC papers” when you adopt a Goldendoodle puppy should be suspect.
If you’re searching for a Goldendoodle for adoption, reputable breeders care about Goldendoodles and work to ensure good health and good temperament. Keep in mind that it is common to review the AKC papers of the parents if there are any and this is a good way to find a reputable breeder.
Here are some additional ways to recognize a reputable breeder:
- Has health clearances (hips, eyes, elbows) and any registration papers of the parents and shares them with you
- Tells you the truth about their breeds even if you don’t buy from them
- Offers a guarantee of the representations being made to you
- Has a questionnaire or adoption application and an actual adoption process
- Does not suggest you meet in a parking lot or some other random place of exchange unless you have requested it.
While there may be some confusion about all the breeding acronyms, we have broken it down into something much easier to understand. Basically, depending upon the generation of "doodle" being bred determines the breeding assignment.
Breeding a purebred Golden Retriever to a purebred Poodle = F1 Doodle
Breeding a crossbred F1 Doodle to a purebred Poodle = F1b Doodle
Breeding a crossbred F1b Doodle to a purebred Poodle = F1bb Doodle
Breeding a crossbred F1 Doodle to another crossbred F1 Doodle = F2 Doodle
Breeding a crossbred F1 Doodle to a crossbred F1b Doodle = F2b Doodle
Breeding a crossbred F1b Doodle to another crossbred F1b Doodle = Multi-generational Doodle
It is often the idea that some people shouldn’t have a specific breed of dog because of where they live. Although cramped apartment living isn’t ideal for the Goldendoodle it can still work will if the responsible owner provides the dog 30 minutes to 60 minutes of good exercise every day. The ideal location for this dog is a home with a large fenced-in yard so the dog can run, run, and run some more. Failure to give your Labradoodle sufficient exercise and stimulation can result in boredom, excess barking, and destructive behavior, like chewing on things that should not be chewed!
So, yes, these breeds do well in city life, but they must be walked often. Also, when potty training a new puppy to this lifestyle, many people will purchase an outside doggy potty station that can go on a porch or inside, as your puppy may not have the ability to “hold it” while you are getting them down the stairs/elevator and out to an appropriate area to eliminate. There are many manufacturers of these potty stations and they can be very useful even beyond puppy-hood.
It’s a Goldendoodle’s great socialization skills and mild temperament that make Goldendoodles fantastic pets for first-time dog owners. They get along easily with other pets as well as family members and would often rather smell and lick someone than cause the family member any harm.
Goldendoodles not only make great first-time pets but they also make great second pets because of their exceptional personalities and ability to get along with everyone. They generally get along well with other dogs and pets in the family. They love playing with people and other dogs, so they’re happy to be part of the group.
Goldendoodles are amazing to watch when they’re around family members and suddenly see another dog. In a moment’s time, the Goldendoodle can go from quietly lying with his or her head on your lap to jumping up and running to catch a ball or chase the other dog.
With their excitable nature and easy-going temperament, Goldendoodles generally approach each new animal they meet with the same happy enthusiasm. As is the case with most dogs, when the Goldendoodle is introduced to other dogs, cats, or animals at a young age, he or she is much more likely to socialize well with them.
There is no reason why two Goldendoodle puppies shouldn’t get along with proper training and socialization. This is particularly true if they are spayed or neutered at a young age, such as 8 to 24 weeks old, before they develop an “alpha” personality. While it shouldn’t make a difference if it’s two males, two females, or a male and a female, it can make a slight difference depending on the individual dog. Keep in mind that this is not always the case, but two males or a male and a female typically get along better in the same household than two females. Male Goldendoodles tend to have a “go with the flow” attitude, whereas females often are more specific. This is not to say that two females will not get along well in the same house.
A lot of it has to do with training at an early age. The owner should show the young pups, male and female, about specific behaviors that are unacceptable, and they should be taught this early and often. Deciding whether to get females or males often comes down to personal preference.
There are few dogs that make as good of a family dog as Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles have all the qualities you want to see in a family dog. Friendly and welcoming, playful, loyal, loving, gentle temperament, and Goldendoodles are widely used as service dogs due to their ability to learn so quickly. These intelligent dogs are used in many capacities and by many types of people.
Some areas where Goldendoodles are commonly used include a guide for the blind, therapy dog blood sugar alert dog, working guide dog, wheelchair assisted therapy dog, and abused children therapy dog.
Clearly, Goldendoodles are all-around fantastic dogs that can fit into a variety of roles.
Goldendoodles are very sociable dogs and generally love being around children. They prefer being around people in general, but their desire to play gives them a particular affection for children. Like children, Goldendoodles are always ready to play, whether it’s rolling around in the yard, chasing a ball, or just rough-housing in the family room.
A Goldendoodle in the mid-weight range can easily yet unintentionally knock down a young child if unattended. While this is definitely not the dog’s intent, it can happen if the dog starts running into or jumping on the child. Much of this sort of behavior can easily be eliminated with proper and consistent training. Often this is the case when a Goldendoodle is suddenly put outside in a spacious yard and allowed to run around after being confined all day. Even the best-behaved dogs will tend to let loose those first few minutes after being let out of a confined area.
The best way to ensure the Goldendoodle socializes well with children is to provide the dog with lots of opportunities to socialize at a very young age. This combined with training at a young age can teach the dog how to socialize with children. Children and dogs that grow up together usually develop life-long bonds.
Goldendoodles usually interact with strangers in the same way they interact with everyone else, which is very well. If they’re inside the home, they’ll bark to alert their owners that someone is at the door, but they don’t generally pose much of a threat to the visitor because they love people so much. They would also rather make friends with strangers than alert their owners that a stranger has come to the door.
Goldendoodles may have the Poodle’s intelligence, but they also have the Golden Retriever’s mellow and friendly personality. It’s not unusual to see a Golden Retriever lying down and barely lift his or her head when someone enters the room. Remember that Goldendoodles are half Golden Retriever, so they are going to have many of their traits. As is the case with meeting other animals and children, interaction and socialization with strangers should start at an early age when the Goldendoodle is still a puppy.
Goldendoodle dogs are known for possessing many wonderful qualities, but the one adjective most used to describe Goldendoodles is intelligent. This should come as no surprise since both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are both known for their intelligence. Because they’re a combination of both breeds, no two Goldendoodles are going to be exactly the same. One might possess more Retriever-like qualities, such as late maturity, rowdiness, intelligence, and loyalty. The Goldendoodle’s energy drive and desire to please their owner makes them perfect dogs for training.
Goldendoodles need not only physical exercise, but also mental stimulation. They love playing catch, running free, and discovering new sights and smells. Some Goldendoodle owners with the necessary time enroll their Labradoodles into training, competitions, and dog sports like flyball, rally, or agility.
Another Goldendoodle may possess more Poodle-like qualities, such as intelligence, great watchdog tendencies, and less shedding of hair. Regardless of which one they tend to be more like, Goldendoodles are brilliant, loving dogs that are easy to train.
They do tend to have a personality where they want to be the ones in control, but with consistency and persistence, they are very trainable. Raising a good dog that behaves well is part DNA and part training.
The Goldendoodle’s high intelligence and train-ability have made them sought-after working dogs of various type, that are highly in demand throughout the world.
It’s never too young to begin training your Goldendoodle or any pup for that matter. As soon as you bring your Goldendoodle home, which is usually around 8 to 10 weeks of age, you can begin teaching him or her simple commands. Don’t expect much the first couple of days because the puppy will need some time to acclimate to his or her new surroundings and new family.
Housebreaking a puppy is a certain type of obedience training because you’re teaching the pup that he or she must go to the bathroom outside or in a designated area. It may not seem like discipline to you, but it is to the pup.
You’ll want to teach your Goldendoodle puppy simple commands as early as possible. Whether you choose to train with treats or positive reinforcement (praise and play), the training should start off short and straightforward. However, but more importantly, the training should be every day and should be consistent. If you skip a few days, the puppy is likely to forget what he or she learned last week. This can lead to frustration for you and your pup. Goldendoodles are very intelligent and will catch on quickly with consistent and loving training. There is nothing your Goldendoodle wants more than to spend time with you and make you happy.
While there are many things you can teach your Goldendoodle as the dog ages, it’s important to teach some fundamental but straightforward commands. These are commands that could potentially save the dog’s life:
Sit, Come, Stay, Down, Leave it, are all very helpful.
Training a puppy solely depends on you. Puppies need a regular routine and oversight to be successful in potty training. Keep in mind that your puppy only has the ability to “hold it” for a few hours when he/she first goes home.
A good rule of thumb is that they have enough bladder control to “hold it” about an hour for every month of age. So when your puppy goes home between 8-10 weeks of age, in general, they will need to go potty every 2 hours or so. If a puppy is forced to hold it longer (crated) it can result in bladder and urinary infections.
Yes, these breeds are food motivated, but they are also praise motivated. They want to make you happy, so praise is usually enough. If you do use treats, be careful what and how many you feed them, as this can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. We recommend boneless skinless chicken breast cooked and cubed; this is easy to digest and will typically not cause stomach upset.
Not all of them are, but any that take on the Golden Retriever side of the family
will definitely be bigger chewers. Standard Poodles tend to be less destructive as puppies, so the higher generations of puppies that have a higher percentage of Poodle in them do tend to be less destructive as puppies.
Please keep in mind each puppy is an individual and the statement above is a general one. You will need to teach your puppy what is acceptable to chew on (toys) and what is not appropriate to chew on (furniture, etc.). We suggest that you keep a variety of chew toys available for your puppy, as not all puppies like the same textures, and their preference may change with the day. We like deer/elk antler, bull horns, Nylabone, and Kong rubber toys.
Yes, your puppy will thrive on any good quality food, however when changing their diet, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. A puppy’s digestive systems is not fully mature, so any change in diet can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. You should make the change slowly by mixing in small amounts of the new food with their current food. Over time you slowly change the mixture to more of the new food, until you completely change over. If done properly, this will take about one month.
Puppies are like small children and they explore all of their new surrounding by sight, smell, and taste. It is not uncommon for puppies to eat grass, but please keep an eye on this as too much can be harmful to their digestive system. Be careful that the grass has not been treated with any fertilizers or pesticides as these will definitely be harmful to your puppies system.
Areas frequented by deer, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey can be dangerous in many ways. Your puppy is not able to defend itself at a young age, so it may be prayed on by wildlife such as coyotes, so you will need to provide a safe fenced area or escort your puppy on leash until they are grown. Even after grown there is still a risk, so do your best to ensure your puppy/dog has a safe space protected against wild predators.
In general, healthy and well-bred Goldendoodles have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which would indicate that they are relatively robust dogs. Every breed of dog has some illnesses or diseases in which they are susceptible or prone to developing, and the Goldendoodle is no exception, but Goldendoodles often have an advantage over their parent breeds. The pairing of two different breeds can create higher genetic diversity, as well as a lower level of "sameness" in their genes. This minimizes the possibility of inheriting undesirable purebred health concerns, and reduces the risks of inbreeding depression.
Goldendoodles often benefit from “hybrid vigor”, which has a proven positive effect on animal fitness traits that contribute to crossbreeds’ enhanced health and lower susceptibility to diseases.
As with all breeds, Goldendoodles are still at risk of developing any possible health conditions associated with Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Some of the potential health-related genetic disorders of Goldendoodles include:
Hip Problems: Large dogs like Golden Retrievers often develop hip problems, and some Goldendoodles can be very large. Unfortunately, Goldendoodles can inherit their hip problems from both breeds. The most common hip problem is Dysplasia, a genetic and painful condition caused by a malformation in the hip joint. This problem can develop in Goldendoodles at any age. A special x-ray can usually detect hip problems.
Eye Problems: Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are predisposed to genetic eye diseases like PRA-Progressive Retinal Atrophy and cataracts. If left untreated, cataracts can become severe and cause blindness. If the brown part of the eye starts to look opaque and the dog seems to have difficulty seeing things he or she previously saw, the dog may be developing cataracts. An annual visit to the veterinarian can often catch these problems early.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: This disease, which is similar to hemophilia in humans, stops the dog’s blood from clotting correctly. If a dog with Von Willebrand’s disease is injured, it will be tough to stop the bleeding. Golden Retrievers and Standard Poodles are the two breeds that are most affected by this disease.
Addison’s Disease: This disease, which is found in both breeds, results when the pituitary gland fails to create ACTH, an important hormone needed to regulate a steroid needed for the dog to digest food correctly and manage stress. The vet can do a test to determine if the dog has Addison’s disease. Symptoms include fast heart rate, excessive thirst, weakness, diarrhea, and excessive urination.
Sebaceous Adenitis: Sebaceous Adenitis is a smelly but somewhat uncommon type of dog dermatitis that comes more from the Poodle side of the breed. This autoimmune skin disorder causes the sebaceous glands to get inflamed and stop the hair follicles from creating needed lubrication. Symptoms are hair loss, bad odor, and flaky skin.
Epilepsy: A dog that develops epilepsy will suffer from seizures from an age as young as one year old. This condition is usually treatable with medication.
There are also dangers from the natural surroundings if you live in a rural area. Many wild animals suffer from disease and parasites, and your puppy sharing the same space can result in them contracting some of these diseases or parasites. Common diseases are rabies, leptospirosis, and parvo. Your puppy will have some resistance to parvo based on their first 2 vaccinations, but they are not old enough when they go home to have had leptospirosis or rabies vaccines, so you must be diligent to ensure they are not exposed.
Common parasites are giardia and coccidia; these are intestinal parasites that may cause diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy, but not all puppies/dogs will show symptoms. Keep in mind that all dogs have low levels of giardia in their systems, but when it gets out of control it can cause big problems and will require treatment. Because they carry this in their system naturally, episodes of high stress can also cause it to multiply and get out of control. The fact is, any parasite problem should be treated with approved medications. In areas with heavy brush and trees, you will also need to be diligent about checking your puppy/dog for ticks. Tick born diseases are as deadly to dogs as they are to people.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.