Crossbreeds

Goldendoodle

Friendly, clever and fluffy — the Golden’s warmth with a Poodle’s brain.

Goldendoodles combine the sociable Golden Retriever with the intelligent Poodle. They are usually friendly, trainable family dogs, but coat type, size and energy vary widely, and grooming needs are substantial.

A Golden Retriever × Poodle cross. Not recognised by the AKC; size, coat and temperament vary more than in a purebred.

Parent breeds: Golden Retriever × Poodle

Height
13–24 in33–61 cm
Weight
15–90 lb7–41 kg
Life expectancy
10–15 years
Size
Medium
Group
Crossbreeds
Origin
United States and Australia

Coat: Straight, wavy or curly; shedding varies by generation. Colours: Cream, Apricot, Red, Gold, Chocolate, Black, Parti, Merle.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level5.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness5.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety5.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.5 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Most Goldendoodles are affectionate, outgoing and eager to please. They tend to welcome visitors, enjoy other dogs and do well with children. Many love water and retrieving.

Both parent breeds are energetic and mouthy when young, and doodles are often bouncy adolescents. They are people-oriented and may struggle with long periods alone. As a cross, temperament depends heavily on the parents.

Varieties

Mini
Around 13–20 in and 15–35 lb.
Medium
Around 17–21 in and 35–50 lb.
Standard
Around 20–24 in and 50–90 lb.

Living with a Goldendoodle

Exercise

About an hour daily for standards; 30–60 minutes for minis. Many enjoy swimming and fetch.

Grooming

Brush to the skin several times a week and book professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Doodle coats mat easily, especially behind the ears and in the armpits.

Training

Very trainable with reward-based methods. Teach calm greetings and loose-lead walking early.

Kids & other pets

Usually excellent with children and other pets. Supervise bouncy, fast-growing standard puppies around toddlers and teach them not to jump up.

Time alone

People-focused; build alone time gradually to prevent separation distress.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Goldendoodle right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Goldendoodle matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Goldendoodle typically lives 10–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia

    Inherited from both parent breeds; screened parents help.

  • Ear infections

    Hairy, floppy ears trap moisture. Clean and dry them regularly.

  • Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS)

    A heart defect found in Golden Retrievers.

  • Progressive retinal atrophy

    Inherited from either parent; DNA tests are available.

  • Skin allergies

    Common in doodles; managed with diet and vet care.

Ask a breeder for

  • Both parents: hip and elbow evaluation
  • Both parents: eye and cardiac examinations
  • DNA tests: prcd-PRA, GR-PRA1/2, von Willebrand disease

Sources: OFA health testing guidance for Golden Retriever and Poodle; Golden Retriever Club of America; Poodle Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Goldendoodles became popular in the 1990s, following the success of the Labradoodle, as breeders sought a friendly retriever temperament with a lower-shedding coat.

Breeders now produce F1 (first-generation), F1B (backcrossed to Poodle) and multigenerational doodles. There is no single standard, so size and coat vary even within litters.

Did you know?

  • Coat type in doodles is predictable with DNA tests for the curl and furnishings genes.
  • F1B doodles (backcrossed to the Poodle) usually shed the least.
  • Goldendoodles come in more sizes than most purebreds.

Library guides for Goldendoodle owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Some doodles shed very little, but this varies by generation and individual.
How big do Goldendoodles get?
Minis weigh around 15–35 lb, mediums 35–50 lb and standards 50–90 lb.
Are Goldendoodles good family dogs?
Yes — they are typically friendly, playful and good with children.