The Goldendoodle is very similar to the Labradoodle, as it is composed of a Golden Retriever and Poodle. Commonly referred to as a Dood, they were intentionally bred in the mid 1990s in North America as a bigger adaptation of Cockapoo. As with the Labradoodle, the Dood is a popular dog for people who suffer from allergies because of their non- or light-shedding coats.

The "hybrid vigor" philosophy of the Goldendoodle is similar to the Labradoodle explaining a hybrid dog, a first generation cross, is a phenomenon in animal breeding where the first cross between two unrelated purebred lines is healthier and grows better than either parent line. The puppies take on the best traits of both breeds.

Are Goldendoodles Allergy-Friendly?

As with the Labradoodle, not all Doods are allergy-friendly so you need to do your research before deciding on this breed. The first generation (F1) standard size Goldendoodle (standard Poodle crossed with a Golden Retriever) was the first to be bred.

These first generation Goldendoodles generally don't shed, or shed very lightly-again, giving them a good chance of being allergy-friendly dog. When an F1 Goldendoodle is crossed with a Poodle, this creates a backcross (F1B.) This increases the success rate for a non-shedding dog. An F1B is ideal for moderate to severe allergies.

When a Goldendoodle is crossed with another Goldendoodle, this creates a second generation (F2).

Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle are known to be highly intelligent dogs. Therefore, the hybrid-cross results in a Goldendoodle that is a smart, sometimes allergy-friendly, pleasant, affectionate, and trainable dog. They are a good family dog because of their friendliness towards children and other household pets.

They are social, so they are good with strangers and enjoy hanging around the family. As with Labradoodles, Doods are very intelligent so they need to be intellectually stimulated. If they spend too much time alone they will find their own means of entertainment-chewing rugs, destroying shoes, knocking over plants, etc.!

It is important to engage and train them to help prevent these types of unacceptable behaviors.

How About Their Coat And Colors?

The Goldendoodles fur is usually in between that of a retriever and a poodle, although sometimes it can be at one extreme or the other-like a shaggy retriever or a non-curly poodle.

Coat colors are similar to a Labradoodle, including cream, gold, apricot, chocolate, gray, and black. They should be combed every few weeks to maintain their coat.

There are generally no major health concerns with the Goldendoodle, with a life expectancy of 15 years. They are prone to any genetic diseases that would be common between the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle.

There are a few minor concerns such as hip and eye problems, so tests are recommended.

So, in general, Goldendoodles make lovely household pets, especially for those with allergy problems. And once you bring your Dood home, give him plenty of love and training and he will be a great addition to your family.