With all of these designer breeds taking the pet-owning world by storm, more and more people are jumping on the bandwagon. The idea of combining the best characteristics of two of the most popular breeds was, and is, quite intriguing. Poodle mixes, Goldendoodles in particular, have become a firm favorite across the board.

With their gorgeous sometimes shaggy, sometimes curly, thick but easy to maintain, coat, and big soulful eyes, it can be easy to see why these beautiful pups are the number one choice for many households. However, looks aren’t everything, and the real question is, are Goldendoodles good dogs? To answer that question, no, they are not… They are the best dogs known to man!

Goldendoodles are naturally intelligent, friendly, and loyal dogs. They are great around kids and other pets as a result of their ability to become fast friends. However, they don’t make good guard dogs, but they are ideal for apartment living.

Goldendoodles (also adorably known as Golden Poo) are a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and either a standard, miniature, or toy Poodle. Their popularity has sky-rocketed, not only due to their good looks but also because of the fantastic traits they always seem to inherit from both of their parents.

They are typically a perfect mix of the two. As with any dog breed, though, the Goldendoodle has its own needs and wants. Always make an informed decision. This ultimate guide on Goldendoodles will help affirm your (correct) choice to add one of these awesome pooches to your family.

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Are Goodlendoodles Good With Kids/Cats/Other Dogs? Good Family Dog?

Much like their Golden Retriever parent, Goldendoodles are likely one of the best dogs to have as a family pet, especially those with little ones in the house. Yes, they might be a bit bigger than their Poodle parents, but they are generally known to be very gentle around children (although, they should still be supervised!).

They tend to be easy-going and they absolutely love to socialize. It’s rare for a Goldendoodle to find a buddy (human or otherwise) that they didn’t like. Always introduce in a safe manner but it is highly likely that your current pets and your new Goldendoodle furball will be fast friends in no time.

Are They Easy To Train?

While they are incredibly smart, not all Goldendoodles are the easiest to train, especially if not done at a young age. They can inherit a somewhat lack of focus from their Golden Retriever parent, and won’t do well with long training periods. He will lose interest.

Any type of training should be done in short spurts to keep their attention, and if they are being stubborn (as some Goldendoodles can be), don’t be afraid to bring in an expert. As smart as they are, they will be trained in no time once you find an effective approach.

Are They Smart?

Goldendoodles are typically very intelligent. Both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever breeds are smart and this will be passed down to any Goldendoodle offspring. Not unlike their mom and dad, they are both smart and relatively easy to train. That is, so long as it is done correctly. These guys are energetic and don’t hold attention very long.

Training in short durations, as well as using positive reinforcement, is the best way to ensure success. Goldendoodles want nothing more than to please you so harsh discipline, such as yelling or hitting will generally have the opposite effect. And, should never be used in any situation really, as it is completely counterproductive.

Temperament And Personality

When it comes to both temperament and personality, crossbreeds characteristics are not as easy, or simple, to pinpoint. Their individual qualities can vary greatly due to the mix of two completely different breeds.

Even Goldendoodles from the same litter can have strikingly different personalities, as one could have more traits from dad while the other takes after mom in certain aspects. Generally speaking, they can have any one (or more) awesome traits from their parent breeds:

Golden Retriever – Outgoing, trustworthy, eager to please, intelligent, active, friendly
Poodle – Also intelligent, loyal, sweet-natured, also active, also friendly although a bit more reserved than the Golden Retriever

Throw it all together, mix it up and what have you got? A lovable, sometimes goofy, and mischievous, completely loyal, canine companion with a somewhat silly puppy-like personality (and no he probably will not grow out of it). They are a great option for most, however, as they get bonded and attached to their human family fairly easily, make sure that you are ready for the commitment and all that comes with it.

Overall Health

As a general rule, most breeds are prone to one medical condition or another, and neither the Golden Retriever nor the Poodle, are an exception. For instance, Golden Retrievers, being a larger breed, can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, while Poodles (in general) are more likely to have dental issues.

Thanks to years and years of expert breeding, however, the Goldendoodle is actually relatively healthier than both parent breeds. They do need sufficient exercise and regular veterinary checkups to keep in good health. The exercise is also an energy outlet. Without proper stimulation, physical and mental, Goldendoodles can become bored which could result in behavioral issues.

Are They Hypoallergenic?

There’s the big money question, and the answer is no, they are not, no animal breed is 100% hypoallergenic. The Goldendoodle is a low shedding breed, though, which means that they are less likely than other breeds to cause a pet-related allergic reaction.

If you suffer from pet allergies it is suggested that you do a trial run with your potential companion. Taking extra precautions is also a good idea. Having a pet-free room in the house, regular deep cleaning, and regular pet grooming habits can also help prevent reactions.

Final Thoughts

Goldendoodles are fantastic dogs, there’s no doubt about it. Being crossbreeds can also mean a wider variety of characteristics. While as a general rule, Goldendoodles are super social, no two pooches are completely alike and each has its own unique and individualized personality.

These lovable companions can be around for anywhere from 10 to 12 years, and adopting a pet should be a lifelong commitment. It doesn’t hurt to get to know your potential new friend and make sure he will fit into your lifestyle and home.

Suitable For:

Single Families: These are people dogs and they bond extremely well with all family members. They also get along well with other pets.
Families with Children: The Goldendoodle is one of the best dog breeds for homes with children. They are gentle, loyal, and usually have a very sweet disposition.
Pretty much everyone who can give the attention they need: Goldendoodles are a very versatile breed, and they adapt well to many situations. To avoid behavioral problems, your Goldendoodle should be properly socialized and should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Not Suitable For:

If you work long hours: The only situation a Goldendoodle is not suited for would be one where he is left to his own devices for too long. They do their best when with their ‘people’. If you work away from home and/or are gone for long periods, then a Goldendoodle might not be the right fit for you.
If you live in a small dwelling with no room to run: Depending on the size of mom and dad, a Goldendoodle can weigh almost 100 pounds. They are gentle giants, true, but they do need more space than, say, a chihuahua would. Ideally, your Goldendoodle should at least have a backyard to run about, but not to be kept in.

Where To Find A Goldendoodle

If you have decided to add a new furry family member, first, congratulations, no Goldendoodle ever regrets it, and second, do your research. There are several ways of going about getting your new friend and you’ll want to do it in the best, and safest, way possible.

There are more than a few Goldendoodle rescue organizations, there are too many homeless and unwanted pets in the world, and supporting your local rescue is always a good thing. If you are looking for a breeder, be sure to pick a reputable one, and never be afraid to ask questions.