What is a Goldendoodle?
A Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This breed has what is known as “hybrid vigor” and the term refers to the phenomenon of a hybrid breed becoming stronger, healthier, and more resilient than the original two breeds. They have been bred in North American since the early to mid-nineties, and they are growing more and more popular.
Description of the Goldendoodle
Since the Goldendoodle is a cross between a Poodle and Golden Retriever, you might be wondering what they look like. The physical appearance can vary greatly according to what generation hybrid you have as well as what parents they were bred from. They can vary in color from cream, gold, tan, brown, grey, black, or a mix of any of these colors.
Their coat can vary from a shaggy retriever-looking coat to a curly poodle or anywhere in between. Most Goldendoodles are a fair mix in between the two and are usually low to no shedding which also makes them great for families with allergies or high allergy risk. The length of the coat when left uncut usually falls between four to eight inches.
What size is a Goldendoodle?
While some standard Goldendoodles have grown to more than 100 pounds, the average is as follows:
Standard - typically 50-65 pounds
Medium - typically 35-50 pounds
Mini - typically 20-35 pounds
Health & Life Expectancy
Because of the hybrid vigor, Goldendoodles are generally very healthy. They are stronger than their parent breeds and live longer. The average life expectancy is around 15 years although some have been known to live longer.
There are no major health concerns for this breed but minor concerns include CHD, PRA, VonWillebrand's, elbow and patella disorders. It is suggested that you have regular tests on the hips, eyes and for vWD to detect possible problems early on.
Grooming & Tempermant
Goldendoodles need regular grooming and coat care as all dogs do but for most, the maintenance is minimal. For short to medium length coats, you will need very little care. Regular washings and brushings will do just fine. These are usually low allergen risk and safe for most families with mild allergies.
If you have a Goldendoodle with a longer, curlier coat like a poodle, it may require more grooming care. Many owners enjoy styling the coat of their longer haired Goldendoodles and if properly cared for, the hair can grow all the way to the ground. Regardless of which type you have, the hair around the eyes and the genitals should also be neatly clipped and regular brushing will keep the coat shiny all over.
Goldendoodles are a very social breed. They love human interaction and are most likely to get into trouble or have behavior problems when they are left alone with little human contact. They have a strong desire to please which makes them easy to train, and they are very loyal to their family.
Goldendoodles are an excellent, well-tempered breed that is suitable for most any home. Any owner will testify to how enjoyable they are. Now that you are more informed about this breed, you can make a decision about whether or not they are right for you.
What Does Parti Mean?
Parti means that the dog is at least half white. Our boy, Midas is a Parti poodle. Abstract means that the dog had a Parti as a parent and has some white markings, but not enough to be a Parti.
What is an Irishdoodle?
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An Irishdoodle is an Irish setter/poodle mix. I breed F1b, which means the momma is an Irishdoodle and the dad is a poodle.
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Irish setters don't have an undercoat like a retriever, so they don't shed like a retriever!! This is a bonus for doodles! I have noticed that my F1 Irishdoodle coats tend to not matt as easily as a goldendoodle. Yes, they still require brushing and grooming, as with any doodle.
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Irishdoodles are happy-go-lucky doggies that love their families! They like to run (although they can look like a horse galloping, since their legs are long!) They tend to like to cuddle and be a part of the family! They want to play in their yard with the family and they have similar personalities to golden retrievers.
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I actually flew to Pennsylvania to get my Irishdoodles!! I was the first breeder in the south with them. They are just starting to become more popular!
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An Irishdoodle will stand a smidge taller than a Goldendoodle, because the legs are longer. They tend to have long, lean bodies.
What is a Cavapoo?
The Cavapoo is a cross between a miniature poodle and a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.
First appearing in Australia in the 1990s, the Cavapoos entered the scene after the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle gained a popular following. Although newer, they quickly became one of Australia’s most popular dogs.
Cavapoos are wonderful family dogs thanks to their low-shed coats, high intelligence, loyalty, sociability and energy.
What are F1, F1b, and Parti Coats?
F1
wavy or shaggy coat
F1b
curly, poodle-like coat
Parti
2 different coat colors with
at least 50% white