Goldendoodle Personality & Characteristics

This month’s medium-sized breed -The Goldendoodle - continues to hold popularity with many dog lovers because of its intelligence.

They are referred to as “toy dogs”, “hybrids” or “designer dogs”. Relatively new on the scene, Goldendoodles made their debut in the United States and Australia in the 1990s and have quickly grown in popularity. Why? They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, two well-loved breeds that are adorable and smart.

Golden Retrievers are known as loving, friendly dogs. Poodles are considered to be one of the smartest breeds. No wonder that a cross between these two would be desirable! Additionally, because the poodle is considered hypoallergenic, the Goldendoodle is a great choice for people who are only mildly allergic to dogs.

Bark Busters has recently trained “oodles of doodles”. Before you go head-over-heels for your Goldendoodle and totally spoil him/her, know that they have behavioral issues that come with their breed, naughtiness and stubbornness being two personality traits. You have to remember that your Goldendoodle will have the traits of both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever, both generally stable breeds, but sometimes the mix of the two is a cocktail of rowdiness and willfulness. Nothing that dog training can’t overcome!

Everybody is a friend to a Goldendoodle and they thrive when they are around people. Conversely, they do not like to be alone for long periods and will become destructive if they aren’t getting the attention they need. Goldendoodles can have a hard time with separation anxiety.

If your Goldendoodle is bored, you’ll know it because the destruction begins. This is when dogs tend to misbehave the most.

It is important not to spoil your Goldendoodle too much to the point where you accept misbehaviors. It’s hard when they look like adorable teddy bears, but there is a major difference between loving and spoiling your dog. They do not do well with aggressive, harsh training because they are very sensitive. Goldendoodles respond best to positive reinforcement. They live for belly rubs and sloppy kisses. Bark Busters does not believe in negative reinforcement because too often, aggression breeds aggression.

Goldendoodle issues can include:

• Aggression
• Boredom
• Destructive behaviors like mouthing, nipping, chewing
• Difficulty in house training
• Hyperactive
• Jumping
• Not coming when called
• Play biting

Always choose a reputable breeder and ask for references. Because Goldendoodles are a “designer dog”, they can often cost a pretty penny. That’s why we suggest looking at rescues, animal welfare shelters and the local Humane Society or RSPCA. These dogs are tested for temperament and soundness.

If you want a “miniature Goldendoodle”, make sure one of the parents is a toy poodle or you will have a much bigger dog on your hands than you expected.

Remember your dog is only as good as you are as a role model. As a medium dog expected to live 15 years or more, it’s important you provide your Goldendoodle not only with the basics, but you meet all his/her needs mentally, physically and psychologically.

Goldendoodles are generally indoor dogs who like to be near their family. If you want an outdoor dog that is independent (like a German Shepherd), a Goldendoodle is not for you.

Goldendoodles love human companionship and bond very strongly with their owners. Goldendoodles will find ways to entertain themselves, so it is important to provide them with enough chewing toys and good training before leaving them for any amount of time.

Your Goldendoodle’s energy is boundless. To keep him out of trouble, you and your kids must provide plenty of time to play. If you’re not going to be around, it’s important to give your Goldendoodle something to do like playing with a Kong or an interactive toy. If you’re out and about, leave the radio or TV on tuned to Animal Planet or your dog will feel very isolated.

Because Goldendoodles are so active, you have to be very wary of them running away.

My friends sometimes refer to me as "the Doodle King" because of how many Goldendoodles (and various other "Doodle" breeds) I've worked with. I'd estimate I've worked with somewhere between 600-800 over the years. As with any breed, there isn't a cookie cutter answer to describe their traits or characteristics, but I'd describe them generally as being very responsive to training and dogs that make wonderful family members.

Many of my clients hire me when their dogs are puppies between 8-10 weeks old when they first arrive to their home. Doing this will definitely make life easier, for you can educate and train your pup to whatever rules your particular home may have, at a young age. However, I'm more often hired to help clients with adult Goldendoodles with various behavioral issues.

As with any breed, without proper guidance and leadership, many of these cute fluffy pups can bark excessively, become aggressive towards guests, and even towards their own family. Also, if left unattended for long periods of time, either in a crate or elsewhere, Goldendoodles may become destructive and suffer separation anxiety.

Being a very popular breed, people considering getting a Goldendoodle should do their homework and get one from a reputable breeder. Be very cautious about buying dogs online without seeing the puppies’ environment and parents. Dogs bought from puppy mills who have no regard for health and disposition may have serious health and behavioral problems. The good news is that Goldendoodles respond great to training and are eager to learn and change. If you're an owner with an adult Goldendoodle, it's never too late to get help. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks! Goldendoodles are definitely active, sporting dogs so be sure that your lifestyle can accommodate the exercise and attention needs of such a smart, athletic dog.

In summary, when I get a call from a client with a Goldendoodle, I'm so happy that they found me because I'm confident that, with even one lesson, I can make an incredible change in that family's life. Once a client learns how to communicate to their Goldendoodle in a way it actually understands, the sky's the limit with what Goldendoodles can be trained to do.

Common Injuries and Illnesses

Your Goldendoodle’s health concerns will change over the course of their life. A puppy might be more prone to eating something they shouldn’t, a 2-year-old Doodle may be more likely to show signs of allergies, and a senior Goldendoodle is far more likely to develop a mass as they age. Goldendoodle’s also have personality and physical traits that may make them more prone to certain conditions—this breed can be particularly playful, curious, and rowdy, and they can get into things they shouldn’t and injure themselves along the way.

At any stage of life, here are some of the most common injuries and illnesses you should be aware of when bringing home a Doodle:

• Bloat
• Addison’s disease
• Heart disease
• Allergies
• Eye problems
• Skin conditions
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Ear infections

If you are ever concerned about your dog’s health, your local veterinarian is a great resource—no matter how small the question.

Genetic Health Concerns

Despite being a hybrid of two breeds, the Goldendoodle has its fair share of hereditary based issues inherited from the Poodle and Golden Retriever. These include things like Addison’s Disease and hip dysplasia. Most reputable breeders now have their breeding stock checked and scored for these hereditary ailments by a veterinarian. You can request proof that the puppy you are purchasing comes from parents that have been checked for these issues.

Because many other health issues are also hereditary, you should do some research on the ancestry of your puppy and any health issues of that particular breed.