Mastering Doodles Golden Care: Expert Tips for Success

Bricks Coggin

Bricks Coggin | Owner-Operator of ABCs Puppy Zs

Pro Insights on Taking Care of Your Doodles Golden


Wondering how to take the best care of your Doodle? Any one that has met or spent time with a Doodle can tell you exactly why they are such a popular hybrid breed known for their friendly and intelligent nature. In this article, we provide essential tips on grooming, feeding, exercising, and training, including crate training, to keep your Goldendoodle healthy and happy.

Key Highlights


  • The Goldendoodle dog breed emerged in the late 1980s, originally bred to serve as guide dogs
  • Their popularity surged in the 1990s, and they have since become a favorite for families
  • Became the go to breed for those who are looking for a friendly and intelligent companion
  • Goldendoodles require regular grooming, exercise, and socialization to stay healthy and happy
  • Available in various sizes—Standard, Medium, Micro, and Toy, which makes them quite suitable for a number of living situations
  • Choosing a reputable breeder is crucial for ensuring a Goldendoodle's health and well-adjusted temperament

All about your Goldendoodle Puppy


Caring for a Goldendoodle involves more than just feeding and walking them. A balanced dog's diet tailored to their specific needs is crucial for maintaining their ideal body condition and preventing health issues like obesity. These intelligent and lively dogs require regular brushing, exercise, socializing, and nail trimming to maintain their health and happiness. With their affectionate nature, Goldendoodles thrive on engagement and training, making them great companions for active families.


Goldendoodles come in various sizes, including Standard, Miniature, and Toy, depending on the size of their Poodle parent. As mixed breed dogs, they exhibit diverse characteristics derived from their parent dog breeds, making them sociable and friendly with children and other canine companions. This versatility means there's a Goldendoodle to fit any living situation, from apartments to large homes with yards. Their increasing popularity is a testament to their friendly qualities and the success of other Doodle breeds like the Labradoodle.


Commonly known by nicknames such as Groodles, Doodles, or golden doodles, these dogs tend to capture the hearts of everyone they meet. Ensuring they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation will keep them happy and well-adjusted. And don't forget the importance of grooming to maintain their beautiful non shedding coats and overall health.

Understanding Goldendoodles


Goldendoodles are known for their affectionate, intelligent, and lively nature. These characteristics, combined with their low-shedding coats and friendly demeanor, make them a popular choice among dog lovers looking for a goldendoodle puppy.

What Makes a Goldendoodle? Understanding Poodle Heritage

Goldendoodles are a crossbreed resulting from crossing a purebred golden retriever with a purebred poodle, creating a dog that combines the best traits of both breeds. The primary goal behind developing Goldendoodles was to create a larger Doodle with a low-dander, low-shedding coat and a friendly, intelligent nature. An F1 Goldendoodle, for example, has a genetic makeup of 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle, embodying a perfect blend of both parent breeds.


These dogs were specifically bred to inherit the purebred golden retriever's lovable and family-oriented traits and the purebred poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic dog coat. This combination makes Goldendoodles a popular choice for families, individuals with allergies, and those looking for a versatile and friendly companion. Well kept amongst any reputable breeding program, these breeding dogs take the mini poodle heritage with all those lovely poodle genes to an entirely new level.

Goldendoodle Temperament

Goldendoodles are celebrated for their friendly, intelligent, and playful temperament. They inherit a blend of traits from both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, making them affectionate and energetic companions. Their sociable personality makes them ideal family pets, as they are happy and excited when meeting new people or pets.


These dogs are also known for their high trainability and gentle demeanor, which makes them great companions for children and effective therapy animals. Their intelligence allows them to excel in various roles, including service and therapy work, where their loyalty and gentle nature truly shine.

Goldendoodle History and Origins


The Goldendoodle is a relatively new dog breed, first developed in the 1990s. This delightful hybrid was created by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle, aiming to produce a dog that combines the best traits of both parent breeds. The idea behind this crossbreeding was to merge the low-shedding, hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle with the friendly, outgoing personality of the Golden Retriever. The result was the Goldendoodle, a dog breed that quickly captured the hearts of families and individuals alike.


Goldendoodles have become a popular choice for those seeking a loyal and affectionate companion. Their friendly nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coats make them an ideal pet for families, especially those with members who have allergies. The breed's versatility and adaptability have contributed to its growing popularity, making Goldendoodles a beloved addition to many households.

Goldendoodle Sizes and Types


Goldendoodles come in various sizes, which depend on the size of the Poodle parent used in breeding. This section will explore the different sizes of Goldendoodles, helping you understand which type might be the best fit for your lifestyle.

Standard Goldendoodle

Standard Goldendoodles are the largest of the breed, typically weighing between 50 to 90 pounds and standing 17 to 20 inches tall. They are known for their robust build and are ideal for families with plenty of space and an active lifestyle.

Miniature Goldendoodle

Miniature Goldendoodles are smaller, standing under 17 inches tall and weighing between 15 to 35 pounds. Their compact size makes them perfect for apartment living or families with limited space, while still retaining the playful and affectionate nature of the breed.

Medium Goldendoodle

Medium Goldendoodles fall between the Standard and Miniature sizes, typically ranging from 17 to 21 inches in height and weighing around 35 to 50 pounds. They offer a balanced option for those who want a Goldendoodle that's not too big or too small, making them a versatile choice for various living situations.

Goldendoodle Coat and Grooming


Goldendoodles are primarily bred for their manageable coats that have low dander and minimal shedding. A Goldendoodle's coat can be curly, wavy, or straight, determined by the inherited curl genes from the parents. This section will cover the different coat types (coat texture) and essential grooming practices to keep your Goldendoodle looking and feeling their best.

Coat Types

Goldendoodles can have three types of coats: straight (not flat coated goldendoodles), wavy, or curly (curl gene). They can come in various colors, including dark brown. Curly coats are the tightest and often resemble Standard Poodle fur, while wavy coats have a looser texture. Straight coats are similar to those of Golden Retrievers. Each coat type has its grooming requirements, with curly coats needing more frequent grooming to prevent matting.


Understanding your Goldendoodle's coat type will help you tailor their grooming routine to their specific needs. Regular brushing, bathing, and occasional trims will keep their coat healthy and minimize allergens in your home.

Grooming Essentials

Daily brushing is recommended for Goldendoodles with curly coats to prevent tangles and matting. For those with straight or wavy coats, brushing once every week or two should suffice. Bathing should be limited to once a month to avoid stripping the coat of its natural oils. Regular trims every few weeks will keep your mini Goldendoodle looking neat and tidy.


Essential grooming tools include a brush with soft bristles and a metal comb to effectively manage their coat. Preparing for regular grooming sessions will ensure your Goldendoodle remains comfortable and well-groomed.

Health and Wellness


Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they can be susceptible to certain health issues. Maintaining their health involves regular veterinary visits, a balanced diet, and preventive care.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is vital for your Goldendoodle's health. Begin vaccinations at 8 weeks and follow up with yearly wellness exams and heartworm prevention. Regular dental care helps avoid periodontal disease and other oral health issues.


Routine health checks and a consistent vaccination schedule help maintain your Goldendoodle's health and prevent common issues. Preventive care is an investment in your dog's long-term well-being.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced dog's diet with high-quality ingredients maintains the health and vitality of Goldendoodles. Their diet should include proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to support energy levels and overall health. Ensure a constant supply of fresh water to keep them hydrated.


Proper nutrition prevents health issues and keeps your Goldendoodle active and happy. Consult your veterinarian to choose the best dog's diet for your Goldendoodle's specific needs and lifestyle.

Training and Socialization


Training and socialization help Goldendoodles grow up well-behaved and well-rounded. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train, while early socialization helps them interact positively with other pets and people.

Basic Commands

Positive reinforcement is recommended for training Goldendoodles. Begin training early and use rewards-based techniques to help them learn basic commands and tricks quickly.


Harsh methods can negatively impact your dog's behavior and trust, so avoid them.

Socializing with Other Pets

Early introduction to a variety of people, pets, and other dogs prevents under-socialization. Goldendoodles thrive in social environments, and group training classes can enhance their social skills and training.


Engage Goldendoodles in activities like puzzle toys and obedience training to enhance their mental stimulation. These intelligent dogs enjoy interactive games, helping prevent boredom and promote engagement. Keep training sessions fun and challenging to maintain their interest.

Exercise Needs


Goldendoodles need plenty of exercise and social interaction for well-being. Their energy levels vary with age and activity, but regular exercise keeps them happy and healthy.


This section will cover the daily exercise routines and fun activities to keep your Goldendoodle active and engaged.

Daily Exercise Routine

Goldendoodles need time for fun and exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Daily walks and playtime manage their high energy levels and provide mental stimulation. Activities like walks, playtime, and mental exercises keep Goldendoodles engaged.


Goldendoodles typically need 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day, divided into multiple sessions, especially when young. Daily walks can serve as both a form of exercise and an opportunity for mental stimulation by exposing them to new environments.

Fun Activities

Games like Frisbee and swimming keep Goldendoodles active and entertained. These activities help socialize them and stimulate their minds. Regular fun activities are essential for a happy and healthy Goldendoodle.


Incorporate a variety of activities into your Goldendoodle's routine to prevent boredom and promote well-being. Activities like fetch, jogging, and trips to the dog park keep them physically and mentally engaged.

Goldendoodles as Service and Therapy Dogs


Goldendoodles are versatile, serving as service and therapy dogs. They can also be trained as sniffer dogs to detect specific allergens in foods, such as peanuts for individuals with nut allergies. Their intelligence, gentle nature, and hypoallergenic coats make them excellent candidates for these roles.

Service Dogs

Goldendoodles are popular as family dogs and service animals, celebrated for bonding with people and their low-shedding coats. They can perform tasks like guiding individuals with disabilities, alerting those with hearing impairments, and supporting those with mobility challenges.


They can retrieve items and provide emotional support, making them invaluable to owners with disabilities. Their high trainability and gentle demeanor make them ideal for service roles.

Therapy Dogs

Goldendoodles are good therapy dogs due to their intelligence, gentleness, and desire to make people happy. They serve as companion pets for hospital patients and nursing home residents, bringing comfort and joy.

Choosing a Breeder


Choosing a reputable breeder ensures your Goldendoodle is healthy and well-adjusted. A good breeder screens for health issues and socializes puppies, contributing to better health and behavior. Often times you can source these ethical breeding programs from a goldendoodle directories. Many breeders take on the breed standards of the Golden Retriever and the Toy Poodle from the American Kennel Club. By doing so they are able to produce significantly improved upon (health, athleticism, breed look) lines of Goldendoodles. It all starts with the Poodles Golden!

Health Clearances

A good breeder performs health tests on the puppy's parents to reduce the risk of illnesses. Health clearances for Goldendoodle puppies should include checks for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease, thrombopathia, and normal eyes.


These clearances have to be confirmed during your reputable breeder research process and are very easy to confirm on the OFA website (ofa.org). Do not just take their word for it!

Avoiding Puppy Mills

Avoid puppy mills to ensure dog welfare and promote responsible breeding practices. Key warning signs include overcrowded living conditions, lack of socialization, and unsanitary environments. Supporting reputable breeders ensures your Goldendoodle's health and temperament and prevents animal neglect and suffering.

Goldendoodle Safety and Precautions


Owning a Goldendoodle comes with certain responsibilities to ensure their safety and well-being. One of the most important aspects to consider is the dog's energy level and exercise needs. Goldendoodles are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Daily walks, playtime, and engaging activities are essential to keep them happy and healthy.


Regular grooming is another crucial aspect of Goldendoodle care. Their fur can mat and tangle if not properly maintained, so frequent brushing and occasional trims are necessary to keep their coat in good condition. Additionally, regular veterinary care is vital to prevent and detect health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Routine check-ups and screenings can help ensure your Goldendoodle remains in optimal health.


When it comes to family life, it's important to consider the safety of children and other pets in the household. While Goldendoodles are generally gentle and patient, their boisterous and energetic nature can be overwhelming for young children or other pets. Supervision and proper training are essential to ensure that your Goldendoodle interacts safely and respectfully with everyone in the household.

Goldendoodle Family Life and Compatibility


Goldendoodles are highly social dogs that thrive on interaction with their human family members. Their intelligence and trainability make them an excellent choice for families with children, as they can quickly learn commands and tricks. Goldendoodles are also known for their affectionate and loving nature, making them a loyal companion for families seeking a devoted pet.


In terms of compatibility with other pets, Goldendoodles generally get along well with other dogs and animals, especially if they are socialized from an early age. Introducing them slowly and under controlled circumstances can help ensure a smooth transition and harmonious relationships with other pets in the household. Goldendoodles are adaptable to various living situations, making them suitable for families living in apartments or homes with small yards.


However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Engaging activities, interactive toys, and daily walks are essential to keep them entertained and content. Overall, Goldendoodles make a wonderful addition to any family. With proper training, socialization, and care, they can thrive in a variety of living situations and provide years of love and companionship to their human family members. Their friendly, intelligent, and affectionate nature makes them a beloved pet for families seeking a loyal and versatile companion.

Key Takeaways


Goldendoodles are a wonderful addition to any family, combining the best traits of Golden Retrievers and Poodles. They are affectionate, intelligent, and versatile, making them great companions for various roles, including service and therapy dogs. Regular grooming, exercise, and a balanced diet are essential for keeping them healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions


What are the common health problems in Goldendoodles?

Goldendoodles are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and certain eye diseases. It's essential to keep an eye on these conditions for your furry friend's well-being.

How often should I groom my Goldendoodle?

Groom your Goldendoodle daily if they have a curly coat to avoid tangles, while straight or wavy coats only need brushing once a week or so. Don't forget to bathe them about once a month and schedule regular trims!

What type of diet is best for a Goldendoodle?

A balanced diet with high-quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates is ideal for your Goldendoodle. Don't forget to keep fresh water available at all times!

Are Goldendoodles good with children and other pets?

Absolutely! Goldendoodles are friendly and social, making them excellent companions for both children and other pets. Just remember to socialize them early for the best interactions.

How much exercise does a Goldendoodle need?

Goldendoodles need about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily, ideally split into a few sessions of walks or playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Engaging their minds with activities is just as important!