Ky Country Doodles

*CARE*

The Goldendoodle can be easy to train. Intelligent, he's usually eager to please — a perfect combination for either first-time trainers or experienced trainers. He should be trained with positive reinforcement, since harsh corrections could damage his confidence. Socialization is important for all breeds, but for a gentle dog like the Goldendoodle it can be instrumental in discouraging any shyness or timidity. The Goldendoodle has an average energy level and will require daily exercise through walks or a good romp in the back yard. Generally speaking, 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise will be enough to keep a Goldendoodle from becoming bored. He's known for his love of water, so swimming provides another opportunity for appropriate exercise. He's not an ideal pet for outdoor or kennel living, since he thrives when he's with his family, so owners should expect to keep him primarily in the house. The Goldendoodle can also suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior, if he's left alone for long periods at a time.

*CHILDREN & OTHER PETS*

The Goldendoodle makes a wonderful family pet, especially if his nature takes after the Golden Retriever parent. He's likely to be highly patient and gentle and to get along well with children of all ages. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away. He does well in homes with other dogs and pets and doesn't actively show aggression toward other animals. Of course, as with all dogs, it's important to properly socialize your Goldendoodle from puppyhood.

*GROOMING*

*LIFE SPAN*

Usually between 12-15 years

*HEALTH CONCERNS*

*LIVING CONDITIONS AND EXERCISE*

*OVERVIEW*

Also known as the Groodle, the Goldendoodle ranges in size from small to large, depending on the variant of Poodle that the Golden Retriever is crossed with. Originally bred as a larger alternative to the already popular designer breed known as the Cockapoo, the Goldendoodle has proven to be an excellent family dog. 

​They're also versatile working dogs. Goldendoodles have achieved success as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs (one study tested their success at sniffing out peanuts in foods for owners with nut allergies). Goldendoodles have also done well in agility.

​The Goldendoodle is an affectionate and gentle dog that has gained popularity since he was first developed in the 1990s in North America and Australia. He's still a young cross compared to other designer breeds, and many of today's litters are the results of first-generation breedings between Poodles and Golden Retrievers. 

​Goldendoodles are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. They don't do well in any type of guarding or watchdog role and should not be used in that capacity. They can thrive in both city and country settings, but they're not well suited to apartment living unless exercised daily. Goldendoodles should not live outside or in a kennel, however, since they thrive when they are in contact with the people they love. 

​Goldendoodles can be very easy to train and are a good match for first-time or timid owners. They're not known to have any aggressive traits, but they do need proper socialization to avoid any shyness or fearfulness. Goldendoodles also need daily contact with their owners; they'll suffer from separation anxiety if they're left for too long. 

​The best way to avoid any destructive behavior is to crate them and to provide toys and treats to keep them busy throughout the day. Keeping the radio on when you're out is another great way to keep them happy. Goldendoodles are considered to be non- to light shedders and may be a good match for people with allergies. They do require weekly or biweekly brushing, and many owners opt to have them clipped. Although Goldendoodles are a young designer breed, that hasn't stopped people from understanding their worth. They have become popular quickly, and their star is still rising. They make excellent family dogs and provide gentle, intelligent companionship throughout their lifetimes.

Goldendoodle Facts

A first generation hybrid Goldendoodle, F1, is the product of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle breeding. They are a marvelous hybrid dog. Being a first generation cross they exhibit hybrid vigor. This is a phenomenon in animal breeding referring to the fact that when two healthy dogs of different breeds are bred together the resulting puppies tend to be healthier (more vigorous) than either parent. This is because even with good breeding practices, purebred dogs are more likely to carry the same recessive genes which can lead to genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia. The F1 hybrid cross between the calm, sweet Golden Retriever and the non-shedding, intelligent Poodle creates what most call the “perfect” dog. Goldendoodles are friendly, intelligent, affectionate and easy to train. Their coats may be wavy, shaggy or loosely curled. Also their low-to-no shedding coats and the ability to live with families with allergies have made them very popular companions.