What Is a Goldendoodle Mixed With? Explained

Bricks Coggin

Bricks Coggin | Owner-Operator of ABCs Puppy Zs

Goldendoodle Breed: Mixed with What?


A Goldendoodle is a mixed breed dog formed by breeding a Golden Retriever with a Poodle. These mixed breed dogs combine traits from pure breeds, such as the friendly nature of Golden Retrievers and the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of Poodles. In this article, we will explore what is a Goldendoodle mixed with, as well as its features, origins, and what you can expect when adding one to your family.

Key Highlights


  • Goldendoodles are a mix of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, inheriting traits like friendliness, intelligence, and hypoallergenic qualities
  • They come in different generations and sizes, including Standard, Mini, and Toy, allowing for varied traits and characteristics to fit different lifestyles
  • Goldendoodles require regular grooming and training, benefiting from positive reinforcement due to their learning abilities and social nature, making them excellent family pets

The Parent Breeds: Golden Retriever and Poodle


Goldendoodles are a delightful blend of two of the most beloved dog breeds: the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Each of these parent breeds contributes a unique set of traits that make Goldendoodles the wonderful pets they are. Golden Retrievers are renowned for their friendly and loyal nature. These dogs are not just companions; they are family members who form strong bonds with their human counterparts.


Poodles, on the other hand, are celebrated for their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats. The Poodle parent brings a touch of elegance and an impressive intellect to the Goldendoodle mix, making them not only good-looking but also highly trainable and less likely to trigger allergies. This combination results in Goldendoodles inheriting traits such as being affectionate, intelligent, and lively, which are also common in various mini goldendoodle poodle mix.


Similarly, the Labrador Retriever, when bred with either the retriever or a Poodle to create the Labradoodle, contributes its intelligence and friendly nature, along with a strong food drive, to the mix. These traits are inherited from both parent breeds, making Labradoodles another popular and well-loved Poodle mix. When you bring a Goldendoodle puppy into your home, you're welcoming a pet that has the best of both worlds. The friendly disposition of Golden Retrievers combined with the smart and hypoallergenic qualities of Poodles creates a designer breed that is both charming and practical for many pet owners.

Origins of the Goldendoodle


First bred in the 1990s in Australia and the United States, the goldendoodle dog aimed to be a hypoallergenic guide dog. This designer breed service dogs was originally bred to combine the desirable traits of the Golden Retriever's temperament with the Poodle's hypoallergenic coat. The result was a mixed breed that not only made an ideal companion but also catered to individuals with dog allergies, including various doodle breeds.


Since their inception, Goldendoodles have steadily grown in popularity due to their appealing characteristics and versatile nature. They quickly became a favorite among dog lovers, leading to an increase in breeding and a broader range of Goldendoodle varieties. This rise in goldendoodle's popularity has cemented the Goldendoodle's place in the hearts of pet owners worldwide. Doodle dogs, including various types of Poodle mixes, have also gained surprising popularity and versatility as family pets. These breeds are popular for their low shedding and friendly temperaments, though it's important to understand the traits inherited from the mixed breeds to choose the right doodle dog for different lifestyles.

Characteristics Inherited from Golden Retrievers


Goldendoodles inherit a host of wonderful traits from their Golden Retriever parent. One of the most prominent characteristics is their friendly and affectionate demeanor. These dogs are very popular and sought after for their strong human connection, making them a joy to have around families and children. Their loyalty is unmatched, often forming deep bonds with their families and showing a protective nature.


Another trait that Goldendoodles inherit from Golden Retrievers is their high energy levels and playful nature. These dogs love to play fetch, run around, and engage in various activities that keep them active and entertained. Their gundog ancestry also contributes to their strong retrieving instincts, making games like fetch a favorite pastime.


In addition to their friendly and energetic nature, Goldendoodles also exhibit a strong sense of loyalty and devotion to their families. This makes them not only great companions but also excellent watchdogs. Their affectionate and playful traits make them ideal pets for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures and spending quality time with their furry friends.

Traits Passed Down from Poodles


The Poodle parent brings a wealth of desirable traits to the Goldendoodle mix. One of the most significant contributions is their intelligence. Poodles are known for their quick learning abilities and problem-solving skills, which Goldendoodles often inherit. This intelligence makes Goldendoodles highly trainable and responsive to positive reinforcement methods.


Another key trait passed down from Poodles is their hypoallergenic coat. While not all Goldendoodles are completely hypoallergenic, many of them inherit the low-shedding coat from their Poodle parent, making them suitable for individuals with dog allergies. Regular grooming can help reduce allergens as well as helping to keep the coats look their best.


The combination of intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities makes Goldendoodles an appealing choice for many pet owners. These traits, along with their friendly and playful nature, create a well-rounded and versatile companion.

Variations in Goldendoodle Generations


Goldendoodles are bred in different generations, each with its own unique set of characteristics. Understanding these generations is crucial for anyone looking to bring a Goldendoodle puppy into their home. The main types of goldendoodle generations include the first generation (F1), the backcross generation (F1B), and multigenerational variants.


Knowing the generation of a Goldendoodle can help pet owners choose the right breeder and ensure they understand the traits and characteristics of the dog they are bringing home. This section will delve into the specifics of each goldendoodle generation, helping you make an informed decision about breeding dogs.

F1 Goldendoodles

F1 Goldendoodles are first-generation hybrids created by crossing a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This results in a genetic makeup that is 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle. These dogs typically inherit a mix of traits from both parent breeds, combining the friendly and loyal nature of Golden Retrievers with the intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities of Poodles.


F1 Goldendoodles are popular and very well-known for their diverse coat types and temperaments. They can vary widely in appearance and behavior, making each F1 Goldendoodle unique. This generation is ideal for those who appreciate the blend of traits from both parent breeds.

F1B Goldendoodles

An F1B Goldendoodle is created by crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle. Alternatively, it can also be crossed with a purebred Golden Retriever. This backcross generation, known as F1B, results in a genetic makeup that is approximately 75%/25% (Poodle/Golden Retriever). This has helped to make the F1B Goldendoodles highly intelligent, easily trainable, and often have hypoallergenic coats, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.


The benefits of hybrid vigor in F1B Goldendoodles can lead to them being healthier than their purebred parents under proper conditions. However, puppies from an F1BB Doodle (aka an F1B Doodle) crossed with a Golden Retriever may inherit higher shedding coats that are straight or wavy.

Multigen Goldendoodles

Multigen Goldendoodles are bred to promote consistent traits across a litter. These dogs are specifically bred to reduce variability and ensure certain desired characteristics are present in each puppy. The F2 generation of Goldendoodles can exhibit different coat types. These include straight, wavy, or curly textures.


Multigen Goldendoodles are ideal for pet owners who want predictability in their dog's appearance and behavior. These dog breed often have more consistent coat types and temperaments, making them a popular choice among breeders and buyers alike.

Size Variations in Goldendoodles


Goldendoodles come in three basic sizes: Standard, Mini, and Toy. The size of a Goldendoodle can vary greatly depending on the size of the Poodle used in breeding (considering the bernese mountain dog vs cocker spaniel the poodle's coat and size can play little or a lot). Standard Goldendoodles are typically larger, while Miniature and Toy Goldendoodles are smaller. This variety in size makes Goldendoodles adaptable to different living environments, from apartments to large homes with yards.


Understanding the size variations in Goldendoodles is important for potential pet owners, as it helps determine the best fit for their lifestyle and living situation. Whether you're looking for a small companion or a larger, more robust dog, there's a Goldendoodle size that suits your needs.

Standard Goldendoodle

Large Standard Goldendoodles usually stand between 20 and 24 inches tall. Their weight typically ranges from 50 to 90 pounds. These dogs are ideal for families who have plenty of space and enjoy outdoor activities.

Miniature Goldendoodle

Miniature Goldendoodles typically stand between 13 and 20 inches tall and weigh between 15 and 35 pounds. Their smaller size makes them a great option for apartment living and pet owners who prefer a more compact companion, such as a miniature poodle.

Medium Goldendoodle

Medium Goldendoodles are a blend of traits between the larger Standard and smaller Mini goldendoodle varieties, often weighing between 30 and 50 pounds. This size provides a balance, making them suitable for a variety of living situations and family dynamics.

Coat Types and Grooming Needs


Goldendoodles often display a range of coat textures, influenced by the mix of Poodle genes. The three primary coat types are straight, wavy, and curly. Each various coat texture type has its own grooming requirements, which are essential to keep the dog's fur healthy and manageable (also the dog's diet and type of dog food!).


The grooming demands of a Goldendoodle depend significantly on its coat type. Straighter coats lead to more shedding and require regular brushing to keep their fur clean and healthy. On the other hand, wavy and curly coats generally shed less and may be better for allergy sufferers. Regular grooming sessions are crucial to maintaining the poodle coat quality and preventing matting.

Wavy Coats

Wavy coats in Goldendoodles generally have a loose wave pattern, resembling the coat of a Flat-Coated Retriever or a wavy-haired Poodle. These coats require regular brushing in order to avoid matting and to maintain their soft texture. Occasional baths using dog-specific shampoo help keep them clean and fresh.

Curly Coats

Goldendoodles with curly coats require daily grooming to prevent matting. These coats need grooming approximately every 4-6 weeks to maintain their shape and prevent matting. Curly coat are known for being hypoallergenic (of course there can't be a breed that is a completely hypoallergenic dog), making them suitable for allergy sufferers.

Straight Coats

Straight coats are one of the less common coat types found in Goldendoodles. They generally have a soft texture and can lie flat against the body. The coats that are wavy more straight (vs wavy more curly) will potentially require less grooming compared to wavy or curly coats. However, they still need regular brushing to prevent matting and maintain a healthy appearance.

Health Considerations for Goldendoodles


Goldendoodles are generally considered healthy compared to purebred dogs due to hybrid vigor. However, they can still inherit health issues from their purebred parent breeds. Common inherited health issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease.


Goldendoodles can also inherit heart issues like subvalvular aortic stenosis from Golden Retrievers, leading to murmurs and potential heart problems. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) from their Poodle parent can lead to vision loss. Responsible breeding practices are crucial to minimize these health risks and ensure the overall well-being of Goldendoodles.


Goldendoodles may also be affected by allergies, leading to various symptoms that require management. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper grooming can help maintain their health and longevity.

Training and Socialization


Training a Goldendoodle can be a highly rewarding experience, thanks to their inherited intelligence that is sourced from their Poodle lineage. These dogs are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement methods, making the training process relatively easy for both first-time and experienced pet owners. Group training classes are particularly beneficial as they enhance training (especially crate training) while also providing essential socialization.


Socializing Goldendoodle puppies early is crucial to ensure they grow up to be friendly and confident adults. Daily walks and exposure to various environments help them adapt better and reduce the risk of behavioral issues. As an amazing designer breeds of dogs that include hypoallergenic dog, based on pet parents, the goldendoodle is easily a family favorite. Remember to avoid harsh training methods, as Goldendoodles thrive on encouragement and positive reinforcement.

Goldendoodles as Family Pets


Goldendoodles have a non-aggressive temperament, making them safe and enjoyable companions for families with children. Their extreme friendliness and playful nature make them ideal pets for active households. They love activities such as playing fetch, walking, and swimming, which align perfectly with their high energy levels and natural athleticism.


These dogs are also very sociable and thrive in environments where they can interact with other pets and people (think therapy dogs!). Their lifespan of 10-15 years means they can grow alongside your children, providing a consistent and loving presence in their lives. Proper socialization from a young age ensures that Goldendoodles develop well-rounded behavior, reducing any potential shyness or aggression.


Goldendoodles are able to adapt quite well to various living situations, whether in homes with yards or apartments, provided they get sufficient Exercise and mental stimulation. Their affectionate personalities contribute to their kind nature and overall compatibility with other pets that help make them a delightful addition to any family.

Key Takeaways


Goldendoodles come from a remarkable blend of the best top traits from Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Their friendly, loyal, and intelligent nature, combined with their hypoallergenic coats, makes them ideal companions for a wide range of pet owners. From understanding their origins to navigating their health considerations, training, and socialization needs, this guide has covered all aspects to help you make an informed decision about welcoming a Goldendoodle into your home.


Whether you're looking for a playful family pet or a loyal companion, Goldendoodles offer a unique and rewarding experience. Their versatility in size, coat types, and temperament ensures that there's a perfect match for every lifestyle. Embrace the joy and companionship that a Goldendoodle brings, and enjoy the journey with your own new breed of furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions


Are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?

Goldendoodles can be partially hypoallergenic, depending on their coat type inherited from their Poodle parent. Regular grooming is key to minimizing allergens.

What are the size variations in Goldendoodles?

Goldendoodles can vary in size, typically classified as Standard (50-90 pounds), Miniature (15-35 pounds), and Medium (30-50 pounds), depending on the size of the Poodle parent. So, whether you're looking for a big buddy or a smaller companion, there's a Goldendoodle for you!

What health problems and issues do Goldendoodles commonly face?

Goldendoodles often face health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, heart problems, and progressive retinal atrophy. Keeping an eye on these conditions can help ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy.

How often should I groom my Goldendoodle?

To keep your Goldendoodle looking great, daily grooming is essential for curly coats, while wavy and straight coats benefit from regular brushing and occasional baths. Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is also a good idea for all coat types.

Are Goldendoodles good with children and other pets?

Absolutely! Goldendoodles are friendly and non-aggressive, so they typically get along well with children and other pets, especially if they're socialized early on.