It makes sense that Goldendoodles are so incredibly popular these days and a coveted breed. They possess SO many traits which make them a perfect individual or family companion!

Temperament: According to the AKC, the Golden Retriever temperament is noted as "Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted" and the Poodle as "Active, Proud, Very Smart".  When the two breeds are combined, it creates a complimentary, ideal medley in our eyes!

Overall, Goldendoodles have naturally extremely loving and friendly personalities. We have found they love to cuddle and give (and receive!) lots of affection from their human companions. They tend to automatically view themselves as part of the family and have an inherent, sweet spirit that is keen to please - which also makes for great possible candidates for being an Emotional Support Animal, or potential Therapy, Facility, or Service Dogs.

They are cheerful, trustworthy, goofy, gentle, and highly trainable animals with "sunny" personalities. When properly socialized, Goldendoodles get along fabulously with kids, strangers, and other animals. On average, they don’t have a particularly strong prey drive and can be quite compatible with cats and other dogs when introduced in a proper way. These are social dogs that thrive in the presence of people. 

Since temperament is highly inheritable, finding a breeder that chooses parents with temperament in mind is important!

  

Personal note:  They're most often found on our laps and we jokingly call them our "velcro" dogs.  Wherever we are, they are.  If you have an extreme aversion to wanting to go the bathroom without a dog waiting outside the door... you may want to think again about this breed.  They LOVE to be loved and LOVE to be around you.   

Intelligence: Did you know that poodles and golden retrievers rank in the top percentage of breeds considered to be the smartest? When you pair the two, it produces a pup of great intelligence and emotional intuition. Having a bad day? We found our pups "just know".  They have a high desire to please their owners. 

Shedding / Allergens: A common myth is that Goldendoodles are 100% hypoallergenic and will never shed because they have a Poodle in their heritage. This is a myth!  NO dog can ever be 100% allergen-friendly due to allergens to saliva, dander (and even urine!). However, Goldendoodles (when bred with genetics in mind) can be a great fit for families with allergies and/or are looking to have a dog with no-minimal shedding.

Luckily, our doodle pups have a higher Poodle genetic makeup, which makes them more ideal for regular allergy sufferers, as well as people who are "allergic" to constantly vacuuming up hair! Our dogs have had genetic testing and the results show they should produce pups that should be "no - minimal shedding".  

 

Personal note - Our dogs and the puppies they've produced all have coats that we've yet to notice any shedding, with the exception of finding hair in their brushes after grooming them. Coming from a being a past Golden Retriever and current Akita owner (plus several "mutt rescues" we've adopted along the way!) there is something to be said for not having to constantly have a lint roller at your disposal, picking up hair collections out of the corner and seeing it dangling from your ceiling fans! The fact our babies can get on the couch to snuggle - without having to vacuum the couch or pluck hair off our clothes afterward - is a HUGE bonus for us!

Cute-factor: Let’s be honest here: These dogs are just stinkin' cute. If we had a nickel for every time we looked at each other and said, "Babe! He/she is JUST SOOOOOO CUTE!" or strangers gushed over our pups, we'd be millionaires.  One of the most common fights Spencer and I get into is which dog is cuter. :) 

 

 

THE CONS: 
- Doodles can have sensitive personalities and can crumble if they are not given enough time, love and attention. Like any dog, Goldendoodles can get into mischief and develop behavioral problems if they are left alone for long, extended periods of time. If you don't have the time to invest in this breed, a doodle may possibly not a good fit for your family. 

 

- If you're looking for an attack dog, this breed probably isn't for you. Personally, our doodles will bark at a doorbell and alert us if they hear a strange sound or see strange activity outside (which we appreciate!).  That being said, whoever walks through our door is generally met with tail-wagging dogs, eagerly awaiting belly rubs and ear scratches.

 

- Doodles are SMART.  If you have a smart dog, but don't give them enough stimulation and challenge, they - like any dog - can become destructive and anxious. If you are do not have the time to work with your pup training them or have the time to play and spend quality time with them, a doodle is probably not a good fit for your family.

 

- Doodles need to be groomed and combed and brushed in between groomings.  This is definitely an expense to consider when bringing a doodle into your family!  The frequency and cost can be impacted by the length you keep your dog’s coat and coat maintenance you do at home.  In general, expect to pay around $60-$90 every 8 weeks for grooming.  Or, if you're up for the challenge, you can learn to groom your Goldendoodle at home!