Golden Retrievers Vs Goldendoodles
Now that youve got a decent understanding of golden retrievers, poodles, and goldendoodles, its time to get into how golden retrievers and goldendoodles compare.
However, keep in mind that the statements below are generalities.
Each dog is an individual and their looks, personality, and health largely depend on their pedigree and how they were raised.
Now, lets get into it!
What Is A Runt
A runt typically refers to the smallest puppy in the litter.
This doesnt necessarily mean that this puppy wont grow up to be strong and healthy. As long as theyre within whats considered a normal weight range for their breed.
But, there are some puppies who are born at an abnormally low weight. In this case there could be more than one runt in a litter.
These dogs might be small due to an underlying congenital condition such as a heart defect.
Disadvantages of Being Small
Being smaller than their littermates also puts these puppies at a disadvantage when getting their fair share of moms milk.
Without proper nutrition from the start, their immune systems could be compromised.
These puppies may have trouble gaining weight and will often be at risk for health problems throughout their lives.
Are They Good With Cats
Golden retrievers:
Golden retrievers love just about anyone and everyone, and that can include cats, especially if theyre raised with them and/or introduced to them properly.
Goldendoodles:
Goldendoodles, like golden retrievers, can get along with cats if theres a proper introduction and training.
Both of these breeds can learn to get along with cats, but the key thing is to properly introduce and monitor them.
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Finding A Mini Goldendoodle
As downsized versions of established breeds continue to grow in popularity, more and more breeders will emerge.
Some will try to entice people by advertising that they have micro-mini Goldendoodles. Or use similar adjectives to suggest that their puppies are the smallest ever.
These undersized puppies will often be priced higher because theyre touted as being extremely rare.
Dont be swayed by this marketing ploy. Undersized puppies are often in danger of suffering from serious health problems.
Do Mini Goldendoodles Make Good Family Pets
With a reputation for being friendly, smart, and having a sweet temperament, a mini Goldendoodle has the potential to be an excellent family pet!
They are well suited to living in more limited quarters, such as apartments, since they are smaller dogs. But they will still need plenty of exercise and outside time!
Of course, it is important to make sure that the mini Goldendoodle has been responsibly bred, and that any possible health testing has been done for each parent.
And, as always, socialization and training play a huge part in the family-friendliness of any dog.
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Origins Of The Poodle
The Poodle we know today comes in three sizestoy, mini, standard. It comes from the same Water Spaniel/Retriever canine group as Golden Retrievers.
Like Golden Retrievers, Poodles are very intelligent and Standard Poodles can be excellent swimmers.
Because of that, the Poodle is currently ranked 7th on the AKCs list of most popular pet dog breeds.
Now that we know more about the Goldendoodles parentage, lets take a look at some other interesting facts.
Are They Easy To Train
Golden retrievers:
Golden retrievers are easy to train because theyre smart, they like pleasing people, and, perhaps most important of all, they love treats!
However, they can be easily distracted, which may make training a little more difficult.
Goldendoodles:
Poodles are easier to train than goldens, so goldendoodles are likely to be easily trained as well.
If youre looking for a dog that can be easily trained, either of these dogs will work for you.
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F2bb Goldendoodle Second Generation Backcross
F2BB Goldendoodles are 18.75% Golden Retriever and 81.25% Poodle, being a cross between an F2 Goldendoodle and a purebred 100% Poodle. This hybrid is a second-generation backcross and therefore has a second B in its suffix.
Thanks to the large percentage of Poodle genes in the mix, F2BB Goldendoodles tend to be the lightest shedders. That said, the coat is usually curly and needs daily brushing and regular grooming to prevent mats.
F2BB Goldendoodle puppies are referred to as multi-generation dogs because they are the 4th generation of offspring. In fact, you will most likely find F2BB puppies advertised by breeders as multi-generation Goldendoodles.
F2BB Goldendoodle Characteristics
Non-shedding: Lightest shedder of 2nd generation Goldendoodles
Hybrid Vigor: Yes, but not as much as F2 and F2B,since F2BB are 4th generation
What Do They Look Like
GoldenDoodles, Double Doodles and Australian Goldendoodles usually have a puppy look and can vary in color, size and coat quality. We call this kind of goldendoodle look GoldenDoodle type. For some generations, to make puppies look like their Golden Retriever relatives , we call this type of golddoodle look a restorer type.
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History Of The Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is the result of mating a Golden Retriever with a Standard Poodle. They are incredibly smart dogs and have been used as working dogs for many years, including as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, medical assistance dogs and therapy dogs.
There is also a smaller version of the Goldendoodle, the Miniature Goldendoodle, which was created by breeding a male Miniature Poodle with a female Golden Retriever.
Labrador Retriever Breed History:
The Labrador Retriever originates in Canada, but not from Labrador as its name would suggest. It actually called Newfoundland home, being employed on fishing boats to help retrieve fish that fell out of the nets. Not only was this breed adept at retrieving, but its otter-like tail, that can be used much like a rudder, and its short, dense, weather-proof coat made swimming in the icy Canadian waters an easy task for this breed.
In the early 1800s, English nobles on a trip to Canada spotted these dogs and returned home with them, giving them the false moniker Labrador dogs. The breeds numbers have soared in both Europe and eventually the United States and Labs currently sit as the American Kennel Clubs most popular breed, a position its held since 1991.
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But What About Poodle Fur
Allergies can be less of a problem for some pet allergy sufferers because these dogs have a tendency to shed less thanks to their Poodle parentage.
However, not all Goldendoodles will take after their Poodle parent. Therefore, its important to study the parent dogs closely so you can know what to expect when your puppy grows up.
Sizes Of The Golden Retriever/poodle Mix
The sizes of Goldendoodles are varied. They are not the result of multigenerational breeding, which means that one Goldendoodle can be crossed with another, and there is no standard for Goldendoodle breeders.
The Goldendoodle is available in three sizes: Miniature, Small Standard, and Large Standard.
Miniature Goldendoodles are the result of crossing a Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle with a Golden Retriever. These dogs can range in size between 13 to 20 inches and 15 to 35 lbs in weight.
A Small Standard Goldendoodle measures between 17 and 20 inches in height it weighs 40 to 50 pounds.
The Large Standard Goldendoodle is approximately 20-24 inches tall and 50-90 pounds in weight.
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Which Is Better: Goldendoodle Or Labradoodle
Both breeds are created with the Poodle as foundation and the Golden Retriever on one side and the Labrador on the other side.
The glorified breeding of these designer dogs actually creates the thought in potential dog owners that either one of these is actually a breed in and of itself .
The Goldie and the Lab are two of the most popular dogs in the United States and various other countries around the world.
However, one isnt necessarily better than the other since both are mixed breeds that come with the associated risks.
Theres also a misconception that these two breeds share.
What Are The Traits Of The Various Types Of Goldendoodles
There are various size categories of Goldendoodles. Small or Mini, Medium, Standard. According to the Goldendoodle Association of Northern America the Final size category of a dog will be determined at adulthood and is measured at the withers.
Grooming will be a big requirement with Goldendoodles. Some more than others depending on the coat type. You should groom them about every 4 to 6 weeks and they should be brushed regularly. You can learn more here in our article on how to groom a Goldendoodle.
The hair will be wavy to curly not so much straight but we do see it. You will have very little shedding if any at all. Most are very allergy friendly with the F1B being the most allergy friendly dog.Goldendoodles with their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents will be very sweet and affectionate dogs. They are highly intelligent and love to play but are gentle still. They make great family dogs.
They make great therapy dogs but can also be used as service or guide dogs, however activity is a restraining factor in this for a happy healthy dog. They are great with challenge and make good agility dogs. They need exercise and do best in homes with active family members where they can get plenty of outdoor-activity. They need daily exercise. A lack of exercise can result in some unwanted behavior like excessive digging, chewing, barking or other activities.
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What Is An F2 Goldendoodle
An F2 Goldendoodle is a second generation. This means the parents are both F1 Goldendoodles. The second generation Goldendoodles also have pretty similar qualities to the F1 Goldendoodles. You will most likely get light shedding with the F2 generation Goldendoodle. So they are best for homes with only light allergies.
What Is A Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are a hybrid dog breed that first began to be widely bred in the early 1990s, a hybrid dog breed resulting from breeding a Poodle with a Golden Retriever or other variations via dog breeds like the Australian Shepard, Cocker Spaniel, etc. The Goldendoodle breed is not a breed but a crossbreed.
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Got Allergies Get A Goldendoodle
Some Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic and most dont even shed, making them great for handlers with allergies, or those who want to avoid constantly picking up the vacuum. It is important to realize, however, that all dogs have dander , saliva, and urine, where allergens exist, so there is no guarantee a Goldendoodle won’t set off an allergic reaction.
Goldendoodles Are A Designer Breed
Goldendoodles are a relatively new dog breed, first appearing in America in the 1990s. Their adorable name was coined in 1992. While not officially a registered breed of their own, Goldendoodles are considered a “designer breed” because each of their parents is a purebred, but different breeds from each other.
Poodles don’t shed and are very athletic and intelligent, while Golden Retrievers are lovable and playful family dogs. The mix makes the Goldendoodle a great choice for a lifelong pal, especially for those with mild pet allergies, though no dog is completely hypoallergenic. It should be noted, again, that goldendoodles are a mixed breed, and it’s difficult to tell which traits they will eventually inherit.
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See Australian Shepherd And A Goldendoodle Dog Playing Together
This adorable YouTube video gives you a sweet glimpse of a Goldendoodle playing with an Australian Shepherd.
From watching the two dogs together, it is easy to see how the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle share several complementary traits, including overall size, energy level, and playful temperament.
This bodes well for any hybrid dog breed that might arise if these two dogs were bred together.
History And Original Purpose
This hybrid dog breed first appeared in the United States in the 1990s.
Produced from mixing a Golden Retriever with a standard Poodle, the Goldendoodle rose to fame during a time when so-called designer or hybrid dogs were all the rage.
Hybrid breeds are actually not new in the canine world, although having an official name for them is quite new. In fact, every single purebred dog breed we know today began as some form of hybrid dog breed. This includes the Golden Retriever and Poodle.
This makes sense once you realize that hybrid means a dog bred from mixed parentage .
Every purebred dog today came from the same original ancestor: the gray wolf .
In fact, the scientific name for the domestic canine is Canis lupus familiaris .
So why are some people, and in particular certain dog breeders, upset about the introduction of hybrid dog breeds?
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Histories Of The Golden Retriever Poodle Mix
The Goldendoodle, or Poodle-mix, is one of the most recent dog breeds of Doodle, dogs. After the Labradoodle and Cockapoo gained popularity, breeding began in the 1990s. The Goldendoodle was created to provide a larger Golden Retriever with the same low-dander and low-shedding characteristics as the Labradoodle. It also possessed the friendly, intelligent nature of the Golden Retriever.
Because the Goldendoodle cross is still young, most puppies are first-generation. This means that most Golden Retrievers and Poodle mix pups are Golden Retriever/Poodle hybrids. However, it is rare for Goldendoodles to breed between two Goldendoodles.
Despite the popularity of the Goldendoodle, especially in Australia and elsewhere, there is no registry or dog breed club. However, there are many online communities for Goldendoodle owners and lovers. Many believe the Goldendoodle will be more popular than other Doodle breeds.
Rescuing A Mini Goldendoodle
We always recommend considering the rescue of a dog in need.
This is a great way to give a dog a second chance. And it often provides the new owner with some insight into how the mix turns out in a particular case.
On top of that, its almost always less expensive to rescue a dog from a shelter than it is to purchase from a breeder. Shelter fees usually run between $50 and $150 dollars, and that often includes a health check, and sometimes even microchipping.
For more information about mini Goldendoodle rescue, check out our links here.
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The Problem With Miniaturization
Unfortunately, striving for extreme conformational traits has caused an increased risk of certain diseases in these dogs.
These can include breathing problems, ocular diseases, and dystocia .
Using the gene for dwarfism to create smaller dogs is associated with intervertebral disc disease . This condition affects the nerves in the spinal cord, causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis in severe cases.
An article in the Independent points to the serious and even life-threatening issues associated with miniature dog breeds.
These can include congenital defects, organ failure, respiratory problems, and fragile bones.
It might be stylish to say you can fit your micro mini Goldendoodle in your bag. But is it worth the pain and suffering these dogs are subjected to?
What Traits Will A Litter Of Puppies Have When You Breed A Goldendoodle With A Retriever
The traits that a litter of puppies will have when you breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever will be more along the lines of the Golden Retriever breeds characteristics. There will still be some Poodle in the mix with this breeding, but it will be less than in the original Goldendoodle.
The physical, emotional, and mental characteristics will lean more towards the Golden Retriever since more Golden Retriever in these puppies. They may be bigger physically, have a shaggier coat of hair, and may not be hypoallergenic or low shedding.
Facial features can be more streamlined and appear to be more like the Golden Retriever line, with, of course, the possibility for variances from one dog to another in the same litter.
Emotionally Golden Retrievers can be very mellow and easy-going, which can benefit this type of breeding, but Poodles are also relatively easy going as well. Regardless breeding a Goldendoodle with a Retriever can make an exciting mix that potential pet parents might find as an exciting change of pace and variance for this cross-bred dog.
It is also very likely that the puppies traits can be a mixed bag of features that are various from one puppy to another in the same litter.
These dogs will still have a gentle, loving, and friendly personality with intelligence and trainability like most of the other Goldendoodles of other generations.
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What Is A Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix
A Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a Golden Retriever. These two popular breeds have been combined to create a friendly, intelligent, and active dog. The Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix is a great choice for families looking for a pet that will be a loyal companion. This breed is also suitable for people who have allergies, as they do not shed much fur.
Goldendoodle Breed Coat & Grooming:
The coat of a Golden Retriever Poodle Mix can be solid or a mix of two or more colors, with the most popular being cream, red, and black. Their fur can range anywhere from shaggy, like the Golden Retriever to curly like the Poodle and usually is of medium to long length.
How curly your dogs fur is dictates how often they must be brushed. A minimum of brushing once per week is required for the Goldendoodle breed, with the ideal frequency being every other day if not every day for more curly-haired dogs.
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Double Doodle Dog Breed Behavioral Traits:
Double Doodles are loveable, family-oriented dogs. Good with both children and pets, these dogs love to meet new friends and socialize. While theyll bark at strangers, their love of meeting new people and their overflowing friendliness make them questionable guard dogs. Double Doodles are highly trainable and quick to catch on to new commands and tricks.