The Goldendoodle is a designer crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.
Originally introduced in the 1960s, their rise to popularity has really taken off in recent years.
This is a combination of their hypoallergenic coat and friendly demeanor. They are lovable dogs that are great with children.
If you’re planning on bringing a Goldendoodle home, here are some factors to consider.
Goldendoodle Grooming
One of the reasons why Goldendoodles are so popular is their hypoallergenic coat.
While they are generally low-maintenance, there are some grooming needs to consider. This will keep your Goldendoodle happy and healthy throughout his life.
Weekly brushing is essential to keep a Goldendoodle’s coat from becoming matted.
Their nails need to be trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks. If you’re not comfortable doing this at home, you can take him to a groomer or veterinarian.
Goldendoodles are prone to ear infections. Check his ears regularly for any sign of trouble.
Once a month, clean your goldendoodle’s ears with a dog-safe ear cleaning product.
Exercise
The Goldendoodle isn’t a high-energy dog, but they do need daily exercise. Failing to provide this can lead to destructive habits.
A healthy, adult Goldendoodle should receive at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day.
This could include walking, playing a game of fetch, or taking part in activities like agility.
Feeding
Goldendoodles are highly susceptible to food allergies. This means you may want to choose a food that avoids the most common allergens.
A high-quality limited ingredient dog food for goldendoodles is a good place to start.
Pay attention to any signs of allergies. This will help you find a food that he can eat without any problems.
There are also allergy-friendly foods designed to improve skin and coat health.
Make sure to pay attention not only to your goldendoodle’s food but also to any treats you are feeding him.
Training
The Goldendoodle is an intelligent breed. This intelligence combined with their desire to please makes them easy to train.
They are a great choice for first-time dog owners.
One concern faced by many Goldendoodle owners is their need for human company.
When you’re at home, this isn’t a problem. But, this breed often suffers from separation anxiety.
Starting at an early age, teach your goldendoodle that it’s okay to spend time at home. This can be done with short trips and slowly increasing the amount of time.
This will help to desensitize your goldendoodle to spending time at home alone.
Common Health Concerns
As with any dog breed, the Goldendoodle does have some health problems that are more common.
But, it is largely considered to be a healthy breed.
Hip Dysplasia
Both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever are prone to the development of hip dysplasia.
Testing should be done by breeders to reduce the risk. But, even with testing, this is a problem that you may face.
Regular hip examinations with your veterinarian will help you identify any issues early.
Eye Problems
Another problem that is common in both the Poodle and Golden Retriever is eye issues.
This includes:
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Pigmentary uveitis
- Glaucoma
- Distichiasis
Left unchecked, these problems can cause partial or full vision loss.
Regular examinations from a veterinarian will help you catch and address any problems early.
