What to Know Before Getting a Goldendoodle? A New Owner’s Guide

Are you thinking of getting a Goldendoodle? They are adorable dogs, and they have become very popular in recent years.

If you are considering adding one of these furry friends to your family, there are some things you need to know first.

In this article, we will discuss the temperament of Goldendoodles, the different coat types available, common health issues, and whether or not they make good family pets.

We will also provide some tips for those who are looking to adopt a Goldendoodle.

So, what to know before getting a Goldendoodle? You need to know before you get a Goldendoodle that Goldendoodles are great family dogs due to their friendliness and their ability to get along with everyone, however, they can be a little clingy and can’t be left alone for long periods but they are smart and can be trained easily.

Of course, there is a lot more to know about Goldendoodles before you get one, and in this guide, I’ll tell you literally every little thing you need to know before you make the decision and bring your Goldendoodle puppy home, so let’s get to it.

Things You Need To Know Before Getting A Goldendoodle

Goldendoodle puppy to illustrate what to know before getting a Goldendoodle

Since they have the best of both the Golden retriever and Poodle, so naturally, Goldendoodles are smart, love to play, adore spending time with their owners, families, and friends, and would like nothing more than just showering everyone around them with love and affection.

However, they are a high-maintenance breed, so they need all of your love, affection, and attention. Goldendoodles are great family dogs and get along with everyone.

However, they can also be clingy and should not be left alone for long periods of time.

They are playful and loving animals that enjoy being around people. If you have kids, Goldendoodles are a great choice as a family pet since they are very gentle with kids and babies while also being energetic and playful enough to spend all day running around and playing with them.

They are a great addition to any family and will bring joy and love into your life.

What Is The Temperament Of Goldendoodles?

Before we get into the temperament of the Goldendoodle, you need to know more about Golden retrievers and poodles in order to understand the temperament of the Goldendoodle.

Let’s start with the Golden retriever.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever’s most distinctive feature is its quiet, pleasant disposition. The Golden was developed to work with people and is eager to please his owner at all times.

Although the Golden Retriever has a gentle disposition, they must be well-trained and properly raised to get the most out of his breed.

The Golden Retriever is a family dog that must be kept inside with its human “pack.” They should not spend hours alone in the backyard.

Goldens are voracious eaters, and if their diets are not monitored well, they will easily become overweight. Golden Retrievers are energetic dogs that require around 40-60 minutes of vigorous activity each day.

Obedience training, agility lessons, and other canine sports are excellent ways to provide your dog with both physical and mental exercise.

Poodle

Now the poodles, The Poodle’s intelligence is remarkable. They’re well known for their child-like intellect and incredible cleverness, which never fails to amaze.

Of course, intelligent dogs can also be a pain to live with. They pick up on things quickly, both excellent and terrible and they retain everything.

The Poodle is fiercely loyal to his family and home, making loud warning barks if strangers approach your property. While they are devoted to their relatives, they may take some time to get along with new people.

Despite their regal demeanor, the Poodle has a mischievous side and enjoys playing games of all sorts.

They are also very loving and eager to please. You’ve got a dog that’s highly trainable when you combine their legendary intellect with their love for people.

The Mix: The Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a mix of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, so their temperament is a little of both. They are friendly, intelligent, and have a lot of energy which makes them great family dogs.

Goldendoodles also tend to be great with children. Since they are high-maintenance, they need a lot of love and attention from their owners.

They are a great addition to any family and will bring joy and love into your life.

The Different Coat Types Of Goldendoodles

Overall, doodles have a low shedding rate, but the first and second generations produce puppies with a very flat, straight coat that sheds. This is a typical golden-colored coat that resembles the Golden Retriever.

Although Wavy coats are susceptible to some shedding, they are simpler to maintain since they don’t require a lot of grooming.

To avoid matting, brush them only a few times each week so the mix of two breeds results in a beautiful coat. You can also check out our complete guide to preventing your Goldendoodle’s coat from getting matted here.

The curly coat is excellent for individuals with allergies because it sheds very little and requires less brushing, but it does need more brushing to avoid matting.

You will see hair in the brush when you comb them, but it won’t be all over your floors and furniture like it is with most other non-doodle dog breeds.

From an early age, your breeder should be able to tell what sort of coats the pups have.

No matter what type of coat your Goldendoodle has, you should always brush them regularly to avoid tangled fur, and eventually, it can cause a bad odor.

Goldendoodles Are Expensive! The Cost Of Puppies Explained

Goldendoodles are a bit more expensive than other breeds of dogs, but most people would agree that their price tag is justified. Goldendoodle Puppies can cost anywhere from $600 to $2500, depending on the breeder and the generation.

For example, puppies that are bred from two Goldendoodles will be less expensive than puppies that are bred from a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.

The price of Goldendoodles also varies depending on the coat type. Wavy and curly-coated Goldendoodles tend to be more expensive than straight-coated Goldendoodles. This is because they are considered to be rare.

Make sure to get them from a trusted breeder with good reviews, and you should always check the health clearances of the puppy and both of the parent breeds.

If the breeder refuses to give it to you or gives you any excuse, then you should start looking for another breeder that’s willing to show you all the papers you need.

And more importantly, you can always adopt, Goldendoodles are one of the breeds that can be common and can actually be found in shelters. Unfortunately, many people get them as puppies and find out that they can not handle their energy and the dog ends up in a shelter.

So if you didn’t find what you are looking for, maybe check your local shelter and save a pup that needs home and lots of love. If you are afraid that their energy may be too much for you to handle, it’s not. You can also learn how to calm down a hyperactive Goldendoodle here.

How Much Does It Cost To Care For A Goldendoodle?

The cost of caring for a Goldendoodle is about the same as the cost of caring for any other breed of dog. Their Budget can be around $1000-$1100 per year, but it can go up if you want to spoil your dog, which many Goldendoodle owners end up doing anyway.

The cost of owning a Goldendoodle can be high, but the rewards are well worth it.

Here are their expenses;

The First Supplies
The Parasites
Training
The Vet Visits
Food
Grooming

Let’s try go break them down a bit more:

The First Supplies

One-time costs for a new puppy include a collar, leash, crate, food and water bowls, and toys. You’ll also need to get your home ready for your new arrival by puppy-proofing it.

This means making sure that any poisonous plants are out of reach, that electrical cords are taped down or hidden, and that there are no small spaces where your puppy could get stuck.

The Parasites

Goldendoodles, like other dogs, require monthly heartworm prevention. Expect to spend around $100-$110 per year for Sentinel or Interceptor. The cost of heartworm treatment is somewhat greater for a bigger Goldendoodle.

Depending on where you reside, your dog may also require tick prevention.

Training

You will need to train your Goldendoodle early, and if you don’t want (or can’t) do it yourself, you will need to sign them up for obedience classes. These are extremely helpful for the development of social skills, as well as manners and bonding.

Select a training facility that uses positive reinforcement to train your Goldendoodle, since this cheerful, happy approach of teaching works best for them.

The Vet Visits

Goldendoodle puppies need to visit the veterinarian once a year for a checkup, just like other dogs. During your next visit, we’ll get a look at his gut and teeth for intestinal parasites and treat any bacterial infections that may have developed.

We’ll also do a blood test for heartworms and Lymes disease, as well as any vaccinations that are necessary. You can expect to spend around $200 for each of these visits.

However, the first year of your puppy’s life will cost you more in vet costs because he or she will require two trips to the veterinarian for DHPP boosters and a rabies immunization, as well as a checkup for intestinal worms.

Many veterinarians provide unique puppy plans to meet these requirements. If necessary, expect to pay around $375 for a plan that covers four office visits, rabies shots, and DHPP x2 injections. Most veterinarians will trim your dog’s toenails during your office visit for free.

Food

You should expect to spend between $100 and $200 per year on food for your Goldendoodle, depending on his size and activity level.

Expect a 30-pound bag to last about 2 months if you feed your Goldendoodle 2 cups of dry food each day.

If you spend $200 each year on dog food, that’s over $250 per year. A grain-free diet will set you back around $410 per year if you feed your pet grain-free food.

However, the bigger Goldendoodles must be fed more often than the smaller Goldendoodles since they have greater appetites. You can also check out our guide to the recommended dog foods here.

Grooming

Goldendoodles need regular grooming to keep their fabulous coats healthy, shiny, and well, fabulous. The cost of grooming a larger Goldendoodle is greater than that of a smaller Goldendoodle.

Grooming costs generally range from $50 to $80 every eight weeks. However, you can always learn to groom them on your own and save some money. It’s not that difficult, but it is time-consuming, however, I always recommend that dog owners learn to groom their dogs themselves. Not only will this save you money, but it will also strengthen your bond with your dog.

Your dog will also prefer you groom them and handle them with sharp and metal tools than a stranger, and they are going to be more comfortable while you do it. Some dogs straight up won’t let a groomer groom them without being sedated, which is a problem.

If you are prepared to budget for their care, a Goldendoodle can be a great addition to your family.

Hyper Dogs? Goldendoodles Need A Lot Of Exercises

Goldendoodles are high-energy dogs and need a lot of exercise. They are not the best breed of dog for people who live a sedentary lifestyle.

Ideally, Goldendoodles should get at least an hour of exercise per day. This can be in the form of walks, runs, or playing fetch in the backyard.

If your Goldendoodle does not get enough exercise, he or she may become destructive or hyperactive.

Goldendoodles make great pets for people who live an active lifestyle and are prepared to provide them with plenty of exercise.

They love to be included in their owner’s activities, so if you like to run or hike, just train your Goldendoodle to do it with you, and just start your journey together.

That way they are going to bond more with you, and you can keep each other healthier than ever.

They Also Shed! – Goldendoodles’ Grooming Needs.

Goldendoodles are medium to high shedder, which means they will lose a moderate amount of hair. This shedding can be minimized with regular brushing, but it is still something you should be prepared for.

Goldendoodles also need to be groomed on a regular basis. They should be brushed at least once a week and their nails should be trimmed every two weeks.

Goldendoodles are not the best breed of dog for people who do not have time to groom them on a regular basis.

You should bathe your Goldendoodle at least once a month to keep their coat clean and healthy, however, if they got too dirty before their bath time, you can still bathe them.

Just make sure that you are not doing it too often because it can dry their skin and lead to dandruff, itching, and bad odor.

Common Health Issues To Know About

Like all breeds of dogs, Goldendoodles are susceptible to a variety of health issues.

Some common health issues that you should be aware of include:

Ear infections
Hip dysplasia
Allergies
Pancreatitis
Epilepsy
Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hypothyroidism

It is important to research the health issues that are common to Goldendoodles before you bring one into your home. This will help you be prepared for any health problems that may arise.

The Infamous “Goldendoodle Smell”

Goldendoodles are known for their unique smell, which is a combination of the smells of Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and sometimes even wet dogs.

This smell can be difficult to get rid of, so you should be prepared for it if you decide to bring a Goldendoodle into your home.

Some people find the Goldendoodle smell to be pleasant, while others find it to be overwhelming.

If you are sensitive to smells, you may want to consider another breed of dog or be prepared that your gonna spend some decent time making a schedule to clean them to get rid of that smell. You can check out this guide to making your Goldendoodle smell great.

Are Goldendoodles Good For Families?

Goldendoodles are great family dogs, they tend to get along with everyone, including children and other pets.

They are loyal, protective, and make great companions. If you have young children or another pet in your home, a Goldendoodle is a great choice for a family dog.

Even though they are great with kids, you should never leave them unsupervised together because they may knock your child down accidentally, or they may play too rough with each other.

You should teach your kids how to behave around pets, and how to treat dogs properly, that they should never pull the dog’s ears or tail. They also should never try to sit on them or ride them because the dog may snap at them and bite them.

They can be quite active and destructive if they are left alone for long periods of time.

Are Goldendoodles Good With Other Pets?

Goldendoodles are great with other pets, they usually get along well with cats and other dogs. If you have another pet in your home, a Goldendoodle is a good choice for a family dog.

Just make sure that you socialize with each other when they are young so that they can develop a strong bond and be comfortable around each other.

Sometimes they can even be better in pairs because they can keep each other company and they can always match each other’s energy.

Are Goldendoodles Good Apartment Dogs?

Goldendoodles can be good in apartments, however, that depends on their size, if their parent poodle is miniature or toy, they can be suitable for apartments.

But If their parent is a standard poodle which means that they are going to be bigger, then it’s better to get them in a house with a backyard so they can have more space but you can still get them in an apartment if you want to.

Just make sure to provide them with all the exercise they need so when they are home, they don’t become destructive and too tired to run around and destroy your apartment.

Are Goldendoodles Good First Dogs?

Goldendoodles are perfect for first-time dog owners.

They are intelligent and easy to train, just like all dogs they can be a little stubborn at first but with the proper socialization and training, you have nothing to worry about.

Just like both of their parent, they are eager to please, and they will do anything to make sure that you are happy.

Final Thoughts

Goldendoodles are a great breed of dog for people who live an active lifestyle and are prepared to provide them with plenty of exercise. They also shed, so you will need to be prepared to brush and groom them on a regular basis.

Goldendoodles make great pets for people who are prepared to take care of them. Do your research before you bring a Goldendoodle into your home and be prepared for their needs.

If you are prepared to provide a Goldendoodle with the exercise, grooming, and medical care they need, they make great family pets.