Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Basic Facts About Goldendoodle Dogs

By Lana Bray


Mixing two breeds of dogs can yield a new type that has desirable characteristics of both types. Known as designer dogs, these are becoming increasingly popular. Poodles are one breed that is well-known for being crossbred, largely for the hypoallergenic qualities of their coat. When they are mated with golden retrievers, the offspring are known as goldendoodle dogs.

Goldendoodles first appeared in the 1990s. The name "golden" part of the name comes from the golden retriever while the "doodle" comes from poodle. They are a relatively new hybrid that originated as a larger alternative to the cockapoo, a hybrid of a cocker spaniel and a poodle.

Their appearance is similar to other hybrids in that there can be a large variation. This will depend on two main factors: which traits are passed on from which parents and which type of poodle was bred. Their height can be between 13 to 24 inches and is usually between that of their two parents. On the lighter end they can weight about 15 pounds while larger ones can be upwards of 90 pounds.

The color of the coat is quite variable as well. Some common colors are golden, white, black, gray, copper and cream. The coat may be straight like that of a golden retriever, curly like a poodle's or wavy as a mixture of the two. Some goldendoodles will shed very little if at all while others shed a bit more.

Because both poodles and golden retrievers are intelligent breeds, the mix of the two tends to be smart and trainable. Like their retriever parents, they are generally friendly, patient and often very good with children. Goldendoodles are quite sociable and it is common for them to develop strong bonds with their human companions.

Their friendly, sociable temperament make them well suited to be a family dog but also usually prevents them from being a good watchdog. Being a service, therapy or guide dog tends to suit them better. Because they are so likable and relatively hypoallergenic, they can be a good fit for a variety of people.

Certain health problems are prevalent in any type of dog. Goldendoodles are generally healthy but can be prone to suffering from inherited eye problems and hip dysplasia. They have floppy ears that can trap moisture inside and this can oftentimes lead to ear infections.

As with any pet, goldendoodles need to be properly cared for. They do best with plenty of space and are better off not being confined to an apartment. Daily walking of at least twenty to thirty minutes is good for them. They should, however, be kept indoors and near people because of their sociable personalities. For this same reason they can suffer from separation anxiety if kept apart from their owners for long periods of time.

Goldendoodle dogs have many positive characteristics. Because of these, they can be excellent companions for humans. This makes it easy to understand why more and more people are choosing this hybrid.




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