Golden Retriever Poodle Mix (Goldendoodle Breed Guide)

The Golden Retriever Poodle Mix, otherwise known as the Goldendoodle or Groodle, is a mixed breed dog that makes the perfect family, companion or therapy dog. Goldendoodles are known for their friendly, affectionate and loyal nature as well as their super fluffy hypoallergenic coats that come in many different colors. It’s no surprise they are highly sought after and fetch very high prices.

If you are interested in Golden Retriever Poodle Mixes keep reading this article to find out the all the answers to your questions about this dog breed!

Cover Image Credit: @orlathegroodle

What Is A Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Called?

A Golden Retriever Poodle Mix is most commonly called a Goldendoodle however they are also called Groodles. Groodle is the name for the Golden Retriever Poodle Mix that is used in Australia while Goldendoodle is used in the United States and elsewhere in the world.

What Is A Goldendoodle?

A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They are a calm, easy going and friendly dog that are small to large in size with soft, fluffy coats which come in many different colors like gold, caramel and chocolate. They come in many sizes such as micro, teacup, toy, mini, medium and standard.

Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Origins

The first time that Golden Retrievers and Poodles were crossed was believed to have taken place in the 1990s in Australia and the United States.

The original goal of crossing the Golden Retriever with the Poodle was to create a highly intelligent and affectionate dog that had the hypoallergenic and low shedding coat of the Poodle as well as the friendly and gentle nature of the Golden Retriever. They were also trying to introduce genetic diversity to reduce the risk of inherited health issues.

Today, the Goldendoodle is a very popular family dog, working dog or therapy dog as they are so affectionate, intelligent and are hypoallergenic.

What Does A Goldendoodle Look Like?

Goldendoodles may look more like a Poodle or more like a Golden Retriever depending on the generation.

For example, F1b Goldendoodles look more like Poodles than F1 Goldendoodles as F1b Goldendoodles have a higher percentage of Poodle genes.

Mini Goldendoodles look like a fluffy teddy bears with their soft coats, dark brown eyes and black noses. They can come in a variety of colors with dense coats that can be wavy, curly or straight.

Goldendoodle Coat Types

There are three main types of coats Goldendoodle’s can have depending on the percentage make-up of Poodle to Golden Retriever. These are the wavy coat, curly coat and straight coat. Their coats can range from thick to thin and can have slightly different textures depending on the individual dog.

Wavy Coat

The wavy coat is one of the most common Goldendoodle coat types. It features a gentle wave and is low to non-shedding. Wavy coats are quite hypoallergenic however curly coats are generally considered to be the most hypoallergenic. In terms of maintenance, wavy coats are generally easier to groom than curly coats.

Curly Coat

The curly coat is the next most common Goldendoodle coat type and is generally seen in backcross generations such as F1b Goldendoodles, F1bb Goldendoodles and F2b Goldendoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes. These coats give Goldendoodle’s more of a Poodle appearance and are generally more hypoallergenic than straight and wavy coats. These coats require more effort to maintain as they are more susceptible to matting.

Straight Coat

The straight coat, also called the flat coat, is the least common Goldendoodle coat type. It is usually seen in reverse backcross generations such as F1b Reverse Goldendoodles as they have a higher percentage of Golden Retriever genes. Generally, straight coats are not as hypoallergenic and are light to moderate shedding so are not as suitable for allergy sufferers as curly or wavy coats. Nevertheless, straight coats are quite rare for Goldendoodles.

Goldendoodle Colors

Black Goldendoodle

Black Goldendoodles feature a solid black coat. They may have small white patches over their body like on their chest or paws however these as technically Black and White Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles can only be this color if they inherit it from the Poodle as purebred Golden Retrievers are never black.

Red Goldendoodle

Red Goldendoodles come in a variety of shades from light red to dark red. Their coats can be anywhere from a reddish cream to a rusty brown color. Goldendoodles with lighter red coats are usually called Apricot Goldendoodles.

Apricot Goldendoodle

Apricot Goldendoodles have very light red coats with a peachy tone. They are somewhere between a light red and a cream. Only the Poodle carries the genes for an apricot coat so Apricot Goldendoodles are usually created by breeding an Apricot or Red Poodle with a light Golden Retriever. They are one of the most sought after Goldendoodle coat colors.

Merle Goldendoodle

A Merle Goldendoodle carries the merle gene which dilutes certain sections of their coat into mottled patches. This gene also affects eye color and skin pigmentation on the nose and paws so Merle Goldendoodles often have very light eye colors such as blue and often have pink patches on their nose and paws. They can either be a Blue Merle or Chocolate Merle (Red Merle) Goldendoodle.

Parti Goldendoodle

A Parti Goldendoodle has a white base coat that covers at least 50% of their body with a secondary color marbled through it. Most of the time the secondary color is apricot, red or cream. It’s also relatively common for the secondary color to be black.

Chocolate Goldendoodle

Chocolate Goldendoodles have a solid brown coat that can range from a very light shade to a dark brown. They inherit this coat color from the Poodle side. Brown coats were originally a result of a mutation of the gene that produces a black coat. It is a recessive gene so both parents need to carry it to get a Chocolate Goldendoodle. That is why Chocolate Goldendoodles are more commonly found in back-cross generations such as an F1b, F1bb or F2b Goldendoodle.

English Cream Goldendoodle

English Cream Goldendoodles have an off-white coat. Some English Cream Goldendoodles have black noses while others have light brown or beige noses. English Cream Goldendoodles are often mistake for Labradoodles because they are so light in color.

Black and White Goldendoodle

Black and White Goldendoodles feature a mainly white coat with black patches. The black patches are usually located on their chest, legs, muzzle, paws or above their eyes. Black and White Goldendoodles are a type of Parti Goldendoodle. They are sometimes called Tuxedo Goldendoodles if their black and white patches are in a pattern that makes it look like they’re wearing a suit.

Silver Goldendoodle

Silver Goldendoodles have a salt and pepper colored coat. They are usually born a darker color and start to fade to silver around 10 weeks of age. At this age, the roots of their hair will start to lighten to grey. In fact, Silver Goldendoodles go through the most dramatic coat color change out of all the Goldendoodle colors.

Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Temperament

The temperament of a Golden Retriever Poodle Mix can vary depending on many factors such as the percentage mix of Poodle to Golden Retriever, their level of socialization, their environment as well as what training they have undergone.

Overall, Golden Retriever Poodle Mixes are highly excitable dogs by nature. They love spending time around people and other animals alike and are so affectionate and gentle. Goldendoodles are keen to please which makes them pretty easy to train. They are also relatively easy to care for. The only real complaint of owners is the constant grooming requirements of Goldendoodles.

Are Goldendoodles Smart?

Goldendoodle are very intelligent as both the Poodle and Golden Retriever are known to be very smart. Poodles are ranked 2nd for working and obedience training out of 138 breeds while Golden Retrievers are ranked 4th. Goldendoodles are eager to please and quick learners as they are so smart which makes them relatively easy to train.

Are Goldendoodles Hyper?

While Goldendoodles are an energetic and playful breed, most people would not describe them as hyper. Nevertheless, like any other dog breed, Goldendoodles can have varying temperaments and energy levels so some may be more laid-back and calm while others may be more active.

Goldendoodles can be hyper if they are not given enough exercise each day. They may exhibit behaviors such as chewing, pacing or being vocal if their daily exercise needs are not met. That is why it is so important to give them lots of exercise each day.

Do Goldendoodles Like To Cuddle?

Most Goldendoodles love to cuddle. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature and are also very people-oriented so cuddling comes naturally to them. They thrive on human companionship and as much as they love running around and being active, they equally love snuggling with their loved ones.

Do Goldendoodles Have Separation Anxiety?

Goldendoodle can be prone to separation anxiety as they are people-oriented dogs and love spending time with their families. They may become anxious or distressed if they are separated from their owners for long periods of time.

Luckily, you can manage separation anxiety by gradually getting them used to being alone for longer periods of time. You can do this by starting with short periods of being alone and slowly increasing the time or you can create a comfortable and safe space for them to be left when you leave the house. This may be a den-like environment like a crate with blankets and their favorite toys.

Do Goldendoodles Bark A Lot?

How much a Goldendoodle barks highly depends on the individual dog. There are many factors that influence a Goldendoodle’s tendency to bark including genetics, socialization, separation anxiety, lack of exercise or lack of mental stimulation. Overall, Goldendoodles do not bark as much as other smaller dogs.

If barking does become an issue, it’s best to firstly try to retrain your dog out of the habit with positive reinforcement techniques. If this doesn’t work, try distracting them from their barking triggers with toys. Look for boredom-busting dogs toys such as ones you can hide treats inside. Other options include using ultra-sonic sound devices.

Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Lifespan

The average Golden Retriever Poodle Mix lives for 10 to 15 years. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of a Goldendoodle including size, gender, generation and whether they are desexed or intact. These variables mean they can have shorter or longer lifespans than the average. You can give your Goldendoodle the best chance of living a long life by exercising them daily, feeding them a healthy diet and keeping on top of vet appointments.

Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Size

Micro Goldendoodle

Micro Goldendoodles (AKA Micro Mini Goldendoodles) are the smallest Goldendoodle size.

They are a multigenerational breed created by breeding two extremely small Toy Goldendoodles together or two Teacup Goldendoodles together. Breeders continually breed their smallest Goldendoodles together until they get the micro size. Micro Goldendoodles are a controversial size as teacup breeds have many size related health issues.

A Micro Goldendoodle gets to a height of 7 to 9 inches (17.8cm to 22.9cm) tall at the shoulder. On average they weigh 6 to 7 pounds (2.7kg to 3.2kg) when fully grown.

Teacup Goldendoodle

The Teacup Goldendoodle is one of the smallest Goldendoodle sizes (with the exception of the Micro Goldendoodle that is an inch or two shorter).

A Teacup Goldendoodle is usually a multigenerational breed created by breeding two very small Toy Goldendoodles together. They usually breed two Toy Goldendoodles runts to create an increasingly smaller and smaller Goldendoodle size. Teacup Goldendoodles are a controversial size as they have many size related health issues.

A Teacup Goldendoodle gets to 8 to 13 inches (20.3cm to 33cm) at the shoulder. They are one of the shortest Goldendoodle sizes where the Micro Goldendoodle is about 1 inch shorter.

Toy Goldendoodle

A Toy Goldendoodle is the result of crossing a Toy Poodle with a Golden Retriever.

They are the third smallest Goldendoodle size and are slightly larger than the Teacup and Micro Goldendoodle. Toy Goldendoodles are sometimes referred to as Petite Goldendoodles.

A Toy Goldendoodle gets to 10 to 16 inches (25.4cm to 40.6cm) tall at the shoulder.

Mini Goldendoodle

A Mini Goldendoodle (AKA Miniature Goldendoodle) is a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Golden Retriever.

They are the middle Goldendoodle size that is slightly larger than the Toy Goldendoodle and smaller than the Medium Goldendoodle.

A Mini Goldendoodle gets to 15 to 17 inches (38.1cm to 43.2cm) tall at the shoulder. They are the middle Goldendoodle size where the Toy Goldendoodle is slightly smaller and the Medium Goldendoodle is slightly larger.

Medium Goldendoodle

A Medium Goldendoodle is a cross between a Moyen Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They are the second largest Goldendoodle size that is larger than the Mini Goldendoodle and smaller than the Standard Goldendoodle.

The Medium Goldendoodle grows to a shoulder height of 17 to 20 inches (43.2cm to 50.8cm). They are the second tallest Goldendoodle size.

Standard Goldendoodle

A Standard Goldendoodle is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They are the largest Goldendoodle size.

Standard Goldendoodles get to 20 to 26 inches (50.8cm to 66cm) tall and weigh between 50 to 90 pounds (22.7kg to 40.8kg) when fully grown.

Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Full Grown

The age a Golden Retriever Poodle Mix is fully grown depends on their size.

Teacup Goldendoodles are fully grown between 7 and 9 months of age.
Toy Goldendoodles are fully grown between 8 and 11 months of age.
Mini Goldendoodles are fully grown between 11 and 13 months of age.
Medium Goldendoodles are fully grown between 11 and 13 months of age.
Standard Goldendoodle are fully grown between 12 and 16 months of age.

Once your puppy is fully grown you’ll need to start investing in dog products that you’ll keep for their whole life such as:

A full size dog crate so they have their own cozy den to sleep in – consider a dog crate pad to make it that much comfier!
An adult sized dog raincoat to keep them dry during wet weather
An adult sized dog life jacket to help with swimming in lakes and oceans
An adult sized dog jacket for cold winter weather
A dog cooling vest if you live in a hot climate
High quality no-pull dog harness to reduce stress on their neck while walking
And other similar products

Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Generations

F1 Goldendoodle

An F1 Goldendoodle is the first generation of the breed created by crossing a purebred Golden Retriever with either a purebred Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle. An F1 Goldendoodle is 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle.

F1b Goldendoodle

An F1b Goldendoodle is created by crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle that is either Toy, Miniature or Standard sized. The resulting dog is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle.

F1b Reverse Goldendoodle

An F1b Reverse Goldendoodle is a cross-back generation that is similar to a F1b Goldendoodle except an F1 Goldendoodle is crossed back to a purebred Golden Retriever instead of a Poodle. They are 75% Golden Retriever and 25% Poodle.

F1b Reverse Goldendoodles get their name because they are the opposite of the standard F1b Goldendoodle that is 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever.

F1bb Goldendoodle

An F1bb Goldendoodle is a cross between an F1b Goldendoodle (Goldendoodle x Poodle) and a purebred Poodle which can be toy, miniature or standard sized. They are 12.5% Golden Retriever and 87.5% Poodle.

F2 Goldendoodle

An F2 Goldendoodle is the second generation of the breed created by breeding a F1 Goldendoodle with another F1 Goldendoodle. They are 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle.

F2b Goldendoodle

An F2b Goldendoodle is created by crossing an F2 Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle that is either Toy, Miniature or Standard sized. The resulting dog is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle.

F2bb Goldendoodle

An F2bb Goldendoodle is a cross between an F2bb Goldendoodle and a purebred Poodle which can be toy, miniature or standard sized. They are 12.5% Golden Retriever and 87.5% Poodle.

F3 Goldendoodle

An F3 Goldendoodle is the third generation of the breed created by breeding an F2 Goldendoodle with another F2 Goldendoodle. They are 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle.

Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Price

Golden Retriever Poodle Mixes usually cost between $1800USD and $4500USD. Goldendoodles have a broad price range as there are so many factors that affect their price. These include the size, coat color, generation, lineage, breeder’s reputation, location as well as the age of the dog.

Goldendoodles are so expensive because they are a designer cross breed dog and are in high demand. Poodle mixes like the Goldendoodle are very popular at the moment because they have lovely temperaments and are also usually hypoallergenic and very light shedders.

When Is A Havapoo Full Grown? (Adult Size & Age Grown Up)

Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Puppies

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Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Shedding

Do Goldendoodles Shed?

Goldendoodles do not shed much at all. They only drop a few strands of hairs here and there throughout the year so they are classified as non to low shedders. Cross-back generations of Goldendoodle such as F1b, F1bb or F2b shed less than F1 Goldendoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes.

The best way to reduce the amount that your dog sheds is to regularly brush them. Slicker brushes are great for dogs with single coats and deshedding tools are great for dogs with double coats.

Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Goldendoodles are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed as they do not produce or release much allergy inducing dander into their immediate environment.

Generations of Goldendoodle that have a higher percentage of Poodle genes such as cross-back generations (F1b, F1bb, F2b etc.) are usually more hypoallergenic than your average Goldendoodle.

Smaller sizes of Goldendoodle are also considered to be more hypoallergenic as smaller sized dogs produce less dander than large dogs. Goldendoodles inherit their hypoallergenic nature from the Poodle.

You can make your dog even more hypoallergenic by keeping up a good grooming routine as it will stop them from releasing allergens into your home.

Your dog’s grooming routine should include both brushing and bathing. A brush down with a slicker brush every other day is ideal to remove any loose hairs. As for washing, a bath with a gentle dog shampoo every 3 months will remove dead skin cells, dirt and debris.

This may not seem that often but you don’t want to over wash your dog otherwise their coat will dry out which will only cause flaky skin which is an allergy irritant.

Male vs Female Goldendoodle

In terms of size, Male Goldendoodles are generally taller and heavier than Female Goldendoodles. Within any size category, i.e. Teacup Goldendoodles, Toy Goldendoodles, Mini Goldendoodles or Standard Goldendoodles, Male Goldendoodles will be heavier and taller than their female counterparts.

In terms of temperament, Male Goldendoodles are generally more easy going and laid back while Female Goldendoodles are more independent and strong-willed. Females are generally more assertive and dominant than males. Nevertheless, there are many other factors that play into temperament so just because your Goldendoodle is a certain gender, it does not mean that they will behave in a certain way.

Exercising A Goldendoodle

How Much Exercise Does A Goldendoodle Need?

Goldendoodles need roughly an hour of exercise per day. The recommended length of daily exercise is between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours which can be split over 1 to 3 periods of exercise. Smaller Goldendoodles may not need as much exercise as a larger Goldendoodle sizes. Goldendoodle puppies require significantly less exercise. The general rule is that puppies should get 5 minutes of exercise per month of age.

There are many ways that you can exercise a Goldendoodle such as going on walks, having playtime with other dogs, playing short games of fetch, doing some obedience training or playing tug-o-war with a pull toy. These activities are generally safe for both Goldendoodle puppies and adult Goldendoodles. Adult Goldendoodles also like to run and go on long hikes however these activities should not be done until your Goldendoodle has fully developed and stopped growing otherwise they can get joint and bone problems.

Goldendoodles also need to partake mental exercise such as obedience training and brain games which is why many people get their Goldendoodle’s interactive puzzle toys or Kong chew toy which they can stuff with treats like peanut butter.

Feeding A Goldendoodle

How Much To Feed A Goldendoodle

How much you should feed a Goldendoodle depends on their size, age, metabolism, health and activity levels. An adult Goldendoodle should be fed two meals a day while Goldendoodle puppies should be given meals more frequently depending on their age.

Many people opt to use smaller puppy bowls with non-slip food mats as puppies tend to be messy eaters. The pet food mat will prevent food from being spilt everywhere and also stop the bowl from slipping around and tipping over. A lot of puppies also become overly excited about food and eat way too fast which can cause indigestion and choking so it’s not a bad idea to train them out of this habit with a slow feeder dog bowl.

Most adult Goldendoodles consume roughly 1 to 4 cups of food everyday however this depends on their size, health and activity levels. This is usually split into one meal in the morning and one meal at night. Again, you should seek advice from your veterinarian for specific diet recommendations for your Goldendoodle.

Goldendoodles should also have access to clean water at all times so they can stay hydrated. Some people like to use dog water fountains if they have the tendency to forget to change water regularly.

Goldendoodle Training

Are Goldendoodles Easy To Train?

Goldendoodles are very intelligent so they respond very well to training and are generally quite easy to train. You should start teaching your Golden Retriever Poodle Mix basic commands such as their name, sit, stay and come from the moment they arrive home. You can then progress to more difficult tricks and commands.

When training your dog it is important to use positive reinforcement techniques as dogs repeat good behavior when it is followed by a reward such as a treat or their favorite toy. Clicker training is another type of positive reinforcement training that is a good method for learning new tricks. You use a clicker device so your dog can associate a new behavior with a click and then a reward.

Goldendoodle Grooming

How Often Do Goldendoodles Need to Be Groomed?

Goldendoodles need to be groomed every 8 to 12 weeks. During this time they should get a haircut, wash and a nail trim. Brushing needs to be done at home at much more frequent intervals – at a minimum every week but ideally every day.

How Often Should Goldendoodles Be Bathed?

Generally, Goldendoodles should be bathed every 4 to 8 weeks and should not be bathed any more frequently otherwise they will get dry, flaky skin as natural oils will be stropped from their skin. Nevertheless, if your Goldendoodle leads a very active outdoor lifestyle where they swim or get dirty, they may need to be washed more frequently.

How Often Should You Brush Your Goldendoodle?

You should brush your Goldendoodle at least weekly to prevent tangles and matting and also reduce shedding. If your Goldendoodle has a curly coat, they will have to be brushed much more frequently than ones with wavy or straight coats. If you can, try to brush your Goldendoodle daily or every second day as it is much better than doing it weekly. Slicker brushes are perfect for Goldendoodles as they have a single coat.

Goldendoodle Haircuts

Goldendoodles need to get haircuts as they have a coat that continues to grow and can easily become matted. The length you cut a Goldendoodle’s hair comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer longer coats while others like shorter ones as they are better for warmer climates. You can either go to a professional groomer or learn how to cut a Goldendoodle’s hair from the internet and invest in a DIY dog grooming kit.

There are many different haircuts that you can give your Goldendoodle. Some popular ones include the:

Puppy Cut
Teddy Bear Cut
Poodle Cut
Summer Cut

What Are The Downsides Of Goldendoodles?

While Goldendoodles are a lovely dog breed with many positive traits, they do have some downsides like any other dog breed.

1. Grooming Requirements

Goldendoodles, like all Poodle mixes, are high maintenance in terms of grooming. This is not only time consuming but can also be very expensive if you choose to go to professional groomers. Luckily, you can keep these costs down by investing in a DIY dog grooming kit.

2. Very Expensive

Goldendoodles are very expensive to adopt and are also expensive to own. Like lots of other Poodle Mix breeds, Goldendoodles cost thousands of dollars. Luckily, you can use our discount code PUPPY300 for $300 dollars off a Goldendoodle from PuppySpot!

3. Difficult To Predict Adult Size

As Goldendoodles can come in so many different sizes and as there are so many different ways that you can cross Poodles with Golden Retrievers or with Goldendoodles to come up with different generations, it can be very difficult to predict the adult size of a Goldendoodle. It also doesn’t help that there are no breed standards that stipulate expected sizes.

Poodle Mix Breed Comparisons

There are many breeds that are very similar to Goldendoodles. In terms of size and energy, Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles, Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles are the most similar to Goldendoodles. Cavapoos and Cockapoos are also quite similar but are usually a lot smaller. Much smaller poodle mix breeds include Maltipoos and Yorkie-Poos which have a similar hypoallergenic coat but a very different temperament.