So, you have decided that the Goldendoodle is the perfect puppy for you. Now, it is time to discuss the cost of owning a Goldendoodle.
Congratulations! Choosing what breed is the right match for you can be very difficult. Today, we will explore the costs of bringing your puppy home, monthly fees, and saving money.

Initial Investments
Your Goldendoodle’s average cost can be between $1,500 and $2,500. And this cost can vary depending on your state and what type of Goldendoodle you are getting.
Most puppies from reputable breeders will come with first vaccinations, deworming, and a health certificate from a local veterinarian.
Some breeders even send you home with a small bag of food your puppy is used to. But what other costs will you have upfront?
Before you bring your puppy home, having a few necessities on hand is a good idea. Doing this before picking up your puppy will save your dog from anxiety about maneuvering around a pet store.
It also gives you time to make educated purchases. But what will you need?
- Toys
- Chew sticks for your teething puppy (without them, your puppy will find furniture to chew instead)
- Water and Food Bowls
- Food (if you plan on switching brands)
- Cage
- Leash and collar
- Training treats
- Dog bed
- Calming Spray (one that is for puppies)
- Urine cleaner for the many accidents that will happen
- Shampoo and Brushes
- Poop bags/ Poop Scooper
These are just a few items worth buying before bringing your puppy home. The average new pet owner spends $1,000-$2,000 on supplies.
But, if you stick with us a little longer, we can tell you how to save a little cash on your new best friend.
Toys are probably some of the essential items that you can get. You will want to have a variety of toys to keep your puppy’s mind preoccupied throughout the day.
If you don’t, they could cause trouble playing with items you must replace once damaged.
Some of the most fabulous Amazon puppy toys are:
- Haopinsh Rubber Dog Chew Toys are great for a teething puppy. And since they dispense treats, they are great for leaving your puppy alone for a little while.
- The ZippyPaws – Zoo Friends Burrow is excellent for the foraging and hunting instincts that your puppy will have.
- Alfheim Pet Puzzle Toys IQ is the perfect beginner dog puzzle.
- For a soft toy, try the No Stuffing Plush Dogs Chew Toy.
- The AWOOF Snuffle Mat is great for hours of fun.
Monthly Costs
Now that you have everything, we can see your monthly cost of owning a Goldendoodle. Some of the regular purchases will be:
This will cost most dog owners an extra $150 a month. But, for Goldendoodles, you have to factor in grooming as well.
Your Goldendoodle will need to be groomed at least every six weeks. So every other month, you must spend an extra $80 or more on grooming.
This price varies from state to state and even from different salons. With these costs alone, you can expect to pay about $2,500 annually. But these are the bare minimum expenses.
Hidden Fees
You might expect hidden fees from a credit card company, but not when owning a dog. But the reality is that there are fees that people don’t think of when getting their new puppy.
Rental Fees
Some apartments and rental homes charge an extra fee, depending on where you live. This can be a flat rate deposit for pets, a deposit, and an additional monthly payment.
The average rate for a “pet rental fee” is $25. This pet rental fee might not seem like a lot per month, but it will be an extra $300 a year.
Shipping
If you are getting your puppy from an out-of-state breeder, you must factor shipping into your investment cost. Shipping by air can be rather expensive and may take longer.
There is also the option to drive out to get your puppy. But you will have to factor gas, potty breaks, and hotels if needed, into the cost.
Dog Walker/Daycare
Most Doodles develop separation anxiety when they are left alone most of the day. If you crate train, spending eight or more hours in a crate can devastate their mental health.
If your dog is alone most of the day, you may hire a dog walker or take your dog to daycare. The average monthly cost of daycare is $240-$550 a month for full-day services.
Dog walkers typically charge $15-$30 a walk, depending on your area, which averages $75-$150 a week if you work five days.
Vet Bills
If you get a puppy from a questionable breeder, there may be unexpected vet bills when you bring your puppy home.
Reputable breeders always deworm, vaccinate, and have the puppies checked by a vet before sending them to their new homes.
If you did not have any of this done by your breeder, it could mean hidden fees on top of your initial costs. You may also opt for pet insurance ranging from $30-$50 for future use.
Ways To Save Money
You may think this all is out of your price range, but nothing is impossible. There are a few great tips to reduce the cost of owning a Goldendoodle.
Coupons/Sales/Shop Online/Price Compare
The first way to save some cash is to check all coupons and sales before purchasing. Price comparison between online and retail is also another big saver.
Most large corporations will match their online prices if they are cheaper than in-store. And always be on the lookout for coupons.
Even large retailers have coupons in their apps, in-store, and through email. Some dog food brands will send you coupons when you sign up for their email subscriptions.
Learn To Groom At Home
The initial investment for professional grooming equipment can be expensive, but it saves a fortune. Plenty of YouTube videos by groomers show you how to groom your dog properly.
Some exceptional grooming items to have are:
- These are important to get your Doodle’s hair completely dried and fluffy like it returned from the salon.
- These dog clippers for grooming have three speeds, are rechargeable, and are very quiet.
- These nail clippers by Gonicc are also great because they have a built-in nail file for a smooth finish.
- Having a Dematting Brush is a great tool for stubborn knots.
- Pro Pet Works All Natural Soap Free 5 in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is the best shampoo to keep your Goldendoodle soft and luxurious.
Brush Your Dog
Brushing is the next step if you don’t have what it takes to groom your dog yourself. Brushing your dog correctly will save you hundreds of dollars a year because it makes them easy to groom.
Groomers will tack on extra charges for brushing out mats or spending more time on them.
Get A Mini
Mini dogs, on average, cost less than larger ones. They eat less, cost less to groom, and don’t require large houses. Mini Goldendoodles can be a big money-saving tip for those on a budget.
Buy Used
Buying items used is a great way to get a discount. You can get crates, grooming supplies, and cast off toys cheap from buy/sell/trade groups.
YouTube And Books For Training
Instead of spending money on a training class, you could use free resources on YouTube and the library to train your dog.
You can be just as consistent and train in dog-friendly public places to have a well-behaved Goldendoodle.
In the early years of life, you might want to have a variety of treats to keep your puppy motivated in training. Here are our top 5 tasty treats:
- Zuke’s Natural Training Dog Treats are small and the perfect size for training. They don’t cost much and last forever.
- Wellness Natural Grain Free Puppy Training Treats are another great option. They are specially made for puppies and can be broken in half to maximize their use.
- Nudges Grillers can be cut into smaller pieces and are a delicious treat.
- Deer Antlers for dogs are a great reward after a successful training session.
- GigaBite makes the Best Bully Sticks. They are odor-free and help your puppy get all of their chewing done.
Quality Food
Feeding your Goldendoodle a high-quality diet might not seem like an excellent money-saving hack.
But, when you consider all of the medical bills you will avoid by feeding quality food, it is worth it. Spending an extra $30 on monthly food might save you thousands later.
Adoption

Adopting a Goldendoodle could save you hundreds of dollars on the cost of your new dog. You might not always be able to get a puppy, and the annual fees are the same as buying from a breeder.
But adopting a Goldendoodle can be just over $100 compared to thousands at a breeder.
Common Health Issues
Our last point to consider in owning a Goldendoodle is medical costs. Goldendoodles can be prone to several illnesses, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Heart disease
- And eye disease
These conditions can be very costly. We recommend always having at least a $1,000 emergency fund, but the more, the better.
Many owners get pet insurance for their Doodles if anything unexpected happens. These plans cost anywhere from $30-$50 and can save on medications, office visits, vaccines, and dental cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Goldendoodles High Maintenance
Generally, Goldendoodles are low-maintenance dogs that are ideal for first-time pet owners. They are healthy dogs without many health issues.
This is because they are a hybrid breed. However, they can be prone to health issues affecting their parent breeds, such as hip dysplasia, cancer, and Addison’s disease.
One of the reasons why some people say Goldendoodles are high-maintenance dogs is because of their coats. Like most other designer dog breeds, their coats require attention and time.
However, it is easy to maintain and manage your Goldendoodle’s coat through regular grooming.
Your Goldendoodle’s coat must be brushed at least once daily. You must also bathe them at least once every two months. Besides, your furry friend will need the years checked to prevent ear infections.
Is a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle Better?
The answer to this question will depend on what qualities or features you seek in a dog. Generally, Goldendoodles are very popular for therapy dog work thanks to their outgoing personality.
They are playful and intelligent dogs that make great family pets. If you are looking for a hunting or working dog, go for a Labradoodle.
Labradoodles are slightly bigger and have higher energy levels than Goldendoodles. They make great service dogs.
However, the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are intelligent dogs that make great family companions. They are also hypoallergenic and shed less.
How Long do Goldendoodles Live?
The Goldendoodle has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Since they are a hybrid dog breed, they are healthy and have no health issues like their purebred parent breeds.
Poodles have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, while Golden Retrievers have an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
However, like any other dog breed, their life expectancy depends on various things, such as diet, genetics, exercise, size, and mental stimulation.
Smaller-sized Goildendoodles tend to live longer than larger ones. Also, a well-exercised Goldendoodle on a good diet will have a longer life expectancy.
What are the Negatives of a Goldendoodle?
The Goldendoodle is one of the most popular dog breeds. Their personality is because of their outgoing personalities and hypoallergenic qualities.
However, their popularity comes with higher costs. Since they are among the most sought-after dogs, you can expect to pay more for a Goldendoodle puppy from a reputable breeder.
Goldendoodles need a lot of exercise. They are created by crossing two purebred dogs that are all energetic and like to work. This means you can expect your Goldendoodle to be energetic too.
However, their high energy levels mean they need a lot of exercise. Lack of exercise can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing and excessive barking.
What is so Special About Goldendoodles?
Goldendoodles are known for being happy, playful, and friendly dogs. They are affectionate dogs that love human interaction.
These intelligent dogs are easy to train and love to please their owners. They are also very gentle and love to play with kids and other pets.
These adorable dogs are ideal for individuals who live an active lifestyle. They are easy to train and socialize with and will join you for your morning runs.
Another special thing about these adorable dogs is that they shed less and are considered hypoallergenic. This makes them ideal for people with dog allergies.
Are Goldendoodles Good House Dogs?
The Goldendoodle is an energetic and active dog. Their high energy level requires ample space to play and roam around.
Therefore, they may not be a good choice for people who live in apartments. They can do well in homes with a fenced backyard.
Your Goldendoodle will need about 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise and play to stay fit and entertained.
If you live in an apartment or condo and are interested in a Goldendoodle, you should consider a toy or mini Goldendoodle.
Are Boy or Girl Goldendoodle Better?
It is impossible to say that one Goldendoodle gender is better than the other. This is because both male and female Goldendoodles tend to have the same personalities.
They can be a wonderful addition to any dog-loving family. They also come in a variety of colors. However, some situations work out better for female dogs, and others are more suited for male dogs.
Are Goldenoodles Lazy Dogs?
Goldendoodles are joyful and active dogs. If you add one to your family, you can expect an energetic and vibrant new friend for life.
Look no further than a Goldendoodle if you are looking for a furry friend to accompany you for your morning runs.
Are Goldendoodles Good for First-Time Owners?
The Goldendoodle is a friendly and gentle dog with an easy-going personality. They are also eager to please their owners and easy to train.
This makes them ideal for first-time dog owners. Early training and socialization are recommended.
Do Goldendoodles Bark a Lot?
All dogs are meant to bark, and Goldendoodles are no exception. However, Goldendoodles are considered moderate barkers.
They will rarely get loud unless something is troubling them. Some will only bark when they are in public because of excitement.
If your Goldendoodle is barking excessively, you should find out what the problem could be. The common causes of excessive barking include boredom, stress, pain, and separation anxiety.
Are Goldendoodle Hypoallergenic?
Goldendoodles shed less and are considered hypoallergenic. They are perfect for individuals who suffer from dog allergies.
If you are looking for a hypoallergenic designer dog breed to add to your family, this is one of the breeds to consider. However, it is important to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
Are Goldendoodles Diggers?
As with almost all dog breeds, the Goldendoodle loves to dig. They are prone to destructive behaviors, and digging can be more excessive.
You can prevent the behavior through early socialization, training, and exercise.
Conclusion
These expenses might seem daunting to some people. But our furry friends are worth every penny. The cost of owning a Goldendoodle is dwarfed by their years of happiness and companionship.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
