What are the pros and cons of owning an English Goldendoodle? In this article, we will answer this question, along with some tips in owning and taking care of a Goldendoodle.
The Goldendoodle is a Doodle designer breed that is a cross between an English Cream Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The Golden Doodle is also often called the Teddy Bear Doodle or English Cream Doodle. The nickname Teddy Bear’ comes from their boxed, large resembling the Teddy Bear dolls.
The English Goldendoodles are now one of the most popular Doodles in the US, due to several good reasons. Let us begin with a brief discussion of the parent breeds: English Goldens and Poodles.
English Cream Golden Retriever
It’s important first to note the differences between the American and English Golden Retrievers. The most obvious difference is that the English Cream Golden Retrievers are paler. Also, they are generally heavier and boxier than the American Counterpart. English Goldens also have a more squared muzzle and broader head.
So, the primary defining characteristic of the English Cream Golden is its pale coat. Also, they have thick, feathery tales and kind, soft eyes and expressions.
They are very confident, alert, and are highly intelligent. Also, a unique quality of the Golden Retrievers is their soft and gentle mouths that can carry eggs without cracking the shell.
standard Poodle
Poodles are famously known as the second most intelligent out of all the dog breeds (only second to the Border Collie.
They are very calm and very loyal to their family members and are mostly quiet. Also, they are famous for their low to non-shedding coat, making them hypoallergenic.
They are very good-natured, and in fact, can be overly sensitive. They are susceptible to separation anxiety, so you might not want to leave them for too long.
Goldendoodle Origin
The English Goldendoodles (or sometimes just English Doodles) were first bred during the 1990s. Contrary to the name, however, they were actually bred in the U.S., and the name ‘English’ came from the parent breed.
The English Goldendoodle is originally bred as a service dog and therapy companion. Yet, they are now one of the most popular Doodle breeds due to several reasons:
- They are hypoallergenic due to their Poodle parent
- They have the beautiful coat of the Golden Retriever (that is low-shedding due to the Poodle characteristic)
- All are very gentle and cheerful
- They are very intelligent since both parents are intelligent breeds
Goldendoodle Temperament
The English Goldendoodle is the calmest and most relaxed Doodle breed out of any other breeds. They love people and have great interaction with kids, especially with early training.
The English Goldendoodle loves being the center of attention. However, as with other breeds with this quality, they are prone to separation anxiety. That is, if you leave them alone for too long, they might get stressed and prone to barking.
The English Goldendoodles are mostly relaxed breed, but they are not lazy. They love to play, romp, and run, especially in their interaction with kids.
In short, they are an ideal family dog due to their friendliness, even to strangers. So, they won’t bark a lot even when there are strangers around.
They do require an average amount of daily exercise, and they love being outdoors. So, get some outdoor dog toys and play with the English Goldendoodle when you can. They also love runs, bike rides, and even hiking.
Early training and socialization are essential, as with any breeds. Socialize your English Goldendoodle when they are between 7 weeks and four months old. Also, keep them occupied with a toy to chew on and other toys.
Goldendoodle Health and Medical Issues
As with most crossbreeds, the Goldendoodles are generally healthier than purebred dogs due to the broader gene pool. So, Goldendoodles are usually very healthy in all regards.
This condition is known as Hybrid Vigor or Outbreeding Enhancement. That is, Goldendoodles will almost always be healthier than either a purebred Poodle or purebred Golden.
They will only inherit genetic issues that are common to both the parent breeds, including:
- Eye Disorders: especially progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a condition causing retinal degeneration and poor vision. This condition, unfortunately, has no cure.
- Skin Disorders: ichthyosis, like dryness, scaling, and roughness, is common in Goldendoodles. Although there is not any cure, there are various options to make itchiness more bearable.
- Obesity: English Goldendoodles are prone to obesity, especially when they lack exercise. Obesity can cause various other health issues like high blood pressure, damaged joints, kidney and liver failure, diabetes, and cancer, among others.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: the result of abnormal development of the joints. It can be hereditary (genetics), obesity, and rapid growth.
- Patellar Luxation: this occurs when the kneecap of the English Goldendoodles is dislocated from the thigh bone. Mainly caused by genetic malfunction or trauma.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: an inherited bleeding disorder that is quite common in English Goldendoodles. Caused by a deficiency of protein used to clot blood cells together.
In general, put them on a healthy and proper diet to avoid obesity. Provide them with enough supplements and take them to the vet regularly.
Goldendoodle Grooming
The English Goldendoodles are a hypoallergenic breed with a little to non-shedding coat. However, the amount of grooming required by the English Goldendoodle is highly dependent on the type of coat it has. The Goldendoodle can end up with one of the three types of coats:
- Straight: The straight coat of the Golden Retriever. It is the easiest to maintain, and in general, you’d only need to give them some minimal brushing. Unfortunately, with a straight coat, you won’t get the signature curly or wavy, teddy bear-like coat of a Goldendoodle. Also, straight coats are more likely to shed.
- Wavy: wavy-or shaggy-coat is the most common of the three Goldendoodle coats. This coat is the combination between the straight Golden Retriever coat and the curly Poodle coat. Relatively easy to maintain, and you’d only need weekly brushing to prevent the coat from tangling. This type of coat is also typically non-shedding and hypoallergenic
- Curly: the most non-shedding type and so the most hypoallergenic. This coat is inherited from the Poodle parent and will give the Goldendoodle its signature teddy bear look. However, this type of coat is the most demanding, grooming-wise. You’d need to brush them daily to prevent tangled or matted coats. Also, you’d need to take them to the professional groomer for a haircut every eight weeks or so. Get a good dog shampoo, and take care of their coats.
As with any breeds, clean the ears and eyes regularly to prevent infections. Also, trim their nails when required and brush their teeth daily.
In general, an English Goldendoodle is typically easy to maintain. Even if you don’t have the time to take care of the Goldendoodle, simply check for a local groomer or clipping service.
English Goldendoodle Size
English Goldendoodles come in mainly three different sizes:
- Small: this type is called Toy Goldendoodle or Petite Goldendoodle. They are between 20 and 35 lbs in weight and up to 15 inches in length. Great for smaller apartments or if you want a cute and little teddy bear pup. As the name suggests, they have the Toy Poodle as the parent.
- Medium: called Miniature Goldendoodles, they range from 35 to 45 lbs in weight and can grow up to 16-20 inches. The most common Goldendoodle size, and has the Miniature Poodle as the parent.
- Large: These Goldendoodles can range between 45 and more than 70 pounds and are around 22 inches in length. The largest type, with the Standard Poodle as the parent, and require more amount of socialization and exercise.
- Teacup: a ‘special’ size, which is typically created by introducing the dwarfism gene (i.e., Miniature Poodle mixed with a Toy Goldendoodle). The smallest version of Goldendoodle, but might suffer from various health issues. If you want a Teacup Goldendoodle, make sure to get it from a reputable breeder.
English Goldendoodle Lifetime
The Goldendoodle has an average life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years. Smaller varieties, as with most other breeds, tend to live the longest.
With a healthy diet and exercise, it’s not uncommon for the English Goldendoodle to live even longer with healthier lives.
Again, give them enough supplements and vitamins. Make sure they are on a healthy and proper diet and take them to the nearest veterinarian regularly for vaccines and regular check-ups.
In Conclusion
The English Goldendoodle is, in many cases, a really good breed to own and is one of the most popular Doodle breeds with the following pros and cons:
Pros:
- Very intelligent
- Minimal shedding for all type of coats, hypoallergenic
- Very loyal and obedient
- Great with children
- Funny and silly
- Longer average live expectancy
Cons:
- Very active, so tend to need more time to exercise
- Not suitable as a guard dog since they tend to be friendly to strangers
- Need a little bit grooming requirements due to their thicker coats
They are a very friendly and intelligent breed and is suitable for beginner owners. So, if you are looking to get a new Doodle breed, we’d definitely recommend an English Goldendoodle.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
