Golden doodles are a popular mixed breed dog that combines the Golden Retriever and Poodle breeds. They have become increasingly popular over the last couple of decades due to their intelligence, family-friendly temperament, and low- to non-shedding coats. But are golden doodles truly in high demand or is their popularity over-hyped? There are several factors to consider when evaluating the demand for this mixed breed dog.
Breed History and Origins
The golden doodle hybrid was first intentionally bred in the United States in the 1990s. The goal was to create a larger breed with a less shedding coat by crossing the non-shedding poodle with the family-friendly and eager-to-please golden retriever. The first generation of golden doodles were bred from purebred poodles and golden retrievers. Second and later generations have been bred with various ratios of poodle to golden retriever lineage.
Coat Types
Golden doodles can have three different coat types depending on the genetics inherited from their poodle and retriever parents:
Straight Coat
This coat type resembles more of a golden retriever coat – longer, feathered, and tends to shed moderately. The coat will require regular brushing to reduce shedding and matting.
Wavy Coat
This is considered the most desirable coat type for golden doodles. It is a shaggy, loose wave with a medium length. Wavy coats are low to non-shedding and need regular brushing and grooming.
Curly Coat
The curly coat type has tight ringlets like a poodle’s coat. This coat is non-shedding and hypoallergenic but requires the most intensive grooming and clipping.
Size Variations
In addition to different coat types, golden doodles also vary quite a bit in size. This is due to the different sizes of poodles used in breeding programs:
Standard
Bred from a standard poodle, these golden doodles range from 45 to 80+ pounds when fully grown.
Medium
A first generation cross with a medium sized poodle parent, these doodles are 35-50 pounds as adults.
Miniature
Miniature golden doodles are bred from miniature poodles and weigh 15-35 pounds fully grown.
Temperament
One of the main draws of the golden doodle is its intelligence and people-pleasing temperament inherited from both the poodle and golden retriever parent breeds. Golden doodles are known for being:
– Affectionate
– Energetic
– Playful
– Eager to please
– Intelligent
– Friendly with people and other pets
With early socialization and training, golden doodles excel as family companions and service dogs. Their lovable temperament makes them a popular hybrid dog option.
Hypoallergenic Coats
Many prospective owners seek out golden doodles because they are low- to non-shedding and produce less dander. Their poodle genetics give golden doodles a hypoallergenic coat that does not trigger allergies as much as many other breeds. Those with mild pet allergies may tolerate a properly groomed golden doodle much better than a shedding dog. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic so those with severe allergies may still react.
Demand from Families
The golden doodle has many qualities that make it appealing as a family companion. Their intelligence can be honed through training and mental stimulation. The playful and people-oriented temperament of golden doodles makes them wonderful with children. The hypoallergenic coats also work well for families with allergies. Golden doodles have become a top choice for a family-friendly hybrid.
Use as Service Dogs
In addition to being family pets, golden doodles are increasingly being bred and trained as service dogs. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them well-suited to performing tasks and following commands to assist a disabled owner. Their moderate size allows them to provide balance and support without being too large and strong. Sporting a hypoallergenic coat is also a plus for those partnered with a service dog.
Demand from Breeders
Reputable breeders have trouble keeping up with the demand for golden doodle puppies. Well-bred dogs from health-tested parents can fetch anywhere from $1000 to over $3000 depending on factors like coat color, size, and location. Doodle coats and non-shedding traits are desirable alongside the friendly golden retriever temperament. Breeders may maintain waitlists because demand exceeds litters produced.
Drawbacks to Consider
Despite their many positive traits, there are some drawbacks that potential golden doodle owners should be aware of:
– Grooming requirements can be extensive, especially for curly coats. Regular brushing, combing, clipping, and professional grooming is needed, which adds to the time and financial commitment.
– Doodles often inherit the intelligence of both parent breeds, meaning they need ample daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, they are prone to destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, barking.
– Separate anxiety may occur if left alone for long periods. Golden doodles thrive on human interaction and may develop behavioral issues if understimulated or lonely.
– Potty training may be more difficult than other breeds. Some lines seem prone to stubbornness in this area.
– Socialization and training is critical. Doodles need exposure to different places, people, and pets to minimize skittishness or reactivity. Obedience training will be needed.
– Health issues like hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and skin allergies may be inherited from the parent breeds. Reputable breeders will health screen.
Adoption Availability
For those interesting in adopting instead of purchasing from a breeder, golden doodle options are still quite limited. Because demand outweighs supply for breeders, fewer dogs end up in shelters or rescues. Adoption agencies tend to have very long waitlists and rigorous screening for potential adopters of golden doodles. However, pet adoption is still a lower cost option for owning this popular mixed breed.
Purchase Price Range
The price for a golden doodle puppy from a breeder ranges widely:
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard F1 Doodle | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Medium F1 Doodle | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Miniature F1 Doodle | $2,000 – $3,500+ |
F1 refers to first generation golden doodle with 100% purebred parents. In general, miniature size commands the highest price tag. Coat color trends also impact price with rarer colors costing more.
Purchase Waitlists
Because reputable breeders cannot keep up with public demand, waitlists for unborn puppies are common. Wait times to bring home a purchased puppy average between 4-12 months. Some breeders have such long waitlists they stop accepting new applicants. Multi-year waits are not unheard of for popular breeders producing miniature or specialty colored dogs. The longer wait time reality dispels the myth that a golden doodle is available to any buyer immediately. Patience and persistence is required.
Should You Get a Golden Doodle?
If you have realistic expectation about the exercise, grooming, training and shedding traits of golden doodles, they can make wonderful family pets. Their friendly temperament and devotion to their people make them great companions. Golden doodles do require a commitment of time and care, but the love and companionship they provide may be worth it for the right owner. Just be sure you are ready to appropriately care for this popular mixed breed before jumping blindly into getting one while the demand is so high. Doing your homework will help ensure it’s the right breed for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Golden doodles remain a highly desirable hybrid breed due to their intelligence, hypoallergenic coats, family-friendly temperament, and striking good looks. Well-bred golden doodles from reputable breeders command premium prices and buyers often find themselves on long waitlists. However, while definitely popular, golden doodles are not the right breed for every family. Potential owners should carefully consider their exercise needs, grooming requirements, and temperament prior to jumping on the doodle bandwagon. Golden doodles demand a commitment of time, care, and training. Thus, while these mixed breed dogs are undoubtedly in high public demand, they are not for everyone. Do your research to determine if owning a golden doodle would be a good choice that adds joy and companionship to your life.
