Goldendoodles are great companions and family dogs. They need regular exercise, interaction, and regular grooming practices, so these pets are relatively high-maintenance. At the same time, Goldendoodles are smart and easy to train, and friendly with other dogs and new people. Goldendoodles are also far less likely to cause allergies than most dogs.
The dog has to be the right match for you and your family, so consider your household’s lifestyle when choosing a pet.
Why Everyone Seems To Want A Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are highly desirable and popular, and the waitlists for puppies are often long.
Why does everyone want to get a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles are suitable for many types of households, including those that have young children, other pets, and very active individuals in them.
Goldendoodles are sociable and easy to train, and those are attractive characteristics but keep in mind that they are also relatively high-maintenance dogs. They need plenty of attention and a good amount of care for their coats.
Goldendoodle Might Be Right For You If:
- You are moderately or highly active: these dogs need ample physical activity but they do not typically do well with intense hiking or distance running. These pups are great for people who are outdoors a lot in general, light hiking, or spending time with other people at social events at parks, for instance.
- You or your family are sociable people and you need a pet who enjoys company and is comfortable with strangers.
- You need to train your pet very well: Goldendoodles are usually very responsive to training.
- You work from home: these pups are highly attached to the owner and are dependent on the company, in general.
- You or someone in your home has allergies: Goldendoodles are among the breeds that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction
Goldendoodle Might Not Be Ideal For You If:
- You are very particular about the look of your dog – Goldendoodles are designer dogs and there is quite a bit of variation in the phenotype of the animals, depending on which parent the puppy resembles more
- You are a very mellow and indoor type of person: these dogs need exercise, experiences, and interaction
- You spend long hours away from home regularly and no one is going to be home while you are away – Goldendoodles can develop separation anxiety
- You would like to avoid spending a lot of money on a new puppy and regular pet maintenance
Overview Of The Breed
| Breed | Goldendoodle |
| Size | 17–24 in (43–60 cm) |
| Weight | 40-50 lbs (18-23 kg) |
| Life expectancy | 10-15 years |
| Coat colors | apricot, blue, silver, grey, brown, cream, and cafe-au-lait |
| Exercise needs | moderate to high |
| Good with kids? | yes, including young kids |
| Hypoallergenic? | no |
Are Goldendoodles Right For Beginners?
Goldendoodles are good for new dog owners, in the sense that they are easy to train and are sociable dogs. Behavioral problems are rare unless they are related to separation anxiety.
At the same time, this breed needs some maintenance: they need regular brushing and at least bi-monthly bathing and grooming sessions.
In general, Goldendoodles are fine for novice pet owners if you are okay with investing some time in your pet – practical care for the dog as well as the time your sociable dog is likely to need are very important factors to keep in mind. Goldendoodles do need daily exercise too, ideally at least an hour of either walking or hiking or some other form of activity outdoors.
Are Goldendoodles High-Maintenance?
Goldendoodles are relatively high-maintenance for several reasons.
- Goldendoodles demand your attention and time because they are active and sociable, people-oriented dogs
- They do need their walks and playing
- They are at risk for significant separation anxiety
- Their beautiful coats need regular brushing and an occasional bath
- Most owners take their Goldendoodle to a groomer for a trim every couple of months
- Like most dogs, Goldendoodles need their nails trimmed every month or every other month
- Goldendoodles are also expensive to welcome and keep due to high pet insurance and veterinarian bills, the cost of grooming and walkers, and/or doggy daycare
Are Goldendoodles Good For Families With Children?
In general, Goldendoodles are excellent pets for families with kids.
They are patient, even-tempered, responsive to training, and playful. So, for the most part, these pups are great pets for households with children, including very young ones.
However, as was discussed in the previous section, Goldendoodles are relatively high-maintenance and needy for company and attention. So, on the one hand, these dogs have the energy to play and interact, on the other hand, they need some of your time and involvement to stay happy and healthy. A Goldendoodle is like an extra kid in your family, so it could be an issue for very busy households.
Are Goldendoodles Prone To Separation Anxiety?
Goldendoodles are highly prone to separation anxiety, thanks to their interactive and dynamic personalities. That could be an issue if your pet needs to stay home alone for 5 hours or longer every day regularly.
Solutions to separation anxiety include several general helpful practices and targeted solutions:
- Walk your pet right before you have to leave the house
- Provide some options for toys and puzzles for smart dogs, and rotate them to prevent habituation
- If another pet is an option, that could be helpful – Goldendoodles are sociable animals
- Dog walkers or doggy daycare are usually wonderful solutions but, of course, are expensive
- Some dogs have specific issues, such as agitation by outside noises or passers-by, so a targeted accommodation is helpful to many. An example is closing the blinds/curtains if your pet is reactive to outdoor activity
To Conclude
Goldendoodles are great pets for a wide variety of households but they are dogs that need your time and involvement.
As long as you can address their need for exercise and attention, and provide them with some regular brushing, bathing, and coat-trimming sessions, a Goldendoodle is likely to be a good match for you and your family. These pups are quite universal at making amazing family pets for a great match for many households.
