Pet Wiki

Goldendoodle

Warm, outgoing and happiest when close to its people.

SizeMedium
Weight6.8 to 45.4 kg (15 to 100 lb)123
Height36 to 64 cm (14 to 25 in)123
Lifespan10 to 15 years23
CoatStraight, wavy or curly; low shedding
OriginUnited States and Australia. A first cross was made in 1969, and the Goldendoodle became widely bred from the 1990s, following the Labradoodle's success.123
Last checked2026-10-01
CrossbreedShort profile
gentle and affectionate
smart and easy to train
friendly with children and other pets
231

Personality what they are like

Warm, outgoing and happiest when close to its people. Goldendoodles are clever, playful and easygoing, rarely noisy, and usually get along with everyone they meet. They often shine in obedience and agility.231

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Goldendoodle. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upevery year

Coat and looks how to spot one

straight, wavy or curly; low shedding

The coat can be straight, wavy or curly, and wavy is the most common. It is usually soft and sheds little, with curlier coats needing the most brushing.123

Coloursgoldcreamapricotredbrownblackwhitegreyblueparti13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to high: about 30 to 60 minutes of activity a day, such as walks, runs, fetch, hikes or swimming.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush several times a week (daily for very curly coats, weekly for straighter ones) and plan a professional groom every 4 to 8 weeks. Bathe only when needed and dry the ears after swimming.23

Home where they are happiest

Does best in a home where someone is around for much of the day and there is space for play; not suited to being left alone for long workdays.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete commercial food suited to its life stage and size. Adults usually eat twice a day, puppies up to four times.2

Company who they like around

Very family-oriented and generally good with children, other dogs and cats. Likes plenty of company and dislikes long spells on its own.23

The story where it all began

A Golden Retriever and Poodle cross was first recorded in 1969, and the idea was explored for guide dog work. Breeders in the United States and Australia began producing Goldendoodles in numbers in the 1990s, inspired by the popular Labradoodle.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    An early Golden Retriever and Poodle cross was made back in 1969 by the English writer Monica Dickens.1

  2. 2

    Goldendoodles have been trained as guide dogs, therapy dogs and even as nut-detection dogs for people with allergies.1

  3. 3

    Gold is the most popular colour, which suits the name.3

  4. 4

    In 2012 the singer Usher paid 12,000 US dollars for a Goldendoodle puppy at a charity auction.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, and its name is a portmanteau of the two parent breeds' names.2

Name ideas for your new friend

SunnyButterscotchGoldieWafflesMochiLemonHoneyBiscuitPippinCocoFluffyMarigold

A day in the life told by a Goldendoodle

Woke up to sunshine and my human's face. Tail wagging? Check. After breakfast, we went to the park. I carried my stick like a hero. Met a poodle who told me my curls are fantastic. Played fetch until my tongue hung out. Then we came home and I snuggled on the sofa with a chew toy. Best day ever.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Major kennel clubs (AKC, The Kennel Club)
Not recognised as a breed by any major kennel club because it is a hybrid.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Goldendoodle tip

Goldendoodles can be prone to weight gain, so keep treats to about 10% of their daily calories and use part of their normal kibble for training. If your doodle has a sensitive tummy, choose a highly digestible diet with a short ingredient list and change foods gradually over 7 to 14 days.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Goldendoodle, and at what times?

Feed your Goldendoodle a complete commercial food suited to its age and size. Adults usually eat twice a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Stick to consistent times each day and follow the food label's guidelines, checking with your vet for the right amount.24

What should a Goldendoodle eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality commercial dog food that matches your Goldendoodle's life stage and size is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods.25

How often should I bathe a Goldendoodle?

Bathe your Goldendoodle only when needed, such as when dirty or smelly. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can adjust based on activity. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months, and always dry the ears well after swimming.236 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Goldendoodle need brushing?

Brush your Goldendoodle several times a week; daily for very curly coats and weekly for straighter ones. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing keeps the coat soft and reduces tangles.236 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Goldendoodle's nails, and how often?

Trim your Goldendoodle's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days per Pet Wiki's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Goldendoodle need?

Your Goldendoodle needs about 30 to 60 minutes of activity daily, such as walks, fetch, or swimming. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play. This moderate exercise keeps them happy and healthy.23 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Goldendoodle's teeth and ears?

Brush your Goldendoodle's teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears regularly for dirt or odor. Pet Wiki suggests ear checks every 14 days and daily brushing is ideal. Never push anything into the ear canal.236 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Goldendoodle live?

A Goldendoodle typically lives between 10 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, happy life.23

Is a Goldendoodle good with children and other pets?

Goldendoodles are warm, outgoing, and generally great with children, other dogs, and even cats. They are playful and easygoing, making them wonderful family companions.23

Can a Goldendoodle be left alone?

Goldendoodles are very family-oriented and dislike being left alone for long periods. They do best in a home where someone is around most of the day. If you must leave them, start with short absences and provide toys, but they thrive with company.23

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Parents and lookalikes

Golden RetrieverLabradoodleBernedoodleCockapoo

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Goldendoodle en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, sizes, coat, colours, uses, fun facts
  2. PetMD: Goldendoodle petmd.comused for size, lifespan, temperament, exercise, grooming, diet, social needs, history
  3. Daily Paws: Goldendoodle dailypaws.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.