Spotlight on...Goldendoodle
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Size: Various
Grooming needs: Moderate
Exercise: Medium
Environment: Indoor with Outdoor Access
Temperament: Intelligent, Friendly, Active
Life Expectancy: 15 years
Interesting Facts: The Goldendoodle — or Groodle — is referred to as a “designer dog” or breed hybrid. Developed in the mid-1990s, they are among various “doodle” creations, the first of such mixes being the Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle.) While there’s no guarantee you’ll get the best traits or two breeds, breeders hoped to get the intelligence of the Poodle and the loving nature of the Golden Retriever.
While they are not actually hypoallergenic, many adopters seek them out for their reputation as a good dog for families with allergies. Goldendoodles will shed less and have less skin dander than many other breeds, but this doesn’t eliminate the actual cause of allergies in humans, which is a particular protein shed from the dog’s skin.
Appearance: Goldendoodles can vary greatly, even within the same litter. While generally medium-sized with males weighing 50-80 pounds, you’ll see them characterized as standard, medium, miniature and toy, with miniatures weighing 20-45 lbs. Coats vary too, ranging from flat to wavy to tightly curled. Color ranges from cream to red, gold, chocolate, or combined into a merle, phantom, or brindle. Their coats can grow to a bushy eight inches long left unclipped, so they typically need regular brushing and a grooming every 6-8 weeks.
Personality: These pups are generally intelligent and friendly. Pet parents describe Groodles as social, gentle, and compatible with children and other pets. They’re typically activity-loving dogs that do best with plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Common Health Problems: There are some cases of hip dysplasia in this breed. As with any potential new family member, talk to your veterinarian and the rescue or adoption agency about any concerns.
Best Match: Goldendoodles are social, active dogs who thrive when their families spend a good deal of time with them and provide a minimum of 20-30 minutes of daily exercise. Doodles have done well as guide dogs, in service or therapy, and sniffer dogs.
Goldendoodles are considered friendly and trainable matches for first-time dog parents.
Featured Adoptables
Rowena
Few Goldendoodles come up for adoption and, when they do, are quickly homed. At press time, we found Rowena available at Multnomah County Animal Services. She’s 7 years old and 71 pounds. Look for her at MultCoPets.org.
Most often rescues and shelters will have fabulous Poodle mixes with many of the desirable traits of their Doodle counterparts. Here’s one:
Lilly
Lilly is a four-year-old Toy Poodle. Weighing about 9 pounds, she’s a loyal pint-sized companion who looks forward to long walks and quiet cuddle time with her new family. Since she’s a bit fearful around young kids, she will do best with adults only or children 12 and older. Meet the lovely Lilly at the Humane Society for SW Washington in Vancouver. Southwesthumane.org.
Megan Mahan lives in New York City with her fiance Jacob, Frenchie Bulldog Nono, and the occasional foster dog or litter of foster kittens! She works for a major animal welfare organization and loves her former home in the Pacific Northwest.