Goldendoodles 101: Know More about Your Dogs
The Goldendoodle is a mixture of its purebred parents Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They are hybrid dogs, or also known as designer dogs. A hybrid dog is said not to be a true breed since it is intentionally crossed between two pure breeds. Doing this, breeders aim to combine the two traits of those pure breeds. For the case of the Goldendoodle, breeders wanted a hybrid of the Golden Retriever’s personality and traits and the Poodle’s low-shed characteristics. As for their personalities, Goldendoodles are known to be affectionate and fantastic family dogs, but other than that, they are also extraordinary working dogs. They are known to be successful guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and the like.
Brief History of Goldendoodles
In 1969, the Goldendoodle was first bred specifically to be guide dogs. Then when the 1990s came, the Goldendoodle’s popularity rose among breeders. Inspired by the Labradoodle mix, having a Golden Retriever crossbred was a popular choice because of its fame in the United States because of its lovable characteristics. Goldendoodles are still considered to be a relatively young breed. They are currently not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or other international purebred dog registries. However, they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, and they can be registered with this organization.
General Goldendoodle Health Info and Issues
Generally, Goldendoodles are pretty healthy. However, like other breeds, there are some health issues they are prone to encounter. Based on the Goldendoodle’s parents, Poodles and Golden Retrievers are commonly prone to Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Eye Disorders, Ear Infections, and Yeast Infections.
Hip Dysplasia is a common inherited condition, although there are times that it can be triggered by malnutrition. It’s a condition where the thighbone doesn’t precisely fit the hip joint. Each dog reacts differently to this condition. Some show signs of pain and discomfort, to the point that they would have a hard time walking. In comparison, some do not display any symptoms at all. Dogs that inherit or develop this condition should not be bred since they will pass down this condition to their pups.
Patella is also commonly known as the kneecap, and Luxation is the dislocation of a bone or a joint. Like with Hip Dysplasia, this time, it’s the knees. Patellar Luxation is when the knee joint is out of place, which will cause pain and it can cripple the dog.
As for eye disorders, it is advisable to set up an annual eye exam to monitor the dog’s eye condition and prevent any problems. One of the diseases they may encounter is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). It is an eye disease that is the cause of the deterioration of the retina. Dogs that will contract this disease will develop night blindness, and if it gets worse, they will lose their sight altogether.
Goldendoodles are also prone to ear and yeast infections because of the shape of their ears. Like the Golden Retriever, they have floppy ears that can trap moisture and lead to an infection. Owners and caretakers must pay special attention to the dog’s ears that there won’t be any water in them.
As for health issues common in dogs and not just Goldendoodles in particular, dogs may encounter allergies. Treatments will differ according to what type of allergy they may have. First is the food allergies where it could stem from their diet. Then there are contact allergies, where they would react negatively to foreign substances that they encounter like flea powders, shampoos, and other chemicals. Lastly, there are inhalant allergies. This type of allergy is a reaction to airborne allergens.
Care of Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles are energetic and intelligent dogs. They are easy to train and are perfect for first-time dog parents. Socialization is an important aspect in taking care of a Goldendoodle since they can grow timid and shy if not regularly exposed to different surroundings and people. A 20-30 minute walk daily is recommended as a good exercise for them. However, if you live in sunny locations like California or Idaho, swimming is also a good alternative since Goldendoodles are also known for their love of water. Lastly, make sure to interact with them regularly as they do not do well in being left alone for a long period of time.
Because of an active lifestyle, Goldendoodles would need a high-quality diet. It’s important to give them the right amount of food that’s high in protein and fats. Always make sure to consult with a vet to make sure that their needs are being met.
SOURCES:
Goldendoodle Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/goldendoodle#/slide/1
Goldendoodle Dog Breed: Information and Personality Traits. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/goldendoodle
Murphy, L. (2019, December 05). Goldendoodle: Dog Breed Profile. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/goldendoodle-dog-breed-profile-4169836#:~:text=History of the Goldendoodle Goldendoodles were first bred, with the desirable temperament of the golden retriever.