The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.
A cross breed of two of the most popular dogs in the United States, it’s no wonder the Goldendoodle is one of the most sought-after mixes, right next to their cousins the Labradoodle and the Maltipoo.
The Goldendoodle is the result of mating a Golden Retriever with a Standard Poodle. They are incredibly smart dogs and have been used as working dogs for many years, including as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, medical assistance dogs and therapy dogs.
The Goldendoodle turned 50 years old in 2019 and was first recorded in 1969.
This breed was bred by Monica Dinkins who wanted to create a dog with a Poodle’s non-shedding coat that could be used as a guide dog for those with allergies. The popularity of this breed began to pick up in the 1990s.
Because they are a crossbreed, the Goldendoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
However, they are recognized by the Continental Kennel Club and the Goldendoodle Association of North America.
How Long Does a Goldendoodle Live For?
The life expectancy of a Goldendoodle is relatively long. These dogs can live to between 10 to 15 years old.
The Poodle Mixes lifespan is another of the many bonuses of buying a Doodle as your newest family member. It’s been proved that mixing a pure-bred dog with a Poodle results in Hybrid Vigor.
Hybrid Vigor is the increased vitality and longevity that is often seen in hybrids ( crosses between two different breeds of plants or animals). It is thought to be caused by the heterosis effect, which is when the offspring of two different breeds are more fertile and healthier than either parent.
Hybrid Vigor aids in the extended longevity of your Doodle, particularly in larger Doodle breeds, as the Poodle’s genetics help to minimize problems such as bone density that lead to hip issues later on.
Other factors, such as the amount of exercise your dog gets, the quality of food you feed it, and the quality of care it receives from a Veterinarian all play a role.
On the whole, Doodles have a longer life expectancy and fewer health concerns than most Pure Breeds.
HOW TO HELP YOUR DOODLE LIVE A LONG & HEALTHY LIFE
One of the most important things you can do for your Doodle is to provide it with a good diet and plenty of exercise. Feed your dog high-quality food, and make sure it gets plenty of exercise – at least 30 minutes per day.
Regular vet checkups are also important, as they can help catch any health problems early on.
KNOWN HEALTH ISSUES IN GOLDENDOODLES
Unfortunately, as with all dogs, the Goldendoodle is prone to some health problems. The two biggest issues they face, hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, are due to the fact they are a large breed.
Hip dysplasia is when the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. It can be managed via pain medication, or surgery can be used in more serious cases.
Patellar luxation is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Again, it can be managed via pain medication, or surgery can be used in more serious cases.
The Goldendoodle is also predisposed to eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. PRA is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye.
Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable.