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A Goldendoodle is a purposefully bred hybrid dog between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The Poodle parent can be a Standard Poodle or one of the three smaller Poodle variations. This crossbred dog is also often referred to as Groodle or Doodle.

Combining the most desirable canine traits from their parent breeds, Goldendoodles have become one of the most sought-after pets. Goldendoodles often demonstrate Golden Retrievers’ intuitive, and people-orientated nature; whilst benefiting from Poodles’ highly intelligent persona and “allergy-friendly” coat.

Breeding history
Although the exact origin of this dog breed remains unknown, there are suggestions that Goldendoodles were deliberately bred as guide dogs for visually impaired individuals who have allergies. It is believed that Monica Dickens, the great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, first crossbred Poodles with Golden Retrievers in 1969. However, Goldendoodles did not gain popularity until the 1990s when they were first introduced and widely bred in the United States and Australia.

After the huge success of Labradoodles (a crossbreed between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles) as guide dogs in the early 90s, American and Australian breeders started breeding another type of retriever dog, Golden Retriever, with Poodles. In the beginning, Goldendoodles were all huge in size since breeders only used Standard Poodles as a parent. As the popularity of Goldendoodles grew, they began to breed Golden Retrievers with smaller Poodle variations such as miniature, toy and Klein (Moyen).

Despite having distinctive features and being hugely popular, Goldendoodles are not officially recognized as a breed by American Kennel Club or any major kennel club association. They are generally considered as a crossbreed of two pure breeds rather than a new breed of their own.

Appearance
The appearance, sizes and coat of Goldendoodles can vary considerably according to their breeding generations and what type of Poodle parents they have. As such, whilst most Goldendoodles share common traits, each Goldendoodle might have their unique appearance and temperament.

The physical appearance of Goldendoodles often relies heavily on the Poodle parent. In general, Goldendoodles come in four sizes: standard, medium, miniature, and petite. Their coat is usually curly with varying colours, with the most common colours being gold, cream, red, black, chocolate, or a combination.

Goldendoodles are often marketed as “hypoallergenic dogs” by breeders and sellers. However, hypoallergenicity is not an official dog breed characteristic. A 2012 research suggested that whilst the Can f 1 (major dog [Canis familiaris] allergen) level in the so-called “hypoallergenic dogs” sample is notably higher, there is no evidence that they are less allergenic than other “non-hypoallergenic” dogs. No differential shedding of allergens can be found.

Although whether Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic is a topic of debate, in general, the higher the percentage of Poodle is in a Goldendoodle’s heritage, the less likely it is to shed. Curlier coated Goldendoodles tend to shed lighter and less dander.

The long coat of Goldendoodles’ can be identified as three main types: straight, wavy and curly. Straight coated Goldendoodles resemble the coat found on their Golden Retriever parents, which would usually lie flat on their body. Wavy coated Goldendoodles is a combination of the Poodle’s curly coat and the Golden Retriever’s straight coat. Their coat is wavy, with loose, shaggy curls. This type of coat is the most common amongst Goldendoodles. Curly coated Goldendoodles resemble the coat of a Poodle. Their coat is thick, curly and less likely to shed.

Behavioural
Similar to most crossbreed dogs, Goldendoodles tend not to have the same predictable temperament or patterning aspects that the constituent breeds have. Base on genetic theory, well-bred Goldendoodle should express behaviours intermediate to their parent breeds. Goldendoodle tend to take over Golden Retrievers’ friendliness, affectionateness, trustworthiness and enthusiastic nature ; whilst also demonstrate Poodles’ reputable intelligence, sociability and trainability. Goldendoodles generally exhibit high energy level, loyalty and playfulness.

A recent study (2019) comparing the behaviour of Goldendoodles with their parent breeds revealed that Goldendoodle demonstrated a higher average score on problematic behaviourally traits such as dog-rivalry, dog-directed aggression, dog-directed fear, and stranger directed fear than their parent breeds: Standard and Miniature Poodle, as well as Golden Retriever. There have been suggestions that these differences are attributable to hybrid vigour, which is a concept that theorises certain crossbreeds are healthier than purebred. However, the effect of hybrid vigour or how hybrid vigour affects behaviour is yet to be discovered.

Health
Goldendoodles often present phenotypic advantage over their parent breeds. The pairing of two different breeds can create higher genetic diversity, as well as a lower level of homozygosity. This will minimize the possibility of inheriting undesirable purebred health concerns. Goldendoodles often benefit from “hybrid vigour”, which has a proven positive effect on animal fitness traits that contribute to crossbreeds’ enhanced health and lower susceptibility to diseases. Goldendoodles are likely to develop any possible health conditions associated with Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Some of the potential health-related genetic disorders of Goldendoodles include Hip Dysplasia, a shared common critical health concern for both parent breeds which would trigger joint instability such as degenerative joint disease and hip arthritis ; Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) which would cause the retinal cells of the eye to degenerate ; as well as von Willebrand Disease (vWD) which is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting platelet function of dogs.

Role
Considered as "designer dogs", Goldendoodles are primarily bred as companion dogs and pets. They are excellent family dog as they are gentle yet energetic around children. Nevertheless, due to their high intelligence, friendliness and trainability, Goldendoodles are often trained to become service dogs, therapy dogs and guide dogs.

Nut Detection Dog
Benefiting from Poodle’s low-shedding genes, Goldendoodles are a popular pick to become nut detection dogs. They are considered to be more allergy and asthma friendly. Their high energy level and gentle temperament make them great candidates to be trained to detect allergens and notify their owners.

Therapy dog
Positive outcomes are showing that Goldendoodles in animal-assisted therapy successfully provide comfort, lower stress and anxiety rates in cancer patients. Improvement in student’s emotional wellbeing and school attendance was also shown as a result of a Goldendoodle assisted program.

Pandemic puppies
Research conducted by Royal Veterinary College (RVC) confirms that there is a growing demand for puppies during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Prices of the puppies have soared along with high demands. Australian breeders have revealed that they have been overwhelmed with puppy enquiries during the pandemic, in which mini Goldendoodle is a popular favourite. The price of Goldendoodles has doubled since March 2020 and it can cost as much as AUD 15,000 for a puppy.

In 2021, Dictionary.com has officially added the word “Goldendoodle” into their database due to its increasing popularity around the world.

Famous owners
In a 2012 charity auction, American musician Usher bid $12,000 on a Goldendoodle puppy. In an interview with People Magazine, he said: "“She’s my road dog, man … Some of my hardest times, she is always there with me.”"

Role
Considered as "designer dogs", Goldendoodles are primarily bred as companion dogs and pets. They are excellent family dog as they are gentle yet energetic around children. Nevertheless, due to their high intelligence, friendliness and trainability, Goldendoodles are often trained to become service dogs, therapy dogs and guide dogs.

Nut Detection Dog
Benefiting from their low-shedding genes, Poodles or mixes or Poodles are popular picks to become nut detection dogs. Goldendoodles are considered to be more allergy and asthma friendly. Their high energy level and gentle temperament make them great candidates to be trained to detect allergens and notify their owners.

Therapy dog
Goldendoodles generally have a gentle and social nature, as well as a consistent obedience, which make them terrific therapy dogs. Positive outcomes are showing that Goldendoodles in animal-assisted therapy successfully provide comfort, lower stress and anxiety rates in cancer patients.

Training
Goldendoodles are generally