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      A Goldendoodle results from the deliberate breeding of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Goldendoodles are smart. Just how smart are they? Consider this: The American Kennel Club lists the Poodle as the second smartest dog. The Golden Retriever is no slouch either, coming in at number four. The key to owning any highly intelligent dog is knowing that they require more training and more mental stimulation than other dogs because their agile minds, when not given proper direction, use canine logic to creatively figure things out. This can lead to less desirable behaviors. But focused, persistent training during your Goldendoodle’s first year will yield years of enjoyment.

      In addition to intelligence, the AKC lists the energy level of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle as “Very Active.” As a result, Goldendoodles need not only intellectual stimulation and proper training, but a lot of exercise as well. Their energy and athleticism have led them to excel in a wide variety of competitive canine sports.

      Goldendoodles have intuitive, sensitive natures—a genetic gift from their Golden Retriever parent. If you decide to bring a Goldendoodle into your life, be prepared to spend a lot of time with her. They are very people oriented and need a lot of human interaction. Luckily, the Goldendoodle’s Poodle parent often contributes a nonshedding, allergy-friendly coat, making the Goldendoodle an ideal pet for many homes. Due to their intelligence, playfulness, and potentially allergy-friendly coats, Goldendoodles are one of the most popular hybrid breeds.

      The Goldendoodle was developed to serve as an allergy-friendly service and therapy dog. The breed has successfully provided assistance to people in need who suffer from dander-related dog allergies.

      Like so many other dogs, most Goldendoodles live their lives as beloved pets rather than as working dogs. However, this does not negate the importance and life-changing benefits this breed brings to those who need an allergy-friendly dog with a willingness to serve.

      The intelligence and intuitive nature of the Goldendoodle comes into play during training. They are quick learners and shine in any kind of training environment.

      Goldendoodles also love to please. They have a way of tilting their head and looking at you, as if trying to figure out what you want next. Your Goldendoodle will learn to read you like a book. It is up to you to send her the right messages.

      While the Goldendoodle’s high intelligence can lead to boredom and, therefore, mischief, well-bred Goldendoodles have easygoing personalities, which makes them wonderful dogs for young families or first-time dog owners. That said, it is imperative for someone without dog experience to get expert advice from his or her breeder, an accredited dog trainer, and a caring veterinarian.

      The goal of this book is to give the new-to-dog’s owner, or soon-to-be owner, an educational foundation to build upon. So, let’s begin by exploring whether a Goldendoodle is the right dog for you and your family.

      Characteristics of the Goldendoodle

      The Goldendoodle is NOT a hypoallergenic dog—

      no dog breed is. People can be allergic to dog

      saliva or dog dander, which is spread when

      a dog’s fur sheds. The Goldendoodle, when its

      coat is nonshedding, is an allergy-friendly dog.

      The Goldendoodle is a hybrid dog created by mating a Golden Retriever with a Poodle—either a Standard Poodle or one of the three smaller poodle variations, the Moyen/Klein, Miniature, or Toy. Modern breeding relies on genetic testing and careful breeding to create dogs of optimal health. Golden Retrievers and Poodles have a variety of potential genetic defects in common, and the Golden Retriever has a strong genetic tendency toward cancer. It is only through careful breeding that these defects can be weeded out to ensure a healthy Goldendoodle.

       THE GOLDENDOODLE TEMPERAMENT

      A well-bred Goldendoodle is happy and affectionate with a zestful “life of the party” personality. Goldendoodles are also eager to please and will make a great deal of eye contact trying to figure out what you want them to do. Combine all of this with their high level of intelligence, and you get a breed that is relatively easy to train. However, their intelligence and enthusiastic nature require diligence on your part. Contrary to popular belief, a highly intelligent dog requires more training and more stimulation than a dog of average intelligence. When properly trained, Goldendoodles are very adaptable to a family environment and can make good companions for children. But keep in mind, their strong retriever parentage makes them mouthy. Their mouths are most active when they are puppies, and your Goldendoodle will use her mouth on you or your children if not properly trained. An easy way to train your Goldendoodle is to work with her natural tendency to retrieve items. Whenever she gets mouthy with you or a family member, put a favorite toy in her mouth; in no time she’ll be grabbing a toy each time she approaches you or starts to feel frisky.

      All puppies, no matter the breed, are busy and active. Goldendoodles are no exception. Often, their mellow, calm temperament becomes more apparent as they approach maturity. This is why it is essential to work with a breeder who is actively breeding for good health and calm temperaments.

      It is critical for prospective owners to take their time to research and interview breeders before purchasing a puppy. All puppies are cute. Sadly, not all puppies are healthy, nor are all breeders honest and ethical. The work you put in to locate a reputable, responsible Goldendoodle breeder goes a long way toward bringing a happy, healthy Goldendoodle into your family. Ideally, breeders of Goldendoodles breed for sound, genetically healthy dogs with good, gentle temperaments and low- to nonshedding coats. You must do your due diligence, as the popularity of the Goldendoodle motivates many unscrupulous breeders. Carefully read the section later in this chapter on how to choose a breeder on page 10. It will make a significant difference in the quality of the dog you take home.

       GOLDENDOODLE COAT TYPES

      As

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