What are Goldendoodles?

The Goldendoodle is an adorable breed developed from Poodles mixed with Golden Retrievers. They are the ultimate combination of good looks, smart wits, and playfulness. This hybrid also known as a “designer breed” is bred to have the lovable qualities of both of their parents. Energetic and playful, they love to exercise which makes them great companions for active families especially those who enjoy bringing their dog along on outdoor adventures. They are also friendly dogs that are good with children and other pets.

Since most do not shed or shed very little, the Goldendoodle is an excellent choice for dog lovers with allergies, or those who want to avoid constant vacuuming. A Goldendoodle’s shedding tendencies also depend on their generation. Hesterberg Doodles offers only first generation Poodle crosses.

Here are the genetic classifications offered at Hesterberg Doodles:

  • F1 Goldendoodle: This is a first generation cross between an AKC Registered Poodle and an AKC Registered Golden Retriever, 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever.

For an F1 Goldendoodle, shedding varies. Some do not shed at all, and others shed a low-moderate amount. If you love the shaggy look, this is the generation for you since they tend to grow medium-long hair which is wavy. F1 doodles also tend to have beards!

  • F1b Goldendoodle: This is a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle and an AKC Registered Poodle. This means the breed is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle.

This cross emphasizes the poodle traits, and deemphasizes the golden retriever traits. Therefore, they are a better choice for anyone looking for a hypoallergenic doodle. While no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, F1B goldendoodles are pretty close. Shedding is a big win for F1Bs because they tend to be minimal to no shedding. F1Bs have tighter curls, curved tails, and cute beards.

  • F1bb Goldendoodle: An F1bb is a cross between an F1b Goldendoodle and an AKC Registered Poodle. They have only about 15% Golden Retriever blood in them and 85% Poodle.

Because of their high percentage of Poodle genetics, they have the least shedding and are the most hypo-allergenic of all the Goldendoodle generations. They have the highest success rate for non-shedding and are recommended for families with severe allergies. Their coats range from beautiful loose wavy to curly and plush.

What size are our Goldendoodles?

Goldendoodle puppies start small and will eventually grow to a size between that of their parents. If you research Goldendoodles, you will discover that they can vary greatly in size. There are three main size classifications:

  • Mini - under 30 pounds and less than16 inches in height

  • Medium - between 30 and 40 pounds with a height of 16 to 20 inches

  • Standard - over 40 pounds and over 20 inches tall

Since Hesterberg Doodles is committed to focusing on healthy and ethically-sound breeding, it was an easy decision to only breed Standard Goldendoodles. To achieve smaller size dogs, artificial insemination is often used to breed a Golden Retriever (around 70 lbs.) with a Toy Poodle (around 4 lbs.). This pairing is clearly unnatural and the resulting offspring can have structural abnormalities — long backs, short legs and other disproportionalities. There are reputable breeders who over many generations slowly breed their dogs to achieve a smaller size, but I have not found that to be the norm in the “industry.”

So instead of breeding for size and color to satisfy popular demands, each dog is evaluated genetically as well as through type and temperament to determine the characteristics that will produce the most desirable Goldendoodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lifespan of a Goldendoodle?
A Goldendoodle’s lifespan ranges from 10 to 15 years. They tend to be healthy because of their hybrid genetics. As long as you’re taking proper care of them, you can expect excellent health from your dog.

Are Goldendoodles good family dogs?
Yes, they are wonderful family companions that generally gets along well with children, other dogs and family pets.

Are Goldendoodles intelligent?
Yes, Goldendoodles tend to be quick learners, easy to train, and great at intuiting human emotion.

What do Goldendoodles enjoy?
Goldendoodles enjoy the outdoors and plenty of exercise. If you’re an outdoor person, then a Goldendoodle is likely a perfect fit for you.

Do Goldendoodles shed?
Goldendoodles generally shed much less than Golden Retrievers because they inherit genetic traits from a Poodle which is hypoallergenic and non-shedding.

How often do Goldendoodles need grooming?
That is really a question of personal preference. Since Goldendoodles have very little to no shedding, they will need grooming. The general rule is that the higher the percentage of Poodle, the more frequent the need for grooming.

Do Goldendoodles cause allergic reactions?
It’s known that Goldendoodles are allergy-friendly dogs because they receive genes from a Poodle. Of course, a higher percentage of Poodle genetics generally translates into the least shedding and the most hypo-allergenic. For the highest success rate for families with severe allergies look for an F1b or F1bb.

Do Goldendoodles make good service animals?
Due to their loving nature and high intelligence, Goldendoodles make excellent service or therapy dogs. We are excited that two of our puppies are currently in training as a therapy dogs with a local health agencies.

Are you ready to bring home your Goldendoodle puppy?

You can check out our adorable Goldendoodle puppies available for adoption.