Goldendoodles are an excellent dog breed for families. They can be well trained, they’re good with children, and they are fine with other pets in the house.
The Goldendoodle is bred from Poodle and Golden Retriever’s parents. That makes them an official mixed or hybrid breed of dog. But there are different types of Goldendoodles.
They are often referred to as Doodles. However, not all Doodles are the same.
For instance, Labradoodle would be the breeding combination of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. There are also Sheepadoodles, Aussiedoodles and Bernedoodles.
That is a lot of Doodles!
But let’s talk about Goldendoodles in detail and explore the different Golden Doodle types. There’s a large variety of Goldendoodle sizes and colors, so let’s start there.
Goldendoodles by Size and Weight
The different Goldendoodle breeds can be classified by size and weight.
The average weight range for a Goldendoodle is between 25 and 80 pounds. The fluctuations in weight and size will come from the Poodle that is part of the breeding matchup.
A Poodle breed can be anything from a miniature to a standard. In terms of the Golden Retriever, the standard weight falls into the range of 55 to 65 pounds for the female and 65 to 75 pounds for the male.
The Goldendoodle Association of North America has correlated the sizes and weights to create a standard list of Doodle types.
This is how they break it down:
- Petite Goldendoodles will weigh around 25 pounds
- Mini Goldendoodles will weigh 26 to 35 pounds
- Medium Goldendoodles will weigh around 36 to 50 pounds
- Standard Goldendoodles will weigh 51 pounds and up
Goldendoodles by Coat Color
Another way to classify the Golden Doodle breed is by the color of the coat.
Just because a Goldendoodle has “Golden” in their names doesn’t always mean its coat will be that color. Go back to the Poodle factor.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has established definitive Poodle ancestry classifications that relate to coat colors.
Those can be:
- Apricot
- Black
- Red
- Silver
- Chocolate
- White
On the Golden Retriever side, the golden color comes into hues that range between light golden and dark golden.
Coat length and texture will also vary from dog to dog (and generation to generation).
There are different approaches to Goldendoodle grooming depending on the texture, length, and condition of your dog’s coat.
Unless you’re willing to take certain steps like brushing daily to avoid matting, it’s likely a groomer will need to give your dog a trim every once in a while.
With Goldendoodles, you always want to avoid their coat from becoming matted. Removing hair matting in these dogs can be very painful for them.
Goldendoodle By Generations
A Goldendoodle can only be a combination of a Poodle and Golden Retriever. However, there are different Goldendoodle generations that distinguish the breed.
It’s much the same with another popular breed, Labradoodles.
These Goldendoodle varieties are designated with a rating that signifies their “generation cross.” For instance, an F1 Goldendoodle is a purebred that is 100% Golden Retriever and 100% Poodle.
1. F1 Goldendoodles
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The F1 Goldendoodles can be thought of as the Goldendoodle DNA building blocks.
They are the first-generation Goldendoodles whose parents will be a combination of a purebred Standard Poodle and purebred Golden Retriever.
A first-generation F1 Goldendoodle is still susceptible to breeding “discrepancies.” They aren’t always an even split between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. There could be F1 pups that don’t have the traditional poodle coat.
Their personality could also be more high-strung than the Poodle versus the mellow calm of the Golden Retriever.
2. F1b Goldendoodles
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When a “b” is added to the Goldendoodle classification it refers to “backcross.”
There is where you’ll have to do some DNA math. For instance, an F1b Goldendoodle could be 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever.
Being a backcross can also mean a greater chance of a non-shedding coat, something we all hope for!
3. F2 Goldendoodles
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The “2” in the F2 classification refers to the second generation.
That means that both parents of the Goldendoodle puppy were F1 Goldendoodles.
The F2 Goldendoodle can vary widely in appearance. You might have a dog that leans into looking more like a Golden Retriever than a Poodle.
It follows that an F2b Goldendoodle would be a second-generation backcross. The DNA equation would break down as an F1 Goldendoodle with an F1b Goldendoodle.
4. F3 Multi-Generation Goldendoodles
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Finally, there is the F23 or Multi-generation Goldendoodles.
They are a match-up for two second-generation Goldendoodles. Because these breeds are further down the hereditary trail, they would have less of that “hybrid vigor.”
Don’t be overwhelmed by these classifications.
They should only be an issue if you are planning to breed your dog. Otherwise, you are sure to find a Goldendoodle that will provide you with maximum cuteness.
That will always be a part of their breed!
Doodle History
Goldendoodle breeding first came up back in 1969.
As you’d expect, Goldendoodles can have the traits of both the Golden Retriever and Poodle.
The Poodle side offers up intelligence and a non-shedding coat. With the Golden Retriever, you have an even-tempered dog. That makes them wonderful therapy dogs.
The Poodle and the Golden Retriever are popular dog breeds because they exhibit affection, are athletic, and are great with kids. There is also the “hybrid vigor” to consider.
When two purebred dogs are bred, their offspring are often healthier and more physically agile than their parents. That depends on them being bred responsibly by reputable breeders.
Goldendoodle Health
Most Goldendoodle puppies are found through breeders.
Before you buy a puppy, you will want to check the breeder’s reputation.
You should ask if the breeding parents have been tested for various health conditions. Among those conditions would be ailments like hip dysplasia, cataracts, and a heart condition.
The breeders should also care about who is buying their puppies. Do they ask you to fill out an application?
You can find reviews online for any breeder. That is especially true within the Goldendoodle community.
As a new Goldendoodle owner, you’ll find yourself part of a friendly and resourceful online community. Take full advantage of those owners to help with any questions about the breed.
Goldendoodle Types
Goldendoodles are adorable because they’re a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles.
And these two original breeds have fantastic and loving personalities. But bear in mind the different types of Goldendoodles described here so that you can find the ideal one for you.
Lastly, consider the differences between male and female Goldendoodles before selecting your preferred sex.