Are Goldendoodles Good Family Dogs?

Goldendoodles are a crossbreed between a golden retriever and a poodle, and many people ask, are Goldendoodles good family dogs? 

This can be a tricky question since it depends on your family and the personality of the specific Goldendoodle. However, on average, Goldendoodles make pretty good family dogs. 

Before you consider adding a Goldendoodle to your family, there are some things you might want to consider. With the rise in popularity of Goldendoodles, there has also been an increase in the number of Goldendoodles that have had to be rehomed after owners realize they are not a good fit for this hybrid breed.

Different sizes

First, it’s important to know that Goldendoodles can come in different sizes. A standard size Goldendoodle is considered a large dog since it is a combination of a Golden Retriever and a standard size Poodle. They can range in size from 50-100 pounds and 17-21 inches. 

If you are looking for a smaller dog for your family, there are also Mini Goldendoodles that are between 25-35 pounds and only 14-17 inches tall. Mini Goldendoodles come from breeding a Golden Retriever with a miniature poodle, but there is no guarantee of size when breeding. 

There are even petite Goldendoodles, but there are some concerns as to the viability and health of this type of hybrid.  

As Goldendoodles have become more popular, multigenerational Goldendoodles are now bred to create Medium Goldendoodles. But, again, there is no guarantee when breeding hybrid dogs that the offspring will be a specific size. 

So if your family is looking for a dog of a specific size, be prepared that a Goldendoodle might end up being larger or smaller than you anticipate. 

Intelligence and loyalty

No matter the size, Goldendoodles are known for inheriting some of the best qualities of both Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Goldendoodles are usually intelligent, easy to train, and very loyal.  It is these characteristics that make Goldendoodles such a highly sought-after pet.

The gentle, easy-going nature they get from the Golden Retriever makes Goldendoodles good family dogs, especially for families with young children. They are extremely affectionate but will probably try to get a person’s attention by tugging on them unless they are trained not to. 

Energy level

Goldendoodles are very social dogs with medium-to-high energy, so it is essential that your family can provide the attention and activity or exercise a Goldendoodle needs. 

Goldendoodles don’t do well staying at home all day. If a Goldendoodle doesn’t get the exercise and mental stimulation they need, it is common for them to start to show undesirable behaviors. Many barking, chewing, or restlessness are signs that your Goldendoodle needs to burn more energy throughout the day. 

Goldendoodles are intelligent and need to exercise their mental muscles, too. Be sure to provide opportunities for your Goldendoodle to tackle new situations or environments that challenge them mentally and physically. 

Hypoallergenic

Because of the Poodle characteristics of a Goldendoodle, many advertise Goldendoodles as hypoallergenic. But it is important to know what that means. 

“Hypoallergenic” simply means that an animal is less likely to cause allergic reactions than other animals. Unfortunately, it does not mean non-allergenic; realistically, no dog can ever be non-allergenic. 

Allergic reactions to dogs are not caused by the fur but by the dander released from the dog’s skin. Depending on the length and texture of the dog’s coat, the dander—and thus allergies—can differ significantly. But ultimately, the dander from the dog’s skin is the culprit of the allergies, not the fur coat.

However, some breeds do not shed as much or release as much dander into their environment. Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic because their coat can contain the dander better than other breeds. 

This hypoallergenic trait comes from Poodles, but because of the Golden Retriever, Goldendoodles will still shed to some extent, depending on their genetics. Even dogs from the same litter can have varying coats, so not all Goldendoodles are the same degree of hypoallergenic. 

Goldendoodles do require regular grooming and brushing. So even though they are hypoallergenic, that does not mean Goldendoodles are always low maintenance. However, few things are cuter than a Goldendoodle’s signature curly coat. 

Not a guard dog

Some families look for a dog to provide protection. Goldendoodles are probably not the best choice if that is what you are looking for in a dog. Their intense loyalty, affection, and social qualities make them amiable dogs that will most likely be excited to see new people or new dogs instead of being wary or protective of your home or family.

Goldendoodles have a “soft mouth,” meaning that they can learn to moderate the strength of their bite. They are also not nearly as aggressive as other breeds of dogs. All of this adds up to one of the friendliest dogs you can have for your family. 

Separation anxiety

A flipside of the friendliness and loyalty of a Goldendoodle is the tendency for separation anxiety. If you are away from home often and cannot take your dog with you, you might reconsider having a Goldendoodle. 

It is imperative for Goldendoodles to be around people and other dogs most of the time. Without this socialization and attention, they quickly become anxious and can exhibit all the negative behaviors of an anxious dog. Not only does this make it more challenging to care for a dog, but it can also negatively impact the dog’s mental and physical well-being. 

Doggy daycare can help, but that can become expensive very quickly. The best solution for a Goldendoodle’s separation anxiety is to take your dog with you as often as possible and allow it to spend as much time with you and other family members as possible. 

Lifespan and Health

Goldendoodles have an average lifespan of 10-15 years and are an overall healthy dog breed. But like all breeds, Goldendoodles are prone to some health problems. 

Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are prone to hip dysplasia and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) complex. Unfortunately, these issues are also common in Goldendoodles. In addition, they are prone to progressive retinal atrophy that leads to blindness. 

Proper diet and exercise can minimize the risks of these conditions and are essential to your dog's health, no matter the breed. A veterinarian can provide answers and resources if you have any additional questions or concerns. 

Overall, Goldendoodles are a happy, healthy breed that your family will love. If you are looking for the perfect addition to your family, a Goldendoodle can be a great choice that will quickly become a member of the family. 

Plush Paws Products

Having a Goldendoodle as a good family dog means you will probably be taking them along when you leave the house. Plush Paws Products has everything you need for your dog to travel safely and stay healthy. Check out our catalog now! 

If you have any questions about our products, contact us for any additional information.