What to Know
While there are several amazing dog breeds out there that make great pets, one of the most popular is Goldendoodles.
Goldendoodle dogs are a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. They are friendly dogs, very lovable, and simply a joy to have around.
But before you head out and get one, there are also some things you should think about and consider.
This article is going to cover a couple of things you should research and know about before getting a Goldendoodle.
Know Their Grooming Requirements
One of the most important things is knowing how to groom a Goldendoodle. While grooming dogs is always important, this is especially true for any poodle mix.
Poodle mixes generally shed much less than other dogs, so it is up to you to ensure their hair doesn’t get too long or unruly.
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You will need to groom your Goldendoodle frequently and make sure to keep them clean.
If you let their hair get too long, it can become annoying and uncomfortable for the dog. You can learn to groom yourself or take them to a quality groomer in your city.
Familiarize Yourself With Potential Health Issues
While it would be lovely if all dogs had a perfect bill of health for their entire life, this is unfortunately not the case.
Many dogs suffer from different health conditions, many of which are breed-specific.
Because of this, you need to become familiar with the common health concerns that Goldendoodles may have.
Some common ones include hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and problems with the eyes. Take the pup to the vet on a regular schedule to help keep them healthy.
Also, make sure you get your pup from a reputable breeder that tests the parents so you can give yourself the best chance of avoiding these health issues altogether.
Are You Active Enough for the Breed?
While some dogs are okay with being lazy all the time, that isn’t the case with Goldendoodles.
They are active dogs and require a lot of exercises. This could be going for walks, playing fetch, running around the yard, or hiking.
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If the dogs don’t get enough exercise, they can become bored and develop behavioral issues, and can get destructive as they try to entertain themselves and work off their energy.
So you need to make an effort to help your dog be physically active each and every day. Now, this doesn’t mean they won’t be content to relax on the couch with you, but just that these dogs need a lot of physical activity.
How Much Attention They Require
Goldendoodles are very devoted to their humans and love to be part of a pack.
They require a lot of attention from you and your family, so expect them to almost always be where you are and want to be around you.
If you want a dog that is independent and will largely do its own thing, a Goldendoodle might not be for you.
Of course, you still need to ensure they are comfortable alone when you are gone, but if you’re around, they will generally be all over you.
How Smart They Are
With both golden retrievers and poodles being among the smartest dog breeds, Goldendoodles have high levels of intelligence.
They are smart, learn things quickly, and often may even surprise you with how often they outsmart you.
Just like they need physical exercise, these dogs need mental stimulation, as well.
If you don’t stimulate them with fun activities or puzzles, they may get bored and find their own entertainment, which you may not enjoy.
A Goldendoodle can be a great pet, but be sure to make these considerations ahead of time to make sure it is the right breed for you.