In recent years, one particular breed has captured the hearts and homes of countless families across the United Kingdom—the Golden Doodle.
According to searches and listings on Pets4Homes, this lovable and intelligent crossbreed, a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, has soared in popularity. Let's explore why the Golden Doodle has become the UK's most sought-after canine companion, examine the pros and cons of the breed, and making sure you buy from a quality breeder and not a backyard breeder or puppy farm.
The Golden Doodle's Popularity
The Golden Doodle's surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the breed is known for its friendly and gentle nature, making it an ideal family pet. With a delightful combination of the Golden Retriever's affable personality and the Poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic coat, Golden Doodles are suitable for households of all shapes and sizes.
Furthermore, their playful and outgoing demeanor makes them excellent companions for both children and adults. Their hypoallergenic coat reduces the risk of allergic reactions, making them a preferred choice for families with sensitivities. This unique blend of characteristics has propelled the Golden Doodle to the top of the list for prospective dog owners in the UK.
Pros and Cons of the Golden Doodle
Like any breed, the Golden Doodle comes with its own set of pros and cons. Understanding these aspects is crucial for potential owners to make informed decisions. When choosing the right breed for you it's important to look at which cons list you are most willing to accept. I am a poodle owner, I was also looking at a miniature Schnauzer, but for me the cons list for a poodle was far better for my lifestyle.
Pros:
Temperament: Golden Doodles are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them excellent family pets. They are full of energy so will keep your kids entertained
Hypoallergenic Coat: Their Poodle ancestry contributes to a hypoallergenic coat, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions.
Intelligence: Combining the intelligence of the Poodle and the trainability of the Golden Retriever, Golden Doodles are quick learners.
Cons:
Grooming Requirements: Their thick and curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. You can't just give these dogs a hose down when they get muddy, you need to brush and blow-dry them, and they will need grooming every six weeks which can be costly for such a large breed
Exercise Needs: Golden Doodles are an active breed and need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They are high energy dogs, so if they aren't getting enough exercise or mental stimulation they could turn to destroying things, so you need to be able to give them lots of attention, especially as puppies
Health Concerns: Like all breeds, Golden Doodles can be prone to certain health issues, emphasising the importance of responsible breeding practices.
High energy - these dogs are full of energy, and they are big, they need lots of attention and mental stimulation not just long walks. You need to spend time teaching them tricks of creating/giving them enrichment games and toys, but you have to supervise them, you don't want them to find all the treats in a snuffle mat and then destroy the mat!
Separation anxiety - poodles are intelligent but they are also bred to be companion dogs, so they suffer from separation anxiety. So you may need to invest in training to make sure you can leave them home alone, but you won't be able to do it for long periods at a time.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
With the Golden Doodle's popularity, unfortunately, comes the risk of unethical breeding practices. Most reputable breeders are breeding to improve the breed. Breeding cross breeds is tapping into the trend and demand, and often lead by money. It is crucial for prospective owners to choose a reputable breeder who prioritises the health and well-being of the dogs. Don't be fooled by those puppy dog eyes, or think that you are saving a puppy by buying from a dodgy breeder. All you are doing is proving to them that they can make money from breeding these dogs and they will just continue to do so. If they can't find homes for the puppies then they will stop.
Here's what you should look out for from reputable breeders:
KC registered parents: Ideally the poodle and the golden retriever will both be Kennel Club registered, this allows you to see the five generation pedigree of both breeds and see if there have been any health problems in the line that could potentially pass on to your dog.
Conduct Health Tests: Responsible breeders perform health tests on the parent dogs to identify and eliminate potential genetic issues. And they won't be breeding from a dog that has any of these health conditions. The recommended tests for each breed can be found on the Kennel Club website, but will include things like a DNA test, eyes, knees, hips, etc.
Provide References: A trustworthy breeder will be transparent and provide references from previous customers. If they breed three or more litters a year then they will be registered with the local council and will have this on display in their home. They will also happily connect you with owners of their previous litters as well as show you images of those puppies - ideally as adults as well to show that they are still in touch with the owners, which shows that they care about their puppies and their wellbeing.
Screen Potential Owners: Responsible breeders ensure their puppies go to loving and suitable homes, conducting thorough interviews with potential owners. They will be quizzing you as much as you will quiz them. If they don't have any interesting in the home that you will be offering the dog then that is a big red flag.
Avoid backyard breeders:
Lack Health Testing: Backyard breeders often skip health tests, increasing the risk of hereditary health issues.
Limited Knowledge: Unethical breeders may lack the knowledge and experience needed to raise healthy and well-socialised puppies.
Poor Living Conditions: Puppies from backyard breeders may come from inadequate living conditions, impacting their physical and mental well-being.
Over-breeding: with cross breeds and no Kennel Club registering of the litters, you have no idea how many litters they have bred from the bitch, and they could be breeding her more than the recommended amount. Always ask the age of the mum and how many litters she has had. Legally they have to show you the mum with the puppies too. Make sure you are actually seeing the mum, she will most likely be still feeding the puppies so you will be able to see from her belly and nipples that she recently had a litter.
Use social media: Join Facebook groups for the breed and ask fellow owners for advice on the breed and ask for recommendations.
The Golden Doodle's popularity in the UK is a testament to its endearing qualities and versatility as a family pet. While the breed offers numerous benefits, it is essential for potential owners to be aware of the responsibilities and potential challenges. Choosing a reputable breeder ensures that your Golden Doodle is not only adorable but also healthy and well-adjusted, providing a loving addition to your family for years to come.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash