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What THE Fluff? The Real Goldendoodle Dog Stuff You’ve Always Wanted to Know

All the Goldendoodle Dog Stuff You’ve Always Wanted to Know

Goldendoodle dog lover? Can’t stop oodling over doodles? Or maybe you’re wondering…

What the fluff is all the fuss about the Goldendoodle, anyway?  

red goldendoodle face
Meet Happy-Go-Doodle Chloe.

Wherever you fall on the scale between Goldendoodle dog crazy and Goldendoodle dog curious, you may have some questions about these fluffy Muppet dogs that typically make great family pets. When happy-go-lucky Goldendoodle Chloe and I are out and about, it’s a rare occasion when someone doesn’t ask us…

“Is that a Goldendoodle?”

And pretty soon we’re “talking dogs and doodles” like we’ve been friends since kindergarten.

Dogs are great connectors.

You may have some of the same questions about Goldendoodles too. While I’m not a vet, trainer, or groomer, I am the mom to one ridiculously comical Goldendoodle dog and the proud aunt to two more. I’ve also joined Doodle dog communities, scoured articles to learn more about the lovable Doodle, and chatted with other Doodle dog moms. (Yes, my human kids think I’m doodle obsessed. And they’re right.)

10 common questions dog lovers want to know about Goldendoodles

So let’s talk dogs and Doodles! Here are 10 common questions that people often ask me about Goldendoodles and about Happy-Go-Doodle Chloe, specifically:

1. Is your dog a Goldendoodle or a Labradoodle?

Chloe is a cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle. (The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle.) Like her parent breeds, Chloe is intelligent, friendly, and social. When I asked over 100 Goldendoodle dog owners to describe their doodle dog, the top responses were in keeping with the personalities of the Goldendoodle parent breeds. Owners most often used these words to describe their dogs:

  • Smart
  • Loving
  • Loyal
  • Friendly/Best friend
  • Joyful

For more information about the heart and soul behind the cute and goofy “designer dog,” please read What is a Goldendoodle.

side view of red goldendoodle staniding in green grass

2. What size do Goldendoodles get?

Standard Goldendoodles weigh 50+ pounds. And by “plus” I mean that they may be 80-pound, loveable lap sitters. Miniature Goldendoodles weigh around 25-35 pounds. Chloe is a little over 40 pounds and is considered a medium Goldendoodle. She weighs in at 100% pure energy, love, and enthusiasm.

With all that the fluff, Chloe looks bigger than she really is. Soaking wet she has chicken legs…

back view of red goldendoodle with wet legs standing at water's edge
The fluff on a Goldendoodle dog can be misleading. Soaking wet, Chloe’s legs go from fluffed to chicken-leg skinny.
close-up of goldendoodle face with happy expression
Loveable doodles like Chloe tend to have a goofy, fun-loving nature.

4. Is your Goldendoodle dog full-grown? She looks like a puppy.

Chloe is five years old in the photos above and has always been a very energetic, silly, fun-loving dog. In fact, when we took her to training classes at PetSmart when she was a puppy, there was another Goldendoodle puppy who was just as relaxed and “go-with-the-flow” as Chloe was excited and “happy-to-be-there-and-check-out-every-single-person.” While these family pets tend to be very friendly, social, loving dogs who want to please, they each have their own unique personalities and energy levels.

RELATED: 101 Goldendoodle Names that Are Adorable

5. Does your Goldendoodle shed?

No hair-covered chairs or furniture or hands or seats in the car. But, she isn’t a hair-free miracle of Mother Nature, either. We find dust bunnies around the house and some loose hairs on clothing. But that’s the extent of it. (And, of course, there is hair in her brush when we brush her.)

While this is the case for Chloe, Goldendoodles shed more or less depending on their genetics and coat type. (For all the tea, please check out my article: Do Goldendoodles Shed?)

6. Are Goldendoodle dogs easy to care for? Is her hair hard to manage?

All this fluff does require regular brushing, for sure. I brush her every other day using a dog slicker brush and a steel comb. Her hair will matt under the “armpits” and behind the ears if I don’t stay on top of it. Also, her Muppet paws are mud and snow magnets and her beard makes a great frosty face in the winter and an absorbent sponge when she drinks from her water bowl. Wiping a Goldendoodle’s feet and face is part of the fun of having a doodle as a family dog.

Goldendoodle feet with snow stuck to them
Caring for fluffy muppet paws is part of the fun of having a Goldendoodle.
goldendoodle drinking from water bowl
No need to wipe the water from Chloe’s fluffy beard when she’s drinking from her water bowl outdoors.

7. Do you take her to a groomer?

We used to take her to a groomer every couple of months. Over time and through instruction from a professional on grooming a Goldendoodle’s face, I’ve learned to trim her myself. For me, brushing and grooming is another way to bond with Chloe.

Honestly, I’ve never seen a Doodle that didn’t look cute no matter whether the hair is kept short, long, or in between. I do take her to a groomer for special occasions and I take her to the vet for a sanitary cut.

8. How much energy do Goldendoodles have? What is her activity level?

goldendoodle running at full stride across green grass

Chloe is a ball dog through and through. She has been a natural retriever from the time she was a puppy. Playing fetch, going for walks, and going on adventures are all important parts of her routine.

Like most dogs, she needs to exercise every day. On days when it is too cold or rainy to go outside, indoor games that offer mental stimulation (like finding a hidden treat or practicing tricks) are a must. If she doesn’t get enough mental stimulation, she will make her own fun by chewing a stick or pawing the carpet.

RELATED:  9 Essentials for Happy Outings with Your Dog

9. Was your Goldendoodle easy to train?

So easy. It’s the Poodle and Golden Retriever genes at work. Both breeds rank in the top four out of 150 for smartest dog breeds. As an example of her trainability, we taught her to use the “potty bell” by ringing it for her when she needed to go outside until she learned to use her nose to ring it.

While that might seem on par, we never would have guessed that she’d discover a bell on the door of someone else’s home and automatically ring it go outside–without being taught.

Because of their easy-going personality, many Goldendoodles become therapy, service, or guide dogs. If you’re interested in learning more about therapy dog certification, check out articles by McSquare Doodles. You’ll find helpful tips and resources to guide you along your journey toward therapy dog certification.

10. What color is she?

Chloe is considered a red Goldendoodle. When she was a puppy, her body was the same deep red that her ears and tail are now. As she became an adult, her coat lightened, yet her ears and tail stayed darker red. Other colors of Goldendoodle dogs include:

Doodles Are Golden

I love all dogs, but I’m over the moon for the silly, goofy, comical, smart Goldendoodle. Especially the one who’s steady cadence of whiffle breaths accompanies the tapping of my fingers on my laptop as I write this article.

The one who spreads smiles where ever she goes.

The one who inspired me to begin a new journey.

The one who stole my heart.

Chloe.

What questions do you have about Goldendoodle dogs?

We’d love to hear. Please comment below.

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Ashley

Monday 2nd of December 2019

I love goldendoodles that are really fluffy butIt seems they are hard to come by. What makes an extra fluffy dog?

HappyGoDoodle

Sunday 8th of December 2019

Thanks for your question, Ashley! I'm wondering if you're referring to the look of many Goldendoodles after they've been groomed! Their hair is extra fluffy following their brush, bath, trim, and blow dry by a professional groomer.

ROBERTA NIEMAN

Monday 29th of July 2019

I’m a first time owner of this breed. My doodle is a year old now and I recently had to have him shaved thanks to his undercoat matting. But he looks so skinny no matter how much he eats. Are they normally a “lean” type of dog under all the fur? If not what is good for weight gain with them? Thank you!

HappyGoDoodle

Wednesday 31st of July 2019

Congrats on your first year as a Doodle Mom! Goldendoodle Chloe and I are happy to have you as part of our Doodle pack. I would definitely suggest that you ask your veterinarian about your Doodle's weight and the amount he eats, maybe at the one-year vet visit. Also, you might find this blog post article from integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby informative: Learn Your Canine Body Condition Score: Find Your Dog's Number. Through images and descriptions, you can learn a dog's body condition score—too thin, ideal, and too heavy. Doodle hugs and tail wags!

Valentine

Thursday 28th of February 2019

Mew Mew hellos, Chloe Doodle doggie! Bessie gets to go to the dog park, on walks and on adventures, too, but I don't think she's ever meat a Doodle in purr-son. She keeps saying how fun it would be to play with you. I have a question: Why do doggies dig at the carpet? Dad says it's a "nesting habit." Bessie does it everyday.

There is a big thick blankie of snow out my window. I bet you have lots of fun in the snow! Do you try to catch snowflakes in your mouth or pounce at the snowdrifts? Hugs.

HappyGoDoodle

Wednesday 20th of March 2019

Thanks so much for your kind note, Valentine! Oh, Bessie and I would have so much fun together! Does she like to go on squirrel patrol? It's one of my favorite hobbies! The snow has slipped away here! I'm happy to be able to find my fetch balls again! Doodle kisses!

Irene McHugh

Friday 22nd of February 2019

Aww, thank you for the shout out! Your new navigation is looking pawsome too! You're so right about people's curiosity about doodle dogs. Before we moved neighborhoods, I used to cross a busy street on my daily walks with Bernie. I cannot tell you how many people would roll down their car windows to shout out, "What kind of dog is that?" I always answered while trying to continue crossing safely. Doodles are people magnets! Stay warm and take care you two:)

HappyGoDoodle

Thursday 28th of February 2019

Thanks for your kind words about my new site navigation, Irene! And that's so true! Doodles are people magnets! Wishing you and your doods the best on your journeys! Doodle kisses :)

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