Identifying that a Goldendoodle is what you need is just half the job. The other half - which is the most difficult - is where you identify the type of Goldendoodle you truly want.
Don't get it twisted; this other half is not as simple as walking up to a breeder and pointing at the first attractive puppy you see. There are many factors you have to consider, many of which might be new to you if you're just discovering the world of doodles.
The good news?
This guide contains all the tips you need to make that tough Goldendoodle decision. So, read on to discover what you need to look out for when buying your first Goldendoodle puppy.
Decision based on coat color
As you might have guessed, Goldendoodles are not a one-color breed of dog. So, depending on which color you think will resonate best with your kids, you can choose from gold, red, white, gray, apricot, or black (otherwise known as phantom) Goldendoodle.
Considering that Goldendoodles are an extremely playful breed of dog, you may want to consider going for a coat color that won't require too much grooming like the phantom or gold color. Black or gold coat color is particularly good for those owners who may not have the time needed to cater to the grooming needs of high-maintenance doodles.
Decision based on height
The Goldendoodle height factor stems from their Poodle parent. As such, they're usually within the height range of 13 to 24 inches at the shoulder level.
Decision based on weight
Also, depending on the size of the doodle you will like to have around you, you can choose from a miniature Goldendoodle (usually weigh between 15 to 30 pounds), medium Goldendoodle (between 30 to 45 pounds), and a standard Goldendoodle (between 45 to 100+ pounds).
Typically, miniature and medium doodles are easier to manage and handle than their standard counterparts. So, if you're looking for a dog that won't give you too much stress while grooming it, you may want to choose an F1 Miniature Goldendoodle (more on why F1 doodles are easier to groom later). However, if you want a fancy dog that's big enough for your evening walks, you might want to consider a standard doodle.
Decision based on Goldendoodle types
Although there are several generations of Goldendoodle breeds, we'll only be discussing the F1 and F1B-type generations for the scope of this post.
F1:
An F1 Goldendoodle is a generation of Goldendoodle that's gotten from the cross between 100% Poodle and 100% Retriever.
Typically, the Poodle genetics will contribute to the dog's high intelligence, smartness, and curly or wavy coat. And the Retriever side will be responsible for the smooth coat and loving nature of the dog.
What you get when you buy F1 Goldendoodle generation
- Coat Type: you could get a dog with a straight, curly, or wavy coat.
- Non-shedding: there is no complete guarantee that your dog won't shed
- Hypoallergenic: Not guaranteed too
- Hybrid vigor: has the best hybrid vigor qualities
F1B:
Typically, most of the Goldendoodle dogs you find the tag F1B on are dogs that are 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever. Although an F1B dog can be a backcross between a Goldendoodle and a Retriever too, most breeders choose to go with a backcross between F1 and a Poodle because of the superior non-shedding and hypoallergenic properties.
What you get when you buy F1B Goldendoodle generation
- Coat Type: Mostly curly or wavy coat
- Non-shedding: Yes, absolutely
- Hypoallergenic: Guaranteed
- Hybrid Vigor: Yes, but not as strong as an F1 Goldendoodle.
By and large, choosing between an F1 and an F1B type doodle comes down to deciding between the following set of factors:
- Are you allergic to dog furs and debris? If yes, go for F1B
- Do you want a far more loving and affectionate dog? If yes, go for F1
- Do you want an extremely calmer, gentler, and laid back breed of dog? If yes, go for F1B
- Do you want a dog that doesn't need to visit the clinic too often? Although both generations boast great health guarantees, the F1 is still more durable health-wise.
- Do you want a dog that won't require too much grooming (brushing, washing, coat trimming, etc.)? If yes, go for F1.
- Want the cheapest option? F1B tend to be costlier than their F1 counterpart.
Relevant questions to ask a breeder
In addition to looking out for the factors above, you should consider asking the breeder the following questions to know the nature of the Goldendoodle puppy you're buying.
- Could you please show me where you raised the doodles? Breeders like ABCs Puppy Zs are only more than too happy to show you the family-friendly environment in which they've raised their dogs.
- Could you show me the parents? This will give you an insight into the kind of dog your doodle puppy is likely going to grow up to be.
- Could you tell me who your vet is? You want to know the vet's status who's been catering to the health needs of the dog you want to buy.
