About Goldendoodles and Puppy Care
About Goldendoodles*---

Origin
A Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever and Poodle cross. Goldendoodles, also called Golden Poos, Goldie Poos, or Groodles,
have been bred in North America and Australia since the mid-1990's. As the smaller poodle hybrids had been such a
success in filling the niche for small, allergy friendly family pets, Golden Retriever breeders decided to try a breeding with a
standard poodle for a larger family pet. The quick rise of the popularity of Goldendoodles is due to the dogs themselves.
They are a most marvelous hybrid.

Hybrid Vigor
& Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles are a first generation cross, and as such they exhibit hybrid vigor. This is a phenomenon in animal breeding
referring to the fact that the first cross between two unrelated purebred lines is healthier and grows better than either
parent line. The hybrid cross between these two parent breeds are terrific family dogs, friendly, intelligent, affectionate and
easy to train.

Description
The Goldendoodle's ancestry along both parent lines is as hunters and water dogs. The physical appearance of the
Goldendoodle runs anywhere from a shaggy-looking retriever to a curl-relaxed poodle, but usually it falls somewhere in-
between. The length when left unclipped grows to about 4-8 inches. The color of the coat can be cream, gold, apricot,
chocolate, gray and black. Most Goldendoodles have a Standard Poodle as a parent, and are standard sized. Those with a
miniature Poodle as a parent are about 25-45 pounds and are called miniature Goldendoodles. Like many poodle crosses,
most Goldendoodles are light to non-shedding, and most live easily with families with MILD allergies. -  Families with
moderate to severe allergies often find that Goldendoodle backcrosses can work well.

Generations
The first generation (F1) standard size Goldendoodle was the first to be bred. It is the product of a standard Poodle crossed
with a Golden Retriever. Most first generation Goldendoodles either don't shed or shed lightly, and are compatible for most
families with mild allergies.
The backcross (F1B) Goldendoodle is produced by crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a Poodle. These dogs will have a
higher success rate for non-shedding, and are recommended for families with moderate to severe allergies.
A few breeders are breeding second generation (F2) Goldendoodles which are the product of a Goldendoodle crossed with
another Goldendoodle.

Temperament
Goldendoodles are an intelligent and obedient family companion. They are everybody's friend and devoted to their family.
They are friendly towards children, other dogs and pets, and easy with strangers. They are social dogs, happiest when
with people. Goldendoodles are likely to get into mischief and develop behavior problems if they spend most of their lives
alone. Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and love of learning make them very easy to train. They are medium-to large
sized family dogs with easy dispositions.

Height, Weight
Standard Goldendoodles are a medium to large sized dog about the size of a Standard Poodle, perhaps more robust.
Height: Males 21-29 inches. Females 20-25 inches.
Weight: Males 55-90 pounds. Females 45-65 pounds.
While the average Goldendoodle seems to be in the range of the above sizes, some have been known to grow to over 100
pounds.
Miniature Goldendoodles are a small to medium sized dog, depending on the Poodle used to sire the litters. Toy Poodles
will produce smaller litters than Miniature Poodle studs. There can be a large difference in size of the pups.
Height: 13" - 21" tall
Weight: 25 - 45 lbs

Living Conditions &
Exercise
Goldendoodles require a moderate amount of exercise and their coats are generally low maintenance. They can live in the
city or on a farm. They are social dogs and they are happiest when they are with people.
Life Expectancy
About 15 years

Grooming
As a hybrid cross, Goldendoodles will inherit fur that looks retriever-like, or poodle-like, but usually something in-between.
Unclipped Goldendoodles will have hair about 4-7 inches long, shorter on the face and longer on the body, tail and legs.
They require combing every few weeks. Depending on how often the dog is groomed, clipped Goldendoodles are groomed
several times a year.


Puppy Care** ---

Puppy Necessities*
Before bringing your puppy home, purchase the following supplies. Preparing in advance for the arrival of your new pal will
allow you and your puppy to spend time getting to know each other.
Food and Water Bowls
Look for a bowl that won't easily tip over and is easy to clean. A separate bowl for food and water will keep your puppy's
feeding area clean. You may want to buy smaller bowls at first, and upgrade to larger ones as your puppy grows.

Collar
There are a variety of lightweight collars available for your puppy. Some have buckles and others snap. Regardless of the
collar style you choose for your puppy, remember to attach an identification tag listing your puppy's name, your address
and phone number.
Your puppy's first collar should be made of lightweight nylon or leather. To measure your puppy's collar size, measure his
neck and add two inches. To ensure that the collar fits properly, you should be able to slide two fingers between the collar
and your puppy's neck. If your fingers fit comfortably, you have the right size collar. If there is extra room, you need a
smaller size. If both fingers don't fit, the collar is too small. It may take a while for your puppy to get used to wearing his
collar, so don't be discouraged if he is uncomfortable and scratches his collar. Be sure to adjust the length as your puppy
grows.

Leash
Leashes come in a variety of styles – such as leather, nylon and retractable—and in variety of lengths. A six-foot leash is
the ideal length for both training and walking.
Always keep your puppy on his leash unless he is in a confined area. Many states and cities have leash laws, which make
it mandatory for your puppy to be on his leash at all times, even at public parks and playgrounds.

Grooming Supplies
Make sure you have the proper grooming tools. These will differ depending on your puppy's coat. For shorthaired breeds,
use a brush with natural bristles, a rubber currycomb or a hand mitt. A sturdy wide-toothed metal comb and perhaps a mat
splitter are needed for longhaired breeds. Be sure to include a flea comb in your grooming supplies, and begin by
establishing a weekly grooming program with your puppy as quickly as possible.

Toys
All puppies need toys to help them exercise and to provide them with a safe way to satisfy their natural desire to chew. Be
sure to choose toys that are made for puppies and cannot be splintered, torn apart or swallowed. Large rawhide chips,
nylon chews and hard rubber balls are fun and safe. As a general rule, if the toy can fit comfortably in a puppy's mouth, it's
too small.
Your puppy's Toy Chest should be free from the following items:
Sponge toys or items with hard, sharp points or attachments, such as squeakers, which can break off and be dangerous if
swallowed.
Shoes or other personal clothing. Giving your puppy these items will only teach him that it's okay to chew your shoes and
rip holes in your shirts.
Balls of string, yarn, cellophane, twist ties, plastic baggies and other household goods that could get lodged in your puppy's
throat causing him to choke or suffocate.
Children's toys made of soft rubber, fur, wool, sponge or plastic. If your puppy swallows a small particle of any of these
materials, it could cause digestive problems.

Puppy Food
Start your puppy on the right track with the essential nutrition of a balanced puppy food.

Crate or Sleeping Bed
Your puppy will need a warm, comfortable place to sleep. A crate provides a den for your puppy when you are not home.
Crates usually come in one of two types: a portable, enclosed, plastic crate with handles; or a wire crate. Your puppy's
crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around and lie down and should have adequate ventilation. If you buy
an adult-sized crate, purchase partitions or place a cardboard box in the back to provide a cozy space for your puppy. You
may want to have a separate sleeping bed for him when you are at home. Make sure you buy a puppy-sized bed rather than
an adult-sized bed, so your puppy will feel safe and snug.

Stain and scent remover
Conventional household products may mask the odor to humans, but not puppies. Specially formulated stain and scent
removers are needed to take the odor away from a puppy's more sensitive nose, as well as yours. If you use a
conventional household product to clean up after your puppy, don't be alarmed if he keeps repeating himself at the same
spot. He's merely trying to mark his territory.

Book on puppy care
Place this handy reference guide on a shelf in your bedroom, den or kitchen. You never know when you'll need a quick
answer.

**Information in part from www.purina.com

Puppy Proofing Your Home*
Before bringing your puppy home, you'll need to "puppy proof" your house. Puppies are like babies: they want to explore
every corner of your house, and they want to put everything into their mouths.
Poisonous household items
Make sure all poisonous household items are securely stored out of the puppy's reach.
Place all household cleaners, insecticides, fertilizers, mothballs, antifreeze, insect poisons, rat poisons and other items in
cabinets or on high shelves. Remember, as your new puppy grows, he will be able to explore higher places and be tempted
to jump up on shelves.
Check your plants
Many plants in and around your house can be harmful to your pup. Did you know that the pits of apricots and peaches, as
well as spinach and tomato vines, can make your puppy sick and, in large dosages, can even be fatal? For a more
complete list of plants that are dangerous to dogs, consult your veterinarian.
Take a Puppy's-Eye View
Get down on all fours and look around. Are there any dangling electric cords, loose nails, plastic bags or other tempting
objects that will be in puppy's reach? If there are, be sure to put them away immediately.
Keep your toilet lid down
Puppies are often tempted to play in toilet bowl water. This can be a hard habit to break and toilet cleanser may be harmful
if swallowed.
Some Additional Tips
Never leave your puppy unsupervised inside or outside, and keep him off balconies, upper porches and high decks where
he can slip through openings and fall.
Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords in your puppy's confinement area. It is also a good idea to cover electrical
outlets, when they are not in use.
Keep buttons, string, sewing needles, pins and other sharp objects out of your puppy's reach.
Tying ribbons around your puppy's neck could choke him if the ribbon gets caught on a fence or other object.
A good rule to follow is that anything that is not safe for children is not safe for pets.

**Information in part from www.purina.com
Cow Creek Doodles