Coat
The coat of a Goldendoodle is usually
soft and curly and if left unclipped, it will usually grow from
4 to 7inches long (shorter on the face). How curly the coat is
often depends on the type of cross of each particular Goldendoodle.
Types
of Goldendoodles
When a Golden Retriever is crossed
with a poodle, it is called a F1 cross (first
generation hybrid). These dogs are 50% Golden Retriever and 50%
Poodle. The coat will vary between looking like a wavy coated
retriever to a relaxed-curl poodle. This cross has a typical
"shaggy-dog" look. Most first generation Goldendoodles
either don't shed or shed lightly. Some people with mild allergies
are ok with F1 Goldendoodles.
When a Goldendoodle
is crossed back with either parent breed (usually a Poodle), the
breeding is called a Backcross, or a
F1B cross. The B is for Backcross
Some breeders
breed two F1 Goldendoodles together. This combination
is called a F2 cross and produces the most variation
in coat, from a coat that looks almost completely like a Golden
Retriever's, to a coat that looks almost completely like a Poodle's.
F2 Goldendoodles may be 90% Poodle (or more!)
or 90% Golden Retriever (or more!), but are more likely to be
somewhere in between.
When a F1
Goldendoodle is crossed back with a Poodle, it's a F1B
cross. These dogs are roughly 25% Golden
Retriever and 75% Poodle. They will have a generally curlier coat
and are often non-shedding. They are recommended for families
with mild allergies to dogs. If they were bred back to a Golden
Retriever they would be roughly 75% Golden Retriever and 25% Poodle,
they would have a generally smoother coat and more of a tendency
to shed and to irritate allergies. People who have moderate to
severe allergies to dogs, would probably be safest getting a pure
bred poodle.
When a F2
Goldendoodle is crossed back with a Poodle (or Golden
Retriever), it is called a F2B. Similar to a
F1B, they would be more like a Poodle or Golden Retriever
(at least 50%), depending on which breed they were backcrossed
to.
Any of these
crosses can be crossed with one another to create combinations
such as a F3 or a F3B and after
several generations may be considered "Multigenerational."
Personality
Goldendoodles
are happy, intelligent dogs that are friendly and loyal to their
family. They get along well with children and other pets. They
are happiest when they are with people. They love to learn and
are easy to train.
Maintenance
Goldendoodles
require a moderate amount of exercise and grooming.