Tips For Choosing The Right English Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are a wonderful mixed breed. They are half golden retriever and half poodle. Many are bred specifically from English golden retrievers, which are known for their good temperaments. But as goldendoodles are a mixed breed, they can have a variety of characteristics. Some have the personality of a poodle but look more like a golden retriever. Others have poodle bodies and a golden retriever brain. As such, you need to pay close attention when looking for the perfect goldendoodle for your family. Here are some tips to help you make a smart choice.

Consider the coat type you desire.

There are two main coat types among goldendoodles. One is longer and shaggier, more like the golden retriever. These dogs may shed. The other coat type is more curly, like a poodle, and it does not shed much, if at all. If you want a shaggy-coat goldendoodle, then you need one that is a first-time cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. Most of these dogs, which are formally known as F1 goldendoodles, get the shaggy coat. If you want a dog with a curly, poodle-like coat, then you need a dog that is the result of breeding a goldendoodle with a poodle. This dog would be referred to as an F1b goldendoodle. It is still a goldendoodle, but it is 75% poodle and 25% golden retriever. 

Observe the puppies.

Watch puppies play as a litter before deciding which one you want to take home. It is easier to identify the puppies' personalities when they are interacting as a group. If you want a quieter dog who is going to look to you for initiative, opt for the puppy that stays to the outside of the group or always seems to be lagging behind the others. If you want a more assertive dog who is always by your side and demanding attention (more a golden retriever trait than a poodle trait) opt for a puppy who is always initiating the playtime.

Wait until they're at least 8 weeks old to choose.

Don't rush to pick your puppy out of the litter. Find a breeder who lets their customers agree to purchase early on but then does not require them to choose a specific dog until the puppies are older. This way, you will be able to actually see the puppies' personalities and coats more clearly. They all look and act about the same when they're tiny.

With the tips above, you can have better luck choosing an English goldendoodle for your home.