Almost everyone loves a Goldendoodle. These cuddly dogs have a lovely temperament; they love their families, are sweet, make great therapy dogs, and are easy to train.
If you are looking to buy or adopt the offspring of a Golden Retriever and Poodle for your family, you may be asking yourself “are Goldendoodles high maintenance?”.
Read on to find out the answer! We will explore the training, grooming, exercising, socializing, and feeding needs of these lovable pooches, as well as some possible health concerns common with this hybrid breed.
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What is Considered High Maintenance For Dogs?
Before determining whether a Goldendoodle is high maintenance or not, we first have to define exactly what we mean when we say a dog is high maintenance, especially since it is subjective.
Something that may seem like a lot of effort for one pet parent may simply be part of regular dog ownership for another.
So, before answering “are Goldendoodles high maintenance”, rather look at all the requirements of this breed compared to other dog breeds. Then decide whether you have the time and finances to provide a Goldendoodle with what it needs to live a healthy, happy life.
If the care requirements seem too overwhelming to you, then yes, you may say that the Goldendoodle isn’t a low maintenance dog breed!
Are Goldendoodles High Maintenance?
When compared to other dog breeds, yes, Goldendoodles are high maintenance. This slightly high-maintenance dog breed is the offspring of a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle, which means they require similar care to the parent breeds.
This includes regular grooming (around every six to eight weeks), which often needs to be done by a professional groomer. You can also groom them at home by yourself – more on that later.
Sure, your dog’s coat may make it a high-maintenance breed, but you also need to consider its other requirements. This includes its need for regular exercise, proper training, high levels of socialization with other people and dogs, how often it would need pet medical advice, and receiving mental stimulation.
Although this dog breed has “hybrid vigor,” there is also a risk that your Doodle can develop some health concerns, and pet parents who like to skip the vet may consider this a factor that makes their Goldendoodle high maintenance.
What Makes a Goldendoodle High Maintenance?
So the experts at barksinthepark have answered the question “are Goldendoodles high maintenance?”, but we haven’t explained why.
Here is a breakdown of all the care requirements of a Goldendoodle so that potential pet parents can decide whether they have what it takes to care for this cuddly pup.
Grooming a Goldendoodle
Since Goldendoodles are the offspring of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, their coat requires a lot of care. The percentage of genes the Goldendoodle puppy gets from each parent will determine how much care the coat really requires.
Poodles have curly, low-shedding coats. Golden Retrievers have straight, long coats that are prone to shedding. This means that your Doodle can take after either parent or have a mixture of the two coat types.
Sadly, if your pup takes after its Poodle parent, it does not mean this low-shedding coat requires any less maintenance. In fact, it often means the opposite, as the lack of natural shedding means that your Goldendoodle will require a lot of brushing to prevent knots and mats from forming. Brushing also helps to loosen and remove dead hair.
Dead hair needs to go somewhere. With a shedding dog like the Retriever, that is often all over your house. If your pup takes after a Poodle, then chances are that dead hair will have to end up in a brush.
Apart from brushing, there is also cutting, trimming, washing, nail clipping, and ear cleaning to consider when it comes to grooming your Doodle.
Professional grooming
If you do not have the time or skills, you will most likely have to turn to professional grooming for your pup.
Having an adult Goldendoodle groomed can set you back $100 to $150 every six to eight weeks.
Professional groomers know what they are doing, and will provide your pooch with the best possible care. Their duties include bathing, blow-drying, clipping, and brushing your dog.
Should you not have the right tools, expertise, or enough time to dedicate to regularly grooming your Goldendoodle, then you need to keep these additional grooming expenses in mind.
We will look at DIY grooming later in the article.
Exercising a Goldendoodle
Just like almost all other dogs, your Goldendoodle will require a lot of exercise.
Goldendoodles are high-energy dogs, which means they might require a bit more exercise than other dog breeds, although energy levels often depend on the individual dog.
A sad fact about Goldendoodles is that the main reason they get put up for adoption is that their owners consider them too hyper.
And, although these dogs do need exercise, they are by no means hyperactive or untrainable.
Goldendoodles require around 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day. This exercise can be a brisk walk, hike, run, playing fetch, or romping around the dog park.
If your dog does not get sufficient exercise, it can lead to unwanted or destructive behaviors, such as barking, digging holes, or chewing your furniture. Because of these tendencies that emerge when a Doodle is bored or frustrated, many owners deem them hyperactive and high maintenance.
If you meet the requirement of 20 minutes of physical activity each day, you will realize that you have a loving dog that is content to curl up at your feet (or on the bed!).
Just take note: Goldendoodle puppies have only two speed settings: hyperactivity or sleeping. But don’t fear; the puppy phase does not last forever!
Socializing a Goldendoodle
Both the parent breeds of Goldendoodles are highly intelligent, and chances are your Goldendoodle pup will be smart as well.
What this means for you is that your dog will require a lot of mental stimulation, including socialization with other dogs and people.
Goldendoodles love their families, and they suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long. If you consider having your dog by your side at all times too much effort, then you will think a Goldendoodle is too high maintenance for you.
Do you have a full-time job but also want a Doodle? You would do best to send your dog to doggy daycare, have a dog walker come past once or twice a day, or get a family member to dogsit your pooch while you are at work.
Here are some ways in which you can socialize your Goldendoodle:
- Take your Goldendoodle along on adventures. Whether this is a pet-friendly weekend away, a hike, or a pet-friendly restaurant, your Doodle will love the experience.
- Consider getting a dog sitter or enrolling in a doggy daycare if you work for long periods of time.
- Teach your Doodle some basic commands (sit, stay, lie down) so that your dog will feel confident in social settings.
Training a Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are intelligent and eager to please, which makes training them a fun experience.
Doodles need to learn basic commands, such as sit, stay, recall and wait. These commands will make it easier to take your dog out into public and avoid accidents such as your pup chasing after the neighbor’s cat.
Regular training sessions are a must for Doodles. They thrive off of the mental stimulation, and also enjoy bonding with their owners during training.
Feeding a Goldendoodle
Doodles are luckily not fussy eaters; in fact, as a puppy, you will have to constantly pry non-edible objects from its mouth!
Goldendoodles do not require a special diet, but that does not mean you should buy the cheapest bag of commercial dog food from the supermarket.
Goldendoodles require a high-quality, nutritional and balanced diet. These diets make use of natural ingredients and do not use fillers or processed products.
Feeding your dog a quality diet means it will remain fuller for longer, and you only have to feed your adult Doodle around 2 to 3 cups of kibble a day.
For a treat, you can consider feeding your dog raw food or wet food. Just always consult with your vet first before changing up your dog’s diet.
Goldendoodle Health Concerns
Before we get started on health concerns, please note that nothing in this article will constitute pet medical advice, and if you have concerns, you should always approach your vet.
So, are Goldendoodles high maintenance when it comes to veterinary bills? Luckily, no! These mixed-breed dogs have what is called “hybrid vigor,” which means they are healthier than purebreds.
Goldendoodles do not require a lot of time at the vet and will only have to go in for annual checkups and to get their shots. Annual checkups will check the overall health of your dogs, such as dental health, heart health, and any necessary blood tests. Your dog will also receive its vaccinations.
Regular vet visits will ensure that any potential health problems are spotted and treated before an issue arises.
Getting health insurance for your Doodle is not a bad idea, either. Although these dogs are not prone to sickness, accidents do happen, and insurance can help pay for vet visits or medication if an emergency occurs.
Common conditions
Although Doodles are healthy dogs, they can develop a few hereditary diseases that you should keep an eye out for:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Addison’s disease
- Cancer
- Thyroid issues
- Sebaceous adenitis
Annual checkups can help to spot these diseases and conditions before they become a serious problem, and your vet can come up with a treatment plan to ensure your Doodle lives a long, happy life.
DIY Goldendoodle Grooming
As we mentioned earlier, it is possible to groom your Goldendoodle’s coat yourself.
You will have to be ready to invest plenty of time, and a bit of money in the right equipment, if you wish to groom your Doodle at home.
Grooming can be a great bonding exercise, especially since you may be spending a couple of hours together!
You will have to brush your dog, bathe it, dry the coat, brush out the fur again, trim the hair and clip the nails. If you are not ready to do this, then a Doodle may be a bit too high-maintenance for you!
Regular brushing
Whether you opt to groom your Doodle yourself or make use of professional grooming services, you will still have to brush your dog’s coat every day.
Combing and brushing your Goldendoodle’s coat will not take more than 15 minutes each day, but it is a necessary task to prevent knots and tangles and ensure healthy oils get spread all over the coat.
Make sure to brush the main areas where matting could occur, such as the armpits, the collar area, and under the ears. Pay special attention to the tail as well.
Bathing
Your Goldendoodle will require bathing every six to eight weeks, depending on how dirty your dog gets.
You should wash your dog with lukewarm water and some dog-friendly shampoo.
Towel dry your dog (or use a doggy blowdryer), and brush the coat again.
Trimming
Trimming or clipping your dog’s coat is not for the novice dog owner. Goldendoodles need to have their coats clipped, especially if they have a lot of Poodle-inherited fur.
There are different Goldendoodle hairstyles you can try (although best to leave these up to the professionals!). Rather just trim the hair around your dog’s eyes and paw pads to keep them comfortable.
Dental hygiene
Dogs can develop gum disease, so it is up to responsible pet parents to brush their dog’s teeth every day with dog-friendly toothpaste.
Chew toys and chew treats can also help clean your dog’s teeth and gums.
FAQs
Do Goldendoodles require a lot of attention?
Goldendoodles can develop separation anxiety, and therefore they need a lot of exercise, love, and attention. If they feel like they are not getting enough attention, they will let you know by barking and being naughty.
Are Goldendoodles hyper or calm?
Goldendoodles have a lot of energy, especially when they are young, and are considered hyper dogs. You can tame this excess energy by taking your Goldendoodle for a 20 to 30-minute walk each day.
Do Goldendoodles bark a lot when bored?
Goldendoodles do not bark more than other dogs. If your dog is barking, it probably has a good reason, such as boredom, fear, pain, or being protective.
Final Thoughts
So after all this, are Goldendoodles high maintenance?
The offspring of the Poodle and Golden Retriever makes for a lovely family pet, but you have to be willing to put in the work.
Goldendoodles are considered high maintenance by many dog owners, as they require regular exercise, socialization, training, and professional grooming to tame all that dog hair!
But, if a Goldendoodle owner is willing to put in the work, they will be able to enjoy a loving bond with a dog that only wants to be close to its human.
Check out our guide on Goldendoodle’s gestation period if you’d like to learn more about this wonderful breed.