Goldendoodle Life Expectancy

Are you considering an adorable Goldendoodle puppy or adult rescue Doodle to bring into your home? You definitely won’t be disappointed, but if you are unfamiliar with the breed, you might have a couple of questions, one of which is, “What is the average lifespan of a Goldendoodle?”.

Read on for Barksinthepark‘s guide on what you need to know about the age of these cuddly dogs, as well as how to help your Doodle live a long, happy, and healthy life.

The Average Lifespan of a Goldendoodle

The average lifespan of a Goldendoodle is 10 to 15 years. However, this age can vary greatly depending on the parent breeds of your pup.

With F1 (first generation) Goldendoodles, the parent dogs are a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. A Golden Retriever lives around 10 to 12 years, while the size of a Poodle will determine the longevity of the Poodle dog, as little dogs live a bit longer. That said, on average, a Poodle will live 12 to 15 years.

That means your Goldendoodle’s lifespan will average somewhere in between the lifespans of the parent breeds.

Of course, this lifespan is not set in stone, and genetic health conditions, as well as lifestyle, can influence how long Goldendoodles live.

The Life Expectancy of Different-Sized Goldendoodles

Generally, most small dogs live longer than big dogs – but does the same apply to different-sized Goldendoodles?

Well, that will actually depend on Poodle genetics and the generation of your pup.

Since most Poodles live longer than Golden Retrievers, a Goldendoodle with more Poodle genes will live a longer life. Small dogs also live longer than big dogs, so a Goldendoodle with a small Poodle parent (for example, a Toy Poodle) will presumably live longer than a Doodle with a standard Poodle parent.

The life expectancy may also be influenced by whether it is a first-generation Goldendoodle (where the parents’ breeds were a Golden Retriever and Poodle) or a multigenerational Doodle.

Here are the life expectancies of different-sized Goldendoodles:

• Standard Goldendoodle: 10 – 15 years
• English Teddy Bear Goldendoodle: 10 – 15 years
• American Goldendoodle: 10 – 15 years
• Mini Goldendoodle: 12 – 15 years
• Teacup and Toy Goldendoodles: 12 – 16 years
• F1b Goldendoodle: 10 – 15 years

The Life Stages of a Goldendoodle

Let’s take a look at the different life stages of your Goldendoodle.

Puppy

When a puppy is around eight weeks old, it is allowed to be taken to its forever home.

This life stage is crucial for socializing and training, and pup parents also need to make sure their puppy is stimulated mentally.

At this young age, your Doodle pup is still developing muscles, so it is important to limit the amount of time that they exercise so as to not overexert themselves. Their joints are still weak, muscles are still developing, and they still don’t have a lot of stamina to play for hours at a time.

It is normal to consider spaying or neutering your puppy when it reaches 6 months of age.

Make sure to feed your Doodle pup age-appropriate food such as specially formulated puppy kibble.

Young Adult

Goldendoodles become young adults between eight to 12 months old. This doesn’t mean they are done growing – in fact, they will keep growing until the age of 2, both physically and mentally.

This life stage will require a lot of exercise and training to continue to give your dog confidence and promote positive behaviors.

During this stage, you should change from puppy food to adult food, but don’t just change the food overnight! Slowly start introducing the new food by mixing it in with their old food to get your dog’s digestion used to the new adult food.

Adult

Your dog has finally reached maturity! By this point, your Goldendoodle should understand its ranking in your pack and know what behavior you expect of them. They have reached their full size at this stage but will still have energy in leaps and bounds and require a lot of exercise.

Senior Dog

Sadly, all dogs age, and when your dog enters its twilight years, it is up to you to keep them comfortable.

Monitor them for signs of old age (more on that below), make sure they see the vet often, manage their diet, and provide them with low-intensity exercise or mental stimulation.

You will know what is best for your dog and be able to spot any changes in its behavior, so keep a keen eye on them and make sure your dog goes for a veterinary checkup if you notice changes in its daily habits.

What Affects A Goldendoodle’s Life Expectancy?

When it comes to Goldendoodle lifespan, several factors can influence how long they live.

Genetics

The biggest influencer on a dog’s lifespan is their genes. A reputable breeder will undertake genetic testing and health screening of their parent dogs to make sure that the pups do not have any genetic health problems.

Sadly, backyard breeders do not always take this crucial step, which means there are a lot of Doodles out there with genetic defects or diseases.

A puppy with a greater chance of developing a hereditary disease or genetic defect is likely to live a shorter life.

Goldendoodle Size

As we mentioned above, smaller dogs tend to live longer, which means Goldendoodles with a miniature parent breed (like a toy poodle) will live longer than a standard Goldendoodle.

This difference isn’t significant, with a Mini Goldendoodle living only a year or two longer than a Standard Doodle.

Hybrid Vigor

Hybrid vigor is a unique trait attributed to hybrid – or mixed breed – dogs. According to the Goldendoodle Association of North America, hybrid vigor can cause Goldendoodles to live longer than their purebred parents.

This is because purebred dogs tend to have a lot more genetic health conditions than mixed breeds.

A first-generation (F1) Goldendoodle will have more hybrid vigor than a Doodle in later generations, meaning they will possibly live a longer life.

Other factors

Here are some more factors that can influence your dog’s lifespan:

• Regular vet checks can spot any possible diseases or conditions before they become a problem.
• Dental hygiene can prevent gum disease, which in extreme cases can be fatal if the gums become infected.
• A balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can prolong your dog’s lifespan.
• Obesity can lead to additional complications, like heart disease and diabetes, as well as joint and mobility problems. Regular exercise will ensure your dog remains at a healthy weight.

Early Signs of Aging in a Goldendoodle

You may not always notice the early signs of aging if you spend hours each day with your dog, but a responsible pet parent needs to keep an eye on their Doodles when they are around the age of 6 years to make sure they are not suffering unnecessarily.

Here are some subtle signs to indicate that your dog is starting to age:

• Starts to gain weight as their energy levels drop.
• The coat loses its shine.
• Harmless fatty lumps called lipomas form on the body.
• Their appetite is less.
• They drink a lot more water, which could be an indication of liver or kidney problems. Increased thirst could also be a sign of diabetes.
• Their breath worsens due to gum problems and dental disease.
• They become lethargic and spend more time lying around.
• Joints become stiff as arthritis develops.
• They become intolerant to exercise and quickly become exhausted.
• Struggling to pass feces or urine.
• Becoming disoriented and having problems with balance.

Goldendoodles that live a healthy life with plenty of exercise and a nutritious diet will take longer to show signs of aging.

How to Prolong your Goldendoodle’s Lifespan

Lucky for pet parents, it is not all doom and gloom! There is plenty you can do to make extend your Doodle’s life expectancy.

Healthy, balanced diet

Obese dogs, or those that are even slightly overweight, will have a shorter lifespan than healthy dogs. This is because overweight dogs tend to develop health issues such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, which can shorten their lifespan.

Heavy dogs also tend to struggle with joint problems and arthritis.

By feeding your dog a breed-specific or balanced diet, you are ensuring that your Doodle gets all the nutrients it needs. It is best to feed your Goldendoodle food without any fillers or artificial byproducts.

Enough exercise

Goldendoodles are active dogs that need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. The best part is, when you exercise your dog, you get some exercise too, which is good for your own health!

Playing, walking, hiking, running and swimming are all great ways to keep your dog fit and healthy. Regularly exercising your dog will improve their cardiovascular health, strengthen their muscles which can prevent joint issues and help maintain a healthy weight.

Walks in the outside world can also provide your dog with socialization opportunities that will be fun for them and provide them with mental stimulation.

Mental health

Your Goldendoodle’s mental wellbeing is just as important as its physical health.

To keep your dog mentally stimulated, provide them with toys, puzzles, exercise, and opportunities to socialize with other people and animals.

Training is also a great way to keep your dog’s mind occupied, especially when they are still young.

Goldendoodles are active dogs and will also enjoy dog sports like agility and obedience competitions.

Dental hygiene

It is so important to keep your dog’s teeth clean! This is because poor dental health can cause your dog to become sick and even shorten its lifespan.

You can brush your Doodle’s teeth daily with special dog toothpaste and also give them dental chews and soft chew toys that will help clean their teeth.

As your dog age, he may have to have some worn-down teeth extracted, so make sure to regularly check his teeth or take him to the vet for dental checkups.

Veterinary checks

Annual vet visits and vaccinations are essential if you want your dog to live a happy, healthy life. Even if your dog appears to be 100% fine, don’t skip out on the annual trips to the vet! They may identify an issue that you were not aware of and provide treatment before the health conditions worsen.

Training

Although proper training will not directly lengthen your dog’s life, it could prevent accidents from occurring. Unruly dogs might run in front of traffic or towards an aggressive leashed dog, so it is best to have your dog properly trained to limit the chance of accidents.

De-sex

De-sexing a dog means you are neutering or spaying your puppy. Usually, de-sexing is done to prevent breeding. However, it also prevents accidental pregnancies from a rouge dog at the park.

A pregnant female Doodle’s body undergoes a lot of strain, which could shorten her life. Unspayed female dogs can also suffer from a fatal condition called pyometra, which is a uterine infection.

Lots of love

Your Goldendoodle will thrive if you look after them and give them lots of love, praise, and attention. A happy dog will live a long, happy life (or so we love to think!).

How to Look After an Older Goldendoodle

Unfortunately, your cute, teddy bear-looking puppy will grow up and begin to age. It is up to you to make sure your senior Doodle remains comfortable in its golden years.

Monitor their weight

Older dogs have a slower metabolism but could also lose their appetite, especially if they are a bit sick.

As your dog’s nutritional needs change, you need to be ready to adapt and feed them a balanced diet that will help them maintain a healthy body weight.

Many reputable brands provide dog food that has been scientifically formulated for older dogs, or you can consult with your vet to come up with a nutritional diet for your golden oldie.

Easy on the joints

Many older dogs develop arthritis which leads to stiff joints, especially after they have been lying still during the night.

Weight management can limit the pain caused by joint stiffness, and easy exercise will also help loosen the joints.

Consult with your vet for a joint supplement or anti-inflammatory drugs to keep your Goldendoodle as comfortable as possible.

Check the teeth

Older dogs can develop dental problems as their teeth age, including worn down teeth, cracked teeth, gum disease, and canine periodontal disease.

These conditions can lead to infections which can be fatal if the infection enters the bloodstream. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for signs of other issues, such as ear infections, to keep your Doodle in tip-top condition.

Schedule a dental check once every six months for your senior dog to try and prevent dental problems from arising. The first sign of dental health conditions is often foul-smelling breath.

Clip the nails

Dog nails wear down naturally, but as your older dog begins to exercise less, its nails can grow long and cause discomfort. It is up to the pet parent to keep the nails trimmed.

Annual vet checks

Never skip on your dog’s annual vet check. These checks give your dog the necessary vaccinations, boosters, and tick and flea treatments that will make sure they live happily for another year.

Vet checks can also spot issues before there are any obvious symptoms and provide treatment before your dog becomes fatally sick.

FAQs

What is the longest a Goldendoodle has ever lived?

Bluey the Goldendoodle holds the record for the world’s oldest dog and lived to be 29 years and 5 months old!

Do Goldendoodles have a lot of health problems?

Goldendoodles have fewer health concerns than purebred dogs but can still suffer from genetic health issues like hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and skin sensitivities.

Which dog breed has the longest life expectancy?

Small dog breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds have the longest lives.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Now you know that Goldendoodles live to be between 10 to 15 years old, but that the lifespan of your Doodle is influenced by a variety of factors.