A Goldendoodle is a mixed breed dog, a hybrid cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The name was created in 2000 by combining “Golden” from Golden Retriever, and “doodle” as in Labradoodle. The hybrids have become increasingly popular and it is likely that the combination of Golden Retriever and Poodle will be duplicated by breeders in different countries at different times.

The Goldendoodle is usually bred to be a family companion dog. Some are selected for careers in service to humans as Guide Dogs and other types of assistance dogs. Most people select a Goldendoodle because they love Golden Retrievers, but prefer a dog that sheds less. Some others prefer a dog that doesn’t affect their allergies. The Goldendoodle is a low shedding dog and thus works well with those who have allergies. However, most allergists believe that there are no animals that can be hypoallergenic, and to date, there have been no studies to support any canine to be a hypoallergenic animal.

This hybrid cross are very family oriented dogs, friendly, intelligent, loving, and very affectionate. They are also easy to train, thus making them very good bird dogs. They are moderately high energy dogs, much like their ancestors. They also love to swim.

There is no universal consensus to register the Goldendoodle as a breed. Most breeders prefer to restrict breeding to first generation (F1) dogs which is bred from a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred  Poodle. This will ensure maximum genetic diversity, and thus avoids inheriting health problems that plagued the purebreds.