The English Goldendoodle: 5 Things You Didn’t Know
The English Goldendoodle has grown in popularity over the last couple of years. This beautiful cross between an English Golden Retriever and a Poodle has been popularized due to its numerous positive traits. They are overly friendly, intelligent, and have a very accepting nature. They can also be extremely effective as a service or therapy dog. Generally, the English Goldendoodle is a brilliant family companion. They enjoy human company and can be highly obedient with the right training. However, owners are generally advised to avoid harsh corrections, as this could ruin their confidence. With their rapidly rising population, it pays to have some general knowledge about the pet. Here are five things you didn’t know about the English Goldendoodle.
They are very intelligent and playful
The English Goldendoodle is a hybrid between poodles and retrievers, which are ranked among the top five smartest dogs on the planet. They are great with other animals, children, and people in general. They thrive in the company of the family and need human companionship. They have a very high learning curve and can be very goofy.
They exhibit hybrid vigor
The first generation of the English Goldendoodle displays what is commonly referred to as “hybrid vigor,” a certain phenomenon in animal breeding where the first cross between two different purebreds comes out healthier and develops better than the actual parents. These hybrids are known to be excellent family dogs – intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. The backcross Goldendoodle, dubbed F1B, is produced by crossing a Poodle with a first generation Goldendoodle. These Goldendoodles tend to be more successful for non- shedding traits, and are recommended for homes with allergy-prone family members.
They vary in appearance
Goldendoodles come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. The coat is usually varies from wavy to curly and can grow for up to 2-3 inches in length. The hair is longer on the body, legs, ears, and tail than on the muzzle and head. The coat can be red, apricot, golden, gray, cream, white, copper, or black, but golden tends to be the most common. The coat seems to lighten with age, and the feathering can be white. Although the Goldendoodle is a relatively light shedder, it still needs some grooming. Most owners usually clip the coat for better maintenance. If you prefer to keep it in its natural state, you’ll need to brush it once every one or two weeks.
Originally designed to be a guide dog
The first English Goldendoodle was developed in the 90s when Australian and North American breeders began crossing standard poodles with golden retrievers. The idea was to develop guide dogs for visually impaired persons with allergies.
They are susceptible to Dysplasia
The Goldendoodle is a relatively healthy dog, under proper upbringing. However, like many other dog breeds, it is prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia and requires a PennHIP or OFA exam before breeding the dog. The English Godendoodle can also suffer from a variety of inheritable eye disorders. As such, it is advisable to perform annual CERF exams (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) exams before the dogs are bred.
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