A Goldendoodle is a cross-breed obtained by breeding a golden retriever with a poodle. The name (which alters "poodle" to "doodle" in reference to the Labradoodle) was coined in 1992.
History In the 1990s, breeders in both North America and Australia began crossing golden retrievers with standard poodles. The original purpose of the cross was to attempt to develop guide dogs suitable for visually impaired individuals with allergies. The goldendoodle is sometimes called a designer dog. The Encyclopedia Britannica traces the term "designer dog" to the late 20th century, when breeders began to cross purebred poodles with other purebred breeds in order to obtain a dog with the poodle's non-shedding coat, along with various desirable characteristics from other breeds.
Appearance There are three main coat types. There is the straight coat, which is flat and resembles more of a golden retriever coat. The wavy coat type is a mixture of a poodle's curls, and a golden retriever's straighter coat. The last coat type is curly, which tends to look more like the poodle coat. A goldendoodle's size is generally somewhere between that of its poodle parent and golden retriever parent. The ranges of size include standard, medium, and miniature (if the poodle parent was miniature). Upon reaching adulthood, a standard goldendoodle will often weigh 60 to 100 pounds. A medium goldendoodle will weigh between 30 to 45 pounds and a miniature goldendoodle will weigh approximately 15 to 30 pounds. The standard in height at the shoulder for a male goldendoodle is about 24-26 inches. For females, it is 22-23 inches. Often, taller goldendoodles inherit more from the golden retriever and will weigh substantially more. It is very common for the goldendoodle to inherit the "golden retriever bump" on top of his/her head. Common coat colors include white, cream, apricot, gold, red, and sometimes gray and black (also called phantom). Goldendoodles may also be black or a light sandy brown. They are classified into types according to the breed of its parents. An F1 goldendoodle is the offspring of a poodle mated with a golden retriever. An F1B goldendoodle is the offspring of a poodle with an F1 goldendoodle. An F2 goldendoodle is the offspring of an F1 and another F1 goldendoodle, and an F2B goldendoodle is the offspring of an F1 and an F1B goldendoodles.
Usage Since 2005, Goldendoodles have been moderately used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, diabetic dogs, search dogs and rescue dogs, as they have inherited the poodle's intelligence and the golden retriever's ease of training.
The Cavoodle (also known as a Cavapoo) is a designer breed, the offspring of a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Cavoodle became particularly popular through crossbreeding programs in Australia from the late 1990s and their popularity has continued to rise to become one of Australia's most popular breeds. This breed of dog was developed by ACA Breeders kennels who wanted a family friendly dog and a breed that would help reduce pets ending up in pounds. The breeders were looking for a healthy, outgoing small dog with a low to non-shedding coat that would get along well with children They are very popular in Australia due to their exceptional temperaments, robustness and low-shed coats
Appearance (Really Cute) The Cavoodle is a cross between the Toy or Miniature Poodle, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Given their heritage it’s not hard to see that the Cavoodle has been purpose bred to get along well with all types of families; from the elderly to those with small children. With their shiny fluffy coat, round face, soft floppy ears, and soulfully large eyes children and adults alike are totally enamored with the Cavoodle's overabundance of cuteness. There is some variation among the breed. Some puppies will lean towards a more Poodle like appearance while others will favor the Cavalier in features – with the many variations amongst the breed dependent on the genetic makeup of the parents. Colors are wide ranging so there is plenty of choice including solid black to solid white, chestnut and white (Blenheim), black, white and tan (tri-color), or gold all over.
Temperament The Cavoodles temperament matches its looks as they are very gentle and loving creatures who get on extremely well with children. With the average height of a Cavoodle ranging from 11 -13" (28 – 33 cm) you could even say the Cavoodle is made for children as this size is just right for cuddles from the kids. Cavoodles much prefer the company of humans, which is something to be aware of if you enjoy having a dog at your side at all times. If not then you may find the constant attention somewhat annoying. A Cavoodle is an intelligent dog who will respond well to having a lot of fun during their training, so new owners will need to err on the side of gentle guidance rather than use strong disciplinary measures. As young pups, they will be very inquisitive with a short attention span. However, they will learn the house rules and what is expected of them quite quickly if there is consistency in training.
Activity level and grooming Exercise is not such a big concern as Cavoodles are hard to ignore so should get plenty of activity during playtime with the kids. They are considered a low maintenance breed but some owners choose to keep their coat clipped fairly short. If you enjoy a longer coat on your Cavoodle then a weekly brushing may be required in order to keep the coat healthy and shiny; but then, this is something you could both enjoy during the quieter evening hours.
