Goldendoodle insurance
Is the Goldendoodle the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are friendly, intelligent, and fluffy dogs known for their affectionate nature and sociable spirit. A cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, they combine the best traits of both breeds - brains, beauty, and lots of love for their humans.
Quick facts about the Goldendoodle
- Size: 38-63cm tall (depending on Poodle heritage)
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Weight: 11–32kg
- Colours: Cream, apricot, red, chocolate, black, grey, and parti-colours
- Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, playful
- Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, eye issues
- Country of origin: United States
Where does the Goldendoodle come from?
The Goldendoodle is a relatively new designer dog, first bred in the 1990s. The idea was to mix the friendly, eager-to-please nature of the Golden Retriever with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle.
Initially developed as a potentially hypoallergenic guide dog, Goldendoodles quickly became a favourite family pet. Their affectionate temperament and curly good looks helped push them into popularity across the UK and beyond.
Goldendoodle personality
Friendly
As with many crossbreeds, a Goldendoodle’s personality can depend on the traits it inherits from its parents. Generally, they’re known for being friendly, playful, and clever.
Social
They’re social pets and usually get on well with children, other dogs, and even cats if raised together.
Affectionate
Goldendoodles thrive on human company and can develop separation anxiety if left too much.
Easy to train
Because of their intelligence and eagerness to please, they respond brilliantly to training.
Family-orientated
They adore people and love to be involved in family life - whether that's playing in the garden, joining you for a walk, or curling up on the sofa.
Are Goldendoodles good pets?
Goldendoodles make great pets. They’re affectionate, loyal, and endlessly friendly. Goldendoodles love being part of the family and are happiest when they’re included in daily life. They suit active households that can provide plenty of attention, play, and exercise.
Are Goldendoodles good with kids?
Yes, Goldendoodles are usually great with children. They’re gentle, playful, and tolerant, making them ideal for families. As with all dogs, early socialisation and supervision are key—especially with young kids. Mini Goldendoodles may be better suited to homes with older children due to their smaller size and fragility.
Appearance and size of the Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles come in various sizes, which tends to be influenced by the Poodle part of their heritage (which can be either Miniature, Medium, or Standard). Most Goldendoodles have a soft, wavy, or curly coat that ranges from loose curls to tight ringlets. Their teddy bear-like face, floppy ears, and expressive eyes give them a kind, sweet look. They have sturdy, athletic builds and are often described as looking like a cuddly toy come to life.
Goldendoodle grooming
Goldendoodles need regular grooming to stay comfortable and mat-free. Their coats are prone to tangling, so a good brush every few days (or daily for curlier coats) is essential. Many owners take them for professional grooming every 6–8 weeks to keep their coats manageable. Regular ear checks, nail trims, and dental care are also important.
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** Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products*. Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2024. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. Read the Which? article.
Goldendoodle training
- 1
Teach them lots
Goldendoodles are one of the easiest breeds to train. Goldendoodles are intelligent, eager to please, and love learning.
- 2
Use positive reinforcement
Goldendoodles tend to be a bit more sensitive than Labradoodles, so it’s important to use gentle, positive methods when training or handling them. Harsh treatment can unsettle them, so stick to reward-based techniques like treats, praise, and encouragement to help them learn and feel confident.
- 3
Start early
Start early with basic commands, socialisation, and toilet training, and you’ll have a well-mannered companion in no time.
- 4
Keep up the energy
Goldendoodles need roughly 60–90 minutes of exercise daily. Walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy. They also love games like fetch, agility, and even swimming. A bored Goldendoodle can become destructive - so keep their brains and bodies busy.
- 5
Be consistent
They can be vocal, especially if they’re bored or left alone too long. They might bark to alert you of visitors or when excited, but they’re not typically nuisance barkers if well-trained and stimulated.
Goldendoodle health issues
Goldendoodles are generally healthy but can inherit conditions from both parent breeds. Common health issues include:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Ear infections (especially with floppy ears)
Allergies
Eye conditions like PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy).
Regular vet check-ups, good nutrition, and an active lifestyle go a long way in keeping your Goldendoodle healthy and happy.
FAQs about Goldendoodle puppies
What are Goldendoodle puppies like?
Goldendoodle puppies are playful, affectionate, and full of energy. Perfect for first-time dog owners, Goldendoodle pups are quick learners and thrive on human attention.
How much is a Goldendoodle puppy?
Goldendoodle puppies can cost anywhere between £800 and £2,500+ in the UK, depending on the breeder, location, size, and generation. Always buy from a reputable breeder who health-tests their dogs and puts the puppies’ welfare first.
How to train a Goldendoodle puppy
Goldendoodles are smart and eager to please, making them fairly easy to train. Use positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and play. Keep sessions short, fun, and consistent. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come, and gradually introduce socialisation, toilet training, and lead walking. For more information on how to train a puppy, read our guide.
How far can a Goldendoodle puppy walk?
A general rule for puppies is five minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. So, a 3-month-old Goldendoodle can walk about 15 minutes at a time.
How often to worm a Goldendoodle puppy
Puppies should be wormed every two weeks until they’re 12 weeks old, then monthly until six months, and every three months after that. Your vet can recommend the best products and schedule.
Do Goldendoodle puppies shed?
Goldendoodle puppies can shed, though it depends on their coat type. Some have low-shedding, curly coats like a Poodle, while others have wavier coats that shed more like a Golden Retriever. Regular grooming helps reduce loose hair and keep their coat healthy.
When do Goldendoodle puppies stop growing?
Goldendoodle puppies usually stop growing between 12 to 18 months, though this depends on their size. Miniature Goldendoodles mature faster than standard ones. Most will reach their full height by 12 months, then slowly fill out in weight.
Thinking of getting a Goldendoodle puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
What we love most about a Goldendoodle
Happy-go-lucky nature
Goldendoodles are always up for fun and full of love—ideal for families and first-time dog owners.
Teddy bear looks
That soft, curly coat and those big, soulful eyes make them look as cuddly as they are.
Bright and biddable
Training is relatively simple with their clever, eager-to-please temperament.
Things to consider before getting a Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are wonderful pets, but here are a few things to think about when deciding if they’re right for you.
- 1
They need grooming
That coat needs regular brushing and professional trims to stay neat and mat-free.
- 2
They're not low maintenance
Goldendoodles need time, attention, and exercise to stay happy.
- 3
They can get anxious
They’re very people-oriented and don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods.
- 4
They're not the best guard dogs!
They’re often too friendly to be effective guard dogs - they’re more likely to greet strangers with an affectionate lick than a wary bark!
Goldendoodle insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet’s fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Goldendoodle's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Goldendoodle FAQs
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