Origin of the Golden Doodle
The Goldendoodle, a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, originated in the 1990s as part of a growing trend in designer dog breeding. The goal was to combine the best traits of two beloved breeds: the intelligence, trainability, and low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the friendly, gentle temperament of the Golden Retriever. While hybrid dog breeding had existed for centuries, the Golden doodle was among the first “doodle” breeds created with a focus on being both a companion animal and a potential hypoallergenic service dog.
Golden doodles were inspired by the success of the labradoodle.
The idea was inspired in part by the success of the Labradoodle, which was first bred in Australia in the late 1980s as a guide dog for a woman whose husband had allergies. Seeing the success of that mix, breeders began experimenting with similar pairings. The Goldendoodle quickly gained popularity in North America and Australia, thanks to its appealing combination of intelligence, warmth, and a potentially low-shedding coat, which made it attractive to families with mild pet allergies.
The first golden doodles
Initially, Goldendoodles were bred from purebred Golden Retrievers and Poodles, but as demand grew, breeders began to develop multigenerational lines, mixing two Goldendoodles or backcrossing them with Poodles to further refine their coat types and temperament. These generations are often labeled as F1 (first generation), F1B (backcrossed), F2, and so on, each with slightly different traits depending on the genetic makeup.
AKC and the doodle
Although not recognized as a distinct breed by major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Goldendoodle has become a favorite among pet owners, therapy dog programs, and even celebrities. Its popularity continues to rise due to its affectionate nature, trainability, and suitability for a wide range of lifestyles.
