Is Goldendoodle a Good Family Dog?

The Goldendoodle has been climbing up the popularity charts, quickly becoming one of the most popular family dogs in America. This breed's skyrocketing admiration isn't just because of its irresistibly cute, teddy bear looks. Goldendoodles offer much more, from an affectionate nature, to high intelligence, to a low-shedding coat, making them excellent companions for family environments.   

But is a Goldendoodle the right dog for your family?

While Goldendoodles are versatile dogs that adapt easily to various lifestyles, they may be better suited for some families than others. In this article, we'll cover all you need to know to understand whether a Goldendoodle will prove to be the right addition to your family!

What Makes Goldendoodle a Great Family Dog? 

Endless love and affection

With their cheerful disposition and sociable natures, Goldendoodles are truly ideal family dogs. They adore human company and are known to bond closely with every family member, including smaller kids and other pets. Not just that, their warm and welcoming personality extends beyond the family, captivating the hearts of visitors and even strangers. Love to host social gatherings? Your goldendoodle will be the life of the party, charming guests with their friendly antics. This breed is truly a social butterfly. 

Remarkable intelligence and trainability

The blend of the high intelligence inherited from their Poodle and Golden Retriever parents makes the Goldendoodle a very intelligent breed. They're not just smart, but also highly responsive to training, given their eagerness to please. And so Goldendoodles are a dream come true for passionate dog trainers or families seeking a well-behaved member. Their intelligence and trainability also makes them suitable for various roles, ranging from therapy and service dog training, to showcasing their intelligence in dog competitions.

For the allergy-prone, a hypoallergenic coat

The original intent behind cross-breeding Poodles with Golden Retrievers was to create an intelligent service dog with hypoallergenic properties. Goldendoodles inherit the Poodle's low-shedding coat (a dominant gene that's often passed on), making them an excellent choice for families with members prone to allergies. The shedding level does vary depending on the generation of the Goldendoodle - but generally, they are much less likely to cause allergy issues when compared to many other breeds. 

Active playmates and exercise buddies 

Goldendoodles blend in beautifully with active families. Being an energetic breed, they thrive on ample amounts of physical activity and mental stimulation. They love going on walks, playing fetch in your backyard, and even engaging in mentally stimulating games. Ideal for families who prioritize an active lifestyle, Goldendoodles bring about a positive influence, promoting physical fitness and healthy mental well-being.

Children's best friend 

With their gentle, kind-hearted nature, Goldendoodles are one of the best poodle mixes for families with kids. They are notably tolerant and forgiving, comfortably adjusting to a child's unintentional rough play without reverting to nipping or biting. Like a faithful & loyal companion, a Goldendoodle is there to accompany your child through all those memorable childhood experiences.

Thrive in various lifestyles and living spaces

Not all dogs adapt easily to different living situations and lifestyles, but Goldendoodles certainly do. They are remarkably adaptable, making them ideal companions for families large and small, city dwellers or country residents. Their sociable nature means they love being part of a lively, bustling household, yet they're equally content in a quieter, more laid-back environment. Goldendoodles can adapt to smaller living spaces, but it's not the ideal fit -- if that's something you're considering, make sure they get the necessary exercise and mental stimulation. 

What Families are Goldendoodles Best For? 

Given their delightful mix of characteristics and traits, Goldendoodles are well-suited to a variety of family environments. However, there are certain families where these adorable canine companions truly flourish: 

• Active families: Want a partner for your morning run or an enthusiastic participant in family games? Look no further than these energetic dogs! Their need for physical activity is an excellent match for active families that enjoy outdoor adventures.
• Allergy-prone families: If you or a family member struggle with dog allergies, Goldendoodles could be a good option. Bred for their hypoallergenic coats, they shed less than most dog breeds, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
• Families with children: Their extraordinarily patient and understanding nature makes Goldendoodles fantastic playmates for kids. They tolerate even accidental grabs without resorting to biting or nipping. Of course, it's always a good idea to supervise very young children with any breed.
• Families with other pets: Goldendoodles are sociable creatures that typically get along well with other animals. If your family includes a cat, a bird, or even a hamster, a Goldendoodle can coexist harmoniously with them.
• Families seeking a service or therapy dog: Goldendoodles were originally bred as service dogs given their innate intelligence and trainability. Their gentle and empathetic nature coupled with this trainability makes them ideal candidates for therapy roles. They're a suitable choice for families seeking a therapy or service dog to assist with various physical or emotional disabilities.

What Families are Goldendoodles Not So Suitable For?

Although Goldendoodles can easily adapt to many different types of families, there are certain household environments and lifestyles where they may not thrive as easily. If your family falls into one of these categories, you might want to reconsider whether a Goldendoodle is the right match for your lifestyle.

Here are a few scenarios where these lovable dogs may not be the ideal fit: 

1. Apartments and small living spaces: These dogs are best suited to areas where they can play and burn off their energy. So Goldendoodles may not be suitable for apartment or condo living due to their active natures. So, if your living arrangement doesn't allow for that, a Goldendoodle might not be your best choice - and similarly, they may not thrive in families who have sedentary lifestyles.
2. Families seeking a guard dog: If a primary reason for getting a dog is protection or security, Goldendoodles may not live up to your expectations. Their friendly, social, and playful temperament makes them less likely to display the protective instinct present in specific breeds better suited for guard dog roles.
3. Households with busy schedules: Goldendoodles, like most dogs, crave companionship and thrive on social interactions with their human families. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for prolonged periods regularly. Therefore, they might not be the best fit for families who spend much time away from home or don't have a consistent schedule that allows time for fuss and play.
4. Households with severe allergies: While hypoallergenic, some Goldendoodles can still trigger allergies, especially dogs with a smoother coat (vs. curly). As you likely know, there's no 100% hypoallergenic breed. And while Goldendoodles are low-shedding, larger ones (i.e. Standard Goldendoodle) or first-generation Goldendoodles can be less allergy-friendly. So if someone in your family suffers from severe allergies, it might make sense to consider a purebred hypoallergenic breed (like Shih Tzu or Yorkie), or go for a smaller or 2nd/3rd generation Goldendoodle with a more predictable coat.

In Conclusion

It's easy to see why Goldendoodles are such phenomenal family dogs. They're brimming with love, are incredibly intelligent, low-shedding, and make wonderful playmates for kids. But not all families will suit the energy of this breed; the right home for a Goldendoodle is one capable of providing them with plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. 

If you're still not sure whether a Goldendoodle is the right dog for your family, check out our comprehensive guide on doodle breeds or trying out our Dog Breed Quiz to find other potential matching breeds. 

But if you have your heart set on bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy, then we at Mawoo Pets can lend a helping hand in your search. Our team can help you locate Goldendoodle puppies from vetted, trusted breeders, and make sure that your new furry friend comes from a responsible, nurturing environment.