Goldendoodle Lifespan: How long do Goldendoodles live?

Goldendoodles have quickly become one of the most popular breeds in recent years. These lovable and friendly dogs are a hybrid cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, combining the intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities of a Poodle with the friendly and loyal nature of a Golden Retriever. Some people refer to Goldendoodles as teddy bear Goldendoodles. This is because they resemble the cuddly stuffed toys many of us had when we were young.

As with any pet, it’s important to consider their life expectancy when deciding whether a Goldendoodle puppy is the right dog for you, and so one of the most frequently asked questions we get is, how long do Goldendoodles live?

Whether you’re a current Goldendoodle owner or considering bringing one into your family, understanding their average lifespan can help you provide the best possible care for your furry Goldendoodle dog friend.

Genetics, Activity, and Health of your Golden Doodle

While genetics can play a role in the lifespan of a Goldendoodle, there are other factors to consider as well. Proper nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups are all essential for ensuring that your dog ends up living longer than ever with new technology.

Standard Goldendoodles are a relatively active breed and require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Daily walks, runs, or playtime in a fenced yard can help keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated. However, it’s essential to avoid over-exercising your dog, as this can lead to injuries or other health issues.

Nutrition is also crucial for a Goldendoodle’s extended lifespan. A well-balanced diet that includes high-quality protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates can help keep your dog in good health. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or foods that are high in fat or sugar, as these can contribute to obesity and other health issues.

Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential for ensuring your dog’s long-term health. Your vet can perform routine screenings, such as bloodwork and dental exams, to catch any health issues early and provide treatment before they become more serious.

If your dog is provided good care and you and your vet check for any possible issues, most standard-size Goldendoodles can live up to 12 years, and some even up to 15 years! Smaller dogs will likely live longer and the record at Fox Creek Farm is 18 years.

Health Issues in Goldendoodles

It’s important to note that Goldendoodles, like all dog breeds, can be susceptible to certain health issues. Some of the most common health issues in Goldendoodles include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. We typically see more health issues with dogs bred without proper parental genetic testing. Buying a Goldendoodle puppy from parents that have been tested genetically can be more expensive, but it is a wise investment as it can lead to fewer veterinary costs in the long run.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can lead to joint pain and mobility issues. This condition is more common in large breeds, including Golden Retrievers and Poodles, which are the parent breeds of Goldendoodles. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in your dog. Even more important, all parent dogs should be screened to determine they are free and clear of hip dysplasia before reproducing.

Eye problems are also common in Goldendoodles, particularly progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. PRA is a genetic condition that can lead to blindness over time, while cataracts can cause cloudiness or opacity in the lens of the eye. Regular eye exams can help catch the onset of cataracts early and surgery may be necessary in some cases. PRA can be avoided completely simply by having all parent dogs screened to determine if they carry any PRA genes and if so, are bred to avoid pairing two carriers together.

Allergies are another common health issue in Goldendoodles. They may be allergic to certain foods, environmental allergens, or flea bites. Symptoms of allergies can include itching, redness, reoccurring ear infections, and skin irritation. Your vet can help determine the underlying cause of your dog’s allergies and recommend the appropriate treatment. Holistic remedies can be very successful which helps avoid the use of pharmaceuticals.

Breeder Choice

If you are considering adding a Goldendoodle to your family, it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder. An ethical breeder will perform genetic testing on their breeding stock, provide documentation of health clearances, and offer a health guarantee for their puppies. They will also be happy to answer any questions you have about the breed and provide support throughout the life of your dog.

If you are not set on getting a puppy, consider adopting from a rescue Goldendoodle organization or shelter. Many Goldendoodles and other breeds end up in shelters or rescue organizations due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in their owner’s life. Adopting a Goldendoodle is a wonderful way to provide a loving home to a dog in need and can be a great option for those who may not have the time or resources to raise a puppy.

Keep in mind that dogs you find in shelters most times do not come from reputable breeders and health screening protocols on its parents were likely not performed. If health and longevity are important to you, the unknowns that come with a shelter dog may play into your decision of whether or not to adopt from a rescue. Many times adult dogs are available from breeders who have retired them from breeding and may be a good option for those wishing to avoid the puppy stage.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is crucial to ensure you are informed about what traits your Goldendoodle will possess. Goldendoodles can be extremely different and high genetic diversity provides for all sorts of variation in your Doodles from standard Goldendoodles to miniature and toy Goldendoodles. Even if you’re certain you have an F1 hybrid, or a mini Goldendoodle, it’s still important to research a Goldendoodle’s genetic traits as they will play into your dog’s health and longevity.

Genetic testing is the best way to find out what traits your Goldendoodle has that you are unable to see. It has become an essential tool for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians alike. It provides invaluable information about an animal’s genetic makeup, including any predispositions to certain health conditions, and helps to ensure the well-being of the animal.

One of the most critical benefits of genetic testing is its ability to identify potential health risks in an animal. Through genetic testing, breeders and veterinarians can determine if an animal is a carrier of certain genetic diseases and take steps to prevent these conditions from developing.

Genetic testing can also help to ensure that breeders are producing healthy and genetically diverse puppies. By using genetic testing to screen potential breeding pairs, breeders can avoid producing offspring with inherited diseases, reducing the risk of passing these conditions on to future generations.

Furthermore, genetic testing can help to identify the ancestry of an animal, allowing breeders to better understand the genetic makeup of their breeding lines. This can help breeders to make informed decisions about which dogs to breed together, based on their ancestry and potential health risks.

Overall, genetic testing is an essential tool for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians. By identifying potential health risks and ensuring genetic diversity, genetic testing helps to ensure the well-being of animals and reduces the risk of inherited diseases. As genetic testing technology continues to evolve, it will become even more critical in helping to ensure the health and longevity of our furry companions.

Hybrid Vigor

One of the benefits of mixed breeds or crossbreeding is the ability to combine desirable traits from each of the parent’s breeds. In dog breeding, some people refer to this as hybrid vigor and just one more reason that the Goldendoodle has become so popular.

This is where genetic testing comes into play. By selecting parent breeds with favorable traits, breeders can create puppies that are more likely to inherit those traits.

For example, Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and sociable personalities, while Poodles are highly intelligent and hypoallergenic. By combining these two breeds, breeders can create a dog that is both friendly and intelligent, with a hypoallergenic coat that’s suitable for people with allergies.

The term hybrid vigor describes the idea that crossbreeding can result in offspring that are healthier and more robust than purebred dogs. By introducing genetic diversity into a breeding program, the likelihood of inheriting genetic disorders or health issues is reduced.

The popularity of the Goldendoodle is in part due to this hybrid vigor. However, it’s important to note that not all crossbred dogs are healthy and some may still inherit genetic disorders or health issues. This is why it’s essential to work with a reputable Goldendoodle breeder who performs genetic testing on their breeding stock to ensure that they are free from genetic disorders.

Food and Dieting

Next, when it comes to owning a dog such as the beloved Goldendoodle, it’s crucial to remember that along with all this, diet will greatly affect the lifespan and lifestyle of your fuzzy friend.

The food that a Goldendoodle eats has a significant impact on its health and longevity. A high-quality diet that is rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals can help to support a dog’s immune system, promote healthy digestion, and maintain optimal body weight. On the other hand, a poor-quality diet can lead to obesity, nutrient deficiencies, and a host of health issues.

When choosing a diet for your Goldendoodle, it’s essential to look for high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food that is appropriate for your dog’s age, activity level, and overall health. Real meat should always be the first ingredient and checking the label to be sure there are no dyes, preservatives, GMOs, by-products, corn, gluten or soy will help identify quality kibble. It’s also important to avoid feeding your Goldendoodle table scraps, as these can be high in fat, salt, and sugar, and can lead to obesity and other health problems. Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid feeding your dog foods that are toxic to dogs such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.

In addition to choosing the right food, it’s also important to monitor your Goldendoodle’s portion sizes and feeding schedule. Overfeeding can lead to obesity which can shorten your dog’s lifespan and increase the risk of other health issues.

Conclusion

As you contemplate whether a Goldendoodle is a right breed for you, it’s essential to consider various factors such as your living situation, lifestyle, and schedule. While these furry companions have a friendly and affectionate disposition, just as any dog, they require an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise and attention to maintain their overall health and happiness.

It’s imperative to understand that owning a Goldendoodle can be costly with expenses that include food, grooming, veterinary care, and supplies that can add up over time. Thus, it’s crucial to factor in these costs while budgeting and investing in pet insurance to help offset any unexpected veterinary bills that may arise.

In summary, several factors can affect the lifespan of a Goldendoodle, including genetics, exercise, and overall health. However, two of the most critical factors are genetic testing and diet. Genetic testing can help identify potential health risks while a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet can support the dog’s immune system, promote healthy digestion, and maintain optimal body weight. By taking these factors into account, pet owners can help ensure their Goldendoodle lives a long, happy, and healthy life.

At Fox Creek Farm Goldendoodles & Bernedoodles we offer standard, medium, mini, and toy Goldendoodles for sale. We deliver our puppies by car to Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Delaware, Connecticut, and various other locations through safe transport drivers.