Goldendoodle Characteristics
Life expectancy: 10 – 15 years
Adult weight: 40 – 50 lbs.
Adult height: 20 – 22 in.
Origin – United States
Goldendoodles are playful, affectionate, and intelligent dogs quickly becoming a popular choice for families. But are these designer pups truly the perfect fit for your home? Let's delve into Goldendoodle characteristics, size, temperament, and the potential costs of welcoming one of these adorable pups into your life.
The Origins and Appearance of Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles are a crossbreed between Golden Retrievers, known for their gentle nature, and Poodles, famous for their intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. This mix results in a dog with a variety of Goldendoodle size options, typically ranging from miniature (15-20 inches tall, 25-35 lbs) to standard (20-22 inches tall, 40-50 lbs), and a coat that can be curly, wavy, or fleece-like. While the most popular color is teddy bear gold, they come in various colors like black, white, brown, cream, and red.
What is a Goldendoodle's Temperament?
One of the biggest reasons Goldendoodles are gaining popularity is their temperament. Inheriting the best traits from both parent breeds, Goldendoodles are known for being:
Affectionate and loving: These dogs crave attention and playtime, making them excellent companions for families with children.
Intelligent and trainable: Their sharp minds make them easy to train, allowing you to teach them basic commands and even tricks.
Playful and energetic: Goldendoodles love walks, games of fetch, and any activity that allows them to burn off their energy.
Gentle and patient: Their calm demeanor makes them well-suited for households with young children or other pets.
It's important to note that, like any breed, individual Goldendoodles can have variations in temperament. Early socialization and training are crucial for ensuring your furry friend grows into a well-rounded and well-behaved dog.
How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost?
Buying a Goldendoodle: $2,000 - $4,000
Buying a Goldendoodle from a breeder can cost between $2,000 - $4,000. Here's a breakdown of how much it costs to buy a Goldendoodle puppy from a breeder in different regions of the U.S.
Southern U.S. - $1,600 – $3,500
Dallas: $1,800 – $3,500
Atlanta: $1,600 – $3,200
Orlando: $1,700 – $3,400
Midwestern U.S. - $1,200 – $3,500
Chicago: $1,800 – $3,500
Indianapolis: $1,500 – $3,200
Minneapolis: $1,400 – $3,300
St. Louis: $1,200 – $3,000
Western U.S. - $2,000 – $5,000
Los Angeles: $2,500 – $5,000
San Francisco: $2,500 – $4,800
Seattle: $2,200 – $4,500
Denver: $2,000 – $4,200
Adopting a Goldendoodle: $250 - $900
Adopting a Goldendoodle from a shelter is a much more affordable way to bring one of these puppies into your family. Adoption prices vary across the U.S. but are generally between $250 - $900. For more precise estimates, here is a breakdown about how much it can cost to adopt a Goldendoodle in different regions of the U.S.
Southern U.S. - $300 – $700
Midwestern U.S. - $250 – $600
Western U.S. - $400 – $900
Monthly Expenses for a Goldendoodle
Food: $50-$60 per month. High-quality kibble with meat and fish content is recommended.
Grooming: $50-$75 per month for grooming supplies, or $400-$450 annually for professional grooming.
Veterinary care:
Annual wellness exams and blood tests: $100-$300
Additional tests and examinations: $300-$400
Potential treatment for common health conditions:
Heart disease: $1500-$3000
Addison's disease: $100-$200 per month medication
Cataracts: $3000-$4000 for surgery
Expect to spend $700-$1200 per year. This includes:
One-time costs
Miscellaneous: $200-$300 annually for potential costs like dog walkers, training classes, pet sitters, or travel expenses if you bring your dog with you.
Estimated Lifetime Cost of a Goldendoodle: $23,000 - $25,000
Considering all the above expenses, the estimated lifetime cost of owning a Goldendoodle can range from $23,000 to $25,000. This factors in the initial purchase price, ongoing care, and routine veterinary costs.
Animal Shelters Across the U.S.
Now that you know more about Goldendoodles and have an idea of what it would cost to bring one home and care for them throughout their lives, it's time to find your new goldendoodle puppy. Here are a few maps of shelters throughout different regions of the United States to help you find a shelter near you.
FAQ
Why is a Goldendoodle so expensive? The cost of a Goldendoodle is often high because breeders invest significantly in selective breeding, health screenings, genetic testing, and socialization—and the breed’s popularity and hypoallergenic appeal increase demand.
What is the average price of a Goldendoodle? A typical Goldendoodle puppy from a reputable breeder ranges from approximately $2,000 to $4,000, though this can vary based on size, coat type, generation, and location.
What color Goldendoodle is most expensive? The rarest and most expensive Goldendoodle colors include patterns like merle, parti-color, or phantom, which often carry a premium over standard solid colors due to their rarity and higher demand.
Expert Insights From Spot
Owning a Goldendoodle can bring years of joy, but responsible pet ownership means being prepared for potential veterinary expenses. Spot's data reveals common health claims and the potential costs associated with this popular breed:
Common Claim Type | Average Claim Cost* |
Clinical Exams | $370 |
V4-Exams (Vaccination Visits) | $340 |
Deworming | $210 |
Additionally, pet parents should be aware of potential breed-related issues and their high claim costs:
Health Concern | Average Claim Cost* |
Hip Dysplasia | $652 |
Patellar Luxation | $995 |
Cancer | $1,058 |
While Goldendoodles are generally healthy, pet insurance can help manage these substantial costs and provide peace of mind. Remember, if you want a Goldendoodle for a more affordable cost, adopting from a shelter is a fantastic alternative!
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can help provide financial assistance for covered veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Helps Cover Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
Key Takeaway
Goldendoodles, with their playful personalities and loving nature, can be fantastic additions to families. However, the decision to bring a dog into your life shouldn't be taken lightly. Consider your lifestyle, resources, and commitment level before welcoming a Goldendoodle into your home. Providing for a dog throughout their life is a big responsibility.
Creative manager by day, pet enthusiast all the time! After 19 years with my dog (hopefully he wins the award for oldest pet in the world), I enjoy spending my days brainstorming tail-wagging content, and sniffing out the latest trends in the pet world.
*2024 and 2025 Spot Pet Insurance Services, LLC. claims data.
