Recently, Golden Mountain Doodles have gained a lot of popularity among breeders and dog owners alike, thanks to their tricolor appearance, magnificent coat, and hypoallergenic fur.

However, as the breed’s a hybrid of 3 dogs (Poodle, Golden Retriever, and Bernese Mountain Dog), it has a certain temperament, exercise requirements, and grooming needs that every responsible dog owner must be aware of. That’s why it’s always advisable to read up on different dog breeds before buying or adopting to decide whether or not the dog is right for you.

Pros And Cons of Owning a Golden Mountain Doodle

Much like other breeds, owning a Golden Mountain Doodle has its share of pros and cons (though the pros far outweigh any cons).

Pros Of Golden Mountain Doodle

The dog inherits quality traits from its parents – it’s cuddly, intelligent, loyal, playful, and docile. All these make the Golden Mountain Doodle a complete package and a must-have family dog loved by kids and elders alike.

Another trait this breed inherits from its Poodle parent is low-shedding. Yes, that’s right: despite being covered in hair, the Golden Mountain Doodle sheds lightly and won’t leave piles of hair around the home if groomed regularly.

Golden Mountain Doodles are also intelligent. They’re quick learners that pick up commands easily. If you get a puppy, you’ll be able to train it in a few short weeks. However, consistency is essential.

Cons Of Golden Mountain Doodle

There’s no set negative trait about this loveable dog, however, it will be incompatible with dog owners allergic to dog saliva. As the standard-sized Doodle is larger, it will produce more saliva, which can be a health risk for some. These dogs also have a high-grooming need and must be brushed regularly to avoid mats. If you want a low-maintenance dog, then this breed isn’t for you.

Golden Mountain Doodle Size, Appearance & Weight

Moving on to their physical appearance, the Golden Mountain Doodles are relatively standard to large-sized dogs. While they’re bred in two sizes (mini and standard), they’re still on the larger end of the spectrum. The standard dog will be around 23 to 29 inches to the shoulder, with the average height being 2 feet. A healthy Golden Mountain Doodle can weigh between 70 to 90 lbs or 31-41 kgs.

Appearance-wise, the Golden Mountain Doodle closely resembles its cousin, the Goldendoodle. It has a stocky build, with a silky coat, and a strong frame. The pup’s coat is often tricolor but can be one or two-toned. This gives the pup a patchwork of various spots and colors. Solid colored Doodles are also commonly bred. The variety isn’t restricted to color though- the coat can be straight, wavy, or curly as well.

A fun fact about Golden Mountain Doodles is that despite their name, there’s no guarantee that the dog will be born with golden fur. Since there are so many dogs involved in the breeding of a Golden Mountain Doodle, genetics play an important role in deciding the color of the fur, and the mix is often random.

Doodle Temperament & Training

The Golden Mountain Doodle is a somewhat playful dog who needs moderate exercise- around 30 minutes each day. This includes short walks, hikes, training sessions, and games like fetch. Exercising is essential to maintain health and avoid aggressive behavior.

As for temperament and training, these dogs are very loyal and caring. They also love to cuddle. They are ideal for first-time owners and are seldom agitated or aggressive. Early socialization of these puppies is an important part of training. Being persistent in teaching commands and repeating them is essential too.

Common Health Issues and Average Lifespan

The Golden Mountain Doodle is a relatively healthy breed that doesn’t develop health issues often. However, complications can develop as the dog ages. The average lifespan for these dogs is about 13 years.

The most common major health issue among this breed is hip dysplasia. This is the dislocation of the hips, which can be quite painful. It’s frequently seen in large dogs. Eye diseases like cataracts also develop with age, but many of them are treatable if vigilant owners notice them and do regular vet check-ups.

Additionally, dental issues can appear if teeth brushing is irregular. Ear infections also occur if you don’t clean them every week. These can be avoided by proper grooming.

Best Diet for Golden Mountain Doodle

Golden Mountain Doodles don’t have very specific dietary requirements. Generally, avoid food with spices, and never feed your dog toxic fruits and sweets containing chocolate. Sugar intake should be minimum, limited to only a couple slices of fruits like apples or bananas on some days. A balanced diet is key to maintaining a long, healthy life for your dog.

Try feeding your dog a mixture of wet and dry food. Look for different proteins like fish and lean meats on dog food packaging. Avoid gluten if your dog’s allergic. Give your dog adequate fiber to maintain healthy bowel movements. Vegetables can be a great healthy snack, so be sure to add options like broccoli, kale, spinach, etc to the diet.

Dog chews and other treats are good occasionally and are quite helpful if you’re training your dog. However, avoid overfeeding those as Golden Mountain Doodles can become obese when fed high-calorie foods a lot.

Golden Mountain Doodle Care and Grooming

This is the part most dog owners are waiting for. Does the breed need a lot of coat care and grooming, or is a once-in-a-while shower day enough? The answer is- yes, Golden Mountain Doodles are relatively high maintenance. It’s important to note that the dog grows up with either a wavy coat or a woolen one. The latter may look more appealing, but it’s more challenging to maintain.

Golden Mountain Doodles are low-shed pups and don’t trail hair often, which is why they form mats easily. Hair can curl up around dead hair and lead to painful knots. If these knots get wet, they’ll be impossible to undo without trimming or shaving. It’s imperative you brush your pup every day. Skipping a day sometimes is fine, but being punctual with regular brushing is essential.

These dogs also need frequent haircuts. Unless you’re keen on learning how to cut hair, expect to visit the groomer regularly. Doodles don’t need to be bathed very often, and a shower once every two months is enough. Be sure to use a natural dog-friendly shampoo. Clip the dog’s nails once a month. Clean its ears every two weeks. Brush your puppy’s teeth with fluoride-free toothpaste twice a week.

Conclusion

Overall, the Golden Mountain Doodle is an excellent breed for first-time dog owners. The pups can be high maintenance when it comes to brushing the coat, but they are easy to care for otherwise and have little to no special dietary requirements.