How Long Do Goldendoodle’s Live? Everything You Should Know About the Goldendoodle’s Lifespan
From their cuddly looks to their fun-loving personalities, friendly demeanor, and hypoallergenic qualities, Goldendoodles are one of the best hybrid dogs — or “designer dogs,” as they’re commonly called — you can own. As you may have already guessed, the Goldendoodle is a cross between two beloved purebred dogs that have earned a big space in the hearts of most American households: the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.
It’s believed that the Goldendoodle was first developed by Monica Dickens (great-granddaughter of famous novelist Charles Dickens) in the 1960s. Then, in the 1980s, popular Australian breeder Wally Conron introduced the Goldendoodle in Australia.
Conron — considered the pioneer of designer dog crossbreeds — was keen on developing a guide dog that would have all the positive traits of the Golden Retriever and Poodle. His efforts indeed paid off, as Goldendoodles are today known for their boundless energy, friendliness toward everyone, intelligence, high trainability, gentle demeanor, and eagerness to please, traits commonly associated with Poodles and Golden Retrievers.
Plus, having the Poodle genes makes the Goldendoodle a little-to-no shedding dog that’s perfect for allergen sufferers. Goldendoodles found their way to the United States in the 1990s and have since soared in popularity as the perfect family pets.
Although the Goldendoodle isn’t officially recognized as a standard breed by the American Kennel Club due to its crossbreed status (they aren’t purebred, which is a requirement for AKC breed recognition), they’re still allowed to participate in obedience and agility events created for hybrid dogs by the AKC.
If you’re entertaining the idea of adding a Goldendoodle to your family, you probably have a ton of thoughts about their lifespan. Well, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the lifespan of a Goldendoodle (including the mini Goldendoodle’s lifespan).
The Goldendoodle’s Average Lifespan Revealed
Goldendoodles — including mini Goldendoodles — have an average lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. This is a relatively long lifespan, bearing in mind that dogs generally have a longevity of 10–12 years.
In a threaded Reddit post on the oldest Goldendoodles, one owner revealed their pup clocked 17 years old. Another wrote: “Our neighbor’s Goldendoodle (who I used to dog sit all the time) unfortunately just passed away a week ago at 16. Mine is now 9, and I hope she has many more years left.”
5 Common Health Issues that Affect the Goldendoodle’s Lifespan
Although Goldendoodles are generally a healthy breed, they’re still susceptible to certain health conditions that can lower their life expectancy, as is the case with any other dog breed.
Thankfully, these health issues can be medically addressed, increasing the chances of your Goldendoodle living a healthy life. Plus, early genetic testing will help uncover any underlying hereditary conditions your Goldendoodle may have inherited. Through genetic testing, you’ll ensure your pup receives medical attention sooner rather than later.
That said, here are five health issues commonly seen in Goldendoodles, according to the Goldendoodle Association of North America:
1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Similar to Golden Retrievers, Goldendoodles are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which, if not caught and treated in time, can lead to serious orthopedic conditions. Hip dysplasia is the malformation of the hip joins, whereas elbow dysplasia involves the malformation of the elbow joint. In severe cases of elbow and hip dysplasia, surgery may be needed to correct the malformation.
2. Seizures
Goldendoodles are at an increased risk of seizures, which are common among Golden Retrievers and Poodles.
3. Eye Abnormalities
Goldendoodles are genetically predisposed to eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD-PRA). If left unaddressed, these conditions can affect your Goldendoodle’s quality of life and, ultimately, lifespan.
4. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Degenerative Myelopathy, a progressive neurological condition that affects the dog’s spinal cord and causes gradual paralysis, is prevalent among Goldendoodles.
5. Allergies and Skin Problems
Goldendoodles are prone to allergies and skin conditions such as ichthyosis, which can lower their quality of life and negatively impact their lifespan. With the right diet and medication, you can keep these conditions at bay.
7 Helpful Ways to Prolong Your Goldendoodle’s Lifespan
Thankfully, helping your Goldendoodle enjoy many more years by your side doesn’t demand much. Here are seven tips to keep in mind as a Goldendoodle owner in order to increase your pup’s chances of a longer life:
- Take your Goldendoodle for vet check-ups regularly
- Food. Ensure that you feed them healthy, well-balanced dog food that your vet has approved.
- Exercise. Strive to meet your Goldendoodle’s daily physical activity level so they can maintain a healthy weight.
- Strive to improve their mental health through frequent mental stimulation.
- Consult your vet on joint supplements that you can add to your Goldendoodle’s diet.
- Spayed or neuter to protect them from potentially fatal reproductive system health issues.
- Strive to keep their teeth and gums healthy through regular dental hygiene practices.
- Reduce stress. A recent study sheds light on how Goldendoodles, a popular crossbreed between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, exhibit behaviors that can affect their health and lifespan. The research found that Goldendoodles often display stress-related behaviors like aggression towards other dogs and fear of strangers. These traits, inherited from their parent breeds, can lead to higher stress levels, impacting their overall health. To ensure a longer, healthier life for Goldendoodles, it’s crucial for owners to focus on proper training, socialization, and creating a calm environment. By understanding these behavioral tendencies, owners can better care for their pets, promoting their well-being and longevity.
