A Goldendoodle is a mix of two purebred dogs: the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Since both parent breeds have different lifespans, it is natural to wonder how long your furry friend will live. In short, a healthy Goldendoodle’s average lifespan is 10 to 15 years. However, several factors affect life length.
In today’s post, we’ll dive deep into the topic of Goldendoodle life expectancy. From genetics to diseases, we will discuss everything related to the dog’s age. So, without further ado, let’s read more!
How Long Do Goldendoodles Live?
Friendly and affectionate, the Goldendoodle is one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA. As mentioned above, this fluffy dog belongs to a “designer breed” (born from two different purebred parents) category. They first appeared in the 1990s when reputable breeders from the USA and Australia started crossing Poodles with Golden Retrievers. One example of a famous breeder is Monica Dickens.
Although both the parent breeds are purebred, their average lifespan expectancy is different. Golden retrievers live around 10-12 years. Meanwhile, poodles have various sizes that lead to a wider range of 10-18 years.
Considering this, most Goldendoodles can easily survive for 10-15 years. And, when cared for or maintained properly, a Goldendoodle may live for up to 17 years!
Types of Goldendoodles and Their Lifespans
Now, we know that the typical lifespan of a Goldendoodle is up to 15 years. But did you know there are different types of Goldendoodle with different lifespans?
Over the years, breeders have conducted various Golden Retriever and Poodle cross breeding experiments. Golden Retrievers have been mixed with different types of poodles. As a result, there are 3 main Goldendoodle sizes.
Mini Goldendoodle
In general, small dogs tend to live longer than larger breeds. So, you will find a mini Goldendoodle to have a longer life span of 12-15 years. At times, they may even pass 16 years.
Medium Goldendoodle
Medium Goldendoodles have a height of 17 to 20 inches. These fluffy teddy bear dogs possess the best set of qualities. It’s because of the hybrid vigor or fresh gene introduction from Poodles.
These boosted genetic health conditions enable medium Goldendoodles to live up to 15 years. Even the minimum age is 12 years, which is equivalent to a mini Goldendoodle.
Standard Goldendoodle
Standard or large Goldendoodles (height 20 to 24 inches) have tall height genes from both parent breeds. This means they have shorter lives. A standard Goldendoodle will live anywhere from 11 to 14 years.
Apart from these, Goldendoodles also have specialty types: teacup and toy Goldendoodle. These dogs are tinier than mini ones. Because of this, you can expect them to live for 16+ years.
What Affects Goldendoodle Life Expectancy?
Similar to other dogs, several things can affect a Goldendoodle’s life cycle. These include:
Healthy Diet
Goldendoodles require high-quality, nutritious diets to lead a healthy and happy life. You should feed them dry kibble that is rich in protein. Examples of protein include chicken, fish, and turkey.
But, this doesn’t mean that the diet should only consist of protein. Instead, make sure your Goldendoodle receives a balanced diet.
A balanced diet means the consumption of all the important nutrients in the right quantities. Please note that there is no definite food chart for dogs. Each one will have a different balanced diet depending on age, gender, health conditions, and physical activity.
If you do not provide the nutrients in the right quantities, your Goldendoodle can have weight issues. It may become obese, which can lead to heart diseases. In this case, your furry pal will have a shorter life expectancy.
It’s best to consult a vet for reliable diet recommendations. Also, make sure the quality of food is high and organic. Avoid feeding preservatives, artificial substances, and supplements.
Diseases
Typically, Goldendoodles are a healthy mixed breed. They don’t contract diseases and infections easily. But, being a living organism, there are still some common health issues found in Goldendoodles.
- Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
- Aortic Stenosis
- Thyroid
- Addison’s disease
- Bloating
With all these conditions, it is important to take care of your dog’s diet to increase their lifespan. For example, Goldendoodles with hip dysplasia should be fed food that consists of glucosamine and chondroitin. These nutrients keep their joints healthy and maintained.
Also, ensure a healthy lifestyle and habits. Avoid things that can trigger symptoms. Go to the vet regularly for health checkups and tests.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene has a huge impact on your pet’s overall health and life expectancy. This is because Goldendoodles are prone to gum diseases like all other dogs. They will get infections now and then if you do not maintain their teeth.
Further neglect can lead to severe issues like periodontitis. And while your dog can manage to eat with low-grade infections, it will be painful to do so under these conditions. Consequently, your dog will lose weight and immunity.
So, if you want your dog to live longer, make sure to brush its teeth regularly and properly. A great method is to use a child’s toothbrush with soft bristles. Then, brush their teeth slowly and gently.
In case the dog shows resistance, do not force it. Instead, be persistent and make the activity a little fun. Remember, Goldendoodles are family dogs that love to play and enjoy themselves.
Take out the brush frequently and let the dog become accustomed. Give treats every time it shows interest. Soon, it will begin to associate brushing with good and fun.
Once the dog is ready, brush its teeth and reward it using more treats. Brush at least 2 to 3 times a week.
Exercise
A prominent reason why Goldendoodles develop physical health issues and lower life expectancies is lack of exercise. The popular breed is playful and adventurous. They enjoy the outdoors, especially activities like:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Hiking
Not only does exercise keep the dog physically fit, but it also maintains their mental health and emotional well-being. Spending time with Goldendoodles in the outdoors makes them internally strong.
You should exercise the dog for at least 30 minutes a day. For adults, do an exercise session of an hour or two. It’s not necessary to plan a whole exercise routine as even a game of fetch can fulfill the daily requirement.
Gender
Believe it or not, the gender of your Goldendoodle does affect its lifespan. Most males survive longer than females. This is because females are prone to developing health issues like uterine cancer and mammary tumors.
Further, the constant heat cycles and mood swings deteriorate their physical fitness. It’s best to get your female Goldendoodle neutered or spayed.
How to Figure Out Your Goldendoodle’s Age
Knowing your Goldendoodle’s age can help you predict the time they have left. It also allows you to care for them better.
Typically, the breeder will know the age of the dog upon adoption. But, in case they don’t, you can figure it out by examining the teeth quality. Or, you can ask a vet to assist with this task:
- Most young Goldendoodle puppies (1 to 2 years) will have clean and sparkling white teeth.
- 3 to 5-year-old dogs will have slightly worn-out teeth. Although they will be clean, you will observe signs of wear and tartar.
- 5 to 10-year-old adult dogs will have greatly worn-out teeth. There might even be gum disease.
- 10 to 15-year-old senior Goldendoodles will have poor quality teeth. There will be diseases and even missing teeth.
Please note this method might not work if you take care of the dog’s dental hygiene. In that case, you can estimate the age through weight. Usually, every 2kg of body weight adds 1 month to the dog’s age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Most Goldendoodles Die From?
Goldendoodles are designer dogs that have few to no hereditary diseases. They are healthy dogs with strong immunity. However, they still contract some fatal diseases.
These include hypothyroidism, cancer, Addison’s disease, and heart issues. Most Goldendoodles will die from these if left untreated.
How Long Do F1b Goldendoodles Live?
The term “F1b” in F1b Goldendoodles refers to the first offspring, which results from backcrossing. This means that the original hybrid cross was bred back to the pure parent. Hence, the offspring has 75% poodle and 25% golden retriever genes.
Typically, this generation will have a curlier coat with less shedding. As for lifespan, F1b Goldendoodles live up to 15 years.
How Long Are Goldendoodles Still Considered Puppies?
Generally, a Goldendoodle will remain a puppy until it is a year old. This is when they achieve their full height and lose the puppy energy.
Conclusion
In summary, a healthy and happy Goldendoodle will live an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. But, they may have a shorter life expectancy if they are tall, female, or physically weak. Certain untreated diseases, like hypothyroidism, can also affect longevity.
You can extend a Goldendoodle’s life expectancy by providing a nutritious diet, a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and proper dental hygiene care. We highly recommend visiting a vet to create an efficient plan to increase your dog’s lifespan.