Goldador Dog Breed All Information

Affectionate, dedicated, and lively, Goldador mixed breed puppies are highly valued for their friendly disposition and ease of training. Being a combination of the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever breeds, they inherit desirable traits from both purebred parents.

While these puppies may sometimes end up in shelters or rescue organizations due to their status as a “designer breed,” consider adoption first! Avoid purchasing from breeders if you’re looking to add a canine companion to your home.

Goldadors excel as family pets—they effortlessly bond with children and get along well with other pets. They also serve as valuable companions, adept in tasks such as service and scent detection. Their gentle and sociable nature makes them suitable for first-time pet owners, but bear in mind their high energy levels; they require plenty of exercise.

Before bringing a Goldador home, ensure you can dedicate ample time to daily walks and engaging play sessions. With the right commitment, you’ll enjoy the rewarding companionship of a happy and affectionate canine friend.

• Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• Colors: black, yellow, and chocolate (brown)

Breed Characteristics Goldadora

The goal was to create a canine that combined the Golden Retriever’s perceptiveness with the Labrador Retriever’s patience, and it succeeded. Mixing them results in the undeniably amiable Goldador.

Thanks to their relaxed demeanor and sharp intellect, Goldadors have proven themselves as exceptional companions, service animals, hunting and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and scent detection dogs. Similar to their parent breeds, Goldadors are happiest when working alongside someone they love.

Goldadors are active and require at least thirty minutes of daily exercise, enjoying activities like fetch, hiking, and swimming. They make excellent jogging partners once they reach physical maturity (between 18 and 24 months).

Training the eager-to-please Goldador is relatively easy—they descend from a lineage of dogs that work closely and willingly with humans. This trait makes them a great choice for novice owners, provided they receive the exercise, structure, and positive reinforcement they need.

Goldadors are also well-suited for families with children (although they may be a bit rambunctious for toddlers), as they thrive on being part of family activities.

An ideal home for a Goldador would include a fenced yard, but with regular exercise and companionship, they can adapt and flourish in apartments and condos. Regardless of their living situation, Goldadors should always live indoors with their human family.

General Health : 3 point	Intelligence: 5 point
Energy Level: 5 point	Tendency to Chew: 4 point
Shedability: 4 point	Size : 3 point
Trainability: 5 point	Family and kid-friendliness: 5 point

Goldador History

The Golden Retriever Lab Mix is a sought-after crossbreed, combining the exceptional qualities of the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever breeds. This hybrid is beloved by pet owners and highly regarded by Guide Dog organizations. In fact, according to the Guide Dogs For The Blind Association, they are deemed the most successful companion canines, a testament to their excellence.

While there isn’t a specific documented history of the Golden Retriever Labrador origins, breeders have been mixing these two breeds for quite some time, albeit informally. Gamekeepers and individuals involved in field sports have been crossing these working dogs for generations. Additionally, deliberate breeding programs, particularly among service dogs, have contributed to the popularity of this crossbreed over the years. As time passes, the Golden Retriever Labrador mix continues to gain popularity and recognition.

Appearance

Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are both large dogs with athletic builds and warm, friendly eyes—characteristics that are reliably passed on to their hybrid offspring. Fully grown Goldadors typically weigh between 60 to 80 pounds and stand about 22 to 24 inches tall, mirroring the size of their parent breeds.

Goldadors exhibit a variety of coat colors and textures, owing to their mixed heritage. While many have golden or yellow coats inherited from the Golden Retriever side of the family, others may sport black, brown, chocolate, or even red coats. Their coats are typically double-layered, featuring a mix of short and long hair that is dense and thick.

Grooming a Goldador is relatively simple. Regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons in spring and fall, helps to maintain their coat’s health and manage shedding.

Like all mixed breeds, Goldadors may inherit certain traits from either parent. Golden Retrievers are known for their thick, water-resistant coats and feathered tails, while Labradors have short, water-resistant coats and “otter tails” that serve as rudders when swimming.

Personality

The personality of a Goldador, like most crossbreeds, is influenced by its parents and upbringing, but they tend to share similar traits.

Both the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever are known for being active, friendly, and affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship. Goldadors are no exception, eagerly seeking to please their owners while also having a penchant for exploring and enjoying water whenever they can.

They make excellent pets in households with children and other animals, as they are inherently happy, affectionate, and constantly wagging their tails. Their trainability and eagerness to learn make them versatile companions, although their love for food (particularly in the case of the Labrador Retriever) can sometimes present challenges in managing their weight.

From observing the characteristics of both parent breeds, it’s evident that the Goldador is a highly active dog that requires plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. They thrive when they are fully integrated into family life.

Temperament / Behavior

Affectionate and devoted, the Goldador is a social butterfly, getting along effortlessly with people, other pets, and children alike. He thrives on companionship and may become lonely if left alone for extended periods.

This canine craves structure and guidance in his life, so once you establish a routine, it’s important to stick with it to ensure his well-being and happiness. With a gentle disposition and ample patience, the Goldador makes an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.

Whether for families with children or any type of owner, the Goldador’s friendly nature and adaptability make him a perfect fit. Spending just a few moments in the presence of this canine is bound to capture your heart.

Health

All dog breeds inherently possess a level of genetic relatedness, known as the coefficient of inbreeding (COI). A higher COI indicates a greater likelihood of health issues stemming from inbreeding. Generally, health concerns become more apparent when the COI falls below 5%.

In mixed breeds like the Goldador, the COI tends to be lower compared to purebred dogs, which is advantageous in terms of minimizing health risks associated with inbreeding. When examining the health and care of a Goldador, it’s essential to first consider the inherited health issues from both parent breeds, the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever.

Labrador Health

Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to various hereditary health conditions and typical canine issues. To mitigate the risk of hereditary health problems in your new puppy, ensure that your breeder has conducted the recommended testing specific to the Labrador Retriever breed.

• Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNKP)
• Centronuclear Myopathy (CN)
• Hip and Elbow Evaluation
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
• Hereditary Cataracts (HC)

Golden Retriever Health

Golden Retrievers share similar hereditary health concerns with Labradors. They are also susceptible to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and hereditary cataracts. Additionally, there are several other health conditions prevalent in this breed. To ensure the health of your Golden Retriever, it is recommended to conduct specific testing tailored to this breed.

• Hip and Elbow evaluation
• Cardiac Exam including an echocardiogram
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Hereditary Cataracts (HC)
• Ophthalmological exams (OFA & ECR)

Goldador Health Problems

Golden Retriever Lab mixes are prone to inheriting health issues common to both parent breeds. It’s important to be aware of the following potential health concerns:

Before bringing your new companion home, ensure that your breeder has screened for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and hereditary cataracts. These conditions affect both parent breeds, making your puppy at a higher risk.

Select a breeder who provides evidence of testing for all recommended health screenings for both parent breeds to increase the likelihood of bringing home a healthy puppy.

Unfortunately, some conditions such as cancer and bloat cannot be screened for by the parents. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the signs of these conditions and monitor your dog closely.

There is some evidence suggesting that the risk of bloat can be reduced with a varied diet and smaller, more frequent meals rather than feeding once a day. However, note that this method is aimed at lowering the risk, not eliminating it entirely.

Care

Caring for a Goldador’s coat is relatively straightforward, but their fur sheds quite a bit. Owners should brush them every few days, increasing to daily brushing during heavy shedding seasons.

Due to their pendulous ears, Goldadors should be checked for infections regularly, ideally several times a month. Additionally, part of their health and grooming regimen should include daily teeth brushing to prevent dental issues.

Training a Goldador is typically a breeze. They are eager to please and highly intelligent, making them responsive to positive reinforcement. Keep training treats handy and lavish praise and affection during productive training sessions with your Goldador.

“Thanks to their energy and intelligence, Goldadors excel in various working roles, from hunting companions to bomb detection dogs to service animals,” Louviere adds.

Best Dog Food for Goldadors

• Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Sports High Energy, High Protein Dog Food.
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Wellness Complete Health Senior Deboned Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Purina Pro Plan Specialized Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Entree Canned Dog Food
• CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Healthy Weight Limited Ingredient Chicken & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food

Finding a Goldador

Given the popularity of the Goldador as a designer breed, you should find it relatively easy to locate a breeder in your vicinity who specializes in crossing Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers to produce puppies. Prices for Goldadors can vary depending on the breeder’s emphasis on the quality and competitiveness of their dogs, rather than solely being bred for family pets.

It’s essential to select a knowledgeable and ethical breeder who conducts all relevant health tests for both parent breeds and prioritizes Golden Retriever lines with a history of longevity and lower-than-average cancer rates. Opting for an older Golden Retriever as a parent may increase the likelihood of avoiding the cancer gene.

Training

The Goldador breed is known for its laid-back and eager-to-please nature, making them highly trainable. Owners should begin training early, starting from the moment their puppy arrives home. With a lineage that includes service dogs, scent detection dogs, hunting companions, and therapy dogs, Goldadors have a strong history of versatility and adaptability.

Enrolling in obedience classes not only helps to shape a well-behaved dog but also fosters a stronger bond between the dog and owner. Given their large size, obedience training is especially important for preventing jumping behavior when interacting with guests. For additional training tips, consider referring to the following resources.

Grooming

Your new companion will shed, sometimes quite heavily. Both parent breeds shed their coats significantly twice a year with the changing seasons. Expect a moderate level of shedding during the remainder of the year.

Exercising For Goldador Puppies

The Goldador breed possesses an easygoing and eager-to-please nature, making them highly trainable. Owners should begin training early, ideally as soon as their puppy comes home. With parent breeds boasting a rich history as service dogs, scent detection dogs, hunting companions, and therapy dogs, Goldadors inherit a versatile skill set.

Enrolling in obedience classes not only fosters a well-mannered canine but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner. Given their large size, obedience training is particularly crucial for preventing jumping behavior, especially when interacting with guests.

Goldador puppies will grow into high-energy adults with a love for playtime and a keenness for learning. If you’re not keen on spending time playing with your dog, this breed may not be the right fit for you. However, failing to provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation can lead to destructive behavior.

As a highly social breed, Goldadors thrive as indoor dogs, but they also benefit from having access to a large, fenced-in yard for running and playing. Regular exercise, including walks and other daily activities with their owners, is essential for their overall well-being.

Exercise is especially crucial for maintaining the health of Goldadors, as both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. Weight management plays a vital role in addressing these common issues.

Goldador mixes make excellent companions for various outdoor activities such as jogging, hiking, or cycling. Swimming is another favorite activity for this breed.

Engaging in canine sports like agility, obedience trials, and tracking provides not only physical exercise but also mental stimulation, keeping your Goldador happy, healthy, and out of trouble.

Goldador Rescue & Adoption Center

• Petfinder
• Golden Rescue

Other Dog Breeds And Further Research

• King Shepherd
• Shorkie

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