The Double Doodle can seem like a dream come true for the legions of Poodle crossbreeds aficionados out there. Taking two of the most popular Doodle subtypes namely the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle and crossing them to make a new energetic and lovable puppy who sports that instantly recognizable curly Doodle coat.
It does beg the question why settle for one type of Doodle when you can go double?
In this article, we will give you a run-down of all things Double Doodle. Perhaps you already have one? Maybe you are on a waiting list to bring one home or maybe you are just a fan of these delightful pooches? Either way read on to find out all you need to know about these adorable members of the Doodle family.
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Double Doodle Quick Facts
Parent Breeds | Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever |
Height | 20” to 29” |
Weight | 50lbs to 80lbs |
Other names | Golden Labradoodle |
Temperament: | Intelligent, sociable, confident |
Best suited to: | Active family homes including those with younger children |
What is a Double Doodle?
While the Poodle cross breed’s popularity (collectively known as Doodles) began to grow in the 1970s and 1980’s the demand really took off in the early ’90s. Breeders were experimenting more and more with crossbreeding to create a whole plethora of Doodles to choose from. It was at this time that the Double Doodle started to be consciously bred.
The Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever x Poodle) and Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle) were already firmly established and popular Doodle subtypes by the early ’90s. I like to think that somewhere, someone really could not decide between getting a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle leading to a breeder suggesting the mix the two and see what happens.
What happened was the creation of an adorable teddy bear-like puppy with oodles of personality, love, and intelligence which is adored the world over by their owners. The Double Doodle has spawned hundreds of owner’s groups across the net where pictures are swapped, and potential litters discussed with many people being on waiting lists for more than a year to get one of these prized pooches.
Read on to find out more about each of the three breeds that come together to make the Double Doodle below.
Golden Retriever
A firmly popular breed, the Golden Retriever is often recognizable from its prowess as a guide and service dog breed. Gentle, patient, and intelligent these long-haired yellow pups bring a lovely nature to the Double Doodle mix.
Labrador Retriever
A sturdy, well-balanced dog with a tail that seems to always be signaling this breeds optimistic and outgoing temperament, the Labrador Retriever is well matched to cross with a Golden. Both have working dog credentials historically having been gun and water dogs.
Poodle
The Poodle that puts the “Oodle” in the Double Doodle. This astute, intelligent, and energetic breed also brings the low shedding allergy-friendly coat type to the genetic mix which is one of the key attributes of the Double Doodle.
Double Doodle Generations
So as the old saying goes, it takes two to tango. But wait, there are three breeds involved in the creation of the Double Doodle so just how do we keep track of the pairings that have gone on?
Breeders will commonly have a code system for tracking the balance of different breeds present in a hybrid pup. It can get a little bit confusing so buckle up and we will give you a quick run-down on the generation classifications of the Double Doodle.
P Generation – Pure Breeds
A dog that is considered a P generation is 100% purebred. These are dogs of a specific parentage line that has not been crossed with any other breed. The Poodle, the Golden Retriever, and the Labrador Retriever are all P generation dogs.
F Generation – Hybrid dogs
Humans have been cross-breeding dogs of different types for centuries to create new hybrids. The whole Doodle subtype arises from crossing Poodles with a whole variety of other breeds. In order to distinguish between the different levels of crossbreeding most breeders will classify their pups using the F generation scale.
F1
A dog that is a straight 50/50 mix of two purebred parent dogs.
Example: A purebred Golden Retriever mother and purebred Poodle father will have F1 Goldendoodle puppies. Puppies that are effectively half Poodle and half Golden Retriever
Similarly, breeding a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle would create puppies who are F1 Labradoodles.
As we know we required to mate a Labradoodle with a Goldendoodle to create a Double Doodle however as the Double Doodle would not have two purebreds as its parents it can never be considered an F1.
F1B
A dog that occurs when an F1 is backcrossed with one of the original breeds used in the hybrid. In this situation, the result pups will no longer be 50/50 split but rather 75/25.
Example: An F1 Goldendoodle is mated with a purebred Poodle. This increases the Poodle characteristics and results in puppies who are effectively 75% Poodle genetics and 25% Golden Retriever.
F2
A dog that is the offspring of mating two F1 hybrids.
Example: An F1 Labradoodle father and A F1 Labradoodle mother create F2 Labradoodle puppies. They are still just the product of equal quantities of the two parent breeds, so the balance of genetics remains 50/50 Poodle and Labrador.
F2B
A dog where the F2 is backcrossed with a purebred of the original lineage breeds.
Example: An F2 labradoodle crossed with a purebred Poodle creates F2B Labradoodle puppies. This again changes the genetic balance to 75/25 of the purebred combination the hybrid arises from.
F3
A dog where both parents are F2 hybrids.
Example: An F2 Goldendoodle mother and F2 Goldendoodle father have F3 Goldendoodle puppies.
Of course, dogs can be bred beyond F3 however at this stage they are generally referred to as multigenerational.
Multigenerational classification is also generally applied when discussing Double Doodle Lineage. As already stated, a Double Doodle can never be a P or F1 generation as it requires the crossing for two F1 hybrids as a minimum. In reality, Double Doodle parentage can include two-parent hybrids of varying classification for example an F2 Goldendoodle crossed with an F3 Labradoodle.
As each of the Double Doodle parents has Poodle parentage, they end up 50% Poodle genetics, 25% Labrador Retriever, and 25% Golden Retriever. As the Poodle always is the most prevalent this ensures that a Double Doodle nearly always inherits the low shedding coat attributes of the Poodle.
Double Doodle Temperament
The Double Doodle is often coveted for its sociable and lovable nature making them a firm favorite as a family pet. While a purebred Poodle can often be fearful or anxious around new faces, the Golden Retriever and Labrador’s confidence and inquisitiveness often override this in a Double Doodle making them a sociable and outgoing dog.
The Double Doodle’s desire to be around humans and seek affection however may rule them out as a particularly efficient guard dog. Anecdotally Double Doodle owners have suggested all a possible thief would need to do is to offer a belly scratch for this pup to gladly invite them in.
They do form incredibly close bonds with their families though and they can display a protective streak if they feel threatened. This is more likely to be some barking and posturing as they are not inherently predisposed to aggression.
A Double Doodle thrives when they can be a firm part of the family and are not suited to outdoor or kennel living. When socialized appropriately they cope well with both children and other pets.
Are Double Doodles Easy to Train?
All three of the purebred dogs that come together to make the Double Doodle have a long history of undertaking working duties to support their humans. The Labrador Retriever has a history as a gun dog and also displayed prowess as a fisherman’s helper being able to jump into freezing waters to collect snapped lines and cages.
The Golden Retriever and the Poodle both historically were trained to assist in receiving shot game from fields, lakes, and rivers.
Not only does this mean all three parent breeds bring intelligence to the mix they also have a built-in history of working collaboratively with their humans. This means generally the Double Doodle will be responsive to obedience training and often enjoy more challenging pursuits such as agility.
That is not to say it will always be a walk in the park, these smart cookies also inherit some of the Poodle’s mischievous streak. Being a bright dog, don’t be surprised if your Double Doodle can occasionally outwit you to suit themselves especially if food is involved.
They respond best to a positive reward-based training approach. As these dogs thrive on a close relationship with their human, negative or punitive training can quickly make them anxious and is more likely to make the unwanted behavior worse.
Double Doodle Size
Predominantly a Double Doodle will be a mid to large size dog. While the Poodle does come in 3 sizes, Toy, Miniature, and Standard, both the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever only come in one size.
The Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever are best matched in size to the Standard Poodle meaning they are generally bred with this. This creates a Standard Goldendoodle and a Standard Labradoodle which are well matched to crossbreed to create a Standard Double Doodle.
Standard Double Doodle: Height – 20” to 29” / Weight – 50lbs to 80lbs
In recent years though as a trend has been towards smaller dogs, breeders have worked at perfecting breeding the Miniature Poodle to both the Labrador and Golden Retriever resulting in Miniature Goldendoodles and Miniature Labradoodles. It is feasible for these to be cross-bred to create a Miniature Double Doodle.
Miniature Double Doodle: Height – 16” to 18” / Weight- 12lbs to 30lbs
Double Doodle Coat Type and Maintenance
The Double Doodle coat will vary from wavy, wiry to tight curls and as with any hybrid, there can be variation in coat types even within the same litter. The Poodle genetics mean they usually shed minimally but as a result, will need regular grooming to prevent hair from becoming tangled. A Double Doodle will require full brushing at least twice a week and more often if they are involved in very muddy or wet adventures on a regular basis.
Getting your Double Doodle comfortable with daily grooming from an early age will reduce stress both for the dog and owner. Care should be taken though not to over bathe your Double Doodle as this may strip out the natural oils making the coat drier and more likely to tangle. A full wash and shampoo should be minimized to every 4 to 6 weeks.
The Golden Retriever generally leads to them developing long coats which means that semi-regular trips to the groomers will be needed to avoid their coat obscuring their vision or becoming prone to matting.
As they have longer coats and floppy ears your Double Doodle susceptible to ear infections if dirt gets tangled in there. Owners will need to regularly inspect and wipe out their ears to avoid any build-up of wax or nasties.
Most Double Doodle owners favor a slightly longer coat to showcase the fluffy appearance and accentuate the bushy eyebrows, long floppy ears, and flowing tails that are characteristic of the breed and add to that teddy bear look.
Color-wise a Double Doodle can come in creams, black, brown, tan, or golden. They can be solid-colored or have some degree of spotting, normally white on a solid base color.
Double Doodle Exercise Needs
A Double Doodle combines three high-energy working dog breeds meaning they are not likely to be couch potatoes. Adult Double Doodles will need at least one good walk of 1 to 1.5 hours a day however they will happily do more.
As a very intelligent breed, physical exercise does not just tire out their legs but also allows them the opportunity to sniff, explore, and generally take in all the sights and sounds to tire out their gray matter too.
A well-exercised Double Doodle is much less likely to get into bother at home. While the Double Doodle is not predisposed to being destructive, boredom can be a sure-fire way to have them act out.
Their boundless energy plus smarts make them a perfect candidate for activities such as agility. They are also great candidates to be trained to undertake assistance dog duties.
Double Doodle Health
Overall Double Doodles benefit from good health. Introducing crossbreeding and hybrids into long-established Pedigree lines can be a good means of breeding out the parent breed’s problematic characteristics.
Joint problems
If a health concern is present in all three breeds, then it will most likely be passed on. In the case of the Double Doodle as the Poodle, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever are all medium to large size dogs they can be susceptible to joint problems.
Ensuring you purchase your Double Doodle from a reputable breeder who preferably can show health screening results for the parents can help avoid the most severe joint problems.
Addison’s
The Poodle family genes bring with them a predisposition to Addison’s Disease (an endocrine disorder where the dog does not produce enough cortisol) and as the Double Doodle is 50% Poodle they may be more at risk of inheriting this. Fortunately, if spotted early the condition is treatable.
Hypothyroidism
If your Double Doodle’s coat is looking poor or they are piling on the pounds it may be due to issues with their thyroid. Easily tested for this can be managed effectively with medication.
Diabetes
Yes, dogs can get diabetes too. This can affect Goldendoodles however making sure they have a well-balanced diet and keep within a healthy weight range can reduce the risk of the condition developing.
Bloat
Combining three mid to large size breeds means that Double Doodles are often bigger in size and can have varying degrees of the deep chest cavity common in the Poodle. This build can make the Double Doodle susceptible to bloat where food and gas can become trapped in the stomach which can quickly become fatal.
Some owners choose to have their Double Doodles stomach anchored to avoid twisting which can be performed at the same time as neutering. Other methods to avoid this include ensuring your Double Doodle does not undertake any vigorous or strenuous exercise in the 30 minutes to an hour on either side of eating.
Read our full article on what causes bloat in Poodles to learn more.
Lifespan of a Double Doodle
It is reasonable to expect a well-bred Double Doodle to comfortably reach their 10th birthday and on average live between 12 and 15 years. This means a Double Doodle is a sizeable commitment and they will be a part of your home for a significant time.
What to Feed you Double Doodle?
Your Double Doodle will be 25% Labrador, a breed which many owners will often despair with regarding their desire to be a canine dustbin eating anything and everything! Golden Retrievers can also be extremely food motivated meaning you may have to monitor your Double Doodle carefully to avoid them packing on the pounds.
Generally, a mid to large size dog, Double Doodles will require 2 to 2.5 cups of good quality dog food a day normally over two sittings. Bearing in mind they may be predisposed to joint issues many owners may choose to add in, even from younger years, supplements to promote joint health.
Are Double Doodles Hypoallergenic?
For most with a dog allergy, the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever are not compatible due to their tendency to shed. Introducing Poodle genetics generally results in Double Doodles inheriting a coat that is less prone to shedding. Less shedding generally reduces the amount of dander (skin cells) floating around which is one of the primary triggers for dog allergies.
While no dog is ever truly hypoallergenic the Double Doodle is much less likely to cause allergy woes than either the Labrador or Golden Retriever pure breed.
Other Double Doodle Options
In this article we have focussed on the most common Double Doodle pairing however there are other hybrid crosses starting to emerge and gain popularity. Although not officially known as Double Doodles they are still a cross of two existing Doodles.
- Bernese Labradoodle – Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle) and Labradoodle
- Aussie Labradoodle – Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd x Poodle) and Labradoodle
- Labramaltidoodle – Maltipoo (Maltese x Poodle) and Labradoodle.
- Golden Aussie Doodle – Aussiedoodle and Goldendoodle
- Golden Mountain Doodle – Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle (Golden Mountain Doodle Breed Guide)
- Golden Aussiedoodle – Aussiedoodle and Goldendoodle
- Aussie Mountain Doodle – Aussiedoodle and Bernedoodle.
With the popularity of the Doodle showing no signs of waning it can be surmised that this may be just the start of the Double Doodle options.
Is a Double Doodle the Right Dog for Me?
An adorable, loving, social, teddy bear-like, low-shedding bundle of energy. What is not to love? There is a reason that these dogs are so in demand and that is because of their ease of adaptability into many home situations.
While they are great in family homes a Double Doodle will do just as well in an adult-only home and when socialized appropriately can also get on well with other furry residents. For most people considering a dog, the Double Doodle ticks a whole range of boxes.
That is not to say they are a perfect match for everyone. If you have very limited space or are unable to give them the exercise, they need you may wish to consider a different member of the Doodle family.
While these dogs rarely end up in shelters it is always a good idea to check in case there is a pre-existing Double Doodle in need of a home. If you do decide to purchase from a breeder it is always best to do your homework as the current popularity of Doodles, in general, can result in some unethical breeding practices.