The Goldendoodle was first bred by Monica Dickens in 1969.[1] Popularity for the goldendoodle grew in the 1990s[2] when breeders in North America and Australia began crossing Golden Retrievers with Standard Poodles.[3][4] The original purpose of the cross was to develop guide dogs suitable for visually impaired individuals with allergies. While the American Kennel Club states that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic[5], Poodles are considered by some to be hypoallergenic[citation needed]. Their coats do not shed[citation needed], which reduces dander[6]. Depending on the percentage of the cross breeding, some goldendoodles may have a larger percentage of poodle or Golden Retriever shedding traits and dander. Further, tangling or “matting” of their hair may cause shedding due to secondary factors such as scratching areas of irritation which loosens not only the primary coat but also the undercoat for the dogs which have them.
The Goldendoodle is referred to by some as a designer dog. The Encyclopædia Britannica traces the term “designer dog” to the late 20th century when breeders began to cross purebred Poodles with other purebred breeds in hopes of obtaining a dog with the poodle’s non-shedding coat, (but there is no guarantee they will inherit the coat of the poodle), along with various desirable characteristics from other breeds.[7] In regards to Goldendoodles, golden retrievers are considered a great family dog,[8] which is why they have been used to cross breed with poodles. Over time people made different kinds of Goldendoodles. A male Poodle bred with a female Golden Retriever produces an F1 Goldendoodle. A male Poodle bred with an F1 Goldendoodle is called an F1B (F1-back cross). F2 Goldendoodles are male Goldendoodles bred with female Goldendoodles. There are three types of Poodles; Standard, Miniature and Toy, meaning Goldendoodles come in all sizes.