Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a goldendoodle?
This "designer breed" is a crossbreed (two breeds purposely crossed together to produce a specific type of dog) between a poodle and a golden retriever. The goal is to have the laidback attitude of the golden retriever with the minimal shedding of the poodle. A goldendoodle has 2 main sets of genes which control what has become known as the goldendoodle look: furnishings (eyebrows, beard, moustache) and curl. Since 1 gene comes from each parent, a goldendoodle can have a widely varied appearance (remember Mendel's peas and the Punnett Square from high school?). When you think of the different genetic combinations possible, you can start to understand the beautiful array of goldendoodle looks.
This "designer breed" is a crossbreed (two breeds purposely crossed together to produce a specific type of dog) between a poodle and a golden retriever. The goal is to have the laidback attitude of the golden retriever with the minimal shedding of the poodle. A goldendoodle has 2 main sets of genes which control what has become known as the goldendoodle look: furnishings (eyebrows, beard, moustache) and curl. Since 1 gene comes from each parent, a goldendoodle can have a widely varied appearance (remember Mendel's peas and the Punnett Square from high school?). When you think of the different genetic combinations possible, you can start to understand the beautiful array of goldendoodle looks.
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Aren't goldendoodles golden? Why are there different colored goldendoodles?
We get this question a lot about our chocolate and black dogs but it's a simple question of genetics. Goldendoodles get their colors from both parents. Because of their poodle genes, goldendoodles come in a variety of colors including; black, brown, white, cream, apricot, red, silver, and parti-colored. Additionally, the golden retriever originated from the flat coated retriever breed. Flat coated retrievers come in black, chocolate, and golden - the golden color was selectively bred to produce the beloved Golden Retriever. The chocolate factor in golden retrievers is uncommon, but it does show up occasionally when crossed with a poodle carrying the same gene. So....combine the poodle possibilities with the recessive golden retriever genes and, voila! some absolutely GORGEOUS goldendoodles! |
What sizes are goldendoodles?
According to the Goldendoodle Association, goldendoodles sizes are as follows:
What we have found is that a litter will have a WIDE range of sizes. Our experience shows that there will be 1-2 puppies the mom's size, 1-2 puppies the dad's size, and the rest in between. This could give a miniature, medium and standard in the same litter. We use the following guidelines for our size categories:
Music City Goldendoodle sizing
It is difficult to tell the future size of an adult dog when it's a puppy. We look at the size of the adult dogs and the size of the puppies in comparison with previous litters. In general, the smaller the puppy, the smaller the adult, the larger the puppy, the larger the adult dog, topping out at the parents' height. But it's not an exact science and there is no guarantee. We've had puppies grow up to be larger than both of their parents, and stay smaller than both of their parents. According to the AKC, it is the adult size of the poodle that changes the classification between toy, miniature, and standard. We purchased our dog "Cassidy" as a miniature poodle puppy, but he grew to be larger than both of his parents and according to AKC requirements he is a small standard. However, he is exactly the height our family hoped for a companion dog.
According to the Goldendoodle Association, goldendoodles sizes are as follows:
- Petite = less that 25 lbs at adulthood
- Minature = 26-35 lbs at adulthood
- Medium = 36-50 lbs at adult hood
- Standard = 51 + at adult hood
What we have found is that a litter will have a WIDE range of sizes. Our experience shows that there will be 1-2 puppies the mom's size, 1-2 puppies the dad's size, and the rest in between. This could give a miniature, medium and standard in the same litter. We use the following guidelines for our size categories:
Music City Goldendoodle sizing
- "True" Mini = 15-25 lbs
- Large Minis = 20-40 lbs
- Medium = 30-50 lbs (but may range between parents sizes)
- Standard = 45-70lbs
It is difficult to tell the future size of an adult dog when it's a puppy. We look at the size of the adult dogs and the size of the puppies in comparison with previous litters. In general, the smaller the puppy, the smaller the adult, the larger the puppy, the larger the adult dog, topping out at the parents' height. But it's not an exact science and there is no guarantee. We've had puppies grow up to be larger than both of their parents, and stay smaller than both of their parents. According to the AKC, it is the adult size of the poodle that changes the classification between toy, miniature, and standard. We purchased our dog "Cassidy" as a miniature poodle puppy, but he grew to be larger than both of his parents and according to AKC requirements he is a small standard. However, he is exactly the height our family hoped for a companion dog.
Coat info
Are goldendoodles hypo-allergenic?
There are many things that cause allergies: dander, salvia, fur, environmental affects such as mold, mildew, and pollen that might be on the dogs coat. There is no such thing as a true hypo-allergenic dog. Certain dogs, like poodles, because they have hair instead of fur and they don't have the dander problems, are more allergy friendly than other breeds. Our poodle beau, "Cassidy," was selected because of family allergy problems. However, "hypo-allergenic" actually means "Having a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction". According to that definition, most goldendoodles are more allergy friendly than other breeds. However, there are some people allergic to certain proteins in a dog's system, so even supposedly "hypo-allergenic" dogs might elicit an allergic reaction in those people.
I have allergies, do I need a curly doodle?
No. When we started breeding goldendoodles, we - along with other breeders - would recommend a curly coat for allergy sufferers. However, as we have continued to educate ourselves about the science of raising dogs, we discovered that the gene associated with allergies/shedding is not the curl gene. If you think of dogs like schnauzers, maltese, and other allergy friendly dogs, they do not all have curly hair. So over the years, we have done our best to improve the coat consistency and allergy friendliness of our litters. We have learned about different genetic factors that affect allergies and we select our parent dogs to lessen the chances of shedding and allergies. So, almost all of our pups will be allergy friendly for most people and if you have severe allergies, we can recommend a litter which, due to the genetics, is particularly allergy friendly. And, guess what? It might be a litter full of wavy/straighter hair dogs!
Will my dog shed?
There is always a chance of shedding when dealing with a dog who has a shedding dog in its lineage but we rarely see more that "doodle tumbleweeds" from our dogs. Coat Questions
Do goldendoodles need to be groomed?
Yes. The exact amount will be determined by coat type and preferred style. The flatter or shorter the coat the less grooming; the curlier or longer the coat, the more grooming. A goldendoodle with more of a poodle coat will have hair that grows continuously, which is why there is minimal shedding. The down-side to this is that the hair will mat if not kept combed/brushed; we tend to keep our dogs in a shorter coat for easier coat maintenance. Trimming around the eyes, beard, and feet may need to be done between whole-body groomings. For more information, see Coat Questions
There are many things that cause allergies: dander, salvia, fur, environmental affects such as mold, mildew, and pollen that might be on the dogs coat. There is no such thing as a true hypo-allergenic dog. Certain dogs, like poodles, because they have hair instead of fur and they don't have the dander problems, are more allergy friendly than other breeds. Our poodle beau, "Cassidy," was selected because of family allergy problems. However, "hypo-allergenic" actually means "Having a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction". According to that definition, most goldendoodles are more allergy friendly than other breeds. However, there are some people allergic to certain proteins in a dog's system, so even supposedly "hypo-allergenic" dogs might elicit an allergic reaction in those people.
I have allergies, do I need a curly doodle?
No. When we started breeding goldendoodles, we - along with other breeders - would recommend a curly coat for allergy sufferers. However, as we have continued to educate ourselves about the science of raising dogs, we discovered that the gene associated with allergies/shedding is not the curl gene. If you think of dogs like schnauzers, maltese, and other allergy friendly dogs, they do not all have curly hair. So over the years, we have done our best to improve the coat consistency and allergy friendliness of our litters. We have learned about different genetic factors that affect allergies and we select our parent dogs to lessen the chances of shedding and allergies. So, almost all of our pups will be allergy friendly for most people and if you have severe allergies, we can recommend a litter which, due to the genetics, is particularly allergy friendly. And, guess what? It might be a litter full of wavy/straighter hair dogs!
Will my dog shed?
There is always a chance of shedding when dealing with a dog who has a shedding dog in its lineage but we rarely see more that "doodle tumbleweeds" from our dogs. Coat Questions
Do goldendoodles need to be groomed?
Yes. The exact amount will be determined by coat type and preferred style. The flatter or shorter the coat the less grooming; the curlier or longer the coat, the more grooming. A goldendoodle with more of a poodle coat will have hair that grows continuously, which is why there is minimal shedding. The down-side to this is that the hair will mat if not kept combed/brushed; we tend to keep our dogs in a shorter coat for easier coat maintenance. Trimming around the eyes, beard, and feet may need to be done between whole-body groomings. For more information, see Coat Questions
F1, F1b, F2, F2b, F3, Multigen - What in the world????
Yup, it's like another language and we still get confused :-) Here is the link where we try to explain.....Generations
Yup, it's like another language and we still get confused :-) Here is the link where we try to explain.....Generations
Click to set custom HTML
Goldendoodle Personality
What is the temperament of the goldendoodle?
Goldendoodles are intelligent gregarious family companions. In our experience, all of ours have a little "Good dog, Carl" in each of them. They are gentle with children and once introduced are generally at ease with strangers. They like exercise and are good retrievers. Our doodles are "people" dogs and even when raised in an environment with multiple families and multiple dogs, they know who "their people" are. Both golden retrievers and poodles are retrieving hunting dogs, and there would be no reason why the goldendoodle wouldn't perform well in that capacity. They are not guard dogs, but most are watch dogs and will bark at strangers entering their space.
Are goldendoodles good with children?
Goldendoodles are great with children. Our goldendoodles have been around children constantly and treat them with love and respect--very much in "Good Dog, Carl" style. The larger the animal the more tolerant it is to the accidental mishandling by children. A dog, even one with good intentions, sees a child as another plaything, and may try to playfully paw, growl, nip and tug at a child and cause serious injury. A child, even an older one, who does not respect the boundaries of a dog and have the dog's respect as a leader may inadvertently reinforce the dog's bad habit of protecting its boundaries by growling and biting.
All of us at MCG have been around dogs all of our lives and adamantly discourage leaving young children alone with dogs, or allowing dogs to be mishandled by children. In this photo, little Samantha, who has been around dogs and puppies since she was born, is surrounded by 3 people (in fact, you can see feet in the top corner). Our kids are not allowed to handle puppies without supervision and instruction because mutual respect is taught from birth.
Do goldendoodles like water?
Not usually when it's a bath.
Both golden retrievers and poodles are water dogs. While much of this is individual preference according to the dog, the chances of your puppy liking water is good. As a side note: "Cassidy" only takes a dip in the pond on hot summer days.
Goldendoodles are intelligent gregarious family companions. In our experience, all of ours have a little "Good dog, Carl" in each of them. They are gentle with children and once introduced are generally at ease with strangers. They like exercise and are good retrievers. Our doodles are "people" dogs and even when raised in an environment with multiple families and multiple dogs, they know who "their people" are. Both golden retrievers and poodles are retrieving hunting dogs, and there would be no reason why the goldendoodle wouldn't perform well in that capacity. They are not guard dogs, but most are watch dogs and will bark at strangers entering their space.
Are goldendoodles good with children?
Goldendoodles are great with children. Our goldendoodles have been around children constantly and treat them with love and respect--very much in "Good Dog, Carl" style. The larger the animal the more tolerant it is to the accidental mishandling by children. A dog, even one with good intentions, sees a child as another plaything, and may try to playfully paw, growl, nip and tug at a child and cause serious injury. A child, even an older one, who does not respect the boundaries of a dog and have the dog's respect as a leader may inadvertently reinforce the dog's bad habit of protecting its boundaries by growling and biting.
All of us at MCG have been around dogs all of our lives and adamantly discourage leaving young children alone with dogs, or allowing dogs to be mishandled by children. In this photo, little Samantha, who has been around dogs and puppies since she was born, is surrounded by 3 people (in fact, you can see feet in the top corner). Our kids are not allowed to handle puppies without supervision and instruction because mutual respect is taught from birth.
Do goldendoodles like water?
Not usually when it's a bath.
Both golden retrievers and poodles are water dogs. While much of this is individual preference according to the dog, the chances of your puppy liking water is good. As a side note: "Cassidy" only takes a dip in the pond on hot summer days.
About us.....
Who is Music City Goldendoodles?
Music City Goldendoodles is a family breeder located outside of Nashville, TN - Music City USA. Donna & Jerry raised 4 children and are active participants in the lives of 16 grandchildren. They live with their canine kids Penny, Truffles and Melody on a few acres near a couple of their adult kids and grandkids. Music City Goldendoodles also includes Jennifer, the oldest daughter and Amanda, the youngest daughter. The women of the families are the primary puppy caretakers but they are supported by husbands and kids. Jennifer is wife to Andrew, mom to 4 teenagers, and bff to Tessa, LillyBelle and Lacey. Amanda is wife to David, mom to 4 younger human kids, and canine kids Zoey and Oakley. Our niece/cousin, Janice, lives in Michigan with her family and her bff, poodle stud Cassidy. Donna, Jennifer and Amanda all help each other but take care of their own litters of puppies.
Can I visit your kennel?
We don't have a kennel, but you are welcome to visit our home. The dogs are our family companions and live in the house. While we love to show off our dogs, please realize that not all of the parent dogs are at the same location. Donna's dogs live at her home, Amanda's dogs live at her home, and Jennifer's dogs live at her home. In addition to the three main MCG families, several of our parent dogs live in guardian families so they are rarely available to meet. Since you will be visiting our home, please realize that we have lots of dogs, kids, grandkids, and company coming and going and we ask that you call or email first.
I notice you have Guardian homes, what is a Guardian home?
Our goal at Music City Goldendoodles is to send home a puppy ready to be a lifelong companion and canine family member. With this goal in mind, it is VERY important to us that all of our parent dogs are family dogs. None of our dogs live in kennels so when we find a pup we want to add to our breeding program, we find a "Guardian Family". A guardian receives their new family member at no cost but we retain ownership. All breeding associated costs will be covered us (i.e. health testing & litter expenses); all "pet" costs (i.e. Toys, worming, leash, beds, etc. ) are covered by the guardian. Our guardian home dogs live with their family for most of their life but they come stay with us when it is time for puppies. They visit us throughout the year so we are an extended family and they are comfortable and familiar with our home. They live with us while raising their puppies but start making visits home as their pups get older. Once the puppies are 6-7 weeks old, the mama dogs are ready to rejoin their family. The puppies barely notice mama is gone because the "aunts" and "uncles" that they have known their whole lives step in and share the puppy raising responsibilities. It is a win-win! The puppies receive uninterrupted doggy lessons and socialization and the mama gets to go back to her human family and restart her life of beloved family pet. For a daddy dog in a guardian home, he visits us for a couple hours or a couple days whenever we need his "services", then he goes back home. Currently our guardian home dogs include Sadie, Roxie, Ivy, Sundance, Hazel, Charlie, George, and several others. They all wonderful lives in their guardian homes.
Can I come and see the puppies?
We encourage you and other family members to come and visit the puppies before selecting one. Upon making your selection, we also have play dates--times when the new forever families can visit and spend time with their puppy. However, because of the tender age of the puppies and because of their susceptibility to parvo and other viruses we ask that you don't visit other breeders, parks, the vet, or pet stores the day that you visit us, and that you wash your hands thoroughly when you come. (Please remind us, if we don't remember.) A disease like parvo, which causes diarrhea in young, unprotected puppies, can sweep through a litter causing death to the puppies.
Music City Goldendoodles is a family breeder located outside of Nashville, TN - Music City USA. Donna & Jerry raised 4 children and are active participants in the lives of 16 grandchildren. They live with their canine kids Penny, Truffles and Melody on a few acres near a couple of their adult kids and grandkids. Music City Goldendoodles also includes Jennifer, the oldest daughter and Amanda, the youngest daughter. The women of the families are the primary puppy caretakers but they are supported by husbands and kids. Jennifer is wife to Andrew, mom to 4 teenagers, and bff to Tessa, LillyBelle and Lacey. Amanda is wife to David, mom to 4 younger human kids, and canine kids Zoey and Oakley. Our niece/cousin, Janice, lives in Michigan with her family and her bff, poodle stud Cassidy. Donna, Jennifer and Amanda all help each other but take care of their own litters of puppies.
Can I visit your kennel?
We don't have a kennel, but you are welcome to visit our home. The dogs are our family companions and live in the house. While we love to show off our dogs, please realize that not all of the parent dogs are at the same location. Donna's dogs live at her home, Amanda's dogs live at her home, and Jennifer's dogs live at her home. In addition to the three main MCG families, several of our parent dogs live in guardian families so they are rarely available to meet. Since you will be visiting our home, please realize that we have lots of dogs, kids, grandkids, and company coming and going and we ask that you call or email first.
I notice you have Guardian homes, what is a Guardian home?
Our goal at Music City Goldendoodles is to send home a puppy ready to be a lifelong companion and canine family member. With this goal in mind, it is VERY important to us that all of our parent dogs are family dogs. None of our dogs live in kennels so when we find a pup we want to add to our breeding program, we find a "Guardian Family". A guardian receives their new family member at no cost but we retain ownership. All breeding associated costs will be covered us (i.e. health testing & litter expenses); all "pet" costs (i.e. Toys, worming, leash, beds, etc. ) are covered by the guardian. Our guardian home dogs live with their family for most of their life but they come stay with us when it is time for puppies. They visit us throughout the year so we are an extended family and they are comfortable and familiar with our home. They live with us while raising their puppies but start making visits home as their pups get older. Once the puppies are 6-7 weeks old, the mama dogs are ready to rejoin their family. The puppies barely notice mama is gone because the "aunts" and "uncles" that they have known their whole lives step in and share the puppy raising responsibilities. It is a win-win! The puppies receive uninterrupted doggy lessons and socialization and the mama gets to go back to her human family and restart her life of beloved family pet. For a daddy dog in a guardian home, he visits us for a couple hours or a couple days whenever we need his "services", then he goes back home. Currently our guardian home dogs include Sadie, Roxie, Ivy, Sundance, Hazel, Charlie, George, and several others. They all wonderful lives in their guardian homes.
Can I come and see the puppies?
We encourage you and other family members to come and visit the puppies before selecting one. Upon making your selection, we also have play dates--times when the new forever families can visit and spend time with their puppy. However, because of the tender age of the puppies and because of their susceptibility to parvo and other viruses we ask that you don't visit other breeders, parks, the vet, or pet stores the day that you visit us, and that you wash your hands thoroughly when you come. (Please remind us, if we don't remember.) A disease like parvo, which causes diarrhea in young, unprotected puppies, can sweep through a litter causing death to the puppies.
Still more to ponder....
Do you require Spay/Neuter?
YES. We are not advocates of early spay/neuter but our contract states that you will have your pup spayed or neutered by 12 months of age. The pups are sold only as family pets and are not to be used for breeding.
YES. We are not advocates of early spay/neuter but our contract states that you will have your pup spayed or neutered by 12 months of age. The pups are sold only as family pets and are not to be used for breeding.
What is Puppy Preschool?
Puppy Preschool; Early Neurological Training, and The Rule of Seven is based upon the writings of Pat Hastings, author, and AKC judge. The goal is to reduce stress in the puppy as it encounters its new life, quicken the learning curve, and creating an emotional and mentally well-balanced companion.
When can I take my puppy home?
The puppies are not allowed to leave until they're eight weeks old. While we wean the puppies earlier, we believe that it is important to their emotional and physical health to spend the entire eight weeks with their littermates and with their mother so she can begin to teach them good behavior.
Do you travel to deliver dogs?
Not as a rule. But sometimes we can mix business and pleasure and combine delivering a pup with visiting out-0f-state family.
What can I expect when I pick up my puppy?
Puppy Preschool; Early Neurological Training, and The Rule of Seven is based upon the writings of Pat Hastings, author, and AKC judge. The goal is to reduce stress in the puppy as it encounters its new life, quicken the learning curve, and creating an emotional and mentally well-balanced companion.
When can I take my puppy home?
The puppies are not allowed to leave until they're eight weeks old. While we wean the puppies earlier, we believe that it is important to their emotional and physical health to spend the entire eight weeks with their littermates and with their mother so she can begin to teach them good behavior.
Do you travel to deliver dogs?
Not as a rule. But sometimes we can mix business and pleasure and combine delivering a pup with visiting out-0f-state family.
What can I expect when I pick up my puppy?
- Your puppy will have had its first set of vaccinations for distemper and parvo, and will have been wormed several times. He/She will come with a goody basket that includes:
- Puppy/Vaccination record (take this to your vet when you go for the first checkup.)
- Puppy food
- Toy
- Blanket with the smells of its mother and littermates. (We find that giving him a blanket that reminds him of home helps him settle down those first few days in his new home.)
What about dewclaws?
We at Music City Goldendoodles are constantly educating ourselves to assist in raising the happiest, healthiest family companions possible. One area which we are still discussing is the area of front dew claw removal. Recent research has given us pause about removing the dew claws off the front paw. Removal advocates site the possibility of injury from torn dew claw but our vet says she has never seen this injury. It is also more annoying to groom a paw with a dew claw. On the other side, some studies have shown that this dew claw assists in balance and traction, it contains muscle, and removal can cause arthritis. http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/dewclawexplanation.pdf At this time, front dew claw removal will be decided on a litter-by-litter basis. Please contact us if this is a concern.
We at Music City Goldendoodles are constantly educating ourselves to assist in raising the happiest, healthiest family companions possible. One area which we are still discussing is the area of front dew claw removal. Recent research has given us pause about removing the dew claws off the front paw. Removal advocates site the possibility of injury from torn dew claw but our vet says she has never seen this injury. It is also more annoying to groom a paw with a dew claw. On the other side, some studies have shown that this dew claw assists in balance and traction, it contains muscle, and removal can cause arthritis. http://www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/dewclawexplanation.pdf At this time, front dew claw removal will be decided on a litter-by-litter basis. Please contact us if this is a concern.
What type of puppy food do you use?
Currently we use Kirkland Signature dog food from Costco. Kirkland Signature seems to have quality ingredients and lower protein content, which is helpful for poodles and large dogs. A higher protein dog food can speed up their growth and cause future bone, joint, and hip problems.
Do you issue refunds?
Our goal is to find a perfect match of puppy with their forever home. Unfortunately, sometimes unforeseen issues arise. While we can't offer a refund we are happy to take back a puppy or an adult dog and absorb any future training, medical, and rehoming expenses. Our goal is not to make money off of this situation but to find the dog a loving environment that will meet its needs.
Do you ever have adult dogs?
Our breeding dogs are our family companions and will we remain so even when their breeding life is over. It is possible that we may occasionally have a dog to rehome, but only if we believe the dog will have a better life with another family. In that situation, we would be unlikely to advertise, but rather carefully select a family who has been recommended. If we ever need to rehome one of our pups, our desire would be to retrain and help it find a home as a service dog. Look under "Articles and Links" for rescue organizations that might have adult dogs.
I'm curious about being a Guardian home. What is the process in becoming one?
Email us and let us know you are interested. We have a interview process that you must go through before we can determine if you are the right fit.
Currently we use Kirkland Signature dog food from Costco. Kirkland Signature seems to have quality ingredients and lower protein content, which is helpful for poodles and large dogs. A higher protein dog food can speed up their growth and cause future bone, joint, and hip problems.
Do you issue refunds?
Our goal is to find a perfect match of puppy with their forever home. Unfortunately, sometimes unforeseen issues arise. While we can't offer a refund we are happy to take back a puppy or an adult dog and absorb any future training, medical, and rehoming expenses. Our goal is not to make money off of this situation but to find the dog a loving environment that will meet its needs.
Do you ever have adult dogs?
Our breeding dogs are our family companions and will we remain so even when their breeding life is over. It is possible that we may occasionally have a dog to rehome, but only if we believe the dog will have a better life with another family. In that situation, we would be unlikely to advertise, but rather carefully select a family who has been recommended. If we ever need to rehome one of our pups, our desire would be to retrain and help it find a home as a service dog. Look under "Articles and Links" for rescue organizations that might have adult dogs.
I'm curious about being a Guardian home. What is the process in becoming one?
Email us and let us know you are interested. We have a interview process that you must go through before we can determine if you are the right fit.
