Goldador Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Goldador?

As with a lot of hybrid breeds, this is a relatively new breed. Developed near the end of the 21st century, the aim was to create a tolerant, sensitive working dog.

The Goldador has gone on to establish itself as an excellent guide-, assistance-, therapy-, and search and rescue dog. As it is a golden retriever lab mix, it is not recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), or Continental Kennel Club (CKC).

Who are Goldador dogs best for?

To put it simply, they can make great pets for anyone. The only thing that might put someone off is that they are an energetic breed that requires regular exercise. If you are looking for a less active dog and aren't as mobile yourself, this might not be the best choice.

Thanks to their Golden Retriever nature, they are a friendly dog breed that is great with kids and get on with other animals, so they will make a great family pet. They are great dogs for inexperienced owners because of their temperament and ability to learn.

Because of their caring nature, they are even a good option for older people or those with disabilities. The only thing to remember is that they do need to be exercised regularly.

How much grooming does a Goldador need?

Goladors shed all through the year, but their hair does not need to be trimmed. This means that regular brushing should be enough to maintain the coat. The two major shedding seasons come in Autumn and Spring, and daily brushing should help with this.

Bathing the dog every four to six weeks should be sufficient unless it gets dirty when playing outside. Regular ear checks, nail care, and brushing its teeth two or three times every week should also help you minimise the risk of ear infections, tooth disease, and sore nails.

Do Goldador bark much?

Goldadors are not known as being particularly vocal dogs, another plus point for this excellent breed unless you were looking for a guard dog.

Do Goldador bite?

All dogs can bite and nip when they are young so training from a young age and discouraging this behaviour is important. The parent breeds are both known as being good-natured with even temperaments, so it is unlikely you will have aggression problems with a Goldador.

If a dog does show signs of aggression, there could be an underlying factor, so visiting your vet and a dog behaviourist to diagnose the trigger is a key factor in resolving the issue.

What is the temperament & personality of a Goldador?

Thanks to their Golden Retriever and Labrador retriever parents, Goldadors are good-natured, friendly dogs that get on well with children, strangers, and other animals. This makes them excellent therapy dogs as well, as they are capable of reading human emotions and needs very well.

They aren't likely to bark or be aggressive, but training and socialisation are still important for all large breed dogs.

What is the weight & size of a Goldador?

On average, you could expect an adult Goldador to measure around 56 cm to 61 cm to the shoulder and weigh 27 to 36 kilos.

How much training does a Goldador need?

Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are naturally good trainers, and it only makes sense that this Golden Retriever Lab Mix will be as well.

Obedience training and socialisation of any dog from a young age will help with their temperament, and you will find a Goldador puppy takes after the parent breeds in training well.

This is why it is an excellent breed for first-time owners or to be used as service dogs.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Goldador?

Though considered a healthy dog, as with all other dogs, there are still some conditions they can suffer from. Keeping your eye out for any issues and taking your dog for regular checkups at the vet should minimise the risk of your dog suffering any long term issue.

Here are some of the most common health concerns Goldadors face.

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia - Large dogs can suffer from this hereditary condition. Hip Dysplasia is a common problem that many dog breeds suffer from. Like Elbow Dysplasia, it is caused by the bones around the hip joint not growing at the same pace, resulting in a poor fit.

• Cataracts - As your dog gets older, keeping an eye on its eyesight is important. If the eyes start to appear cloudy, taking the dog to the vet to check for cataracts is advised. Surgery can remove these and improve the vision of the dog.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy - PRA is another disorder that affects the eyes, and this can lead to blindness, but dogs can learn to adapt well. A reputable breeder will regularly have their dogs checked for this and won't breed those with the disorder.

• Diabetes - When blood sugar levels can't be regulated by the body, the cells struggle to get the glucose needed for energy. Despite leading to the dog eating more, it will result in weight loss. The dog will also start drinking and urinating more often. A change in diet and insulin injections can help to stabilise the dog.

What is the lifespan of a Goldador?

On average, you can expect your Goldador to live between 10 to 12 years. You can improve the average life expectancy of your dog by ensuring it eats a well-balanced diet and gets regular exercise. Frequent vet checkups can also help to diagnose any issues and treat them early.

How much should you feed a Goldador?

Your Goldador will require a well-balanced diet, especially as a puppy, to promote the growth and development of bones and muscle. Your vet and breeder should be able to help you come up with a diet plan and any alterations that need to be made as the dog grows.

You can expect your Goldador to eat roughly four cups of quality dry dog food across two meals every day.

What is the price of a Goldador in Australia?

If you are looking to buy a Goldador puppy, finding a reputable breeder is the most important factor. You should expect to pay $800 or more depending on the breeder and the dogs' parentage.

Reputable breeders ensure the dogs are well looked after and only breed healthy dogs, helping to minimise the risk of hereditary diseases being passed down. You should never buy your Goldador puppies from a puppy mill.