Updated 12/11/2023: When the Doodle craze started in the 1970’s the only size option for these designer dogs was LARGE. On occasion, you could find a smaller Goldendoodle that fell into the medium size range. But this was the exception, rather than the rule.
At the time, designer dog breeders were simply following conventional breeding practices. That was to mate two dogs that were close in size. This meant breeding a standard poodle to a purebred Golden Retriever.
But then something surprising happened. The union of these two large breeds sometimes resulted in very large dogs. Even though most male Goldens top out at a healthy 75 pounds and male Poodles are considered large at 70 pounds., a full grown Goldendoodle weighing over 100 pounds is not unheard of.
For many people the standard Goldendoodles were just too big, so breeders started experimenting with mating a Goldendoodle to a mini Poodle to create mini Goldendoodles. It didn’t take long for the miniature Goldendoodle to become a popular choice for many.
However, the mini Goldendoodle was too small for some people. This left anyone who was looking for a medium sized Goldendoodle, either hoping to find a small standard or a large mini.
But in the last few years more breeders are striving to breed medium sized Goldendoodles to meet the demand.
Medium Goldendoodle Guide
What is a medium sized Goldendoodle?
A medium Goldendoodle weighs between 36 and 50 pounds and is 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder. Larger Goldendoodles that are 50 pounds or more fall into the standard size category and a Goldendoodle that is less than 36 pounds will fall in the mini or petite size categories. See chart below.
Goldendoodle Association of North America Breed Standards for Size
| Size Range | Height Range | Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| Petite | Below 14 inches | 25 lbs. or less |
| Miniature | Over 14 but under 17 inches at wither | 26-35 lbs. |
| Medium | Over 17 but under 21 inches at wither | 36-50 lbs. |
| Standard | Over 21 inches at wither | 51 or more lbs. |
How is the Medium Goldendoodle Bred?
A Medium Golden doodle is typically bred, by mating a smaller Golden Retriever with a medium sized poodle. In Europe this poodle size is called a Moyen Poodle. Moyen poodles are recognized as one of the acceptable poodle sizes by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)., but not by the American Kennel Club.
Regardless, breeders saw the demand and brought this size to the United States. If a true Moyen Poodle is not available breeders will also use a smaller standard poodle or a larger mini poodle.
Goldendoodle Generations
Just like with the other sized Goldendoodles, these pups also come in various generations.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common Goldendoodle generations:
F1 Medium Goldendoodle: This first-generation cross involves a purebred medium sized poodle and a purebred Golden Retriever. The result is a Goldendoodle that’s typically 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever.
F1 B Medium Goldendoodle: An F1B is created by breeding an F1 Goldendoodle back to a medium Poodle, making it 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever. This generation often has a curlier coat and is more likely to be hypoallergenic, which is preferable for those with allergies.
F2 Goldendoodle: This is a second-generation Goldendoodle, produced by breeding two F1 Goldendoodles together. Their traits, especially in terms of coat type and shedding, can be more varied.
F2B Goldendoodle: An F2B is a backcross in which an F2 Goldendoodle is bred back to a Poodle. This generation will be 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Golden Retriever, typically inheriting the Poodle’s hypoallergenic and low-shedding coat.
F3 or Multigenerational Goldendoodles: These are Goldendoodles bred beyond the second generation. They can be a mix of various combinations like two F2 Goldendoodles, or an F2B bred with an F1B. The breeding at this stage becomes more intricate, resulting in a wider range of traits.
How to know if your Golden doodle will be a medium sized dog?
The first thing to do is find an experienced breeder that has been breeding medium sized Golden doodles for at least four generations, but the more the better. This will allow them the time to fine tune the sizes.
Next, ask about the parents, grandparents’ and great grandparents’ sizes. Genes that affect a dog’s size can be handed down from past generations. If any of the past generations are outside the medium range there is a chance that your dog can be outside the range too.
Finally, owners of medium sized Golden doodles reported that their pups that were 8 to 9 pounds at 8 weeks old grew to 40 to 50 pounds when full grown. However, this was just a small sampling and may not be accurate for your puppy.
How Accurate are Breeder Size Estimates for Goldendoodles?
In a recent survey, Mini Goldendoodle owners were asked if their doodle grew to the expected size. Here are the results.
- 58% of responders stated that their mini Goldendoodle did not fall within the expected weight range of their adult size.
- 45% expected their pup to be smaller
- 13% expected their pup to be larger
- 42% grew to the expected size.
When does a medium Goldendoodle stop growing?
Since the Goldendoodle is a mixed breed there is little information on the breed still. So to find the answer to when a medium sized Golden doodle stops growing we looked to the Golden doodle community. Medium Goldendoodle owners reported that their pups reached their adult height by the time they were 9 months old, though some continued to gain weight up until 18 months old.
Keep in mind each dog will have their own growth rate and it is not unusual to have a dog that stops growing sooner or later than these times.
Medium Goldendoodle Traits and Characteristics
Temperament
The Goldendoodle should inherit the friendly, intelligent, and affectionate nature of both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This makes them a great choice for families, especially if you’ve got young children.
They’re good-natured, which means they’re gentle and patient with children. Plus, they’re super smart, inheriting that high intelligence from their Poodle lineage.
This makes them easy to train, which is a big win if you’re looking for a well-behaved pet. However they do need proper training. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise.
They’re also fantastic as therapy dogs because they’re so intuitive and responsive to human emotions. And, if you need a guide dog or a service dog a Goldendoodle could be trained for that too. Their intelligence and temperament make them well-suited for such important roles.
Exercise Requirements
A medium Goldendoodle fits perfectly with active families, striking a nice balance in their exercise needs. They’re not the kind of dogs that demand intense, high-energy workouts, but they do need their daily dose of activity.
Daily walks are a must for these pups, and they thoroughly enjoy outdoor activities, whether it’s a brisk walk around the neighborhood or a more adventurous hike. Playtime is also high on their list, so things like fetch or a fun outing to the dog park can be great.
Given their smarts, they also benefit from mental exercise – think puzzle toys or some engaging training sessions to keep their minds active. This blend of physical and mental stimulation makes them ideal for families that are active but also value some downtime.
Overall, they’re adaptable and can easily fit into your family’s routine, whether it’s a weekend adventure or just a chill day at home.
Coat Types
Medium Goldendoodles, being a hybrid breed, can have a variety of coat types, each with its own characteristics. Generally, they inherit a blend of the coats from their parent breeds. You’ll find three main types: straight, wavy, and curly.
- Straight coat – is rarer, and resembles more of the Golden Retriever’s coat.
- Wavy coat – is a mix between the two breeds, giving that classic ‘doodle’ look.
- Curly coat – is more like the Poodle’s, known for its tight curls.
As for hypoallergenic qualities, it’s important to note that no dog is completely hypoallergenic. However, Goldendoodles are often recommended for people with allergies because they tend to shed less, especially those with wavy or curly coats.
These types of coats trap dander and hair, reducing the amount of allergens in the environment. This can be a huge relief for people who suffer from allergic reactions to dog hair and dander.
Regular grooming and proper coat maintenance are a must and can further help in minimizing exposure to allergens.
Keep in mind, though, individual reactions can vary, so spending time with the Goldendoodle before making a commitment is always a good idea if allergies are a concern.
Possible Health Problems and Life Expectancy
Generally, they’re healthy dogs, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues that can be inherited from their Golden Retriever and Poodle ancestry. It’s important for potential owners to work with reputable breeders who conduct health screenings.
Here are some of the common health issues to be aware of:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together perfectly, which can lead to arthritis or lameness. It’s common in many dog breeds, including Golden Retrievers and Poodles.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this is a condition affecting the elbow joint and can cause pain or lameness.
- Ear Infections: Goldendoodles can be prone to ear infections, particularly those with floppy ears. Regular cleaning and monitoring are important.
- Allergies: They can suffer from various allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies, or skin allergies. Symptoms can range from itchy skin to gastrointestinal upset.
- Heart Disorders: Some Goldendoodles may inherit heart conditions like valve diseases or cardiomyopathy, especially from the Poodle side.
- Eye Problems: They may be prone to eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: This is a blood disorder that affects clotting and is found in both Poodles and Golden Retrievers.
- Addison’s Disease: This disease affects the adrenal glands and can lead to symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, and weight loss.
- Cancer: Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers have a high rate of cancer, and this risk can be passed on to Goldendoodles.
- Thyroid Issues: Hypothyroidism is another potential concern, leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and coat problems.
It’s important to note that not all Goldendoodles will experience these health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can help maintain their health.
Life Expectancy of the Medium Goldendoodle
The medium goldendoodle tends to have a good lifespan, usually living around 10-15 years with proper care.
Medium Goldendoodle FAQ’s
Are Medium Goldendoodles Good Dogs?
The medium sized Golden doodle is a very versatile dog. They are small enough to cuddle up with, and big enough to go on hikes without worrying about them. Plus their medium build means that they are sturdy around kids but not too big to run small children over.
Depending on the breeding, medium Goldendoodles may be more relaxed as compared to a mini Golden doodle.
Do Medium Goldendoodles bark a lot?
Medium Goldendoodles are generally not known for being excessive barkers. Like any dog, they may bark to alert you of someone at the door or if they’re excited or seeking attention. However, their barking tendencies largely depend on their individual breeding, personality, training, and environment.
Goldendoodles, thanks to their intelligent and eager-to-please nature, can be trained effectively to reduce unnecessary barking. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques.
If a Goldendoodle is barking excessively, it might be due to a lack of exercise, boredom, or not enough mental stimulation. Ensuring they have enough physical activity, interactive playtime, and mental challenges can help mitigate excessive barking.
Are Goldendoodle Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes, Goldendoodles can be good apartment dogs, especially if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. Despite their energy, they’re known for being adaptable, which suits apartment living and smaller living spaces.
Their typically friendly and quiet nature means they’re less likely to cause disturbances, an important factor in close-quarters living. Regular exercise is key, so daily walks and playtime are essential to keep them happy and healthy in an apartment setting.
Additionally, their intelligence makes them responsive to training, which is beneficial for teaching good behavior in shared spaces. With proper care and attention, a Goldendoodle can thrive in an apartment environment, proving to be a loving and joyful companion.
How much are medium Golden doodles?
The average cost of medium Goldendoodle puppies is between $2,000 to $ 4,000. You can find them for less through puppy brokers, but I suggest staying away from them. These pups are typically not from health tested parents and often come from puppy mills.
You may find that some breeders charge extra for rare sizes like the medium. The true cost of your goldendoodle will depend on where you get them. To learn more about the goldendoodle’s cost, check out our post What Does A Goldendoodle Cost?
Where to find a Medium Goldendoodle
Look for a reputable breeder in your area that has a medium sized goldendoodle puppy. Buying from a local breeder is your best option to getting a well-bred, health checked Goldendoodle. Once you have selected a couple of breeders, call each one to ask detailed questions about the puppies, puppy’s parents and any concerns you may have with the breed.
Stay away from breeders that use a puppy broker or that will ship the pup to you. While some breeders may be ok, many are going to rely on the fact that you cannot visit their site to see what living conditions are like.
Reputable breeders care for their dogs and want to make sure each pup goes to the best home possible therefore they will want to talk to you directly.
Is the Medium Goldendoodle the right dog for you?
The medium Goldendoodle can be an excellent choice for a wide range of people, thanks to its versatile nature. Their friendly and adaptable temperament makes them perfect family pets, great with kids, and suitable for both active lifestyles and more relaxed environments.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a joy to work with, whether for simple house training or more complex tasks like therapy work. With their hypoallergenic coat options, they are also a viable option for those with allergies.
All these qualities, combined with their moderate exercise needs and loving nature, make the medium Goldendoodle a truly well-rounded companion that can bring joy and companionship to many homes.