The Goldendoodle was first bred by Monica Dickens in 1969. Popularity for the Goldendoodle grew in the 1990s when breeders in North America and Australia began crossing Golden Retrievers with Standard Poodles. The original purpose of the cross was to develop guide dogs suitable for visually impaired individuals with allergies. Poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic. Their coats do not shed, which reduces dander. Dander is a protein that sheds from the skin and causes allergies in humans.
The Goldendoodle is referred to as a designer dog. The Encyclopedia Britannia traces the term "designer dog" to the late 20th century when breeders began to cross purebred Poodles with other purebred breeds in order to obtain a dog with the poodle's non-shedding coat, along with various desirable characteristics from other breeds. In regards to Goldendoodles, golden retrievers are considered a great family dog, which is why they have been used to cross breed with poodles. |