Goldendoodles burst onto the scene in the 1990s and quickly became popular for their versatility and family-friendliness. A cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, the low-shedding Goldendoodle can inherit a real rainbow of colors from the parent breeds (especially the Poodle), including a rich and striking red.
In this post, we’ll rewind a few decades to take you back to the red Goldendoodle’s beginnings and how they came to be so beloved today.
Breed Overview
Height:
Up to 15 inches (Toy), 16–20 inches (Mini), up to 24 inches (Standard)
Weight:
20–35 pounds (Toy), 35–50 pounds (Mini), 55–70 pounds (Standard)
Lifespan:
10–15 years
Colors:
Red, cream, golden, silver, blue, apricot, black, chocolate, silver beige, gray, merle, brindle, phantom
Suitable for:
Any loving family, including families with children and first-time dog parents
Temperament:
Fun-loving, friendly, patient, intelligent, playful
In addition to an array of possible coat colors, the Goldendoodle’s size versatility is an extra perk for fans of this much-loved mixed breed. Breeders typically produce Goldendoodles in Toy, Mini, and Standard sizes, though the terms may vary from breeder to breeder.
For example, some breeders refer to Miniature Goldendoodles as “medium.” Goldendoodles are well-adapted to both city life and rural life as long as they get enough exercise.
Red Goldendoodle Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Red Goldendoodles in History
Breeders in both the US and Australia began developing Goldendoodles in the 1990s. The intention was to develop a dog that was intelligent, gentle, trainable, and low-shedding to appeal to allergy sufferers.
Both parent breeds—the Poodle and the Golden Retriever—brought something special to this mix. While the Golden Retriever contributed a sweet, patient temperament and high trainability, the Poodle injected a dose of fun and exuberance in addition to the hypoallergenic coat.
How Red Goldendoodles Gained Popularity
Though Goldendoodles were developed with allergy sufferers in mind, they very quickly soared in popularity with dog lovers everywhere thanks to their great temperaments, adaptability, and low-shedding coats.
The Goldendoodle’s appeal later broadened further when it started to become apparent what fantastic candidates these dogs make for service and therapy dog training. Dogs selected for service training must possess very specific traits, including steadiness, friendliness, and an eagerness to please—traits that Goldendoodles typically have in abundance.
To develop the Goldendoodle further and add to their versatility, breeders began producing dogs of various sizes to appeal to people from all walks of life. This stretched their appeal to include people living in all kinds of homes, from apartments to mansions (Goldendoodles are a hit with celebrities, too, including Jennifer Aniston).
Formal Recognition of Red Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles aren’t officially recognized by kennel clubs—including the American Kennel Club, The Kennel Club, and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale—because they’re not pure breeds. Doodle dogs are sometimes referred to as “designer breeds” or “hybrid breeds.”
However, the two parent breeds have long been recognized by major clubs. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Poodle in 1887, and Golden Retrievers a few decades later in 1925. Both were developed as hunting breeds, the Golden Retriever in Scotland, and the Poodle in Germany. This may surprise some, given that the Poodle is so commonly associated with France and is even the country’s national dog.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Goldendoodles
1. The Red Goldendoodle’s Coat Changes As It Grows
Many Red Goldendoodle puppies start with a rich, dark red coat that gradually lightens and transitions into a permanently lighter shade as they reach adulthood.
Even with the deepest red hues, you may notice some fading over time, so don’t be surprised if your vibrant red Goldendoodle puppy loses some of its color. This is a natural process and nothing to be concerned about.
2. Red Goldendoodles Are One of the Most Popular Doodle Variants
The Red Goldendoodle stands out as one of the most sought-after variants of the Goldendoodle breed, thanks to its stunning, vibrant coat and charming personality. With their striking appearance and affectionate nature, it’s hard to resist the allure of these delightful dogs!
3. Red Goldendoodles Inherit their Red Coats Thanks to The MC1R Gene
Red Goldendoodles get their beautiful red coats primarily through the way their inherited genes control pigment production. In dogs, coat color is largely determined by the balance between two types of pigments: eumelanin (which produces darker shades like black or brown) and pheomelanin (which produces red or yellow tones).
One important gene, called Melanocortin 1 Receptor or MC1R, influences whether a dog produces a red pigment (pheomelanin) or a darker pigment. When a Goldendoodle inherits two copies of a version of this gene that limits MC1R’s function, the dog ends up producing mostly the red pigment. Other genes also help determine the exact shade, which is why you might see anything from a rich red to a softer, apricot tone.
Does a Red Goldendoodle Make a Good Pet?
The Goldendoodle’s patience and devotion have made them famous for their family-friendliness. They’re typically very affectionate and outgoing with every member of the family, from the littlest to the biggest, and they love spending time with people.
Nevertheless, this dog doesn’t come without a bit of work on your part. Every dog, regardless of breed, needs to be trained and socialized to ensure they grow into well-adjusted companion dogs.
When you first bring your Goldendoodle home, whether they’re a puppy or an adult, you’ll want to start gradually socializing them with members of the family, other people, and other dogs, as well as training them to follow basic commands so they don’t become difficult to manage. These dogs have a lot of energy and, if they have no boundaries, they could create a fair bit of havoc.
Conclusion
Goldendoodles of all colors descend from Golden Retrievers and Poodles, two highly intelligent breeds that are renowned for their trainability and affectionate natures. Though Goldendoodles were developed largely for companionship, over the past few decades, they’ve proven themselves just as hardworking as their parent breeds, especially as service and therapy dogs.
See also:
- White Goldendoodle: Pictures, Facts & History
- Cockapoo vs Goldendoodle: The Differences (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock
