Well you made it this far so I assume you are familiar, at least to small degree, what a Goldendoodle is. Well just to clarify a goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Depending on the generation and genetics, a Goldendoodle will have varying genetic make up of these two breeds.
So why did people start to doodle their dogs? I am sure that accidental breeding have occurred well throughout history. But when did this truly become purposeful? In the 1950s and 60s, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles were documented to be bred for a reason. It wasn't till the 1990's that their popularity really took off.
Some of the first documented purpose bred doodles were for assistance dogs. Labradors, and Golden Retrievers are often the go to breeds. However, guide dogs were needed by people with allergies. Poodles, being an obvious choice to consider due to their well known compatibility with those who suffer allergies, often did not meet the strict requirements needed in a guide dog. Labradors and Golden Retrievers were then bred to poodles thus creating Goldendoodles and Labradoodles.
Over time and with growing popularity doodling has become more science based rather than trial and error. In the mid 2000s GANA, the Goldendoodle Association of North America was created and has since become an independent breed club uniting breeders with a common goal of bettering Goldendoodles, establishing a breed standard and keeping a database of pedigree and health information.
And there you have it, the Goldendoodle. And I think they are here to stay!
