Guide: Goldendoodle temperament
Goldendoodle Temperament: What to Expect at Home
Goldendoodle temperament is the reason the cross exists. The Goldendoodle Association of North America describes the ideal dog as friendly, intelligent and confident, bred purely to be a companion. Both parent breeds earn top marks for family life. However, this is also an energetic, clever dog that needs exercise, training and company.
Goldendoodle temperament at a glance
The American Kennel Club (AKC) scores each parent breed out of 5 (Golden Retriever, Poodle).
| Trait | Golden Retriever | Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| Affectionate with family | 5 | 5 |
| Good with young children | 5 | 5 |
| Open to strangers | 5 | 5 |
| Trainability | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Need for mental stimulation | 4 | 5 |
| Barking | 1 | 4 |
Where the parents agree, a Goldendoodle is very likely to follow. Where they differ, as with barking, puppies vary.
What the breed standard asks for
The Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) puts temperament first. Its standard calls for a dog that is friendly, reliable and trustworthy, and stable around children, older people and people with disabilities (GANA). Hostility, timidity, nervousness and hyperactivity are all listed as faults.
In other words, a well-bred Goldendoodle should be steady, not just cute.
What each parent adds
The Golden Retriever side. The AKC describes Goldens as outgoing, loyal and eager to please, which makes them very easy to train. They are also quiet, with a barking score of 1 out of 5.
The Poodle side. Poodles are extremely intelligent, active and people-oriented. They bring quick learning and a stronger need for mental work. They are also more vocal.
The hard parts of the Goldendoodle temperament
- Energy. The AKC warns that a Golden without enough exercise is likely to misbehave. The same goes for a Goldendoodle, especially in its first two years.
- Exuberance. A friendly dog greets people with its whole body. Therefore, teach polite greetings before your puppy is big enough to knock someone over.
- Mouthiness. Both parents were bred to retrieve, so many Goldendoodles love to carry things. Give them toys, or they will choose shoes.
- Need for company. These are people dogs. Long, lonely days often lead to barking and chewing.
Does size change temperament?
Size labels do not predict personality. A mini and a standard Goldendoodle can be equally calm or equally busy, because temperament follows the individual parents and not the tape measure.
So ask to meet both parents, and watch how they greet you. See Goldendoodle sizes and generations for what the size labels mean.
How raising shapes Goldendoodle temperament
Early experience matters as much as breeding. The AKC recommends gently exposing Golden puppies to many people, places and situations between seven weeks and four months of age. Similarly, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior calls the first three months the key window for socialization.
Our puppies are born and raised inside our family home and handled every day. After go-home day, our puppy socialization checklist shows what to do next.
Related guides
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Golden Retriever breed information. akc.org
- American Kennel Club. Poodle (Miniature) breed information. akc.org
- Goldendoodle Association of North America. Goldendoodle Breed Standard. goldendoodleassociation.com
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Position Statement on Puppy Socialization. avsab.org
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026.
Looking for a Goldendoodle puppy?
Our Goldendoodles are born and raised inside our family home in Eagle Mountain, Utah, from health-tested parents. See who is available now.