Apricot Goldendoodle: History & Facts (With Pictures)
A Comprehensive Guide to the Adorable Apricot Goldendoodle
Are you looking for a loving, intelligent, and beautiful canine companion? Look no further than the apricot Goldendoodle! With their gorgeous apricot-hued coats, friendly personalities, and lovable nature, these delightful dogs have captured the hearts of countless owners. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into the fascinating world of apricot Goldendoodles, exploring their history, characteristics, grooming needs, trainability, and more. Get ready to fall in love with these charming pooches!
What is an Apricot Goldendoodle?
The Goldendoodle is a relatively new hybrid dog breed that was first developed in the 1990s by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle (usually a Standard or Miniature Poodle). The goal was to create a dog with the friendly, outgoing personality of the Golden Retriever and the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. Goldendoodles come in a variety of colors, including apricot.
Apricot is a light orange or yellow-orange shade that falls between golden and cream. It‘s a highly sought-after color in Goldendoodles because of its warm, appealing appearance. To get an apricot Goldendoodle, at least one of the parent dogs (usually the Poodle) must carry the apricot gene. Apricot Goldendoodles can range from a very light, almost cream shade to a rich, dark apricot color.
Physical Characteristics of Apricot Goldendoodles
Since Goldendoodles are a mix of two breeds, their appearance can vary quite a bit. They may favor their Golden Retriever or Poodle parent more heavily in looks. In general, Goldendoodles are medium to large sized dogs with sturdy, athletic builds. Here are some common physical traits:
Size: Standard Goldendoodles typically stand 20-24 inches tall and weigh 50-90 pounds. Medium Goldendoodles are 17-20 inches tall and weigh 40-50 pounds. Miniature Goldendoodles are 13-17 inches tall and weigh 15-35 pounds.
Coat: Thanks to their Poodle heritage, most Goldendoodles have a low- shedding, single-layer coat that is either wavy or curly in texture. The apricot shade can range from pale to deep. Grooming needs are moderate to high to prevent matting.
Head: A broad head with floppy ears, kind eyes, and a medium-length muzzle. The nose is typically black or brown.
Body: An athletic, proportionate body that is slightly longer than tall. The neck is medium in length, the topline is level, and the chest is deep.
Tail: The tail is usually long and either straight or with a slight curve. It is covered in the same wavy or curly hair as the body.
Goldendoodle Temperament and Personality
One of the main reasons why Goldendoodles have exploded in popularity is their wonderful temperaments. As a mix of two very friendly, people-oriented breeds, Goldendoodles tend to be outgoing, affectionate, and eager to please. They make excellent family dogs and do well with children.
Goldendoodles are also known for their intelligence and trainability. Like their parent breeds, they are smart cookies who catch on quickly to new commands. They excel in obedience, agility, therapy work, and other dog sports. Early socialization and training is important to nurture their naturally happy-go-lucky personalities.
While they can adapt to many different living situations, Goldendoodles do best in homes where they receive plenty of attention and exercise. They thrive on human companionship and don‘t like to be left alone for long periods. If you work long hours, doggy daycare or a pet sitter may be necessary.
Some other notable Goldendoodle personality traits include:
- Friendly, social nature; good with strangers
- Gets along well with other dogs and pets
- Playful and energetic; retains a puppy-like spirit even in adulthood
- Sensitive and in-tune with human emotions
- Rarely aggressive; good watchdog but not great guard dog
- Can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too much
- Some have a high prey drive and will chase small animals
Exercise and Activity Level
Goldendoodles are energetic dogs that need a good deal of daily exercise. Expect to provide at least 30-60 minutes per day of walking, playing, and running. They enjoy long walks, hikes, trips to the dog park, swimming (if introduced to water early) and games like fetch. Mental stimulation in the form of puzzle toys, treat dispensers, and training sessions is also important to keep their bright minds engaged.
Without proper exercise outlets, Goldendoodles can become bored and destructive. Common behavior problems like excessive chewing, barking, or digging can crop up. Fortunately, these are easily prevented with an active lifestyle and positive reinforcement training.
Grooming and General Care
Apricot Goldendoodles have moderate to high grooming needs. While they are considered low-shedding and hypoallergenic, their thick, curly coats require regular maintenance to stay healthy and tangle-free. Expect to brush your Goldendoodle at least 3 times per week, if not daily. Slicker brushes and metal combs work well to detangle and remove any mats or debris.
In addition to brushing, Goldendoodles need their coats trimmed every 2-3 months. You can learn to do this yourself with good clippers or take them to a professional groomer. Many Doodle owners keep their dogs in a shorter "puppy cut" style to make maintenance easier.
Other general care tasks include:
- Brushing teeth daily or providing dental chews
- Cleaning ears weekly with a vet-approved cleaner
- Trimming nails every 3-4 weeks
- Bathing every 4-8 weeks with a gentle, dog-specific shampoo
Lifespan and Health Concerns
Apricot Goldendoodles have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. As a hybrid of two generally healthy breeds, they can inherit the best of both dogs. However, there are some genetic health conditions to be aware of, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy
- Von Willebrand‘s disease (a blood clotting disorder)
- Allergies and skin problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat/gastric torsion
- Certain cancers
The best way to avoid many serious health issues is to get your Goldendoodle from a responsible breeder who does thorough health testing on parent dogs. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, feeding a high-quality diet, staying up to date on preventative care, and visiting the vet regularly for check-ups will also go a long way towards a long, healthy life.
Goldendoodle Trainability and Intelligence
Thanks to their Golden Retriever and Poodle DNA, apricot Goldendoodles are very smart and highly trainable. They are people-pleasers with a strong desire to learn new things and earn their owners‘ praise. Positive reinforcement methods using treats, toys, and verbal encouragement work wonders to motivate Goldendoodles in training.
Start training and socializing your puppy from a young age (8 weeks or so). Even though they are friendly by nature, gradual exposure to new people, dogs, sights, and sounds will boost their confidence. Puppy training classes are an excellent way to work on manners and bond with your new dog.
Goldendoodles respond best to upbeat, reward-based training sessions. Keep lessons short and fun to hold their attention. Repetition and consistency is key. With time and patience, these bright dogs can master an impressive array of obedience commands, tricks, and tasks.
Finding an Apricot Goldendoodle
If your heart is set on an apricot Goldendoodle, prepare to do some research to find a puppy. Since this is a newer, trendier color, there may be a waiting list. Expect to pay anywhere from $2000 to $5000 for a well-bred apricot Goldendoodle puppy.
Look for a responsible breeder who specializes in Goldendoodles and does genetic health testing on their dogs. They should be able to provide health clearances for the parents. Avoid pet stores, online ads, or backyard breeders, as these sources may not be reputable. A good breeder will invite you to tour their facility, meet the parents, and ask you questions to ensure their puppies are going to good homes.
You may also want to look into Goldendoodle rescue organizations. Some may have apricot adolescent or adult Goldendoodles in need of homes. Adopting an older dog allows you to skip the time-consuming puppy stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goldendoodles:
Are Goldendoodles good apartment dogs?
Goldendoodles can adapt well to apartment life if they get enough daily exercise and mental stimulation. They are moderate barkers and have friendly, social personalities.
Do apricot Goldendoodles change color as they grow?
Most Goldendoodle puppies are born a darker apricot shade and lighten up as they mature. The final color is usually set by 2 years old. Some may also develop more white/gray hairs as they enter their senior years.
Are apricot Goldendoodles more expensive than other colors?
Apricot is considered a premium color, so apricot Goldendoodle puppies may cost slightly more than tan, black, or parti-colored Goldendoodles. However, other rare colors like red or chocolate are sometimes even pricier.
Can apricot Goldendoodles be left alone during the day?
Goldendoodles do best in homes where people are around for much of the day. They thrive on attention and companionship. If left alone for long stretches, separation anxiety may develop. It‘s best if someone can let them out and spend time with them every 4 hours or so.
How big do apricot Goldendoodles get?
The full-grown size of a Goldendoodle depends on what size Poodle they are crossed with. Standard Goldendoodles with Standard Poodle parents are the largest at 50-90 pounds. Miniature Goldendoodles with Miniature Poodle parents are smaller at 15-35 pounds. There are also medium-sized Goldendoodles that fall in between.
Final Thoughts
The apricot Goldendoodle is a beautiful dog inside and out. With their cheerful dispositions, keen intelligence, and ability to melt hearts with a single look, it‘s no wonder these friendly pups are rising stars in the pet world. Though their grooming needs are relatively high, the joys of having an apricot Goldendoodle in your life far outweigh the extra brushing sessions. If you are looking for a loving, devoted, gorgeous companion to share your days with, an apricot Goldendoodle may just be your perfect match!
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