A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. And the rumors are true: they’re smart and pretty. Every Thursday we’ll be profiling popular mix-up pups (also see: Puggle, Labradoodle, and Cockapoo) — and here’s what we’ve dug up on the the Goldendoodle:

What the Goldendoodle Is Like to Live With

Goldendoodles tend to be laid back most of the time, but they have a mischievous streak. They prefer to be with their humans and, if left alone too long, can become bored and destructive. A Goldendoodle will greet you in the morning with a slow tail wag and a look of anticipation. Exercise, play, and training will help sate his need for activity and time spent with your family. He is good with children who have been taught the proper way to treat a dog. While he’s dog friendly, he’ll likely ignore the cat.

Most Goldendoodles shed very little and are good for mild to moderate allergy sufferers. Many look as if they’re smiling all the time, which belies their good nature as well as ensuring many comments such as “Oh, SO cute!” from passersby.

Things You Should Know About the Goldendoodle

That mischievous streak can be controlled with obedience training and a firm hand. It helps to start training them early. Without training, you can expect toilet paper to be unrolled, the Thanksgiving turkey to be missing and the couch pillows to be strewn on the floor. Of course, a Goldendoodle’s playful nature is also rather charming.

Because the Goldendoodle is a cross between two breeds, you don’t know how much Golden or how much Poodle you’re going to get. Looks and personality can vary, even within litters. As with most “mixed” breeds, Goldendoodles tend to be healthier than purebreds. The main health concerns are hip dysplasia and inheritable eye problems.

Goldendoodle History: Fast Facts

The Goldendoodle arose in North America and Australia in the mid-1990s. After seeing the success of small breed hybrids, breeders tried a bigger version by crossing the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle.

The Golden Retriever was developed in Britain in the 19th century by Lord Tweedmouth, who wanted a dog to retrieve waterfowl. The Poodle is from Germany, and its image was seen in artwork as early as the 15th century. The Poodle is also a water dog and retriever. The Goldendoodle tends to have the more friendly demeanor of the Golden and the intelligence of the Poodle.

The Look of the Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles can have a variety of characteristics, from a shaggy to a loosely curled coat and a cream to reddish to black color. The most common is a moderately curly, golden-cream coat that is about 6 inches long if not groomed. Most Goldendoodles have athletic builds, bright faces, and those trademark smiles.

Quick Facts About the Goldendoodle

+ Goldendoodles weigh 45 to 75 pounds and stand 20 to 24 inches tall.

+ Their ideal human companions include moderately active types, those who enjoy dog/human sports, families with children, allergy sufferers, and owners who can provide much companionship.

+ Trademark traits include their moderately allergy-friendly coat, long or short turned-down ears, plumed tails, smiling expression, and mischievous demeanor.

Dogster readers: Do you have a Goldendoodle in your life? What are they like to live with?