What Is a Teddy Bear Goldendoodle?

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Goldendoodles look like teddy bears, so the term “teddy bear” in Goldendoodles may sound redundant or confusing. But did you know that there is such a thing as a teddy bear Goldendoodle and they are a special line of English Goldendoodles? If you think you already known for everything about Goldendoodles but never heard of the teddy bear types before then you better read on.

Origin

The Teddy Bear Goldendoodle was first developed in the United States around the early 2000s. The world’s first Teddy Bear Goldendoodle is named Fletcher and was bred by pairing a Poodle and an English Golden Retriever. In this case, the sire is an English Golden Retriever named Murphy while the dam or the mother is a Poodle named Georgette.

Fletcher is raised by the Smeraglia family on their dog farm in Robertsdale, Alabama.  Dog lovers Sherri and Judge Smeraglia were inspired to come up with an allergy-friendly dog after one of their children became severely allergic to Murphy, the family dog for several years. Sherri did not think about breeding her English Golden Retrievers until their third child, who developed hypersensitivity to dogs, was born.

According to Sherri, they decided to add the term “teddy bear” to the name of their English Goldendoodles because they got to see how the dogs looked like real life teddy bears the moment they were born. Indeed, it’s something that best describes the appearance of these dogs.

Fletcher was even the subject of a book, written by no other than his owner, Sherri. Fletcher the Very First English Teddy Bear Goldendoodle narrates the story of his birthplace presented with beautiful illustrations.

Appearance

As their name implies, Teddy Bear Goldendoodleslook a lot like teddy bears that have come to life. They are the offspring of Poodles and English Golden Retriever so it is possible they will have a nice balance of these dogs’ traits or more of one of them. Their ideal weight is around 35 lbs and should not be heavier than 55 lbs.

Many teddy bear Goldendoodles have a beautiful cream color, just like their Golden Retriever parent while some of them may also have an apricot or red coat color. It’s rare to find them in black, yet it’s possible to happen since black can be a recessive gene that arises in a litter.

These dogs have dark brown eyes which are levelled instead of slanted. Like their English Golden Retriever parent, they have wide and deep muzzles. This may not be evident, though, since their face is mostly covered with hair like their Poodle parent.

Personality

The Teddy Bear Goldendoodle has a calm temperament, which makes it ideal as a family pet even in households with young children. As an offspring of two smart breeds, it does not come as a surprise that the Goldendoodle is one of the most intelligent breeds you will ever find.

If you live in a household where someone has mild allergies to pets but want to have your own pooch, the Teddy Bear Goldendoodle is among your top options. They are also a great option if you want to have a Golden Retriever but you are concerned about their intense shedding.

Beyond their intelligence, the English Golden Retriever’s devotion towards their owners is one thing to love. They like spending lots of time with their “hoomans” so go ahead and shower your Teddy Bear Goldendoodle with lots of TLC!

Grooming

Teddy Bear Goldendoodles have a loose wavy and gorgeous coat which requires regular brushing to prevent knots and tangles. It pays to invest in a self-cleaning slicker brush to make grooming easier and faster. A slicker brush is ideal for curly and difficult coats but it should be made of fine bristles to avoid scratching the dog’s skin when brushing.

Like Poodles, they are prone to matting. These dogs can have mats even after a simple scratching. Some Goldendoodles even end up having mats around their neck after wearing a collar. Hence, it is important to use the right size of collar made of appropriate materials for Goldendoodles. Collars that will not irritate the skin like smooth leather ones are among the best options.

Aside from regular brushing or combing, Goldendoodles also need occasional trimming. You will need to remove the excess hair in their ears to avoid infections and around the eyes to help them see better. The hair between their pads also needs to be trimmed.

It will help to give Goldendoodles a sanitary trim. The area under their tail, including their belly area should be cut short for hygienic purposes. If you haven’t clipped or trimmed a dog’s coat before, simply take your pooch to a professional groomer for a sanitary trim.

Another important aspect of grooming that is brushing the dog’s teeth. A toothbrush with soft bristles is ideal for most dogs. If you want something that is easy to use, look for a brush with a long handle. Use it in combination with enzymatic toothpaste to effectively clean your dog’s teeth. There are toothpaste products that come in delicious flavors dogs will like, from chicken and beef to vanilla-ginger and peanut butter.

Teddy Bear Goldendoodle Health

These dogs are fairly healthy, since the English Golden Retrievers are considered healthier than the American Golden Retrievers. However, it does not mean its offspring will be totally free from any conditions common to the parent breeds. If you want to own a teddy bear Goldendoodle, here are some of the common conditions you need to be aware of:

1. Bloating – like other Doodle dogs, Teddy Bear Goldendoodles are at risk for experiencing bloating or gastric dilatation-volvulus due to their deep chest. The exact cause of GDV is unknown but experts believe feeding one big meal triggers it. Hence, divide your pet’s meals in smaller portions. Pet parents should not also let their pooch engage in physical activities right after eating or even offer large quantities of water after feeding a big meal.

2. Eye problems – much like their parents, these dogs can develop eye problems like cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Cataracts can affect a dog’s ability to see clearly once the opacity of their lens reached more than 60-percent. There are even reported cases of Golden Retrievers becoming blind at old age because of the Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis. GRPU is one of the top three eye problems of the breed, considered worse than PRA and cataracts.

3. Allergies – many teddy bear Goldendoodles suffer from skin allergies like their Poodle parent. The problem with skin allergies is that their exact cause can be too varied. Aside from food and medicine, which are the common culprits when it comes to allergies, dogs may also suffer from skin allergies because of hypersensitivity to dander and pollen. Although allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed by preventing the possible causes. If your pooch is allergic to certain food items, he will display symptoms like chronic diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems.

A health guarantee is offered by most breeders to ensure that a Goldendoodle is free from any infectious disease. If you received a guarantee from your prospect breeder, you will need to bring the pup to your own vet for an examination. In most cases, you will only be allowed to do it during a certain timeframe, usually during the first three days from bringing home your new pet.

Health insurance is different from the health guarantee. You may not need this at all, since Goldendoodles are not notorious for having a number of health issues. Given proper care and attention, Teddy Bear Goldendoodles will grow up in tip-top condition.

Exercise

Teddy bear Goldendoodles have moderate energy levels so a walk at the dog park or around the block is among the best types of activities for them. In general, dogs should be given at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. These dogs like staying indoors but they need sufficient time outdoors for exercise and socialization.

Some of the best activities for them include fetch and hide-and-seek. It is nice to incorporate games into your dog’s usual physical activities because it helps stimulate their minds. Mentally stimulating your pooch is as essential as providing it with enough physical activities.

There are simple activities that provide mental stimulation in dogs. They can be as simple as letting your pet sniff the surroundings during your time outside. Goldendoodles are intelligent dogs so it will not be difficult to team them new tricks.

Obedience training for Goldendoodles includes teaching them how to follow basic commands like sitting and remaining in their position. Repetition is key in teaching dogs basic commands. That is why you need to exert lots of patience when trying to train your dog, regardless if you own a smart breed or not.

Feeding

Dogs have unique needs so it is important to base their diet on their weight, lifestyle, and specific needs. For instance, a dog prone to skin problems and infections will need foods rich in healthy fats like salmon and fish oil. Some dogs even need to be supplemented with omega-3 and omega-6 for a healthy skin and coat.

Based on the dog food calculator, the recommended daily feeding of medium-sized dogs should be 1 and ¾ cup to 2 cups. For example, a 30-pound dog can eat no more than two cups per day containing 781 calories. This measurement was based on a standard 8-ounce measuring cup.

For young dogs, it is advisable to feed three to four times a day. This should be reduced to two meals per day since adult dogs tend to move less compared to puppies. Young dogs generally need to eat more since they move more and they have greater nutritional requirements.

Aside from following the recommended feeding amounts and frequency for dogs, pet parents should also be aware of food items dogs cannot eat. Foods you should never feed your dog include salty foods, chocolate, raw meat, and grapes as well as raisins. Likewise, fatty meats like bacon, salami, and ham are bad for a dog’s health.

Teddy Bear Goldendoodle Price                                                                       

The cost of Goldendoodles ranges from $2,600 to $3,000. They are a bit more expensive compared to other designer dogs because there are only a few breeders of these Goldendoodles. Once you found the right breeder, you will be put on a waiting list until the litter is born. Your waiting period will depend on your preferred color, gender, and size.

Adopting a designer dog is not only expensive. It also takes time because many breeders encourage pet parents to apply at least a month prior to bringing their puppy home. As you wait for your puppy’s arrival, it will be a good idea to prepare all the things he will need at home, including his food, grooming kit, and crate.

Important Reminders before Adopting a Teddy Bear Goldendoodle

These Doodles are playful and fun-loving creatures. Hence, you will need to puppy-proof your home and ensure it will be a safe place for your new fur baby. Medicines, cleaning agents, and any harmful chemicals should be stored in a place out of a dog’s reach.

Your teddy bear Goldendoodle should be given his own space at home, where he will feel safe and secure. It helps to provide a comfortable play and sleep area for your dog as this will make the dog feel more welcome in his new home.

Conclusion

Teddy Bear Goldendoodles have little to no sheddinglevels, which makes them suitable for people with severe allergies to pets. In fact, this was the reason why they were first developed. A dog lover had to find a solution to deal with her son’s allergies while still keeping her passion for dogs. If you are also fond of dogs but have family members who don’t seem to go well with pets, you may consider a Teddy Bear Goldendoodle as your safe choice.

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