How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodle Life Expectancy Factors
You and your Goldendoodle’s time together is precious, and although no one wants to actually think about the time that you’ll have to part, it is useful to know how long this is going to last. I was recently surprised to find out that one of my own dogs was actually 9 years old, or at least nine years since she was rescued. Knowing my doodle’s life expectancy helps prepare me for that inevitable season when we are separated.
A Goldendoodle lives to be 10 to 15 years old on average, though many factors contribute to a Goldendoodle’s lifespan. Their life expectancy can be extended with well planned veterinary care, a loving home, and attention to dietary needs.
The best way to ensure that your Goldendoodle lives as long and healthy a life as possible is to research and be aware of potential health risks your puppy may inherit. Providing preventive care, a healthy diet, and proper exercise will maximize your time together.
What Affects The Life Expectancy Of A Goldendoodle?
To determine how long Goldendoodles live (barring disease or injury) requires examining the life expectancy of their parental breeds and the impact of genetic diversity. Heredity in dogs is one of several determining factors in their lifespan, especially the health issues inherited from each of the parent breeds. Canine breeding involves some intentional genetic control, thanks to human interference, and can introduce an unintended weakness in some puppies and eliminate other common infirmities in other litters. Possible conditions that can be passed to the offspring are detailed here for both parents.
Golden Retrievers
Common health issues in Golden Retrievers include the following:
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV
- Cancer
- Cardio and Respiratory Issues
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV – Food and gas can cause the stomach to dilate or expand to the point that neither can be expelled. It can progress to the point where the entire stomach rotates (called volvulus) within the abdomen and restricts blood flow to vital organs.
Cancer is a major factor in Golden Retriever mortality. According to a health report published by the GRCA (Golden Retriever Club of America), It is estimated that close to 60% of Golden Retrievers will die of some sort of malignancy. These cancers include hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, and mastocytoma. If detected early, many of these cancers are treatable.
The most common cardio ailment in Golden Retrievers is Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (left ventricular hypertrophy, subvalvular ridge, aortic insufficiency).
Hip dysplasia is a result of a malformed hip socket. Symptoms of dysplasia are lameness, stiffness, and can result in arthritis. This is not directly a factor in life expectancy but can result in infections that can increase your pet’s health issues.
Von Willebrand’s is a bleeding disorder in dogs (and humans). It is a form of Hemophilia – a lowered blood clotting protein resulting in bruising, nosebleeds, and wounds that will not scab over. This disease should be tested for before any surgery is performed, and is treated with a veterinary prescribed drug such as desmopressin.
Poodles
The Poodle breed has been around for over 400 years and shares a few of the hereditary weakness of their water dog counterparts, the Golden Retriever.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Hepatitis
- Retinal Atrophy
These hereditary ailments can be screened for on the reputable breeder end.
What Health Problems Do Goldendoodles Have?
Goldendoodles can inherit the conditions listed above that are common to both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This is why it is vital to use a reputable breeder from the outset and ask for the litter’s parent certifications.
Your breeder can be asked for DNA tests for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, hip certification from an orthopedic foundation, heart certification, and clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.
Standard size Goldendoodles lineage should be cleared for hip issues, and smaller sizes checked for an OFA knee clearance.
Getting a “vet checked” clearance for your puppy is not sufficient…always use a breeder that can provide extensive records for their litters.
Can Your Dog Live Longer? Extending the Life of Your Goldendoodle
There are several things pet parents can do to secure their Goldendoodles long, healthy, and happy life. This is possible through preventive care, activity, and love.
- Love and Affection—returning the kindness, loyalty, and love that Goldendoodles extend to their owners
- Veterinary Care—including regular check-ups, vaccinations
- Nutritious Feeding—ensuring a balanced diet
- Precise Feeding Schedule—avoiding canine obesity
- Grooming—attention to the health of the skin, ears, fur, paws, nails, etc.
- Socialization—providing companionship and contact with others
- Mental Stimulation—providing training, learning, and playtime to develop and maintain mental acuity
- Physical Activity—physical health through walking and playing as often as possible
I know that most fur baby parents would go to great lengths to keep their dogs around as long as possible, and the best way to achieve this is to pay attention to the elements we CAN control.
People and dogs have been together for thousands of years, and our relationship with them has evolved from mere livestock to close family members. Goldendoodles are loving and devoted partners and we willingly accept the responsibility to care for them as we would for our own kids.
