How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost in 2023?

Goldendoodle Characteristics

What happens when you mix one of the most popular, lovable, and energetic dog breeds with one of the most unique-looking ones? You get a Goldendoodle. With Golden Retriever and Poodle as its parents, this designer dog enjoys the best of both worlds. It is lively, intelligent, and affectionate like the retriever and energetic, hypoallergenic, and lovable like the Poodle.

Relatively a new breed that was developed in the 1960s in the states for the purpose of a guide dog, this breed comes in different sizes just like the Poodle, as different combinations are created using the standard and the miniature sizes. Moreover, the coat color also gets a wide variety here. Although the teddy-bear gold is the most popular one, Poodle colors like black, white, brown, cream, and red are also available in this cross-breed.

Their friendly nature, which is inherited from the Golden Retrievers, becomes one of the top reasons for it being popular among families with kids. Even with infants, these dogs will be very calm and gentle. Plus, their high intelligence also makes them highly trainable. Thanks to their parents who hold a place in the top 10 smartest dog breeds of all time.

What is the price of a Goldendoodle? 

Despite the popularity of the dogs, this breed is not recognized by any major dog club in the world. The cost of owning a Goldendoodle can be high because they are a designer dog breed. We will break down the price by categorizing it by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, grooming, and miscellaneous expenses.

Buying: $2000 – $4000  

The cost of a Golden doodle may be in a wide range depending on the type of breeder, physical features, age, gender, location, etc. You could find one for as low as $2,000 or as high as $4000 when you opt for a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed and its health. One major reason for this price is that breeders are still experimenting with perfecting this cross-breed. If you want a Goldendoodle puppy, the price can be about $2200. The price for a mini Goldendoodle may vary as there are different options like mini to toy-sized and teacup to micro. On average, you may find one from a reputed breeder for around $2500.

You can find Goldendoodle puppies under $1000 if you opt to get one from a puppy mill or a puppy farm. However, you should research the organization beforehand and check the health of the dog before deciding to bring it home.

Another option to get Goldendoodle puppies for under $500 is to adopt one from a rescue shelter. There are plenty of shelters in the U.S that can help you find a Goldendoodle. If you choose this option, there is no guarantee that they will have the specific breed or age you are looking for, but keep looking and you may find your perfect furry friend! If you choose to adopt a Goldendoodle, the cost could be around $100-$300. Adult Goldendoodles could even cost less!

Monthly costs for a Goldendoodle

Diets: $50-$60

Irrespective of the size of these doodles, the food should always be of high quality and vet-recommended. Choosing kibble with high meat and fish content is advised. You can even substitute a small portion of the bowl with beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, pork, or venison to support your dog during growth and development. Monthly costs for this could be around $50-$60.

Grooming: $50-$75

The breed is a hypoallergenic one, which means it doesn’t shed. But that doesn’t mean it won’t need brushing. It has a double coat which will need brushing at least once a week. For around $400-$450 annually you can get all the grooming requirements fulfilled for these dogs which include nails, ears, teeth, and coats. If you choose to groom your dog at home, the cost of grooming supplies could be about $50-$75.

Medical Costs: $700-$1200

During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300, and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.

Like all breeds, Goldendoodles are at risk for developing health conditions during their lifetimes. Some common health conditions for this breed include skin infections called sebaceous adenitis, a heart condition called subvalvular aortic stenosis, Addison's disease, and cataracts. There may be costs involved in treating the same:

Heart disease - $1500-$3000

Addison’s disease - $100-$200 per month

Cataracts - $3000-$4000

One-time costs for a Goldendoodle

Initial Costs: $400-$500

If this is going to be the first pet in your house then you will have to get some initial items set-up to help welcome your dog. This would include a bed, crates, leashes and collars, clothes, food and water bowls, etc. These combined could cost you around $400-$500.

Microchipping: $50-$70

The average cost of microchipping is around $50, but may vary from state to state. Along with a dog license, it could cost an additional 10-20 bucks. Spot pet insurance highly recommends every pet parent get their pets microchipped as it can help increase the chances of finding a lost pet.

Vaccinations: $250-$300

There are certain core vaccinations that a Goldendoodle would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.

There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Goldendoodle. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.

Miscellaneous $200-$300

There are some other miscellaneous costs that may come up during your dog’s life like dog walkers, obedience and training classes, pet sitting, and trips to name a few. You should keep around $200-300 aside per year for these expenses.

Lifetime Goldendoodle Cost

With a buying cost of around $2500 (less if adopted), initial and one-time costs of around $800-$1000 and then annual costs of around $2000 on average for its expected lifespan would cost an approximate $23,000-$25,000 over the course of its life.

How can Spot Pet Insurance help?

Spot accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverages from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot dog insurance plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options. Get in touch with us to know more!

Conclusion

These designer cross-breed dogs are smart, lively, affectionate, kind, lovable, playful, and almost everything you need in an excellent family companion. But with all these qualities, there are high costs associated. It may seem high but with the happiness and joy it is going to bring, it may feel worth it. Also, Spot plans can help cover up to 90% of eligible vet bills for covered conditions so that you can worry less about the costs. Now, go ahead and get your doodle home!

Happy Parenting to you and Lots of Love to your Pup!

Sources: