How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost in 2023?

Goldendoodle Characteristics

Can you guess what happens when you mix one of the most popular, lovable, and energetic dog breeds with one of the most intelligent and recognizable ones? The answer is: You get a Goldendoodle. With Golden Retriever and Poodle genes, this designer dog has the best of both worlds. Goldendoodles are lively, affectionate, hypoallergenic, and intelligent. Is there anything else that you could ask for in your next furbaby?

The Goldendoodle is a relatively new breed, developed in the 1960s in the United States. Originally bred to perform as a guide dog, this breed comes in multiple different sizes just like the Poodle, and can be found in miniature or standard sizes. The coat of the Goldendoodle comes in a variety of colors, with at least one option sure to capture your eye and your heart. Although the teddy bear gold is the most popular coat color, Poodle colors like black, white, brown, cream, and red are also available.

The Goldendoodle's friendly nature, which is inherited from the Golden Retriever, has become one of the top reasons that they are popular among families, especially those with kids. These dogs are known to remain calm and gentle, even when around babies. Plus, thanks to their parents, who are each listed in the top 10 smartest dog breeds of all time, Golden Doodles are highly trainable. One thing to note though, despite the popularity of the Goldendoodle, the breed is not recognized by any of the major dog clubs throughout the world.

What is the price of a Goldendoodle? 

To add a Goldendoodle puppy to your family, you can expect to pay a premium because of their status as a designer breed. In the following sections, we will break down the lifetime price of owning a Goldendoodle by breaking costs down into multiple categories; initial purchase or adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, grooming, and miscellaneous expenses.

Buying: $2000 – $4000  

The cost of a Goldendoodle can vary widely depending on the breeder, physical features, age, gender, and location of your puppy. On the low end for a Goldendoodle, you can expect to pay about $2,000 or as high as $4000 when you opt for a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed and its health, or when you opt for a puppy with a championship bloodline. One major reason for this price is that breeders are still experimenting with perfecting this cross-breed.

If you want a Goldendoodle puppy, the average price can be about $2200. The price for a mini Goldendoodle may vary as there are different options from 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 purchase from a puppy mill or puppy farm. However, you should research the organization beforehand and check the health of the dog before deciding to bring it home. The puppy may not come with a health guarantee.

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! Many shelters have an online kennel that you can look through regularly as you search for your next best 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, their food should always be of high quality and vet-recommended. Choosing kibble with high meat and fish content is highly recommended. 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. The monthly cost for this could be around $50-$60. If you are still unsure what the best food is for your puppy, don't hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for help.

Grooming: $50-$75

The Goldendoodle is a hypoallergenic breed, which means it doesn’t shed. But that doesn’t mean it won’t need brushing. Goldendoodles have a double coat which will need to be brushed at least once a week. For around $400-$450 annually you can get all the fulfill all of the grooming requirements 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 their first few years of life, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times each year. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300, and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests as well as other preventive care treatments recommended by your veterinarian. If your vet determines that your pet needs additional examinations or tests these could cost you another $300-$400.

Like all breeds, Goldendoodles are prone to developing certain health conditions during their lifetimes. Some health conditions that may be common in this breed include 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 your bring into your home, you will need to get some initial items set-up to welcome your puppy home. This list includes include a bed, crate, leash, collar, food and water bowls, and even some clothes for extra fun. Added together these items could cost you around $400-$500.

Microchipping: $50-$70

The average cost of having your pet microchipped is about $50, but the cost can vary depending on the state you live in. If you also purchase a dog license, you can expect to pay an additional $10-$20. Spot pet insurance highly recommends that every pet parent have their furfam microchipped because this quick service helps increase the change that pet and parents will be reunited in the event they ever become separated.

Vaccinations: $250-$300

There are certain core vaccinations that your Goldendoodle will need. These vaccines include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus type 1, Adenovirus type 2, and rabies. All of these vaccines can cost you between $150-$200 in total.

In addition, based on the lifestyle you provide your pet, there are certain non-core vaccinations that your veterinarian may recommend they receive. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.

Miscellaneous $200-$300

As your puppy grows up there may be other miscellaneous costs that come up. For example, needing a dog walker, the cost of obedience and training classes, hiring a pet sitting when you are out of town, and travel costs if you choose to bring your pet along on your adventures. To be safe, it can be beneficial to keep between $200-300 aside each year to cover these expenses as they come up.

Lifetime Goldendoodle Cost

With a purchase cost of around $2500 (less if adopted), initial and one-time costs around $800-$1000, and then annual costs of around $2000 on average for its expected lifespan, owning a Goldendoodle would cost approximately $23,000-$25,000.

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!

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