The varied coat pattern of Merle Goldendoodles makes them look adorable. This pattern is due to a gene that randomly suppresses the dog’s original coat color.
Merle Goldendoodles have a welcoming and affectionate personality, which makes them excellent family dogs. They love meeting and playing with other pets and people.
Socializing them early is important in order for them to become well-rounded adult dogs. This breed also has a playful, attentive and observant side.
Merle Goldendoodles can be extremely agile. They love mentally-stimulating activities and work, which makes them a great working dog. They can also serve as therapy and guide dogs.
Merle Goldendoodles were not bred to be guard or watch dogs. They are also not ideal for apartment dwellers because they do best in open spaces like spacious yards and country homes. This breed has average energy levels and requires a good amount of exercise and action every day. They should be taken out for a walk and allowed to play and run around freely.
Merle Goldendoodle Grooming
Merle Goldendoodles can inherit either the coat of the Poodle parent or that of the Golden Retriever one. It’s also possible for their coat to be a mix of their parents’ coats. This breed needs to be brushed at least 2 times a week.
A Merle Goldendoodle is considered to be a hypoallergenic dog because this breed sheds little or not at all. However, they still need to be groomed in order to keep their coat healthy and smooth.
Give them a bath only when necessary because their skin and coat may lose the moisture and necessary oils if overdone. You can give them a bath every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your dog’s environment and lifestyle.
His nails should be clipped as well. Brush his teeth twice or thrice weekly to get rid of tartar buildup and bacteria. Regular brushing will also prevent bad breath and gum disease.
Check his ears every week for bad odor or redness. Your pet should become accustomed to being brushed and examined when he is just a pup. Hold his paws and look inside his mouth frequently.
This breed loves being praised and rewarded. Grooming should be a positive experience for them. This will make the examinations easier later on. When examining your dog, don’t forget to check for rashes, redness, tenderness or swelling on the skin and feet and in the nose, eyes and mouth.
Merle Goldendoodle Health
If both parents carry the merle gene, your dog may suffer from deafness or blindness. That is why merle dogs should be bred only by well-versed breeders who know the genetics involved.
This breed is also prone to atopic dermatitis, a skin disease that causes malodor, itching and redness of the paws, perineum and ears. Merle Goldendoodles may also suffer from epilepsy and hip dysplasia, a condition wherein the hip joints of the dog don’t develop normally.
This breed is also at risk for patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy. The latter may lead to loss of vision and night blindness in middle-aged dogs. The floppy ears of this breed can trap moisture. If their ears are not cleaned regularly, the dogs may suffer from ear infections.
Merle Goldendoodle Training
You can start training your Merle Goldendoodle when he’s 8 weeks old. At this age, he can learn simple commands such as sit and stay. It’s also a good idea to start his obedience training as early as possible. This breed should be trained in an encouraging and positive environment. They don’t do well in an environment where they are always criticized or shouted at.
If you want to potty train your pet, you can start by taking them to the same spot at the same time every day. Praise him after relieving himself outside. You need to be consistent and patient when potty and house training your pet.
Diet
This breed should be given high quality dry dog food because it meets their nutritional needs. The food should be rich in healthy fats and meat-based protein. It should also contain a healthy amount of carbohydrates. Stay away from food that contains filler and artificial ingredients.
Follow the feeding guide as the serving size will depend on your dog’s build, activity level, age and size. You can ask the vet for advice about the right amount of food for your dog. Active dogs will eat more food than lazy pets.
Merle Goldendoodles may inherit the bloating or gastric torsion problem that is common among Golden Retrievers. That is why it is important to make sure that your pet is consuming the right amount of food. You can keep your pet in good shape by feeding him twice a day.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Merle Goldendoodle
Pros
Shed less
Most Merle Goldendoodles inherit the non-shedding coat of their Poodle parent, making them a good option for those with allergies. The amount of shedding differs from one dog to another, but there’s generally less shedding compared to other breeds. You just need to brush your pet regularly and give them the occasional bath. Their fur needs to be trimmed as well.
Available in different sizes
Merle Goldendoodles are available in different sizes such as large, medium and miniature, so you can always find the right choice for you. Miniature Goldendoodles are perfect for apartment dwellers since they usually weigh less than 20 pounds. Almost all varieties work well with other pets and children due to their friendly nature and intelligence.
A sweet lap dog
This breed loves to snuggle and get attention from their humans. You may find your pet curling on your lap or nuzzling you for a head pat or scratch. This breed also doesn’t bark excessively.
Most of them bark only when feeling threatened, when they are telling you that they want something or when you’ve been gone for a while. Your Merle Goldendoodle prefers to remain quiet unless something fun is happening.
Cons
Needs plenty of exercise
If your pet inherits the traits of its Golden Retriever parent, he will need plenty of exercise. Vets recommend sixty minutes of exercise every day, which can consist of supervised play and walks. If they are not taken out for exercise, they may run around indoors to release their energy excess. This is why the large and medium varieties may not be ideal for those who live in smaller homes.
Social anxiety
This breed gets extremely nervous when they are alone. Their boredom or nervousness can lead to destructive behavior like chewing on anything they can access.
Cost
Merle Goldendoodles are expensive. You have to consider the cost of the puppy and his care needs like vet expenses, food, crate and toys. If you are willing to accept these downsides, you will get a gentle, kind and loving dog that is always ready to please his human.
