Although every Golden Mountain Doodle is unique, here are the traits common to most that make them so sought-after.
As a mixed breed, the Golden Mountain Doodle has three parent dogs in its lineage: the Bernese Mountain dog, the Golden retriever, and the Poodle. Depending on the parent combinations, your puppy may have a different percentage of each in its genetic make up. These genetics contribute to the notable characteristics of the Golden Mountain Doodle and account for its increasing popularity.
Of course, depending not only on genetics but also on early environment, socialization, overall health, and training, every Golden Mountain Doodle will be different; the general characteristics can only act as a guide in helping you determine if a Golden Mountain Doodle is the ideal dog for you.
Let’s take a look at the parent breeds to see what factors come into play when producing a Golden Mountain Doodle.
Poodle[i]
Typically, a poodle will make up at least half of the genetic pool of a Golden Mountain Doodle (possibly more, if either of the parents is an F1b Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle). Of course, the percentage depends not only on the known parent breeds, but also on the quality of breeding stock of your individual breeder (whether the parent breeds were AKC-registered and purebred, or if there was any significant cross-breeding anywhere in the ancestry).
According to AKC, Poodles are “active, proud, and very smart.” They are known to be generally good around children, but sometimes not quite as adaptable to other dogs. They are highly trainable, but also can be high-energy and require a certain level of mental stimulation.
Of course, the hypoallergenic and non-shedding characteristic of the Golden Mountain Doodle (for those that are fully furnished) derives from the Poodle. Many people choose the Golden Mountain Doodle because they are looking for a hypoallergenic and non-shedding breed. A fully furnished GMD should be considered hypoallergenic and non-shedding.
However, typically a certain percentage of GMDs will be unfurnished and may shed some (just how much is anyone’s guess, but it’s usually less than the retriever and Bernese parents). Furnishings can be genetically determined but are usually physically evident by about 5 weeks of age. Furnishing traits are important to determine if you have allergy concerns.
Golden retriever[ii]
The golden retriever is described as “intelligent, friendly, and devoted.” Known and loved as the quintessential “family dog,” the golden retriever is loyal, affectionate, and accommodating of both children and other dogs. The golden retriever is open to strangers and not known to be a highly anxious breed. They are trainable and generally not high-energy. One downside to the golden retriever is its high-shedding double coat.
Bernese Mountain dog[iii]
The Bernese Mountain dog is “good-natured, calm, and strong.” The Bernese is the largest of the parent breeds in the Golden Mountain Doodle mix, and the highest-shedding. Like the retriever, Bernese get along well with children and other dogs and are loyal family pets. The Bernese mountain dog is trainable but has also been called “stubborn.” For certain, the Bernese mountain dog is a major contributor to the variety of colors and potentially gorgeous looks of the Golden Mountain Doodle.
When you combine the genetics and traits of all three of these parent dogs in one Golden Mountain Doodle, you have the potential to leverage the best-of-breed characteristics inherent in each one. The Golden Mountain Doodle is intelligent and eager-to-please, and therefore highly trainable. It is a perfect family pet and also typically gets along well with other dogs.