Almost Everything You Need to Know About Goldendoodles Paperback – October 26, 2012

This is probably one of the most informative dog books I've ever read. It's neither a coffee-table fluff book nor a dry scientific treatise, but instead is packed full of practical, useful information and advice. Real information, not weasel words like telling you to ask your vet what vaccinations to get. I learned a lot from this book, and I still go back and reread parts of it from time to time.I would highly recommend this book for ALL dog owners - not just those who own or want a goldendoodle. The only really breed-specific chapters are those on breed history, grooming, and genetics, and even those have some applicability to owners of other poodle mixes. Meanwhile, the information on toys and dog accessories, breeders, raising and living with puppies, nutrition, and disease/vaccinations are some of the best I've read, and valuable for all dogs. There would be many more healthy and happy dogs if more dog owners knew this stuff! The nutrition chapter, in particular, is truly exceptional.This is not a training book. Although there are some tips on housetraining and exercise, for correcting misbehavior or teaching commands, you'll want to look elsewhere. This is primarily a health and lifestyle book.The downside of the book, why I am taking off a star, is that it is desperately in need of a proofreader. The book is beset by literally hundreds of not only typographical but factual errors as well. There is an error of some sort on nearly every page. Some are minor, like misformatted bullet lists, paragraph breaks in the middle of sentences, and spelling errors. One example is that when they mean "hybrid vigor" they usually say "highbred vigor" instead, which would have the opposite meaning. Others are more serious. For example, in the disease chapter, ectoparasites are defined as "parasitic insects or arthropods with external skeletons, [like] fleas." While fleas are ectoparasites, what it actually means is that they are parasites that live on the outside of the dog, in contrast to, for example, heartworms. As another example, the book says that you should not have a new puppy shipped. Among other, valid reasons - it really is bad to ship a puppy - exposure to lead in jet exhaust is listed as one of the problems. This is completely false, there is no lead in jet exhaust. The sheer number of errors is really overwhelming (and made more embarrassing when it says you shouldn't trust grooming websites that have spelling errors! Really. I hope the author got a good insurance rate on her new glass house.) It is a testament to the sheer quality of the advice, especially on nutrition and disease, that this book even gets four stars.

Finally a comprehensive Goldendoodle book - and so much more!! When I sat down to write this my mind was racing as to where to start because so many subjects are covered. This is a book you should read before you purchase any dog, and especially a Goldendoodle. The book specifies the type of equipment you will need, how to find and identify a good breeder, contracts and payment, and on and on. You also receive a heads up on what to expect from your dog at the different stages, what you should be aware of in the way of vaccinations, what and how to feed your dog. Really, just everything you wonder about and some things you never thought to ask. I wish this had been available when we got our Dood almost 8 years ago as we were armed with only dumb luck. I had seen so many comments on the internet that touted Doods as a low maintenance breed, and can assure you that is true only if you are paying someone else to maintain your dog's coat, although the author points out that there are options and some are more demanding than others. I also loved the discussion about Goldendoodles not necessarily being the ideal dog for everyone and what the requirement for "moderate" exercise translates to in practical application (but all is not lost as there are also some great tips on how lazier humans can chat away on cell phones while exercising the Doods). Another critical area discussed is the various crosses that can create a Goldendoodle and all the fine tuned names breeders have invented to describe them. The author demystifies genetically, and with humor what kind of coat you can expect from the different Poodle, Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle combinations. She also takes on the scientific discussion of hybrid-vigor that I have seen argued for years. If I were a breeder I would be memorizing this information. After reading this book you realize that the Goldendoodle isn't just another pretty face. It is a serious dog with very real needs and if you can meet its needs, it has the "wiring" to become one of the best friends you and your family will ever have. I highly recommend this book.

If you are looking for a Goldendoodle "coffee-table,"i.e., picture book, or a how to train book, keep looking. That being said, I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering adding a Goldendoodle to their family. This means read the book before you buy or adopt your dog or puppy! ( Chapter Three: Finding that Perfect Puppy could save you a lot of $$ and heartache!) The author covers everything from genetics and exercise requirements, to what grooming supplies you will really need (including where you can acquire them). It is also full of valuable information on feeding and holistic approaches for health maintenance, based on current scientific research. For it's rather short length, 225 pages,by far one of the most informative (and delightfully written) breed specific books that I have ever read.

I just purchased this book and think it is excellent. The writing style is to the point and gives lots of good advice about goldendoodles. From health, grooming, genetics, playtime, etc. We have a 14 months old doodle and after 6 Jack Russell terriers over the years I can say doodles are different. Biddable, companionable, fun loving and an all around great family dog. However, they do require lots of grooming!! I found this book was not the usual dog care book which could cover any breed of dog. (Except a Jack Russell Terrier). The author did her homework and came up with an original informative handbook. This is the book to read BEFORE you purchase a Goldendoodle!!

Great read so far. Very informative and a good buy b

Brilliant Book!