Would a Goldendoodle make a good hunting companion?
Over the years many people have contacted me asking if a Goldendoodle would make a good hunting dog and my answer is yes and no. Yes, because both the standard poodle and the golden retriever breed were used for hunting and gathering since both breeds were known to exist. Not if the owner leaves the Goldendoodle’s coat long and full, provided this hybrid has a curly or shaggy coat.
Unlike the standard poodle, the curly coat of the Goldendoodle does not have tight curls. Curls are more relaxed, allowing briars, sticks and other particles to become entangled in the coat. This will also happen if the Goldendoodle has a shaggy coat. I feel that the best coat type for hunting purposes would be the smooth Goldendoodle, as the coat is very similar to the purebred Golden Retriever. Smooth coat Goldendoodle hairs are closer to the body and easier to maintain. Both types of coat would make great companions in the field if they have a strong history in their pedigree as useful dogs as well as master hunters.
Hunting is a very exciting hobby for many people around the world. Taking a trained dog out into the field for hunting purposes has been going on for centuries. Initially, hunting with the dog was only for the purpose of survival. Now it’s just a nice sport and activity that someone can enjoy with their dog.
The Goldendoodle hybrid can be a wonderful companion in the game field, provided its coat is kept short and provided it is not a smooth scratch. Like the standard poodle and purebred golden retriever, the Goldendoodle hybrid has a keen sense of smell. They enjoy the water and enjoy the retrieve. Although there are many types of dogs that also enjoy hunting and retrieving, many people don’t know that the Standard Poodle was also used for retrieving and hunting centuries ago.
The Goldendoodle can easily be trained as a “gun” dog or a “bird” dog. They are highly intelligent, easy to train and eager to please. They are also considered a soft-mouthed dog. My personal experience since 1999 shows that our own Goldendoodle puppies show an enjoyment of playing in the water at a very early age. This may not be the case for other breeders, but it is for our own dogs. The pedigree of my standard poodles comes from the Bel Tor, Wycliffe, Dassin and Eaton lines. The history of these ancestral lines dates back to the early 1930s, with many of our Goldendoodles having champion master hunters and utility dogs for ancestors. The instinct to hunt and gather comes naturally to our particular Goldendoodles. Stronger hunting bloodlines allow this activity to become natural.
While some theorize that choosing a dog that is genetically bred for game and hunting is the ideal way to have a dog for these purposes, many breeds are used for these activities and the Goldendoodle is no exception. The Goldendoodle hybrid can not only be a wonderful family companion, but he or she can also be trained to become an outstanding master hunter or utility dog. This great hybrid is very versatile and easy to work with. I have no doubt that if someone wanted to include a Goldendoodle hybrid as a field companion, they would be thrilled to have this dog by their side.
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