Better BAck - "Mini Retriever" Hybrid

Looking for the Ultimate Family Dog? Meet the "Better Back" Golden Retriever/Poodle hybrid.  The "Better Back" is a unique cross between a Goldendoodle and a purebred Golden Retriever. This beautiful mix combines the lovable personality of the Golden Retriever with the smaller size, low-shedding coat and high intelligence of the Poodle.  

The Goldendoodle has exploded in popularity over the past couple decades as a designer hybrid breed. Created by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle, Goldendoodles inherit some of the best traits from both purebred parents. They are known for their friendly, gentle temperaments and intelligence, making them great family companions. However, many people dislike the curly coat, thin body and longer-nosed look that the Poodle adds to the mix.  

After speaking with hundreds of these people about their dream dog, Megan Smith, at Acadia Goldendoodles, summarized these desires by saying, "What people really want is a 25-pound Golden Retriever who doesn't shed."  At first, she was just being funny, but the more she thought about it and talked to people, the more she thought about developing a line of these dream dogs.  She had already started breeding "Reverse F1b" Goldendoodles with excellent results.  These beauties were dubbed "Better Backs" by her husband, who said that the Goldendoodle had been bred back to the better breed.  They are also know as Miniature Golden Retrievers, but Better Back is really more fun to say!

That's where the idea for the "Better Back" hybrid started. In the first generation, some very special Goldendoodles are bred back to the Golden Retriever side of their lineage. By using an F1 Goldendoodle (50% Golden Retriever, 50% Poodle) and a purebred Golden Retriever as parents, the litters produce puppies that are approximately 75% Golden Retriever.  In future generations, more Golden Retriever or more Goldendoodle can be mixed in as needed to achieve the desired look, size and coat.  

The result? Adorable pups that look and act much like classic Golden Retrievers, but with the added benefit of shedding less thanks to that bit of low-shedding Poodle coat in the mix. "Better Back" Goldendoodles make the perfect companion for Golden lovers or those with allergies - you get that famously friendly, intelligent Golden temperament in a dog with more manageable grooming needs.

Size-wise, "Better Back" litters can produce pups anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds, depending on the specific parents. They are generally smaller than standard Golden Retrievers, but still large enough to participate in family adventures. Their coats can be either flat or have a loosely curled wave, depending on which parent they take after more. But no matter their fur type, you can expect far less shedding than a typical Golden.

With their loving, eager-to-please natures and minimal shedding, "Better Back" Goldendoodles are truly the ultimate all-around family dog. They get along great with kids and make wonderful therapy dogs, too. If you want the classic Golden personality in a smaller, lower-shed package, look no further than this unique hybrid breed!