Do Goldendoodles Drool? The Real Truth from a Real Owner

Do Goldendoodles drool? That’s a question many new and prospective owners often ask.

My own Goldendoodle, Gunner, is 10 years old and, for the record, he doesn’t drool. In this casual and informative post, let’s dig into the drool situation for this popular breed.

Why Do Some Dogs Drool? A Simple Guide to Understanding Drooling in Dogs

You might be wondering why some dogs drool a lot and others don’t. There are a few straightforward reasons behind this.

Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand, especially if you’re trying to figure out if Goldendoodles are prone to drooling or not.

Anatomy and Body Structure

First of all, the shape of a dog’s mouth has a lot to do with how much they drool. Some dogs have mouths that are sort of loose and floppy, which makes it easier for saliva to escape.

On the other hand, dogs with tighter lips and mouths are less likely to drool. It’s just how they’re built.

Excitement and Food

Another reason dogs drool is that they get super excited about stuff, especially food. Imagine your dog knows it’s almost dinner time.

You might notice they start drooling because they can’t wait to eat. This is a completely normal behavior and happens with a lot of dogs.

Health Reasons

Sometimes dogs drool because something’s not quite right with their health. If your dog is drooling way more than usual, it could be because of:

• Dental problems like bad teeth or gum issues
• Stomach upset or sickness
• Something more serious that needs a vet’s attention

Hot Weather and Exercise

Lastly, heat and physical activity can make a dog drool more. On hot days, dogs pant to cool down, and sometimes that comes with a bit of drool.

Want to know more about Goldendoodles and heat? Read our post Do Goldendoodles Get Hot Easily.

Also, after a fun game of fetch or a long walk, your dog might be drooling a bit more than usual.

So, when you’re trying to find out if Goldendoodles drool, it’s good to consider these points. Each dog is different, and these are some of the common reasons why you might see some drool every now and then.

Do Goldendoodles Drool Because of Their Genetics? An In-Depth Exploration of What’s Behind the Slobber

One of the most fascinating aspects of owning a Goldendoodle—or considering adopting one—is diving into the nuances of their genetics. Goldendoodles are a hybrid breed, a mix of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, each with their own unique traits, including the tendency to drool.

The Golden Retriever Factor

Golden Retrievers, known for their friendly disposition and loyalty, are not major droolers by any standard. That said, they aren’t exactly exempt from drooling either.

In my own experience with our family’s Golden Retriever, drooling does happen, especially around mealtime.

She tends to salivate a bit when her food is being prepared, or even when she smells something delicious, but it’s not excessive to the point where we’re reaching for a towel every few minutes.

The Poodle Side of Drooling

On the other end of the genetic spectrum, we have Poodles, which are almost the antithesis of Golden Retrievers when it comes to drooling. Poodles are generally not droolers.

Their mouth structure, characterized by tighter lips and smaller jowls, and their salivary glands, which are less active compared to other breeds, contribute to this dry-mouthed trait.

This results in less salivation and, therefore, less drooling.

So, what can you expect when these two breeds are mixed to create a Goldendoodle? Essentially, it becomes a blend of both worlds.

The drooling tendencies in a Goldendoodle can be a combination of several factors including:

• Genetic predisposition from the Golden Retriever parent: occasional drooling, especially when stimulated by food or excitement.
• Genetic traits inherited from the Poodle parent: limited to minimal drooling due to tighter mouth structure and less active salivary glands.
• The unique genetic mix of the individual Goldendoodle: some might lean more towards the Golden Retriever side, resulting in occasional drooling, while others may take after their Poodle parent and rarely drool at all.

Given the mix of genetic traits, each Goldendoodle’s drooling habits can be a sort of wildcard, a roll of the genetic dice if you will.

You may end up with a Goldendoodle that has the minimal drooling tendencies of a Poodle or one that drools more like a Golden Retriever, especially when food is involved.

It’s this unpredictability in their genetic makeup that makes answering the question “Do Goldendoodles drool?” a bit complex.

But what’s clear is that both parent breeds contribute to the final drool equation in their own unique ways.

What Goldendoodle Owners Say

I did some digging around, talked to fellow owners, and even conducted an informal survey. The results were pretty clear:

• Most Goldendoodles drool less than other breeds.
• Some owners reported occasional drooling around mealtime.
• Very few experienced excessive drooling, which could be a sign of a medical issue.

Your Dog’s Diet and Drooling

Believe it or not, what your dog eats can influence the drool factor. Foods high in fat and sodium can make your pup thirstier. And a thirsty dog might drool a bit more.

Stick to balanced meals and always provide fresh water to help control any excessive drooling.

Do Goldendoodles Drool More as They Age?

Ah, the aging process. Just like humans, dogs experience changes as they get older. But does drooling increase with age? Generally speaking, older dogs do tend to drool more.

Dental issues can become more prevalent, leading to a bit more slobber. However, in my experience with Gunner, age hasn’t made him a drooler.

Factors to Consider

If you find your Goldendoodle drooling more than usual, consider these factors:

• Is it hot outside?
• Has their diet changed?
• Are they showing signs of dental issues?

Do Goldendoodles Drool? The Verdict

So, do Goldendoodles drool? The answer is: it depends. Most Goldendoodles tend to keep the slobber in check, thanks to their Poodle genes.

However, it’s always good to be mindful of any sudden changes, as they could indicate health issues.

In my experience, and based on the experiences of other Goldendoodle owners I’ve talked to, these adorable furballs are less likely to turn your home into a splash zone. My own Gunner is living proof of that.

What To Do If Your Goldendoodle Drools Excessively

If you notice a sudden increase in drooling, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian. Excessive drooling could be a sign of:

1. Dental issues
2. Heatstroke
3. An allergic reaction
4. A foreign object lodged in the mouth

Wrapping Up Do Goldendoodles Drool

There you have it! An easy guide to answer the question, “Do Goldendoodles drool?” For most, it’s a minimal issue, but it’s always good to stay aware and proactive.