How Much Do Goldendoodles Smell? Causes, Tips, Characteristics & FAQ
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Goldendoodles are stunning, lively dogs that come in various sizes and colors. These canines are intelligent, loving, and affectionate, which is why they make excellent pets for many dog lovers.
Since the Goldendoodle is considered a newer dog breed, many people who’d like to own them have questions about them, such as how much Goldendoodles smell? A Goldendoodle will have a recognizable dog odor like any other dog, but a healthy and well-maintained Goldendoodle shouldn’t have a bad odor or smell much at all. If your Goldendoodle stinks and you are regularly practicing proper maintenance, there may be an underlying issue.
In this article, we talk more about Goldendoodles, if they are a smelly dog breed, and the possible causes of bad smells coming from your Goldendoodle.
Goldendoodle — History & Characteristics
Goldendoodles have been around since 1969 when they were first bred in the United States. This quirky hybrid dog breed is a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, which is how they got their name.
The main goal of mixing these two dog breeds was to create a dog breed that had the Poodle’s intelligence, agility, and low-shedding qualities and the calm and loving nature of the Golden Retriever.
Goldendoodles are loving, caring, and gentle, which is why they make excellent pets, service dogs, and even rescue-and-search dogs. They come in various colors and three different sizes and can have several different coat types. Since they are considered a relatively new dog breed, they haven’t gained formal recognition from large canine foundations and groups like the AKC and UKC.
The only current dog club that accepts and recognizes Goldendoodles is the Goldendoodle Association of North America.1 Although this is not a recognized club, it’s a great place for Goldendoodle fanciers to become familiar with the breed standards and get information on caring for these unique canines.
Is the Goldendoodle a Smelly Dog Breed?
The Goldendoodle is generally not a smelly dog breed as long as you maintain them properly. They will have the same dog odor that all breeds have, and any smells shouldn’t be that bad or alarming.
If you notice that your Goldendoodle is smelly and you’re sure that you’re doing everything correctly on the maintenance side, another issue might be causing the odor, such as health and skin problems.
The 5 Reasons That Your Goldendoodle May Smell
1. Improper Maintenance
Your Goldendoodle won’t smell if you regularly and properly brush, bathe, and groom them. However, if you take inadequate care of your pet and don’t follow all the maintenance guidelines for keeping your Goldendoodle healthy and neat, you may experience problems with smelliness.
How Can You Resolve the Problem?
Since your Goldendoodle can get stinky due to irregular and improper grooming, you must know how to properly care for them. To keep your dog looking and smelling good, regularly brush their coats, give them monthly baths, and care for their nails, ears, and teeth.
Bathing your pet can be challenging, but the right shampoo will make it a lot easier! We have two favorite shampoos for the job, both are safe, all-natural shampoos designed with your pets in mind. Our soothing shampoos are pH balanced, made in the USA, and free of glutens, dyes, sulfates, and phthalates. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right option for your pet’s next bath!
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| Natural cucumber & aloe scent |
Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
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Natural cucumber & aloe scent:
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Safe for cats & dogs:
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| Rinsing required |
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Rinsing required:
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| Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients |
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Lathers easily:
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2. Skin Problems
Goldendoodles may have a bad odor when they’re suffering from several skin problems.
- Yeast infections
- Bacterial infections
- Seborrhea
Dogs are susceptible to all kinds of infections; two common infections that lead to bad odors are staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia yeast. Both can cause skin changes, discomfort, and bad smells.
Goldendoodles that suffer from seborrhea may also develop an unpleasant odor due to the production of excessive sebum amounts that cause the dog’s skin to become red, flaky, and itchy.
How Can You Resolve the Problem?
If your dog is suffering from one of these skin problems, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian, who will determine the proper treatment. Most treatments include antibiotic and antifungal creams, along with taking special care of your Goldendoodle’s skin.
3. Dental Issues
If your Goldendoodle is not smelly overall but has a bad odor coming from their mouth, they might be suffering from dental issues. This is a common problem for many dogs and can eventually lead to tooth decay and other health problems if left untreated.
Common dental issues in dogs are gingivitis and periodontal disease. They can also experience bad breath due to plaque and tartar build-up, broken/cracked teeth, or abscesses.
Besides smelliness coming from your Goldendoodle’s mouth, the following signs may indicate that your furry friend has a dental issue:
- Pain/discomfort while eating
- Excessive drooling
- Plaque or tartar build-up
- Red/inflamed gums
- Face swelling
Dental issues can have severe impacts when left untreated.
How Can You Resolve the Problem?
If you think that your Goldendoodle has dental issues, contact your veterinarian, and take your four-legged companion to a check-up. The vet will be able to precisely determine the issue and provide the proper treatment.
Typically, dental problems in dogs require treatment through antibiotics, anti-inflammatory pain relief medications, and dog-friendly mouthwash, though it’s also possible for your dog to need dental surgery.
4. Ear Problems
Does your Goldendoodle otherwise smell good, but there’s a bad stink coming from their ears? If so, an underlying ear-related problem might be causing the odor, with the most common ones being:
- Ear wax build-up
- Bacterial ear infections
- Yeast infections
- Mixed ear infections
If you notice signs of discomfort combined with stinky ears, it’s likely your Doodle is suffering from one of these problems. In these situations, it’s best to consult your vet about treatment for your furry companion.
How Can You Resolve the Problem?
If a bad smell is coming from your Goldendoodle’s ears, you’ll need to schedule a check-up with your vet, who will see if your dog has an ear problem. They will do any needed testing and prescribe medication to resolve the issue.
However, the best way to prevent the development of smelly ears in your Goldendoodle is to properly maintain them. That means you should perform weekly check-ups and ensure that your dog’s ears are in good shape.
5. Anal Sac Disease
Although Goldendoodles are typically not smelly dogs, it’s possible for them to stink when experiencing health problems like anal sac disease. This is common in dogs and is characterized by swollen anal glands that produce a foul smell.
- Dragging/scooting the rear on the floor
- Excessive biting/licking of the anal area
- Blood draining from the rectum
- Pain and discomfort
Since this condition can cause your dog to smell and is painful and uncomfortable, it’s best to talk to your vet about treatment options.
How Can You Resolve the Problem?
Your veterinarian will determine the proper treatment for a Goldendoodle suffering from anal sac disease. Typically, treatment includes expressing the sacs and flushing out the material gathered inside, while your dog intakes anti-inflammatory medications and uses topical antibiotics.
Some dogs suffering from anal sac disease may need surgery, but those situations are rare.
So, How Much Do Goldendoodles Smell?
When healthy and properly cared for, Goldendoodles rarely smell other than having the usual doggy smell. So, if you notice that your Goldendoodle stinks even after regular brushing and bathing, there might be an underlying cause.
In these situations, it’s best to take your four-legged friend to the vet to determine if there’s a health issue. If so, your vet will prescribe the needed treatment and provide advice on how to get your Doodle healthy and smelling nice again.
Final Thoughts
When healthy and taken care of properly, Goldendoodles don’t smell much. However, when they are not properly cared for, are neglected, or are unhealthy, Goldendoodles can develop bad odors.
It’s your job to keep your furry friend healthy and in good shape by providing adequate healthcare and maintenance. These things will keep your Goldendoodle looking and smelling fresh and their health in top shape.
Featured Image Credit: Megan Betteridge, Shutterstock
