🐾 The Goldendoodle Conversation Is Just Beginning
A recent New Yorker feature reignited a conversation about Goldendoodles—describing them as being “designed for maximum cuteness.”
And while that sentiment resonates with anyone who has ever held one of these puppies, it only scratches the surface of what doodles truly are—and what they require.
Because Goldendoodles are not simply a trend.

They are the result of intentional breeding, genetic understanding, and years of refinement.
And that’s where my perspective comes in.
🧬 My Life’s Work: English Teddy Bear Goldendoodles, Schnoodles, and Twoodles
For decades, my work has been centered around developing and refining doodle breeds at the highest level.
At Smeraglia, we don’t just “breed doodles.”

We have built our program around three core breeds:
• English Teddy Bear Goldendoodles
• Teddy Bear Schnoodles
• Teddy Bear Twoodles (our signature breed)
The Teddy Bear Twoodle was not an accident—it was intentionally developed by merging the best qualities of the English Teddy Bear Goldendoodle and the Teddy Bear Schnoodle.
This is not something we observed from the outside.
This is something we created.
This is our world.
This is our life’s work.
Why the Poodle Is the Foundation of Everything
At the core of every doodle is the Poodle.
And understanding the Poodle is essential to understanding why Goldendoodles have become one of the most sought-after family dogs in the world.
The Poodle contributes:
• Intelligence and trainability
• Low-shedding, allergy-friendly coats
• Emotional sensitivity and awareness
We work closely with these genetics every single day—refining them, stabilizing them, and pairing them intentionally with other breeds to produce consistency.
Because without structure, doodles become unpredictable.
With structure, they become exceptional.

The Problem With Popularity
The New Yorker article touches on something important:
When demand rises, standards often fall.
And that is what we are seeing across the doodle space today.
Not all Goldendoodles are created equally.
Without:
• Proper genetic pairing
• Early neurological development
• Structured socialization
You don’t get the dog families are hoping for.
You get inconsistency.
And that’s where responsible breeders must lead.
🎓 Why Training and Early Development Define the Dog
At Smeraglia, we have developed what we call our Super Puppy Program—a structured, intentional training foundation designed to shape temperament, confidence, and long-term success.
However, not every puppy is automatically placed into the full 16-week program.
We take a very intentional approach.
There are puppies I personally identify—what I call my “breeder’s picks”—where I see exceptional potential. Those are the puppies we often guide through the full program.
For our clients, participation is also flexible.
The program is divided into four distinct blocks, allowing families to choose the level of development that best fits their goals:
• BLOCK 1: Starter Puppy Program (Weeks 1–4)
• BLOCK 2: STARR Puppy Program (Weeks 5–8)
• BLOCK 3: Social Puppy Program (Weeks 9–12)
• BLOCK 4: Super Puppy Final Phase (Weeks 13–16)
Clients may enter at different stages or complete the full progression depending on their vision for their dog.
That said, for any puppy being considered for service or therapy work, the full Super Puppy Program is not just recommended—it is a critical foundation and a prerequisite before advancing into higher-level, task-specific training.
Because the goal is not just to create a beautiful puppy.
The goal is to develop a dog that can perform, adapt, and thrive for the next 10–15 years.
❤️ More Than Cuteness — It’s Connection
The New Yorker piece captures something real:
People fall in love with these dogs instantly.
And that’s not accidental.
Doodles are uniquely equipped to connect with humans in a way that feels intuitive and natural.
But that connection only lasts if the dog has been bred and developed correctly.
🌿 Raising the Standard in the Doodle Industry
The conversation around Goldendoodles shouldn’t be about whether they are “good” or “bad.”
It should be about:
Who is doing it right.
At Smeraglia, our focus has never been on trends.
It has been on:
• Consistency
• Health
• Temperament
• Long-term success for families
Because when doodles are bred and raised correctly, they are not just good dogs.
They are exceptional.
✨ Final Thought
Goldendoodles are not just “maximum cuteness.”
They are the result of intentional design, responsible breeding, and a deep understanding of canine behavior and genetics.
And for those of us who have dedicated our lives to this work
This is more than a conversation.
It’s a responsibility.
🤍 If You’re Exploring a Goldendoodle, Start with the Right Foundation
If you’re considering adding a Goldendoodle—or any doodle—to your family, the most important decision you will make is not just which puppy…
It’s where that puppy comes from.
Because the difference between a good experience and an exceptional one is found in:
• The breeding
• The early development
• And the guidance you receive along the way
At Smeraglia, we take that responsibility seriously.
If you feel drawn to learn more about our English Teddy Bear Goldendoodles, Teddy Bear Schnoodles, or Teddy Bear Twoodles—or to better understand our Super Puppy Program—we welcome you to reach out.
Not every family is the right fit for what we do.
But for those who are, the experience is something truly special.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my blog. Every word penned here comes straight from my heart, as I aim to share with you the knowledge and insights I’ve gathered over the years. My deepest hope is that you find joy, inspiration, and perhaps a little bit of wisdom in these pages. Remember, this journey we’re on together is all about the love and connection we share with our furry friends. So, sit back, enjoy the read, and let’s continue to grow and learn in this beautiful adventure of companionship.
Warmest wishes,
Sherri Smeraglia