Groodle Basic Information
Groodles are also known as Goldendoodles, Golden Doodles, Curly Retriever, Curly Golden and Goldenoodle.
Groodles are fast becoming one of Australia’s most popular family dogs. These affectionate and intelligent dogs come in a range of sizes from Miniature to Standard to suit any family situation.
Groodle Parent Breeds
The two parents of the Groodle are the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are named primarily for their color and their original purpose as working, hunting dogs who retrieved animals like fowl shot for sport and food. They are relatively large dogs, with females weighing 25 – 32kg and standing 50 – 60cm in height, and males weighing 29 – 34kg and standing 55 – 65cm tall. They have a strong build, relatively long muzzle, folded ears, and a coat that is dense and waterproof. Golden Retrievers are well known for their friendly dispositions and kindness. Because of their sweet temperaments they rarely make good guard dogs, but they make fantastic family dogs and are often used as service dogs for the disabled.
Poodles
Poodles are frequently seen in dog shows sporting their curly coats. They are also good at various other activities including tracking, herding, agility, obedience, and other dog sports. The Poodle is generally known for its characteristic coat and its striking intelligence. They come in numerous sizes including Standard, Miniature, and Toy, but in general they have the same long muzzles, athletic bodies, and droopy ears. Poodles are typically very easy to train and have personalities that are sociable and energetic. They love swimming and need both mental and physical stimulation. Many Poodles do well as family dogs but the Standard and Mini Poodles are recommended for families with young children.
Groodle Appearance
What does a Groodle look like?
Groodles, also known as Goldendoodles, vary in height primarily depending on whether the Miniature or Standard Poodle was used for breeding. The type of Poodle does not change any other physical characteristics aside from height and weight. A Standard Groodle will stand at between 50 – 65cm (19-25 inches) tall at the shoulder, , and weigh 27 – 45kg (60-100 pounds). A Miniature Groodle will usually weigh between8 – 15kg (15-30 pounds) and reach an adult height of between 35 – 45cm tall. The Medium Groodle is right in between the Standard and Miniature, and is the most variable with most reaching a height in between 45cm tall to 55cm tall at the shoulder but many mediums will be taller or shorter than the average.
Groodles, because they are designer dogs, will vary in apprearance from individual to individual. While some can resemble the Golden Retriever more closely others will take after the Poodle parent. Taller Groodles often inherit the longer leg characteristics from the Poodle. Multigenerational Groodles (Groodles bred over multiple generations) will tend to be much more consistent in appearance than first generation crosses, as breeders choose breeding dogs that display the characteristics the breeder is looking for.
All dogs of this hybrid will have floppy ears, as both parents do, in addition to an athletic body. They have a high-set tail and an expression that is friendly and sometimes even described as smiling. Groodles and Labradoodles look quite similar, and are often indistinguishable in both looks and temperament. Groodles often have slightly wider muzzles and heavier builds than Labradoodles. There are three primary coat types the breed will sport. A Groodle may have a straight coat(hair coat) which most resembles the Retriever, a curly coat (wool coat) more like the Poodle’s, or a wavy coat (fleece coat) that is a combination of the two. Because the Poodle can be many colors the Groodle can be as well. They may be golden, red, brown, black, chocolate, cream, latte, caramel, or white, and they may be solid or have white markings.
Groodle Temperament
What is a Groodle’s personality like?
The combination between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle is thought by many people to produce the ideal temperament in a dog—so long as they do not want a guard dog. Groodles are frequently described as being very gentle dogs. They are, in general, obedient, friendly, intelligent, and social. This hybrid-dog breed is all about human companionship and being with their families. They usually get along well with everything and everyone, whether animal or human, of any age. They are often quite affectionate and tend to develop a strong connection with their companions and owners.
Groodles usually make very good family dogs and tend to get along well with children, even younger, slightly rough children. Because Groodles are generally so eager to please they are usually quite trainable—in fact, both parents are also trainable, to this characteristic is often a given in this breed. They have sunny dispositions and although they need to be active they are happy whether outside playing games and hiking, or inside snuggled up on the couch, as long as they are with their families. Although friendly, Groodles are often described as being calm, laid back, and collected. Many Groodles work as service dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs. Golden Retrievers, although some of the friendliest canines, they can have problems when it comes to mouthiness—chewing things up—when they are puppies. Giving Groodle puppies plenty of appropriate chew toys will help reduce this issue. Poodles are often lively, friendly, and exceedingly intelligent, but they can sometimes be emotionally sensitive and skittish.
Groodle Health
Are Groodles a healthy breed?
Because Groodles are not purebreds they will generally lead healthier lives than their parents, but this is no guarantee. They can be affected by health conditions that either parent is affected by, albeit at a lower frequency than either breed. Some of these issues include hypothyroidism, gastric dilation-volvulus (bloat), von willebrand’s disease, and in particular Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA is a genetic blindness disorder that slowly renders the affected dog blind over time. Responsible and ethical breeders will always DNA screen dogs in their breeding program to eliminate the risk of Progressive Retinal Atrophy in any pups they breed and sell. PRA cannot be screened via the dog’s coat colour or type as some breeders may claim and all Groodles that have not been DNA Disease Screened are at risk of developing this condition.
Groodle Lifespan
How long do Groodles live for?
The average Groodle has a life expectancy of 10-15 years with the Mini Groodles tending to live the longest of the 3 Groodle sizes.
Groodle Exercise
How much exercise does a Groodle need?
Because Groodles are part Poodle it is just as important to give them mental exercise as physical exercise to keep them mentally stimulated. They are relatively active, and thus they will need daily attention and exercise. Without an appropriate outlet for any excess energy they may develop destructive habits so providing toys for them while you are away at work is a great way to keep them occupied when you are not home. Many Groodles enjoy swimming, but not all of them know how to swim as young puppies so care should be taken to get them accustomed to the water. They all love to play and go for walks, runs, or hikes with their loved ones.
Groodle Grooming
How much grooming do Groodles need?
Typically the amount of grooming a Groodle will require depends upon which of the three coat types they inherit and how long the owner wishes to keep it. When they have Poodle-like coats they will likely need more attention than if they have a coat more like the Golden Retriever’s. In either case they will need to be brushed and clipped. It is also important to check and appropriately clean the Groodle’s ears as they have floppy ears. Their teeth should be brushed if no bones are provided to them and their nails clipped if they are not worn down naturally.