Groodle
Groodles or Golden Doodles are intelligent and confident large-sized dogs that are a mix of the Golden Retriever and the standard Poodle. Friendly, loving, and very human-oriented, they require a good deal of interaction with, and devotion and care from, their humans. Known for their easy-going and calm nature, they are highly trainable and make great companions.
| Recommended for | Singles, families |
| Breed Classification | Hybrid / designer breed |
| Other names | Goldendoodle, Golden Poos, Goldie Poos |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Size | Large |
| Temperament | Affectionate, obedient & loyal |
| Intelligence | Very high |
| Tendency to bark | Low to medium |
| Maintenance Level | Medium |
| Health Risk | This breed has an around average probability of having health issues in its lifetime, hence it is one of the more affordable breeds to insure. |
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Breed history of Groodles
The Groodle, also known as Goldendoodle, is a hybrid breed of dog. First developed in North America some time in the 1990’s, the Groodle is a mix of the Golden Retriever and the standard Poodle.
This mix is a product of recent trends in dog crossbreeding for the purposes of producing a better companion dog. The Poodle has, in the last few decades, become a popular breed for crossbreeding and the popularity of the Groodle, Labradoodle, Cavoodle (or Cockapoo) and Moodle are all evidence of this.
The Groodle or Goldendoodle came about after the great success of the Labradoodle as a guide dog and general companion animal. It was thought that the placid and good-natured temperament of the Golden Retriever, paired with the high intelligence of the Poodle, would produce a breed of great charm and spunk.
The resulting crosses have what is known as ‘hybrid vigour’, meaning the new breed tends to be healthier than its parent breeds. The second generation of Groodles are known to shed very little, much like their Poodle ancestors, and have become popular with people who suffer from allergies.
Goldendoodles are very popular in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Physical description of Groodles
Because the Groodle, or Golden Doodle, is a relatively new crossbreed, they come in a variety of appearances, but tend to be large sized dogs with medium length, curly coats and a happy facial expression.
There are 3 approved coat types: curly, wavy and straight. However, they can resemble a shaggy-looking retriever or a curly poodle, depending on the dominant genes they inherit. Their coat colours are also diverse and depend on their parent breeds.
| Weight range | 23 to 45 kg |
| Height range | Around 53 cm |
| Colours | Cream, gold, apricot, chocolate, gray, black, parti or phantom |
| Coat length | Medium |
Groodle personality and temperament
The Groodle is a very friendly, confident and intelligent dog that is known for its easy going and calm nature. The placid and care-free temperament of the Golden Retriever, paired with the energetic and playful character of the Poodle makes for an enthusiastic and joyful companion who loves to be involved in games and family events.
Groodles are best suited to living indoors with a family who will shower them with attention. They are very human-orientated, love being involved with their family and need regular human contact to remain happy. They thrive on being included in all your daily activities – even if it means taking them with you when you go out for a coffee or watch the kids play soccer.
Groodles are very social animals who will welcome strangers, greet friends with affection and their family with steadfast loyalty. They require a good deal of interaction with, and devotion and care from, their humans. They don’t enjoy being left behind and can develop separation anxiety if left to their own devices for any extended period of time, which can result in behavioural problems.
Groodles with kids and other pets
Known for their friendly, easy going and calm nature, Goldendoodles have a great reputation with children, having high levels of tolerance for them. Nevertheless, small children may find such a large sized dog a bit of a handful during playtime and those under the age of eight should be carefully supervised.
The Goldendoodle is known for its patience and its ability to cohabitate peacefully with other pets in the home. Early socialisation as a puppy is a great way to ensure complete tolerance.
Groodle training and exercise
Groodles or Goldendoodles tend to be very energetic dogs that require a good deal of exercise. Lots of mental stimulation is also essential and can be combined with physical activity in the form of games.
If the Goldendoodle isn’t taken for a daily walk and/or played with regularly, destructive habits may form.
Training isn’t a challenge with this intelligent breed; the Goldendoodle is eager to please its master and will respond well to reward-based instruction and firm, clear and consistent discipline. With the right training, your Groodle will become a very well behaved family companion that obeys your commands.
| Energy level | Medium |
| Exercise requirements | Medium to high |
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Groodle feeding and nutrition
The Groodle should do well on a high-quality, well-balanced diet that is appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior), size and activity level.
Some Groodles are prone to stomach upsets, so refrain from adding human food to their diet to prevent issues. Groodles may also become overweight, so it’s important to monitor their calorie consumption and weight level.
To avoid gastric dilation and volvulus or ‘bloat’, don’t feed your Groodle large meals. Spread the portions out during the day over a number of smaller meals and feed them at least an hour before or after any rigorous exercise.
Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Groodle care and grooming
Goldendoodles require professional grooming approximately every 6 to 8 weeks. Otherwise, Groodles are easy to groom – just some routine brushing in between is required to keep the coat mat free.
Their coat length when left unclipped grows to about 10 to 20 cm (shorter on the face and longer on the body, tail and legs). Their fur can be curly or straight and, like most dogs with poodle in the mix, they don’t shed, or shed only lightly, and may not produce an allergic reaction.
Health issues for Groodles
- Skin Allergies can occur in Goldendoodles, who may develop rashes or excessive hair loss as a result. Keep an eye out for scratching and general discomfort. The most common signs are scratching and chewing of the armpits, between the hind legs and abdomen, the face and the ears. Affected dogs will often lick, or even chew, their feet. Visiting the vet can bring about a solution, but regular bathing and flea control is a good preventative measure.
- Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus is a serious condition that occurs when the stomach becomes swollen with gas and fluid. Volvulus is the twisting of the stomach, which prevents the dog from vomiting and can be life threatening if left untreated. It can cause dehydration, gastric perforation, and peritonitis. Signs to look out for include retching without vomiting, enlargement of the abdomen and restless pacing.
- Hip Dysplasia is a common condition among dogs, particularly large and giant breeds, and it can occur in the Groodle. Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball of the hip joint does not develop normally and as a result fails to fit snugly into the hip socket, leading to possible lameness over time.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
What do Groodle owners claim for the most?
- Otitis Externa
- Dermatitis
- Gait Abnormality
- Conjunctivitis
- Wound
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MORE INFORMATION
Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA): https://www.goldendoodleassociation.com/
