Groodle Breed Guide (Golden Retriever Poodle Mix)

The Golden Retriever Poodle Mix, otherwise known as the Goldendoodle or Groodle, is a mixed breed dog that makes the perfect family, companion or therapy dog. Groodle are known for their friendly, affectionate and loyal nature as well as their super fluffy hypoallergenic coats that come in many different colors. It’s no surprise they are highly sought after and fetch very high prices.

If you are interested in Groodles keep reading this article to find out the all the answers to your questions about this dog breed!

Cover Image Credit: Photo by ten Brinke photography on Pexels.

What Is A Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Called?

A Golden Retriever Poodle Mix is most commonly called a Groodle in Australia however they are usually called Goldendoodles overseas.

What Is A Groodle?

A Groodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They are a calm, easy going and friendly dog that are small to large in size with soft, fluffy coats which come in many different colors like gold, caramel and chocolate. They come in many sizes such as micro, teacup, toy, mini, medium and standard.

Groodle Origins

The first time that Golden Retrievers and Poodles were crossed was believed to have taken place in the 1990s in Australia and the United States.

The original goal of crossing the Golden Retriever with the Poodle was to create a highly intelligent and affectionate dog that had the hypoallergenic and low shedding coat of the Poodle as well as the friendly and gentle nature of the Golden Retriever. They were also trying to introduce genetic diversity to reduce the risk of inherited health issues.

Today, the Groodle is a very popular family dog, working dog or therapy dog as they are so affectionate, intelligent and are hypoallergenic.

What Does A Groodle Look Like?

Groodles may look more like a Poodle or more like a Golden Retriever depending on the generation. For example, F1b Groodles look more like Poodles than F1 Groodles as F1b Groodles have a higher percentage of Poodle genes.

In general, they look like a fluffy teddy bears with their soft coats, dark brown eyes and black noses. They can come in a variety of colors with dense coats that can be wavy, curly or straight.

Groodle Coat Types

There are three main types of coats Groodles can have depending on the percentage make-up of Poodle to Golden Retriever. These are the wavy coat, curly coat and straight coat. Their coats can range from thick to thin and can have slightly different textures depending on the individual dog.

Wavy Coat

The wavy coat is one of the most common Groodle coat types. It features a gentle wave and is low to non-shedding. Wavy coats are quite hypoallergenic however curly coats are generally considered to be the most hypoallergenic. In terms of maintenance, wavy coats are generally easier to groom than curly coats.

Curly Coat

The curly coat is the next most common Groodle coat type and is generally seen in backcross generations such as F1b Groodles, F1bb Groodles and F2b Groodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes. These coats give Groodles more of a Poodle appearance and are generally more hypoallergenic than straight and wavy coats. These coats require more effort to maintain as they are more susceptible to matting.

Straight Coat

The straight coat, also called the flat coat, is the least common Groodle coat type. It is usually seen in reverse backcross generations such as F1b Reverse Groodles as they have a higher percentage of Golden Retriever genes. Generally, straight coats are not as hypoallergenic and are light to moderate shedding so are not as suitable for allergy sufferers as curly or wavy coats. Nevertheless, straight coats are quite rare for Groodles.

Groodle Colours

Black Groodle

Black Groodles feature a solid black coat. They may have small white patches over their body like on their chest or paws however these as technically Black and White Groodles. Groodles can only be this colour if they inherit it from the Poodle as purebred Golden Retrievers are never black.

Red Groodle

Red Groodles come in a variety of shades from light red to dark red. Their coats can be anywhere from a reddish cream to a rusty brown colour. Groodles with lighter red coats are usually called Apricot Groodles.

Apricot Groodles

Apricot Groodles have very light red coats with a peachy tone. They are somewhere between a light red and a cream. Only the Poodle carries the genes for an apricot coat so Apricot Groodles are usually created by breeding an Apricot or Red Poodle with a light Golden Retriever. They are one of the most sought after Groodle coat colours.

Merle Groodle

A Merle Groodle carries the merle gene which dilutes certain sections of their coat into mottled patches. This gene also affects eye color and skin pigmentation on the nose and paws so Merle Groodles often have very light eye colours such as blue and often have pink patches on their nose and paws. They can either be a Blue Merle or Chocolate Merle (Red Merle) Groodle.

Parti Groodle

A Parti Groodle has a white base coat that covers at least 50% of their body with a secondary color marbled through it. Most of the time the secondary colour is apricot, red or cream. It’s also relatively common for the secondary color to be black.

Chocolate Groodle

Chocolate Groodles have a solid brown coat that can range from a very light shade to a dark brown. They inherit this coat color from the Poodle side. Brown coats were originally a result of a mutation of the gene that produces a black coat. It is a recessive gene so both parents need to carry it to get a Chocolate Groodle. That is why Chocolate Groodles are more commonly found in back-cross generations such as an F1b, F1bb or F2b Groodle.

English Cream Groodle

English Cream Groodles have an off-white coat. Some English Cream Groodles have black noses while others have light brown or beige noses. English Cream Groodles are often mistake for Labradoodles because they are so light in colour.

Black and White Groodle

Black and White Groodles feature a mainly white coat with black patches. The black patches are usually located on their chest, legs, muzzle, paws or above their eyes. Black and White Groodles are a type of Parti Groodle. They are sometimes called Tuxedo Groodle if their black and white patches are in a pattern that makes it look like they’re wearing a suit.

Silver Groodle

Silver Groodles have a salt and pepper coloured coat. They are usually born a darker colour and start to fade to silver around 10 weeks of age. At this age, the roots of their hair will start to lighten to grey. In fact, Silver Groodles go through the most dramatic coat color change out of all the Groodle colours.

Groodle Temperament

The temperament of a Groodle can vary depending on many factors such as the percentage mix of Poodle to Golden Retriever, their level of socialisation, their environment as well as what training they have undergone.

Overall, Groodles are highly excitable dogs by nature. They love spending time around people and other animals alike and are so affectionate and gentle. They are keen to please which makes them pretty easy to train. They are also relatively easy to care for. The only real complaint of owners is the constant grooming requirements of Groodles.

Are Groodles Smart?

Groodles are very intelligent as both the Poodle and Golden Retriever are known to be very smart. Poodles are ranked 2nd for working and obedience training out of 138 breeds while Golden Retrievers are ranked 4th. Groodles are eager to please and quick learners as they are so smart which makes them relatively easy to train.

Are Groodles Hyper?

While Groodles are an energetic and playful breed, most people would not describe them as hyper. Nevertheless, like any other dog breeds, Groodles can have varying temperaments and energy levels so some may be more laid-back and calm while others may be more active.

Groodles can be hyper if they are not given enough exercise each day. They may exhibit behaviors such as chewing, pacing or being vocal if their daily exercise needs are not met. That is why it is so important to give them lots of exercise each day.

Do Groodles Like To Cuddle?

Most Grodles love to cuddle. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature and are also very people-oriented so cuddling comes naturally to them. They thrive on human companionship and as much as they love running around and being active, they equally love snuggling with their loved ones.

Do Groodles Have Separation Anxiety?

Groodles can be prone to separation anxiety as they are people-oriented dogs and love spending time with their families. They may become anxious or distressed if they are separated from their owners for long periods of time.

Luckily, you can manage separation anxiety by gradually getting them used to being alone for longer periods of time. You can do this by starting with short periods of being alone and slowly increasing the time or you can create a comfortable and safe space for them to be left when you leave the house. This may be a den-like environment like a crate with blankets and their favorite toys.

Do Groodles Bark A Lot?

How much a Groodle barks highly depends on the individual dog. There are many factors that influence a Groodle’s tendency to bark including genetics, socialization, separation anxiety, lack of exercise or lack of mental stimulation. Overall, Groodles do not bark as much as other smaller dogs.

If barking does become an issue, it’s best to firstly try to retrain your dog out of the habit with positive reinforcement techniques. If this doesn’t work, try distracting them from their barking triggers with toys. Look for boredom-busting dogs toys such as ones you can hide treats inside. Other options include using ultra-sonic sound devices.

Groodle Lifespan

The average Groodle lives for 10 to 15 years. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of a Groodle including size, gender, generation and whether they are desexed or intact. These variables mean they can have shorter or longer lifespans than the average. You can give your Groodle the best chance of living a long life by exercising them daily, feeding them a healthy diet and keeping on top of vet appointments.

Groodle Size

Teacup Groodle

The Teacup Groodle is one of the smallest Groodle sizes.

A Teacup Groodle is usually a multigenerational breed created by breeding two very small Toy Groodles together. They usually breed two Toy Groodle runts to create an increasingly smaller and smaller Groodle size. Teacup Groodles are a controversial size as they have many size related health issues.

Teacup Groodles get to 20cm to 35cm tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 3.5kg and 7kg.

Toy Groodle

A Toy Groodle is the result of crossing a Toy Poodle with a Golden Retriever.

They are the third smallest Groodle size and are slightly larger than the Teacup Groodle. Toy Groodles are sometimes referred to as Petite Groodles.

Toy Groodles get to approximately 25cm to 40cm tall at the shoulder. A Toy Groodle weighs between 4.5kg and 12kg when fully grown.

Mini Groodle

A Mini Groodle is a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Golden Retriever.

They are the middle Groodle size that is slightly larger than the Toy Groodle and smaller than the Medium Groodle.

Mini Groodles get to 35cm to 45cm tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 6.5kg and 15kg when fully grown. Toy Groodles are slightly smaller and Medium Groodles are slightly larger.

Medium Groodle

A Medium Groodle is a cross between a Moyen Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They are the second largest Groodle size that is larger than the Mini Groodle and smaller than the Standard Groodle.

Medium Groodles get to approximately 45cm to 52cm tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 15kg and 22kg when fully grown. They are the second tallest Groodle size.

Standard Groodle

A Standard Groodle is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They are the largest Groodle size.

Standard Groodles get to 50cm to 65cm tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 22kg and 40kg.

Full Grown Groodles

The age a Groodle is fully grown depends on their size.

Teacup Groodles are fully grown between 7 and 9 months of age.
Toy Groodles are fully grown between 8 and 11 months of age.
Mini Groodles are fully grown between 11 and 13 months of age.
Medium Groodles are fully grown between 11 and 13 months of age.
Standard Groodles are fully grown between 12 and 16 months of age.

Once your puppy is fully grown you’ll need to start investing in dog products that you’ll keep for their whole life such as:

A full size dog crate so they have their own cozy den to sleep in – consider a dog crate pad to make it that much comfier!
An adult sized dog raincoat to keep them dry during wet weather
An adult sized dog life jacket to help with swimming in lakes and oceans
An adult sized dog jacket for cold winter weather
A dog cooling vest if you live in a hot climate
High quality no-pull dog harness to reduce stress on their neck while walking
And other similar products

Groodle Generations

F1 Groodle

An F1 Groodle is the first generation of the breed created by crossing a purebred Golden Retriever with either a purebred Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle. An F1 Groodle is 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle.

F1b Groodle

An F1b Groodle is created by crossing an F1 Groodle with a purebred Poodle that is either Toy, Miniature or Standard sized. The resulting dog is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle.

F1b Reverse Groodle

An F1b Reverse Groodle is a cross-back generation that is similar to a F1b Groodle except an F1 Groodle is crossed back to a purebred Golden Retriever instead of a Poodle. They are 75% Golden Retriever and 25% Poodle.

F1b Reverse Groodles get their name because they are the opposite of the standard F1b Groodle that is 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever.

F1bb Groodle

An F1bb Groodle is a cross between an F1b Groodle and a purebred Poodle which can be toy, miniature or standard sized. They are 12.5% Golden Retriever and 87.5% Poodle.

F2 Groodle

An F2 Groodle is the second generation of the breed created by breeding a F1 Groodle with another F1 Groodle. They are 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle.

F2b Groodle

An F2b Groodle is created by crossing an F2 Groodle with a purebred Poodle that is either Toy, Miniature or Standard sized. The resulting dog is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle.

F2bb Groodle

An F2bb Groodle is a cross between an F2b Groodle and a purebred Poodle which can be toy, miniature or standard sized. They are 12.5% Golden Retriever and 87.5% Poodle.

F3 Groodle

An F3 Groodle is the third generation of the breed created by breeding an F2 Groodle with another F2 Groodle. They are 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle.

Groodle Price

Groodles cost between $3000AUD and $6500AUD in Australia. While some Groodles can sell for prices over six grand, the majority of Groodles are sold within the price range of $3500AUD to $5000AUD. There are many factors that affect Groodle price such as coat colour, size, generation, location, breeder’s reputation, lineage as well as the age of the dog.

Groodles are so expensive because they are a designer cross breed dog and are in high demand. Poodle mixes like the Groodle are very popular at the moment because they have lovely temperaments and are also usually hypoallergenic and very light shedders.

Groodle Shedding

Do Groodles Shed?

Groodles do not shed much at all. They only drop a few strands of hairs here and there throughout the year so they are classified as non to low shedders. Cross-back generations of Groodle such as F1b, F1bb or F2b shed less than F1 Groodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes.

The best way to reduce the amount that your dog sheds is to regularly brush them. Slicker brushes are great for dogs with single coats and deshedding tools are great for dogs with double coats.

Are Groodles Hypoallergenic?

Groodles are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed as they do not produce or release much allergy inducing dander into their immediate environment.

Generations of Groodle that have a higher percentage of Poodle genes such as cross-back generations (F1b, F1bb, F2b etc.) are usually more hypoallergenic than your average Groodle.

Smaller sizes of Groodle are also considered to be more hypoallergenic as smaller sized dogs produce less dander than large dogs. Groodles inherit their hypoallergenic nature from the Poodle.

You can make your dog even more hypoallergenic by keeping up a good grooming routine as it will stop them from releasing allergens into your home.

Your dog’s grooming routine should include both brushing and bathing. A brush down with a slicker brush every other day is ideal to remove any loose hairs. As for washing, a bath with a gentle dog shampoo every 3 months will remove dead skin cells, dirt and debris.

This may not seem that often but you don’t want to over wash your dog otherwise their coat will dry out which will only cause flaky skin which is an allergy irritant.

Male vs Female Groodles

In terms of size, Male Groodles are generally taller and heavier than Female Groodles. Within any size category, i.e. Teacup Groodles, Toy Groodles, Mini Groodles or Standard Groodles Male Groodles will be heavier and taller than their female counterparts.

In terms of temperament, Male Groodles are generally more easy going and laid back while Female Groodles are generally more independent and strong-willed. Females are generally more assertive and dominant than males. Nevertheless, there are many other factors that play into temperament so just because your Groodle is a certain gender, it does not mean that they will behave in a certain way.

Exercising A Groodle

How Much Exercise Does A Groodle Need?

Groodles need roughly an hour of exercise per day. The recommended length of daily exercise is between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours which can be split over 1 to 3 periods of exercise. Smaller Groodles may not need as much exercise as a larger Groodle sizes. Groodle puppies require significantly less exercise. The general rule is that puppies should get 5 minutes of exercise per month of age.

There are many ways that you can exercise a Groodle such as going on walks, having playtime with other dogs, playing short games of fetch, doing some obedience training or playing tug-o-war with a pull toy. These activities are generally safe for both Groodle puppies and adult Groodles. Adult Groodles also like to run and go on long hikes however these activities should not be done until your Groodle has fully developed and stopped growing otherwise they can get joint and bone problems.

Groodles also need to partake mental exercise such as obedience training and brain games which is why many people get their Groodle’s interactive puzzle toys or Kong chew toy which they can stuff with treats like peanut butter.

Feeding A Groodle

How Much To Feed A Groodle

How much you should feed a Groodle depends on their size, age, metabolism, health and activity levels. An adult Groodle should be fed two meals a day while Groodle puppies should be given meals more frequently depending on their age.

Many people opt to use smaller puppy bowls with non-slip food mats as puppies tend to be messy eaters. The pet food mat will prevent food from being spilt everywhere and also stop the bowl from slipping around and tipping over. A lot of puppies also become overly excited about food and eat way too fast which can cause indigestion and choking so it’s not a bad idea to train them out of this habit with a slow feeder dog bowl.

Most adult Groodles consume roughly 1 to 4 cups of food everyday however this depends on their size, health and activity levels. This is usually split into one meal in the morning and one meal at night. Again, you should seek advice from your veterinarian for specific diet recommendations for your Groodles.

Groodles should also have access to clean water at all times so they can stay hydrated. Some people like to use dog water fountains if they have the tendency to forget to change water regularly.

Groodle Training

Are Groodles Easy To Train?

Groodles are very intelligent so they respond very well to training and are generally quite easy to train. You should start teaching your Groodle basic commands such as their name, sit, stay and come from the moment they arrive home. You can then progress to more difficult tricks and commands.

When training your dog it is important to use positive reinforcement techniques as dogs repeat good behavior when it is followed by a reward such as a treat or their favorite toy. Clicker training is another type of positive reinforcement training that is a good method for learning new tricks. You use a clicker device so your dog can associate a new behavior with a click and then a reward.

Groodle Grooming

How Often Do Groodles Need to Be Groomed?

Groodles need to be groomed every 8 to 12 weeks. During this time they should get a haircut, wash and a nail trim. Brushing needs to be done at home at much more frequent intervals – at a minimum every week but ideally every day.

How Often Should Groodles Be Bathed?

Generally, Groodles should be bathed every 4 to 8 weeks and should not be bathed any more frequently otherwise they will get dry, flaky skin as natural oils will be stropped from their skin. Nevertheless, if your Groodle leads a very active outdoor lifestyle where they swim or get dirty, they may need to be washed more frequently.

How Often Should You Brush Your Groodle?

You should brush your Grooodle at least weekly to prevent tangles and matting and also reduce shedding. If your Groodle has a curly coat, they will have to be brushed much more frequently than ones with wavy or straight coats. If you can, try to brush your Groodle daily or every second day as it is much better than doing it weekly. Slicker brushes are perfect for Groodles as they have a single coat.

Groodle Haircuts

Groodles need to get haircuts as they have a coat that continues to grow and can easily become matted. The length you cut a Groodle’s hair comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer longer coats while others like shorter ones as they are better for warmer climates. You can either go to a professional groomer or learn how to cut Groodle hair from the internet and invest in a DIY dog grooming kit.

There are many different haircuts that you can give your Groodle Some popular ones include the:

Puppy Cut
Teddy Bear Cut
Poodle Cut
Summer Cut

What Are The Downsides Of Groodles?

While Groodles are a lovely dog breed with many positive traits, they do have some downsides like any other dog breed.

1. Grooming Requirements

Groodles, like all Poodle mixes, are high maintenance in terms of grooming. This is not only time consuming but can also be very expensive if you choose to go to professional groomers. Luckily, you can keep these costs down by investing in a DIY dog grooming kit.

2. Very Expensive

Groodles are very expensive to adopt and are also expensive to own. Like lots of other Poodle Mix breeds, Groodles cost thousands of dollars!

3. Difficult To Predict Adult Size

As Groodles can come in so many different sizes and as there are so many different ways that you can cross Poodles with Golden Retrievers or with Groodles to come up with different generations, it can be very difficult to predict the adult size of a Groodle. It also doesn’t help that there are no breed standards that stipulate expected sizes.

Poodle Mix Breed Comparisons

There are many breeds that are very similar to Groodles. In terms of size and energy, Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles and Bernedoodles are the most similar to Groodles. Cavoodles and Spoodles are also quite similar but are usually a lot smaller, unless you want one of the smaller Groodle sizes.