Ridiculously cute and playful, Groodles are loving, family-friendly dogs who demand attention and cuddles.
Personality and temperament
A hybrid designer breed, Groodles are an adorable mix between fun-loving Golden Retrievers and super-smart Poodles. Known for being gentle and intelligent, Groodles make great family pets and are even-tempered and patient with young children.
Size and appearance
Groodles generally come in three sizes – Standard, Miniature and Toy – depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Standard Groodles stand around 50–65cm tall, Miniatures are 40–50cm and tiny Toy Groodles are smaller than 40cm. Their fur varies according to the dominant genes of their parents. They may have straighter hair like a Golden Retriever, curlier hair like a Poodle, or somewhere in between, and their appearance can change as they grow. As Groodles age, their coat colour can fade. This is due to a progressive fading gene – also known as the ‘dilute’ gene – inherited from the poodle parent.
History
While some history books say Groodles were first bred in 1969 by Charles Dickens’ great-granddaughter, they came of age in the 1990s when designer dogs were all the rage. Today they are used as therapy dogs and assistance dogs due to their ability to learn quickly and make friends even quicker.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Groodles are generally quite a healthy breed but can be prone to:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (where hip or elbow joints don’t form properly. You can reduce the risk of this by selecting a reputable breeder and through good diet and plenty of exercise.)
- Eye diseases (including inherited progressive vision loss)
- Ear infections (due to floppy ears)
- Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecap)
- Regular check-ups and early diagnosis can help prevent and manage these conditions.
Food and exercise
Groodles need a high-protein balanced diet, with not too many treats – though it can be hard to say no to their little faces. If you’re feeding kibble to a Toy Groodle, make sure you choose the small breed size. All Groodles can be prone to eating things they shouldn’t, so it’s important to know the signs of a gut obstruction as it can be life-threatening. If your Groodle starts vomiting or stops eating for more than 48 hours, take them to the vet immediately.
Groodles are highly active and athletic and will always be up for a brisk walk with their human. Depending on their size, you’ll need to put aside between 30–90 minutes a day for walking, running, hiking, swimming or playtime to keep these little energy-makers happy.
Grooming and maintenance
Curly-haired Groodles tend to shed less than other breeds due to their Poodle genes, making them a great option for people with allergies. They won’t leave much fur around your house, but they still require regular professional grooming, which puts them in the high-maintenance category. To keep them happy and healthy, you will need to commit to brushing several times a week and a regular appointment at the groomers every couple of months. Straighter-haired Groodles are more likely to shed because their Goldie genes are more dominant.
- Bathe: every 6–8 weeks
- Professional groom: every 6–8 weeks
How to groom Groodles
- Fur: brush daily to prevent matting, especially in curlier coats
- Nails: trim every 3–4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly, prone to infections
- Eyes: wipe gently with a soft cloth to remove discharge
Training and space requirements
With two intelligent, people-pleaser parents, Groodles are highly trainable, which is part of the reason they make great service dogs. A firm, playful training technique is best with these lively pups.
Larger Groodles will love a house to live in and a fenced backyard to run around in. Smaller Groodles can adapt to apartment living as long as they have enough exercise and mental stimulation to stop them chewing on your family heirlooms.
Best suited for…
Groodles are a great choice for any family. Their playfulness, gentle nature and intelligence mean they will welcome cuddles from everyone from young kids to older owners with lots of love to give.
