In Australia, this fluffy teddy bear dog is a Groodle. In the United States and many other parts of the world, it’s a Goldendoodle. Regardless of the moniker, these friendly hybrid dogs are winning the hearts of pet parents in Australia, North America, and many other countries.
Let’s find out more.
What is a Groodle?
The Groodle is a hybrid dog or crossbreed between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Because the Groodle has two very different parent breeds, traits like size, weight, and coat type are not as predictable as with purebred dogs. That said, well-bred Groodles tend to be smart, happy, friendly dogs who are eager to please and quick to learn.
What is the difference between a Groodle and a Goldendoodle?
The difference between a Groodle and a Goldendoodle is simply the name itself. Groodle is the name most commonly used in Australia.
Goldendoodle is the name commonly used in the United States. Both names refer to a hybrid breed that’s an intentional cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever.
“Goldendoodle” is the term that was coined from combining the names of the two parent breeds—the Golden Retriever (Golden) and the Poodle (oodle) to create “Goldendoodle.” The name is also derived from the name coined from the Goldendoodle “cousin” often called the Labradoodle (ie. Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross).
“Groodle” is the term that was coined from combining Golden Retriever and Poodle to create Groodle.
Other names for Groodles include:
- Golden Doodle
- Golden Poo
- Curly Retriever
- Curly Golden
Popularity of the Groodle
Next, let’s look at the popularity of the Groodle in Australia and the Goldendoodle in the U.S.
Popularity in Australia
The Groodle (Golden Doodle) was one of the top 10 dog breeds born in Australia in 2022, according to Pet Insurance Australia. Outnumbered only by the Cavoodle (#1), Golden Retriever (#2), and French Bulldog (#3), the Groodle took the fourth spot among the top 10.
Popularity in the United States
In comparison, the Goldendoodle is also one of the top 10 dog breeds in the United States, according to Rover.com. Outnumbered only by mixed breeds (#1) and Labrador Retrievers (#2), the Goldendoodle took the #3rd spot as the most popular dog breed in the U.S.
By the way, are you curious about the Goldendoodle’s popularity in the UK? According to analysis of more than two million weekly visits to Pets for Homes (a rehoming website), the Golden Doodle was the most the sought after dog—suggesting popularity in the UK as well.
In summary, both in Australia and in the United States, Groodles (Golden Doodles) are popular family dogs.
Groodles are not recognized by the UKC or AKC
Even with such popularity, you may be surprised to learn that the Groodle is not recognized as an official breed by the United Kennel Club (UKC), American Kennel Club (AKC), or any major kennel club.
This is because Groodles are not purebred dogs. And this is why you won’t see the Groodle trotting around the judges at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show—the iconic conformation dog show many Australians enjoy watching.
However, while you won’t see them in show rings or competitions for purebred dogs, you may see them winning over the hearts of humans by providing love and support. With their typically friendly personalities and lower shedding coats, some Groodle puppies grow up to become working dogs—service dogs, therapy dogs, or guide dogs.
Let’s look at the well-bred Groodle personality.
Personality and temperament
Thanks to the Poodle and Golden Retriever parent breeds, well-bred Groodles tend to be smart, easy-to-train, active, and friendly family companions who like to please their humans. This is because the Poodle parent breed brings intelligence and athleticism to the mix. And the Golden Retriever brings to the lineage the friendliness and a desire to please. By the way, the sociable Groodle is less likely to have natural instincts to be a watch dog.
Groodles need plenty of mental stimulation to satisfy their smart, active minds. If not given adequate mental enrichment, they are smart enough to come up with their own means to satisfy their curiosity (i.e. chewing, etc.).
Related: Dog Enrichment: Toys, Games, and Ideas for Happier Dogs
Additionally, Groodles tend to have higher energy levels like the Golden Retriever and the athletic Poodle. Many not only enjoy daily walks, swimming, dog sniffaris, or games of fetch, but they need it. Some new Groodle parents may be surprised by the amount of energy the Groodle has.
And along with physical activities comes managing and keeping the Groodle hair coat in top condition.
Groodle coat type, coat color, and coat care
Coat type
The Groodle coat type can vary widely. Again, this is because of the difference between the two parent breeds. The Poodle brings a curly coat to the gene pool. This is very different from the Golden Retriever breed who brings a smooth coat to the gene pool.
Coat types for Groodles fall into three basic categories:
- Curly
- Wavy
- Straight
(As an aside, according to the National Groodle Association in Australia, incorrect coats have no furnishings, which are the eyebrows and mustaches.)
Coat care
The amount of grooming and care will depend on the coat type of the individual Groodle. However, all Groodles need frequent grooming to maintain their coats and keep them mat free. This is an important part of caring for these dogs. Since many shed less, they need the coats maintained regularly or they can become matted.
Related: Goldendoodle Grooming
Coat color
Much of the credit for the range of Groodle coat colors goes to the Poodle. The Poodle heritage includes black, red, cream, apricot, and white coat colors. Then add to the mix a range of golden coat colors from the Golden Retriever. With this variety, you can easily see why Groodles may sport coat colors from cream to red to brown and more.
According to the Groodle Association, all coat colors are acceptable. However, as with any dog breed, extreme white coat colors are a caution because of the association with hearing issues.
But coat type and color are just one aspect of the Groodle appearance. Next, let’s look another physical trait: size.
Size
Like coat color, much of the credit for the range of sizes of Groodles can be accredited to the Poodle heritage because the breed standard for Poodles includes size variety from toy to standard Poodles. Therefore, the Poodle parent breed brings the range of sizes to the Goldendoodle breed.
According to the National Groodle Association in Australia, there are three popular sizes:
- Standard – Height at wither 53 cm – 63 cm (21″ – 25″) weight 23 kg – 30 kg (50.7 lbs – 66 lbs)
- Medium – Height at wither 43 cm – 52 cm (17″ – 20.5″) , weight 13 kg – 20 kg (28.6 lbs – 44 lbs)
- Miniature – Height at wither 35 cm – 42 cm (13.7″ – 16.5″), weight 7 kg – 13 kg (15 – 28 lbs)
Source: National Groodle Association breed standards in cm and kg.
If you’re curious, you may be wondering how these sizes compare to the standards set by the Goldendoodle Association of North America.
According to the Goldendoodle Association of North America, there are four sizes of Goldendoodles:
- Standard range: Height over 21 inches (53 cm to 63 cm) at wither, typically 51 or more pounds
- Medium range: Height over 17 but uner 21 inches (43 to 52 cm) at wither, typeically 36 – 50 pounds
- Miniature Goldendoodle: range Height over 14 but under 17 (35 to 42 cm) at wither, typically 26 – 35 pounds
- Petite range: Height: below 14 inches, 25 lbs or less
Source: Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA)
Look fairly similar? This is because the National Groodle Association in Australia—whose mission is to support responsible and ethical breeding across Australia—partners with the Goldendoodle Association of America, according to the NGA’s website.
Next, you may have run across numbers and letters in front of the term Groodle. These numbers (F1, F1B, etc.) are a common naming system used to define different generations of dogs. Let’s break it down.
Generations of Groodles
Since Groodles are a hybrid, a naming system is often used to describe different generations of dogs. For example, F1, F1b, and F2. Let’s break it down.
The first letter, “F” stands for “Filial.” The number after it identifies the generational cross. And, if there is a “B” at the end, it stands for backcross.
F1 Groodle = Purebred Golden Retriever x Purebred Poodle
An F1 is a first generation Groodle. In other words, the Groodle puppy is an offspring from a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle. Since this generation is essentially a 50-50 mix of the parent breeds, an F1 Groodle may shed more than an F1B Groodle.
F1B Groodle = Purebred Poodle x Groodle
Next, an F1B Groodle puppy has an F1 Groodle as one parent and a Poodle as the other parent. As a first generation “backcrossed” to a purebred Poodle, this generation is basically 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever. In general, this generation is less likely to shed than the F1 Groodle.
F2 Groodle = F1 Groodle x F1 Groodle
First, the “2” in “F2” stands for 2nd generation offspring. An F2 Groodle has two parents who are hybrid parents. (In comparison the F1 has two purebred parents.)
Multigenerational = F1B or later Groodle x F1B or later Groodle
Any puppy whose parents are both Groodles is considered a multi-generational Groodle.
Groodle Health
If you’re considering a Groodle, it just makes sense to investigate health issues. After all, you want your puppy to have the healthiest, happiest, longest life possible.
That’s why seeking out a reputable breeder who cares about the breed and is diligent about health and temperament is so important. You may ask about screening for hips (like hip dysplasia), elbow (elbow dysplasia), eyes (progressive retinal atrophy), and heart.
Finally, your veterinarian is always a source of wisdom and guidance. Seek out your veterinarian’s perspective as someone who has cared for Groodles and will have information on types of health clearance and testing to look for in your area.
Conclusion
Well-bred Groodles, a cross between Poodles and Golden Retrievers, tend to be smart, active dogs who are eager to please you and want to fit in with the family. With two very different parent breeds, their traits (size, weight, coat type, etc.) are not as predictable as with purebred dogs.
While it’s easy to get wrapped up in traits like coat color, size, and coat type, the qualities of good health and temperament are number one. By doing your research first, and then dedicating your time, attention, and love to your Groodle, you’ll be well on your way to giving your dear dog the happiest life possible.