Groodle

Name: Groodle
Creator: Savvy
Published: 2023-09-21T10:09:59+09:30

Home > Pet Insurance > Dog Breeds > Groodle

Find out all about Groodles and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 21st, 2023

Price range

$1,500–$4,500

Height

Varies

Weight

15kg - 45kg

Personality

Gentle, loving, exuberant

Coat length

Curly, hypoallergenic

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

10 - 15 years

Overview

The Groodle or Golden Doodle is a highly popular crossbreed between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, combining the best traits of both parent breeds. They were first bred in the 1980s and since that time have become one of the most popular breeds of dogs in Australia. They come in a range of sizes and colours, mainly depending on the size of the poodle they were bred from, either toy, miniature or standard size, so they can weigh anything up to 40kg.

An F1 Golden Doodle is a puppy that results from the mating of two purebred parents. The resulting litter will have a wide variety of sizes and coat colours, some looking like Retrievers, and some looking like Poodles. F1B Groodles, which are 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever, tend to have much curlier coats and are more hypoallergenic. The next generation after F1s are F2 and F2B crosses, which are typically even more hypoallergenic, and so on.

Groodles that have been bred by reputable breeders over several generations have a recognisable and standardised look, with large brown ‘teddy bear’ eyes, and a shaggy but soft coat that doesn’t shed. If they inherit a tight curly coat their grooming needs may be low, but if they have a longer coat, more like that of a Golden Retriever, they may not be so hypoallergenic and their grooming needs may be higher, requiring very regular brushing.

They are known for their extremely friendly and intelligent nature and gentle temperament and are extensively used as therapy dogs and personal assistance dogs. They are highly adaptable and make great companions for most families with children. However, they do have a high energy level so may not be suitable for apartment living if they are a medium to large dog.

Common diseases and conditions of Groodles

Von Willebrand Disease – an inherited bleeding disorder in dogs in which the blood doesn’t clot properly
Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.
Elbow Dysplasia: Another common orthopaedic condition that affects the elbow joints and can lead to lameness and mobility issues.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect Groodles. It may lead to seizures. Medication and close monitoring by a vet are typically necessary to manage this condition.
Tooth Decay: Groodles are known to suffer from plaque build-up, leading to tooth decay, which can lead to mouth and gum infections and pain when eating.

Breed-specific issues:

The adaptability of Groodles makes them very suitable for a variety of living environments, but they thrive on companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time. They are intelligent and sensitive dogs, who respond to routine and are quick to pick up on desired behaviours.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Groodle?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include:

Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.  
Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do. 
Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Groodles

Is it easy to train a Groodle puppy?

Training a Groodle puppy can be relatively straightforward as they tend to be people-pleasers. These dogs are renowned for their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners, which makes them quick learners. However, they are also known as ‘velcro dogs’ and want attention from their owner almost all of the time, so training a Groodle to enjoy quiet time alone can be a challenge. Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise, are particularly effective in training Groodles. It's important to start training early to establish good behaviour habits, and to be consistent and firm.

How do I know how big a Groodle puppy will grow up to be?

To estimate the eventual size of a Groodle puppy you’ll need to know the sizes of its parents. Toy Groodles stand less than 35cm high. Miniature Groodles can be up to 38cm, and Standard Groodles can be anywhere from 50cm to 70cm tall. However, there can be some variability within each category, so getting specific genetic information from the dog breeder is vital to understanding how big your Groodle puppy will grow.

Are Groodles generally healthy dogs?

Yes, Groodles are generally healthy dogs, benefitting from their mixed genetic background. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues common in both parent breeds. Common concerns in Groodles include hip and elbow dysplasia, dental issues and a tendency to obesity if they have a high food drive.

Do Groodles bark a lot?

Groodles can bark a lot if their genetics are more Poodle than Retriever, or if they are bored or lonely. However, a well-socialised Groodle who is with its owner is more likely to be a well-mannered and quiet dog, as long as it has the mental stimulation it needs.  

More dog breeds

Pomsky

Schnoodle

Moodle

Brussels Griffon

Bichon Frise

Morkie

Australian Silky Terrier

Spoodle

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Pet Insurance for Groodles