Other Names:
Curly Golden, Curly Retriever, Goldenpoo, Goldendoodle
Price Range:
$500 – $1,000
Size:
Large
Dog Group:
Hybrid (Sporting and Non-Sporting)
Coat Length:
Long
Energy:
High
Kid Friendly:
Medium
Life Expectancy:
10-15 years
Available in these colours:
Apricot
common
Black
common
Brown
common
Brown & White
common
Chocolate
common
Gold
common
White
common
Caramel, Chocolate & Black
common
The Groodle comes in a variety of colours, including Apricot, Black, Brown, Brown & White, Chocolate, Gold and White.
Characteristics & Tendencies:
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
APARTMENT FRIENDLY
HYPOALLERGENIC
About the Groodle
The Groodle, the ‘shaggy’ looking dog, is an adorable mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle. Its name, which alters ‘poodle’ to ‘doodle’ by analogy to ‘Labradoodle’, another poodle cross, was coined in 1992. The hybrid is known as a “designer breed” because they were bred to have the lovable qualities of both of their parents. They are, also, the ultimate combination of good looks, smart wits, and playfulness. But because they’re a mix, it’s hard to know how much of each parent they inherit.
Goldenpoos usually stand at 51to 56cm tall and weigh 23 to 45 kilograms, and come in a variety of colours including black, white, brown and chocolate. Being a crossbreed, they vary in appearance from dog to dog. They are happy, intelligent dogs who make loyal companions to their family. The breed loves to socialise and be near their owners. And if you imagine playing fetch and frisbee with your dog, then they are the ideal choice!
Goldendoodles are high maintenance in terms of grooming, and will shed more if their coats resemble their Golden Retriever parent. They are highly trainable dogs, and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques.
Top health issues
What are the most common health issues for Groodles?
- Skin Allergies
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
IN DETAIL
Common Groodle diseases & conditions, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in detail:
Skin allergies are the most common type of allergic reactions and are primarily caused by flea allergy dermatitis, food allergies or environmental allergens. Goldendoodles are quite prone to skin allergies and may develop rashes or excessive hair loss as a consequence. Symptoms of skin allergies generally include scratching, general discomfort or redness. Take measures to monitor skin allergies by regularly bathing your dog and keeping them flea-free. The best way to treat an allergy is the avoidance of the cause and allergen. In addition to any necessary lifestyle modifications, your veterinarian may prescribe medication for your dog to help control the signs associated with the allergic reaction.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus is a rapidly progressive life-threatening condition in dogs. It is usually associated with large meals and causes the stomach to dilate, due to food and gas, increasing the pressure in the stomach. The consequences of this increased size and pressure may be severe, including prevention of adequate blood return to the heart, rupture of stomach walls, pressure on the diaphragm leading to decreased ability to maintain normal breathing. If the condition worsens and your dog does not receive treatment in time, the condition can become life-threatening. Veterinarians are unsure what causes bloating in dogs, but factors that increase the risk include eating from a raised food bowl, having one large meal a day, eating and drinking too much or even stress. Although any breed can bloat, it is much more common in deep-chested large breeds such as Akitas, Boxers, Basset Hounds and German Shepherds. As this is an emergency, it is imperative your dog receives immediate veterinary intervention. They will treat the shock, and once your dog is stable, take them into surgery to deflate the stomach and tack the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent it from twisting.
Due to their active lifestyles, hip dysplasia is not a rare occurrence in Goldendoodles. Poodles and Golden Retrievers are both susceptible to the condition, therefore a hip examination is highly recommended for Goldendoodles. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and is the primary cause of painful hip osteoarthritis in dogs. It generally occurs in large or giant breed dogs, however can also occur in smaller breeds as well. It is usually affected by factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight and nutrition. Symptoms of hip dysplasia may show in dogs when they are as young as four months of age, whilst for others the disease may develop in conjunction with osteoarthritis as they age. These symptoms may include decreased activity, difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping or running, lameness in the hind end, loss of thigh muscle mass, pain and stiffness. Hip dysplasia is diagnosed radiographically by the presence of degenerative changes and/or subluxation of the hip joint(s). There are multiple treatment options ranging from lifestyle modifications to surgery. These may include physical therapy, joint supplements or anti-inflammatory medications, or common surgeries such as double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO), femoral head ostectomy (FHO) or total hip replacement (THR).
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder arising from a deficiency in the Willebrand factor protein (vWF). Like hemophelia A, an inherited blood clotting defect in human beings, vWD affects dogs and breeds at high risk should be screened before being allowed to breed. Breeds routinely tested include Golden Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Rottweilers, Miniature Schnauzers, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles and Scottish Terriers. There are three types of the disease, classified into Type I, II and III, defined by the quantity and structure of plasma vWF. Clinical signs include a mild to severe bleeding tendency, and bruising of the skin. Many dogs with vWD actually don’t require treatment unless a surgery is planned or lose a lot of blood due to an injury. Due to its hereditary nature, unfortunately there is no prevention or cure for vWD. If your dog has vWD, make sure to notify your veterinarian.
Feeding
How much does a Groodle eat?
When it comes to meals, Goldendoodles do best with a structured schedule, rather than free feeding. This helps prevent them from experiencing bloat or other gastrointestinal and digestive issues. Scheduled feeding also helps you keep track of how much they’re eating and whether or not their weight is where it should be. It is also recommended that you avoid giving your Goldendoodle table scraps and “people food,” as this can cultivate begging habits and a tendency for weight gain or health problems. It is advisable to check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Shedding
How often does the fur fall off?
Goldendoodles shed moderately. They will shed if they have a coat that is closer to the Golden Retriever. Those with a fluffy woolly coat usually do not shed and are often tolerated by allergic people. Although not all Goldendoodles exhibit the hypoallergenic coat type of the Standard Poodle, most Goldendoodles do have a low to non-shedding coat. While the degree of shedding varies from dog to dog, overall, the Goldendoodle exhibits less shedding than other dogs.
Grooming
Are Groodles high maintenance?
The Goldendoodle requires grooming on a daily basis. The eyes should be cleaned daily to prevent a build-up eye discharge and tear staining, and avoid infections. The Groodle’s ears need frequent cleaning or they will become infected, and daily toothbrushing is recommended or tartar will build up rapidly and lead to gingivitis. Coats should be brushed everyday to reduce shedding. These thicker coats do take a great deal of care though, generally requiring professional grooming, as well as regular combing and brushing at home. Cutting the dog’s hair by a professional groomer is essential. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule. Some Goldendoodles should be taken to a groomer about every six weeks for a clip of your choice.
Exercise
How much exercise does a Groodle need?
Goldendoodles need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. This breed requires approximately 30 to 60 minutes of exercise or physical activity every day to strengthen muscles and improve their mobility. Half an hour to an hour of play time or physical activity for your Goldendoodle should be enough to keep your pup happy and healthy. They enjoy socialising with other dogs, that is why regular trips to the dog park and swimming will keep them entertained. Other suggested activities includes playing fetch or taking them for a walk or a jog, hiking, or just running around with your dog in the yard.
Vet Visits
How often should a Groodle visit the vet?
Scheduled six-monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure your Groodle is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. In these annual visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog’s temperature and check his heartbeat, among other things. Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog’s growth and development and discuss any concerns with your vet, and forms a key part of preventative care.
Family Suitability
Are Groodles kid-friendly and sociable with humans?
Being a wonderful family companion, the Goldendoodle generally gets along well with children and does well with elderly people. Although they only need an average level of social interaction, they are affectionate, outgoing, social dogs and often have an uncanny ability to communicate with their people. Although the breed enjoys being around with people, they don’t mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Trainability
Are Groodles difficult to train?
Goldendoodles tend to be smart and learn quickly. They are keen in creating an association between commands and actions, making them highly trainable dogs. Positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards, should be used to encourage a better learning process for them. They understand and memorise new commands in 25-40 repetitions, and generally obey the first command 50% of the time or better. Thus, patience, like with other breeds, is necessary for teaching Goldendoodles to pick up any tricks or commands.
Compatibility with other pets
Do Groodles get along with other dogs or cats?
Goldendoodles get along well with other pets. They are very friendly towards dogs and cats, and generally friendly to other pets. This breed is also happy to cohabit with other animals but this does also depend on the early socialisation of the dog. They tend to be more affectionate when they have gotten used to meeting other pets. Therefore, bringing them to dog parks will help increase their sociability towards other pets.
Need for company
How often do they need to be around humans?
Goldendoodles are susceptible to developing separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. The breed is affectionate and tend to bond and be with their family or they may tend to panic, cry, bark, and whine as a result. However, this behaviour can be mitigated with proper socialisation and spending quality time with your dog. They do best when being around with other people and pets, and are sociable dogs requiring good doses of human contact.
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