What makes groodles so great
Friendly, intelligent and adaptable — there’s a reason the groodle is one of Australia’s most loved breeds.
What’s a groodle?
Groodles (known overseas as ‘goldendoodles’) are a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, first bred in the 1960s as a companion for visually impaired people who were also allergic to dogs.
The idea was simple: combine the gentle, loyal nature of a golden retriever with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of a poodle.
The result is a dog that is not only low-shedding and highly trainable, but genuinely lovely to be around.
That combination of traits is exactly why groodles have become one of the most popular breeds in Australia — and why many go on to work as assistance dogs, medical alert dogs, and companion animals for children with disabilities.
What are groodles like?
Groodle dogs are social, affectionate and curious, with a good-natured enthusiasm that makes them easy to fall in love with.
They’re also intelligent — they love to learn, respond well to training, and tend to aim to please, which makes them a great match for first-time dog owners.
Most groodles adapt easily to households with or without children, other pets, and a range of living situations. Some are mellow and relaxed; others are high-energy and thrive with regular exercise and stimulation.
They suit city and country settings alike, though most appreciate space to move and a good daily run or walk.
Like their golden retriever parents, many are natural swimmers and love water — whether that’s the beach, a creek, or a backyard sprinkler.
Groodles rarely show aggressive tendencies, though plenty make excellent watchdogs.
As with most breeds, early socialisation with other dogs and people helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted adults.
What do groodles look like?
Groodles are sometimes described as “shaggy teddy bears,” and it’s easy to see why. They’re soft-featured dogs with long noses, floppy ears, and full, plumed tails that tend to ride up over their backs.
They come in three sizes — miniature, medium and standard — depending on the size of the poodle parent.
Coat colours range across gold, cream, red, brown, black and grey — sometimes with markings, sometimes without.
Coat type varies too. Woolly coats resemble a poodle’s and are typically very low-shedding. Fleece coats have a loose, wavy look and are usually low-shedding. Straight coats may shed a little more.
Why a crossbreed?
As a cross between two well-established breeds, groodles benefit from what’s known as ‘hybrid vigour’ — the tendency for crossbred animals to be genetically stronger than their purebred parents.
Because groodles are a hybrid, they aren’t registered with breed associations like the Australian National Kennel Council, and they don’t conform to the strict aesthetic standards that come with that.
At Groodles Australia, we see that as a good thing. It means our focus is entirely on what matters most: health, temperament and ethical breeding practices.
Finding the right match
Every groodle has its own personality, energy level and temperament. Our team works to match each puppy with the right person or family based on lifestyle, living situation and what they’re looking for in a companion. If you’re unsure whether a groodle is the right fit, we’re always happy to talk it through.
