Groodles: Everything You Need to Know Before You Get One

Choosing a family pet can be a lengthy process if you want to get it right.  It’s important to select a breed of dog that is going to fit in with your lifestyle and family.  Check out our list of dog breeds that we’ve encountered during our pet photography sessions and how we’ve found them to be.

You might also know them as Goldendoodles — the same gorgeous breed, just a different name used more commonly overseas. Whether you call them Groodles or Goldendoodles, our Melbourne pet photographers have had the pleasure of working with dozens of them over the years, and we’re yet to meet one we didn’t love.

 

What Is a Groodle (and What’s the Difference Between a Groodle and a Goldendoodle)?

A Groodle is a hybrid breed, the result of crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle. In Australia, we call them Groodles. In the US, UK, and much of the rest of the world, the exact same dog goes by the name Goldendoodle. Same breed, different name — so if you’ve been Googling both, you’re on the right track.

Their coats can range from loose and wavy to tight and curly, depending on which parent they take after. Like other Poodle crosses, they tend to shed very little and carry minimal doggy odour — a big plus for families and for those of us who photograph them in enclosed studios.

What’s the Difference Between an F1 and F1B Groodle?

If you’ve spent any time researching Groodles, you’ve probably come across the terms F1 and F1B. Here’s what they mean:

• F1 Groodle — A first-generation cross: one purebred Golden Retriever parent and one purebred Poodle parent. These dogs are typically 50% of each breed. Their coats are more variable and they may shed slightly more than an F1B.
• F1B Groodle — A first-generation backcross: an F1 Groodle bred back with a purebred Poodle. These are approximately 75% Poodle, which generally means a curlier coat and even lower shedding. Great for allergy-sensitive households.
• F2 Groodle — Two F1 Groodles crossed together. More genetic variability, and coat outcomes are harder to predict.

For most families, an F1B is the sweet spot — you get the Golden Retriever temperament with the Poodle’s low-shedding coat.

 

How Big Do Groodles Get?

Groodles come in miniature, small, and standard sizes — often compared to friendly, oversized teddy bears. A standard Groodle stands around 50–65cm tall and weighs between 27–45kg, though this varies significantly depending on the parent dogs. A miniature Groodle (bred from a Miniature Poodle) will be considerably smaller, making them a more practical option for smaller homes or apartment living.

 

Do Groodles Require a Lot of Grooming?

This is the part that often catches new Groodle owners off guard. Yes, they’re low-shedding — but that doesn’t mean low-maintenance.

Because their fur grows continuously rather than shedding, Groodles need professional grooming every 6–8 weeks to prevent matting. In between visits, regular brushing at home (3–4 times per week minimum for curlier coats) is essential.

Typical professional grooming costs in Melbourne range from $80–$150 per session depending on the dog’s size and coat condition. Factor that in when budgeting — it adds up to around $600–$1,200 per year on top of food, vet bills, and other expenses.

The payoff, of course, is that your home stays relatively fur-free — something our photographers are always grateful for during indoor sessions.

Can Groodles Live in Apartments?

With reservations, yes — but it takes commitment. A standard Groodle is an energetic dog that thrives on daily exercise. Without it, they can become bored, anxious, and destructive. An apartment-dwelling Groodle will need at least 60–90 minutes of proper outdoor exercise each day.

A miniature Groodle is a better fit for apartment living, as their exercise needs are more manageable and they adapt more easily to smaller spaces.

Either way, proximity to parks and off-lead areas is genuinely important — inner-city Melbourne spots like Princes Park, Royal Park, and the Tan are popular with Groodle owners.

 

Do Groodles Suffer from Separation Anxiety?

This is worth knowing before you commit. Groodles are extremely people-oriented dogs — it’s part of what makes them such wonderful companions. The flip side is that they don’t cope well with being left alone for long periods.

Separation anxiety is one of the most commonly reported issues with the breed. Signs include destructive behaviour, excessive barking, and distress when owners leave. If you work long hours or travel frequently, a Groodle may not be the best match without a solid plan in place (doggy daycare, a dog walker, or working from home).

Crate training from an early age, combined with gradual desensitisation to alone time, makes a significant difference. A professional dog behaviourist can also help if anxiety becomes a persistent issue.

 

Groodle vs Labradoodle vs Cavoodle — What’s the Difference?

These three Poodle crosses dominate the Australian designer dog market, and the choice between them is genuinely confusing for first-time buyers. Here’s a quick breakdown:

	Groodle (Goldendoodle)	Labradoodle	Cavoodle
Parent breeds	Golden Retriever × Poodle	Labrador × Poodle	Cavalier King Charles × Poodle
Typical size	Medium to large	Medium to large	Small to medium
Energy level	High	High	Moderate
Temperament	Gentle, playful, people-loving	Boisterous, outgoing	Calm, affectionate, adaptable
Best for	Active families with space	Active families, outdoor lifestyles	Apartments, seniors, smaller families
Avg. price (AU)	$4,000–$6,000	$3,500–$5,500	$3,000–$5,000
Grooming needs	High	Medium-high	Medium

If you have young children and an active lifestyle, Groodles and Labradoodles are both excellent choices. Cavoodles suit those wanting a smaller, calmer companion. We’ve photographed all three extensively — each has its own distinct personality, and honestly, all of them are a joy to work with.

 

How Much Does a Groodle Cost in Australia?

Well-bred Groodles from reputable breeders in Australia typically cost between $4,000–$6,000. That price reflects health testing of the parent dogs, proper socialisation during the puppy’s early weeks, and the breeder’s time and expertise.

Be wary of significantly cheaper dogs — they are often sourced from puppy farms or backyard breeders who cut corners on health and socialisation. The long-term vet bills from a poorly bred dog will far exceed any upfront savings.

As always, adoption is worth exploring first. Pet Rescue and breed-specific rescue groups sometimes have Groodles and Groodle crosses in need of a home.

 

Do Groodles make good family pets?

During our Melbourne pet photography sessions with Groodles we have always found them to be fun and friendly dogs, who are very close to their owners and always seem to be very obedient (maybe we’ve just been lucky to work with well trained dogs?!).

Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are intelligent dogs so it stands to reason that the Groodle is too! Since they are intelligent, they do require a good amount of mental stimulation to stop them from becoming bored and destructive.  Living with children is good for Groodles as there is always someone to play with and keep them busy.

Similar to Spoodles, they have a reputation for being patient and tolerant in nature so are great pets for children. Groodles are energetic dogs so need a good amount of physical exercise to keep them happy and healthy, meaning that they probably suit younger and more active families who enjoy being outdoors and active.

 

Are Groodles easy to train?

Due to their high level of intelligence and willingness to please, Groodles are very easy to train compared to other dog breeds. As with all dogs, start the training from an early age and if you don’t know where to start, puppy school or professional dog training is usually best. Your vet is usually a good person for recommendations.

 

Where can I find recommended Groodle Breeders?

We don’t like to recommend dog breeders as this is such a contentious area with many shady characters in the business who create a bad name for everyone.  We suggest doing your own research using google reviews, forums and then making visits to several different breeders. It’s usually obvious which breeders are genuine and are doing it for the live of dogs and which ones are in it for the money alone.

Even those breeders with good reviews on google seem to have a few scathing reviews amongst the positive ones so take your time and be thorough.   Word of mouth is usually a reliable indicator of quality so get down to your local dog park or the dog beach at Sandringham, Mentone or Brighton and get chatting to some dog owners apart where their pet came from.

Both Pines Pets and Chrevromist Kennels are close to Melbourne, but have a mixture of positive and negative reviews on Google.

 

What health problems do Groodles have?

Groodles are prone to skin allergies and can develop rashes or develop hair loss. Preventative measures include regular bathing and flea treatment.

Volvulus and gastric dilatation or when the stomach becomes swollen with gas and the inability to vomit.  These issues can be quite serious if left untreated.  It’s recommended that small meals are given over the course of the day instead of one large one to help avoid the bloating.

 

Additional Health Notes

Hip dysplasia is also worth being aware of in standard-sized Groodles, given the Golden Retriever’s known predisposition to joint issues. Ask your breeder for hip and elbow scores on the parent dogs. A responsible breeder will have these on hand without hesitation.

Pet insurance is strongly recommended for Groodles — treatment for conditions like gastric dilatation (bloat) can run into the thousands.

 

📸  Got a Groodle? We’d love to photograph them!

We’ve photographed dozens of Groodles across Melbourne and they are — without question — one of our favourite breeds to work with. Those faces photograph beautifully.

 

Quick Groodle FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between a Groodle and a Goldendoodle?

They’re the same breed. In Australia we call them Groodles; in the US and UK they’re known as Goldendoodles. Both are a Golden Retriever × Poodle cross.

Q: Do Groodles shed?

Groodles are considered low-shedding, particularly F1B Groodles (which are 75% Poodle). However, no dog is completely non-shedding, and Groodles still require regular professional grooming to prevent matting.

Q: How much does a Groodle cost in Australia in 2025?

Expect to pay between $4,000 and $6,000 from a reputable breeder. Significantly cheaper prices are a red flag for puppy farms or irresponsible breeding.

Q: Are Groodles good with kids?

Yes — Groodles have a well-earned reputation for patience, gentleness, and playfulness with children. They’re one of the most family-friendly breeds we work with.

Q: How long do Groodles live?

Groodles typically live between 12 and 15 years — a long commitment worth making if the breed suits your lifestyle.

Q: Do Groodles suffer from separation anxiety?

They can. Groodles are highly bonded to their owners and don’t enjoy long periods alone. Early crate training and gradual alone-time conditioning helps significantly.

Q: How often do Groodles need grooming?

Professional grooming is recommended every 6–8 weeks, plus regular brushing at home (3–4 times per week for curlier coats). Budget around $80–$150 per salon visit.

Q: Can Groodles live in apartments?

Miniature Groodles adapt better to apartment living than standard-sized Groodles. Both need daily exercise — standard Groodles need at least 60–90 minutes per day.