The Rise Of The Glorious Goldendoodle

Imagine the beautiful golden coat of a Golden Retriever paired with the majestic stature of a Poodle. Together, you have a Goldendoodle! Also known as a Groodle, these magnificent dogs have become extremely popular in the last 10 years thanks to their wonderful temperament and looks.

Below we look at just what a Goldendoodle is, the different types, and how to take care of them. We also have oodles of Goldendoodle pictures for maximum “aw, cute!” appeal.

What’s a Goldendoodle?

A Goldendoodle is a fluffy and friendly hybrid dog breed – a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. It’s like having the best of both worlds. These dogs are known for their wavy or curly coat, which makes them look like big, huggable teddy bears.

Groodles are incredibly smart and easy to train, and they’re super good with families and kids. Their Golden Retriever side brings a loving and loyal personality, while the Poodle part makes them pretty clever and low shedding, which is great for folks with allergies.

How popular are they?

We’ve all been seeing more and more ‘oodle’ dogs of late, but just how popular are they?

If we look at Google searches, pretty darn popular! In NZ there was an average of 1,500 searches for the term Goldendoodle each month over the last year and around 600 for Groodle.

“The adorable teddy bear faces of ‘”‘oodle'”‘ cross-breed dogs have appeared to take over the designer dog world, popping up everywhere from Lisa Carrington’s Instagram to Kim Dotcom’s wedding party,” read a recent NZ Herald article.

Popularity has consequences 😥

Unfortunately, being super popular isn’t always a happy thing for our Groodle friends.

The high demand for Goldendoodles and other hybrid dog breeds has led to an increase in puppy mills. These are commercial breeding facilities that prioritise quantity over quality. They often keep dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, and they may not provide them with adequate veterinary care.

That’s why it’s so important to find out how to buy a puppy safely in New Zealand and take the right steps towards finding ethical dog breeders. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with information about the health and temperament of the parents, and they’ll be able to show you where they are housed and the puppies are raised.

You can also help to reduce the demand for puppy farm dogs by adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organisation. There are many dogs in need of loving homes. Adopting is a great way to give a dog a second chance at a happy life… And you may even find a Goldendoodle/Groodle right there (yes, really).

What are the types of Groodles?

Goldendoodles come in a few different types and each one has its own special qualities. Think of them like a mix-and-match of cuteness and characteristics. Here are the main types:

Standard Goldendoodle

These are the big, friendly teddy bears of the Goldendoodle family. The stand about 53 to 63cm tall and weigh around 23 to 34kg. Perfect for families who want a big, loving companion.

Medium Goldendoodle

They’re a bit smaller, standing around 45 to 55cm tall and weighing between 16 to 23kg. Not too big, not too small – just right (for many).

Miniature Goldendoodle

If you’re looking for a smaller bundle of joy, the Miniature Goldendoodle is for you. These cuties come from a Miniature Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They’re typically about 40 to 53cm tall and weigh around 9 to 16kg. Great for smaller living spaces and cuddling!

Toy Goldendoodle

You can also get a Toy Goldendoodle. A cross between a Toy Poodle and a Golden Retriever, they’re usually about 30 to 40cm tall and weigh around 4.5 to 7kg. Ideal for people who want a compact and adorable furry friend.

Sound familiar? If space of your living area is a concern, check out our top 10 low maintenance pets for smaller spaces.

What is an F1 Goldendoodle?

An F1 Goldendoodle is like the starting point in a fun doggy mix. It’s a special term that describes the very first generation of Goldendoodles.

The “F1” stands for “first generation.” It means that one parent is a purebred Golden Retriever and the other parent is a purebred Poodle. When these two wonderful dog breeds come together, they create F1 Goldendoodles.

Because they have parents from different breeds, F1 Goldendoodles can have a bit of variation in their coat type, size, and personality. But no matter what, they’re full of charm and make fantastic companions for families and individuals alike!

What is an F1B Goldendoodle?

An F1B Goldendoodle is like the “next level” of Goldendoodle cuteness. The “F1B” means it’s a second-generation Goldendoodle, coming from a mix between a first-generation (F1) Goldendoodle and a Poodle.

So, one parent is a purebred Poodle and the other parent is an F1 Goldendoodle. This mix is often done to increase the Poodle genes, which means F1B Goldendoodles are usually more Poodle-like in appearance and coat. They often have curlier or wavier hair and can be great for people with allergies because they shed less.

How much is a Goldendoodle?

The cost of a Groodle can vary depending on several factors. This includes the breeder’s reputation, location, and the specific lineage of the dog. 

On average and at the time of writing, you can expect to invest anywhere from $800 to $2,000 for a Groodle puppy. Keep in mind that this initial expense is just the beginning. Responsible pet parenting includes budget considerations for food, grooming, veterinary care, pet insurance and more. Check out our great tips on managing pet costs while giving them the best care.

How often do you groom a Goldendoodle?

When grooming a Goldendoodle you’re taking care of a super fluffy family member. How often you groom them can depend on their coat type and your preferences. Let’s break it down:

Regular brushing

No matter the coat type, Goldendoodles benefit from regular brushing. Aim for at least a few times a week. This helps keep their fur from tangling and matting, and it’s a great bonding time too.

Bathing

You don’t need to give them a bath too often, usually every 6-8 weeks is enough. However, a bath is in order if they get extra dirty from playing in the mud or rolling in something stinky.

Professional grooming

If your Goldendoodle has a curlier coat, they might need a trip to the groomer every 6-8 weeks for a trim. Groomers can also be handy for doing routine maintenance like ear cleaning and nail trimming.

Face and eye cleaning

If your Goldendoodle has those adorable, expressive eyes, keep them clean. Wipe their face gently with a damp cloth to prevent any tear staining.

Regular check-ups

While not exactly grooming, regular vet check-ups help keep your Goldendoodle healthy, which is a big part of their overall care.

Remember, Goldendoodles with curlier, more Poodle-like coats might need more frequent grooming to keep their hair manageable. Those with straighter coats might be a bit more low maintenance. The key is to keep them clean and comfortable while enjoying some quality time together.

Do they have any specific health conditions?

Like all breeds, Goldendoodles / Groodles can be prone to certain health issues. Common concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye conditions. 

However, by obtaining your pup from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on the parent dogs, you can greatly reduce the risk of these issues. 

Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise also play crucial roles in maintaining your Groodle’s overall health and wellbeing. Be sure to check these dog breed exercise requirements to make sure your pup is getting the right amount of exercise.

Owning a dog is such a pleasure, but it also comes with a huge responsibility. Read here about pet parenting mistakes to avoid in order to be the best dog parent out there.

Read more about dog breeds

Our blog contains a wealth of information on all things pets. Here are some of our breed specific articles:

• Oodles of Doodles – Your Most Asked Questions About the Labradoodle
• Pros and Cons of Hybrid Dog Breeds
• The Kindest Dog Breeds
• New Zealand’s Top 5 Dog Breeds
• 5 Small Dog Breeds for Apartment Living
• 10 New Dog Breeds to Celebrate Take Your Dog to Work Day
• 4 Best Breeds for Assistance and Guide Dogs

Insure your Goldendoodle

With a pup as glorious as the Goldendoodle / Groodle, you’ll want to make sure they’re insured in case they get into an accident or other emergency or fall ill. PD Insurance helps cover medical health costs for all kinds of pets while protecting your pocket and bringing you peace of mind. Depending on the plan you choose, cover includes non-routine vet visits, surgery, medication, dental, hospitalisation and more.

Did you know that if you sign up with us online you can get one or more months of FREE dog insurance or cat insurance? No strings attached and no lock-in contracts, just the freedom to safeguard your furkid without worry or hassle.

Click below to explore our cost-effective cover.