THE GROODLE
WHAT IS A GROODLE?
A Groodle is a mixed breed consisting of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They are also known as Goldendoodles.
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Breeding the Golden Retriever and Poodle together creates a larger sized dog that has the temperament and trainability of a Golden Retriever and the coat, intelligence and trainability of a Poodle.
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Groodles are perfect for families, couples and individuals.
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Groodles are calm, laidback, friendly, intelligent and easily trainable. They love a cuddle and are very loyal to their family/companions.
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Their beautiful temperament and high intelligence makes them suitable to be trained as therapy pets or service dogs for those with conditions such as autism and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
They also suitable to be trained as Diabetic Alert dogs and Assistance dogs for people living with a wide range of disabilities.
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Groodles love to play and can socialise well with other animals and people of all age groups.
THE GROODLE'S TEMPERAMENT
GROODLES AND HEALTH
Groodles have diverse genetics due to being a mixed breed.
This makes them less likely to develop genetic disease when bred by a responsible breeder who genetically tests the parents.
The main genetic diseases that can appear in Groodles are:
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PRA – Progressive Rod Cone degeneration of the eyes, this comes from the genes of the Poodle.
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Von Willebrand’s Disease – A bleeding disorder caused by low levels of clotting protein in the blood.
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Degenerative Myelopathy – This disease causes a progressive degeneration of the spinal cord in older dogs, this occurs in both Poodles and Golden Retrievers.
Puppies Downunder conduct full breed profile genetic testing on all our sires and dams. We carefully select which dogs we breed together and only breed from Clear to Carrier or from Clear to Clear.
EARS
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Groodles have long ears and can sometimes have fur growth inside which comes from the poodle making them more prone to dirty ears and ear infections.
Always check your Groodle’s ears for any foul smells or buildup of debris as well plucking out any fur that is growing inside the ear and clean them when needed.
If you suspect your Groodle has an ear infection take your Groodle to the Veterinarian for advice on treatment.
EYES
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Groodles can develop cataracts or Progressive Rod Cone degeneration (PRA). Check your Groodle’s eyes on a regular basis and if you notice anything of concern, take your Groodle to your Veterinarian.
HIPS AND ELBOWS
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Groodles can develop Hip Dysplasia, this is most likely to happen due to improper nutrition (being overweight), not enough exercise or too much exercise.
Slippery floors can also make your Groodle more predisposed to developing Hip Dysplasia.
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Elbow Dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the elbow joint and is more common in large breed dogs. This can be very painful and can be identified if your Groodle doesn’t want to walk anywhere or shows signs of being in pain whilst walking.
Seek veterinarian advice if you suspect you Groodle has either of these conditions.
WHAT SIZE DO GROODLES GROW TO?
Groodles are a mixed breed so they don’t have a set breed standard of size; the size can vary due to the generation and the parents of the dog. If you’re unsure what size your puppy will grow to ask to see the parents to get an idea of the size.
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MINATURES
Height: 35 - 40cms
Weight: 10-15kg
MEDIUMS
Height: 45 - 55cms
Weight: 15-25kg
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STANDARDS
Height: 56 -70cms
Weight: 26 -45kg
DO GROODLES SHED?
This varies depending on which breed/parent they take after as well as the individual puppy’s coat.
There are 3 coat variations as well as single and double coats.
WOOL
A single coat of densely packed curls
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FLEECE
A single or double coat with waves
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HAIR
A double coat with a wiry top coat on top of a fuzzy undercoat.
SINGLE COAT
No undercoat
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DOUBLE COAT
Top coat and Undercoat
All dogs shed their old fur so new fur can grow in, and all dogs produce dander (dead skin cells). Depending on the kind of the coat the dog has deems it less or more likely to trigger allergies.
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Dogs with a wool (curly) single coat are more suitable for those suffering with allergies. These coats have the lowest allergens due to curls that catch dander and are low shedding. Dogs with wool single coats shed slowly and their curls help trap hairs as they fall out.
These coats are high maintenance requiring daily brushing. This should be done with a high-quality slicker brush which helps detangle surface hair and remove dander, dirt and debris.
LOW MAINTENANCE COATS
If allergies are not an issue and a low maintenance coat, is preferred, a fleece or hair coat would be most suitable.
This type of coat is average to low shedding due to undercoat hairs falling out and new ones coming in.
WHAT IS THE BEST COAT FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS?
HOW ACTIVE ARE GROODLES?
Groodles have a moderate activity level. They require daily 30 to 60 minute walks per day as well as playtime and mental enrichment.
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Most Groodles love to be in the water. Whether it is the beach, the river, a lake or your own swimming pool, this type of breed will definitely enjoy splashing around when temperatures are high.
Please note: Exercise should be kept to a minimum for Groodle puppies as over-exercise can cause skeletal damage and long-term health issues.
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Groodle Breeder
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Are You Ready For A Groodle Puppy?
It’s no secret that groodles are absolutely adorable, cuddly little teddies, but adopting a new puppy into your home is a massive step for any family, so it’s essential to make sure you’re 100% ready for the responsibility. At Puppies Downunder, we understand that every breed has its own nuances and traits that can present unique challenges. That’s why we believe dog-owners-to-be should do plenty of in-depth research into the breed they plan on bringing home. As a leading groodle breeder, no one knows these intelligent, adorable little puppies quite like us, so we've put together this guide to help you tick every box before welcoming your groodle puppy into the family.
What To Expect From A Groodle Puppy
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A groodle is a mixed breed consisting of a golden retriever and a poodle, and trust us when we say; you’ll never get bored with a groodle by your side.
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They’re cuddly. Groodles are incredibly affectionate, loyal dogs. They have a very laid back temperament, but they love a chance to socialise with other animals and people of all ages.
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They’re highly intelligent. Groodles are very smart and easy to train, which is why they’re often selected as therapy pets and service dogs for people with autism and PTSD. Groodles also make for fantastic diabetic alert dogs and assistance dogs for people living with a wide range of disabilities.
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They can get pretty big. As groodles are crossbred between a golden retriever and a poodle, they can grow to be a fairly large dog of anywhere between 45-55cm in height and 15-25kg in weight. Of course, if you’re looking for a smaller dog, you can always look at adopting a miniature groodle, which grows to 35-40cm in height and 10-15kg in weight.
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They’re ideal for people with allergies. The woollier your groodle’s coat, the less likely it is to shed. Wool coats have thick curls that catch hair, dander, and dirt, minimising allergic reactions. However, wool coats are pretty high-maintenance, so if you’re looking for a groodle with a low-maintenance coat, we’d suggest a puppy with a fleece or hair coat.
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Groodles love exercise. While groodles have a moderate level of activity, they love the chance to get outdoors and run around. They also love going to the beach, rivers, lakes, or swimming pools; wherever there’s water, you’ll find your groodle splashing around. However, be careful when exercising your groodle puppy, as over-exercise during their developmental stage can cause skeletal damage and long-term health issues.
Signs You’re Definitely Ready To Welcome A Groodle Into Your Home
If you can tick all the following boxes, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re ready to start looking for a groodle for sale.
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You know what your puppy will need to eat. Your groodle puppy will need a well-balanced diet to get all the nutrients it needs to thrive. Make sure you do plenty of research on the right types and quantities of food your puppy will need. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
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Raw chicken. From 16-20 weeks of age, feed your puppy one raw chicken wing or drumstick every couple of days. Be wary of bones, as they may become lodged in their throat or tummy or harbour bacteria that can make your puppy sick.
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Dry food. Give your puppy around 2-3 handfuls of dry food in a bowl each day around midday. If it goes uneaten for a day, discard it.
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Chewable treats. Puppies teeth between four and six months old, and you may find their biting and chewing becomes more destructive. Give your puppy chewable treats to prevent gnawing on your shoes or household items.
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Lactose-free milk. Some puppies are intolerant of lactose, so opt for lactose-free or oat milk instead. Give them 250-500ml of milk twice a day until your puppy is 12 months old.
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Water. Your groodle should always have access to clean drinking water in a separate bowl.
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Vegetables. A small amount of finely-cut vegetables such as cooked pumpkin or carrots aid in healthy development.
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You’ve got a plan in place for when your puppy comes home. Have you organised a couple of weeks off work to spend with your puppy? Do you have an area ready to start crate training? Have you organised a place for your puppy to go to the bathroom? You’ll need to have all these plans in place before you bring your groodle home.
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You have your puppy’s first few appointments lined up. You should try to book an initial checkup, your puppy’s final vaccination, and enrol them in puppy school so you can hit the ground running.
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You’ve got mentally stimulating activities ready to go. Groodles are highly intelligent, and they’ll need plenty of opportunities to play and explore. You can buy mentally stimulating toys like Kongs or snuffle mats, or you can make your own. You’ll likely learn a few tricks in puppy school, but try making a list of tricks you’d like your puppy to learn so you can keep them occupied at home.
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You have all the basics. Every new dog owner needs to have these items ready so they can enjoy their first day with their newest family member.
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Bed
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Collar, lead, and harness
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Toys
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Poop bags
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Treats
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Dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste
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Nail clippers
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Brush and puppy shampoo
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How To Purchase A Groodle Puppy Ethically
At Puppies Downunder, the needs and well-being of our dogs is our top priority. Ethical breeding practices are at the core of everything we do, and if families wish to find groodle puppies for sale ethically, they should have the tools to identify ethical breeders. We’ve got a few tips to help you identify an ethical groodle breeder in Australia.
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Look for endorsements from government bodies or reputable organisations. Anyone can breed dogs, but only a handful of facilities have the seal of approval from the government and independent organisations. At Puppies Downunder, we strive to maintain ongoing compliance with the Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Business 2018. We’re incredibly proud to say that our facility has been approved by the Minister for Agriculture, the Chief Veterinary Office of Victoria, and the RSPCA.
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Consider when they allow the puppies to be adopted. Puppies shouldn’t be separated from the mother until at least eight weeks at the very minimum. Any earlier is indicative of unethical breeding practices. At Puppies Downunder, we wait until our groodle puppies are ten weeks old before we allow them to join their new families. This allows them to benefit from valuable socialisation time with mum and siblings and it gives the puppy a chance to slowly transition to solid foods.
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Look at their experience. Ethical breeders typically have a long history of working with animals, and more often than not will specialise with a handful of breeds. Only practical experience equips breeders to understand and preempt the puppies’ needs. At Puppies Downunder, we have 45 year of experience in breeding, raising, and training dogs of all breeds, but we currently focus on poodle cross, or -oodle, breeds. We know everything there is to know about the groodle, so we know exactly what they need through every stage of their early life.
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Does the breeder provide after-sale support? Ethical breeders genuinely care about the wellbeing of their puppies, and they usually offer extensive after-sale support to make sure the puppy is being raised into a healthy, happy dog. The Puppies Downunder team provide lifetime support for the families of our puppies, so we’re here every step of the way.
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They should ask you plenty of questions. Ethical breeders are very selective when choosing families for their puppies, so they’ll probably ask you all kinds of questions about your home and lifestyle to make sure the breed and the specific puppy is the right fit for you.
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Buying the puppy won’t necessarily be easy. Ethical breeders won’t just give their puppies to the person who Googled ‘Groodle for sale Australia’ and rocked up with the most money. They will carefully choose the family that has the right lifestyle and can provide the right environment for that individual puppy’s temperament. Usually, ethical breeders have a waiting list of pre-approved buyers, so if you have a specific breed in mind, give them a call and see if you can add your name to the list.
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You should be allowed to see the facility/breeding area. A good ethical breeder encourages customers to come and see the facilities, meet the parent dogs, and see the puppies in person. At Puppies Downunder, we love welcoming our customers in to see our state-of-the-art facilities, but we also understand that not everyone is able to visit. That’s why we maintain total transparency online, posting plenty of information and photos of our facilities and our dogs.
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Ethical breeders will help you give your puppy a great start. As breeders understand the puppy’s needs better than anyone, they should do everything possible to help their customers provide the best care for their new family members. Puppies Downunder provides a few essentials to help groodle puppies settle into their new home. The pack includes biscuits, a collar, lead, bowl, toy, and six weeks of free pet insurance.
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They need to provide accurate health records. Premium ethical breeders provide comprehensive health records, complete with genetic medical testing. At the minimum, puppies should have been microchipped, had a health check, at least two vaccinations (C6 and C7), and parasite prevention.
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They shouldn’t be hiding anything. Unethical breeders are very reluctant to answer specific questions. They also sometimes lie or embellish the truth to get the most money from you as they can. You should be able to ask questions and receive clear, informative answers about the puppy’s temperament, health, lineage, age, and training.
If You’re Looking For Groodle Puppies For Sale In Australia, Contact The Ethical Breeders At Puppies Downunder
At Puppies Downunder, the health and wellbeing of our animals is our highest priority. Dogs are our passion, and we dedicate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to their care. We’re the experts in our field, and with over 45 years of experience in breeding, raising, and training dogs, you can rest assured that your puppy is coming from a place dedicated to its enrichment and care. We’re proud to say that Puppies Downunder is one of the only commercial dog breeders approved by the Minister for Agriculture due to our immensely high professionalism and ethical behaviour standards. In fact, we have the highest ethical standards of any dog breeder globally. We offer lifetime support for families adopting puppies from our facility, so you can always feel confident knowing we’re here for you. So if you’re looking for an ethical groodle breeder, get in touch with the team at Puppies Downunder today.