Cavoodle vs Groodle: Which Oodle is Right for Your Family?

Trying to decide between a Cavoodle and a Groodle? Both are popular “oodle” breeds in Australia, both have Poodle heritage, and both make wonderful family pets. But they’re quite different dogs suited to different lifestyles.

As professional groomers who see hundreds of both breeds, we can give you an honest comparison. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right oodle for your family.

Quick Comparison Table

	Cavoodle	Groodle
Size	5-12 kg	15-35 kg
Height	25-35 cm	40-65 cm
Lifespan	12-15 years	10-14 years
Exercise needs	Moderate	High
Space needs	Apartment-friendly	Needs yard
Grooming	High maintenance	High maintenance
Shedding	Low to none	Low to moderate
Energy level	Moderate	High
Best for	Apartments, seniors, families	Active families, large homes
Price (AUS)	$4,500-$7,000	$3,500-$6,000

Size and Appearance

Cavoodle

Cavoodles are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle (usually Toy or Miniature).

• Toy Cavoodle: 5-7 kg, under 30 cm
• Mini Cavoodle: 7-10 kg, 30-35 cm
• Standard Cavoodle: 10-12 kg, up to 38 cm (less common)

They have a compact, rounded appearance with soft features – often described as “teddy bear” looking. Ears are long and floppy, face is typically quite flat (from the Cavalier influence), and build is stocky but proportionate.

Groodle (Golden Doodle)

Groodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle (usually Standard or Medium).

• Mini Groodle: 15-20 kg, 35-45 cm
• Medium Groodle: 20-30 kg, 45-55 cm
• Standard Groodle: 25-35 kg, 55-65 cm

They’re substantial dogs with athletic builds, longer snouts, and a friendly, expressive face. Even “mini” Groodles are medium-sized dogs by most standards.

Size Verdict

Choose Cavoodle if: You want a smaller dog, live in an apartment, or prefer a dog you can easily pick up and carry.

Choose Groodle if: You want a larger dog, have a house with a yard, and don’t mind a dog that will take up space on the couch.

Temperament and Personality

Cavoodle Temperament

Cavoodles inherit the sweet, gentle nature of the Cavalier and the intelligence of the Poodle.

Typical traits:

• Extremely affectionate – true companion dogs
• Gentle and patient (good with children and elderly)
• Intelligent and trainable
• Can be prone to separation anxiety (very people-focused)
• Generally calm indoors
• Adaptable to different lifestyles
• Not typically yappy, but will alert bark

Potential challenges:

• May be clingy or needy
• Can develop anxiety if left alone too much
• Some can be timid if not properly socialised

Groodle Temperament

Groodles combine the Golden Retriever’s friendly exuberance with Poodle intelligence.

Typical traits:

• Outgoing and friendly with everyone
• Highly social – loves people and other dogs
• Energetic and playful
• Very intelligent (can be mischievous if bored)
• Eager to please and highly trainable
• Often retains “puppy” energy longer
• Generally confident

Potential challenges:

• Can be boisterous and over-enthusiastic
• Needs significant mental stimulation
• May be too much for very young children (due to size and energy)
• Can develop destructive behaviours if under-exercised

Temperament Verdict

Choose Cavoodle if: You want a calm lap dog, have elderly family members, want a dog that’s happy to relax at home, or prefer a lower-energy companion.

Choose Groodle if: You want an active adventure buddy, have older children who can handle a boisterous dog, or want a dog that will enthusiastically join every family activity.

Exercise and Activity Needs

Cavoodle Exercise Needs

Cavoodles need moderate exercise but aren’t demanding.

• 30-45 minutes of exercise daily
• Happy with one good walk plus indoor play
• Enjoy short play sessions throughout the day
• Content to relax at home between activities
• Don’t typically have “zoomies” that disrupt the house

They’re adaptable – a Cavoodle will happily go for a long walk if you’re offering, but won’t destroy your furniture if you miss a day.

Groodle Exercise Needs

Groodles have significant exercise requirements, especially in their first few years.

• 60-90 minutes of exercise daily
• Need both physical AND mental stimulation
• Love swimming, fetch, running
• Excellent hiking and adventure companions
• Benefit from dog sports (agility, obedience)
• Young Groodles need multiple outlets for energy

An under-exercised Groodle will find ways to entertain themselves – and you probably won’t like what they choose.

Exercise Verdict

Choose Cavoodle if: You have a busy lifestyle, aren’t highly active yourself, or want a dog that fits around your schedule rather than dictating it.

Choose Groodle if: You’re active and outdoorsy, enjoy long walks and adventures, and have time for significant daily exercise.

Living Space Requirements

Cavoodle

Cavoodles are excellent apartment dogs when properly exercised.

• Suit apartments, townhouses, and houses
• Don’t need a yard (but enjoy one)
• Adapt well to smaller spaces
• Generally quiet indoors
• Travel-friendly due to size

Groodle

Groodles really benefit from more space.

• Best suited to houses with yards
• Can live in apartments but need significant outside exercise
• Like room to move and play
• Tail-wagging can clear coffee tables
• Need space for zoomies

Space Verdict

Choose Cavoodle if: You live in an apartment or smaller home, or don’t have a yard.

Choose Groodle if: You have a house with a yard and indoor space for a larger dog.

Grooming Needs

This is where we have strong opinions. Both breeds need significant grooming – neither is “low maintenance.”

Cavoodle Grooming

• Brushing: Daily to every-other-day
• Professional grooming: Every 6-8 weeks
• Coat types: Fleece (most common), wool, or hair
• Shedding: Low to none (depending on coat type)
• Mat risk: HIGH – especially during coat transition

Cavoodle coats are beautiful but require commitment. The wavy fleece coat mats easily, especially in problem areas like behind ears, armpits, and back of legs.

Groodle Grooming

• Brushing: Daily to every-other-day
• Professional grooming: Every 6-8 weeks
• Coat types: Wavy to curly (varies by generation)
• Shedding: Low to moderate (more variable than Cavoodles)
• Mat risk: HIGH – especially curly coats

Groodles have more coat to manage simply due to their size. A matted Groodle is a big job to dematting or shave down. F1B Groodles (more Poodle) tend to have curlier, higher-maintenance coats.

Grooming Verdict

Both breeds need daily brushing and regular professional grooming. Neither is “easier” – it’s just that Groodles have more surface area to cover. If you’re not prepared for grooming commitment, neither oodle breed is right for you.

For detailed grooming guidance, see our Cavoodle Grooming Guide.

Health Considerations

Cavoodle Health

Cavoodles are generally healthy but can inherit conditions from both parent breeds:

• From Cavalier: Mitral valve disease (heart), syringomyelia (neurological)
• From Poodle: Progressive retinal atrophy (eyes), luxating patella (knees)
• Common issues: Ear infections, dental problems, allergies
• Lifespan: 12-15 years

Health testing of breeding dogs is crucial – especially heart testing for Cavalier parents.

Groodle Health

Groodles benefit from the generally robust health of Golden Retrievers:

• From Golden Retriever: Hip and elbow dysplasia, some cancer predisposition
• From Poodle: Progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia
• Common issues: Ear infections, allergies, joint issues (especially in larger dogs)
• Lifespan: 10-14 years

Larger dogs generally have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs. Standard Groodles are at the shorter end of this range.

Health Verdict

Cavoodles have more breed-specific health concerns (particularly heart issues from the Cavalier line) but longer average lifespans.

Groodles have fewer serious inherited conditions but shorter lifespans and higher risk of joint issues due to size.

For both: Buy from a breeder who health tests their dogs. This significantly reduces risk.

Training

Both breeds are intelligent and trainable – they both have Poodle genes, after all. But they have different approaches.

Cavoodle Training

• Eager to please but can be sensitive
• Respond well to gentle, positive methods
• May be slower to pick up commands but retain them well
• Can be food-motivated
• Some have stubborn streaks
• Toilet training can take longer than some breeds

Groodle Training

• Highly intelligent and quick learners
• Very food and play motivated
• Need mental stimulation to stay engaged
• Can get bored with repetitive training
• Excel at advanced training and dog sports
• High energy can make focus challenging for young dogs

Training Verdict

Both breeds are highly trainable. Groodles may pick things up faster but also need more stimulation. Cavoodles are gentler learners who may need more patience but are less demanding overall.

Family Compatibility

Cavoodle with Children

• Excellent with children of all ages
• Gentle and patient
• Small enough not to accidentally knock over toddlers
• May be overwhelmed by very rough play
• Good with elderly family members

Groodle with Children

• Great with children, especially older kids
• Can handle (and enjoy) rough-and-tumble play
• May be too boisterous for toddlers
• Energetic playmate for active children
• Size can be overwhelming for very young children

With Other Pets

Both breeds generally do well with other pets, especially if raised together. Groodles may have higher prey drive than Cavoodles due to Golden Retriever heritage, but both are typically sociable with other dogs.

Family Verdict

Choose Cavoodle if: You have young children or elderly family members, or want a calmer family pet.

Choose Groodle if: You have older children who want an active playmate, or your family is very active.

Cost Comparison

Purchase Price (Australia 2026)

• Cavoodle: $4,500-$7,000 (Toy Cavoodles at higher end)
• Groodle: $3,500-$6,000

Cavoodles are generally more expensive due to smaller litter sizes and higher demand.

Ongoing Costs

	Cavoodle (monthly)	Groodle (monthly)
Food	$60-$100	$100-$180
Grooming	$80-$120	$100-$150
Pet insurance	$40-$80	$50-$100
Treats/toys	$20-$40	$30-$50
Total	$200-$340	$280-$480

Groodles cost more to maintain simply because they’re bigger – they eat more, need more grooming product, and insurance is typically higher for larger dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for allergies – Cavoodle or Groodle?

Neither breed is truly hypoallergenic. Cavoodles tend to shed less consistently (most have fleece or wool coats), while Groodles vary more depending on generation. F1B versions of either breed (more Poodle) typically shed least. If allergies are a concern, spend time with the specific dog before committing.

Which is easier to train?

Both are highly trainable. Groodles may learn faster but also need more mental stimulation. Cavoodles are gentler learners. For a first-time owner, Cavoodles are often more forgiving.

Which is better for apartments?

Cavoodle, without question. They’re smaller, quieter, and more adaptable to limited space. Groodles can live in apartments but need significant outside exercise to compensate.

Which barks more?

Both breeds can bark – it depends more on individual personality and training than breed. However, Cavoodles are generally considered quieter. Groodles can be vocal when excited.

Which lives longer?

Cavoodles, typically. Smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs. Cavoodles average 12-15 years; Groodles average 10-14 years. Standard Groodles are at the shorter end of this range.

Can I have a Mini Groodle instead of choosing between them?

Mini Groodles exist but are still medium-sized dogs (15-20 kg) – larger than most Cavoodles. If you want a smaller dog with Groodle temperament, a Mini Groodle is a compromise, but not as small as a Cavoodle.

The Bottom Line

Both Cavoodles and Groodles make wonderful family pets. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and what you’re looking for in a dog.

Choose a Cavoodle if you:

• Live in an apartment or smaller home
• Want a smaller, more portable dog
• Prefer a calmer, gentler temperament
• Have young children or elderly family members
• Want moderate exercise requirements
• Prefer a longer-lived breed

Choose a Groodle if you:

• Have a house with a yard
• Want a larger, more substantial dog
• Lead an active lifestyle
• Have older children who want a playmate
• Have time for significant daily exercise
• Want a dog for outdoor adventures

Both breeds need:

• Daily grooming commitment
• Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
• Positive, consistent training
• Social interaction and companionship
• Health-tested parents from reputable breeders

Whichever you choose, you’re getting a loyal, loving companion. Just make sure your lifestyle matches their needs.

Related Resources

Decided on a Cavoodle? Visit our Cavoodle Learning Centre for everything you need to know, including:

• How to Prepare for a Cavoodle Puppy
• Complete Cavoodle Grooming Guide
• Cavoodle Puppy Checklist (Free PDF)