Groodle vs Cavoodle: What Is the Difference?

Last Updated on October 13, 2026

The biggest difference between a Groodle and a Cavoodle is size. A standard Groodle is a medium to large dog, usually 20 to 35kg, while a Cavoodle is a small dog of 4 to 12kg. Groodles also need more exercise and space. Cavoodles suit apartments and quieter routines, and are easier to carry, travel with and feed.

Both are Poodle crosses, so both are clever, affectionate and low shedding, and both make lovely family dogs. Where they really part ways is in how much dog you are taking on. Let us look at the details.

Groodle vs Cavoodle at a glance

What is a Groodle?

A Groodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. In Australia the name Groodle is most common, while in the US and UK they are usually called Goldendoodles. Like Cavoodles, they come in first generation (F1) and later generation crosses, and in a range of sizes depending on the Poodle parent.

What is a Cavoodle?

A Cavoodle is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle. They were first bred in Australia in the late 1990s and are now the country's most popular breed. Elsewhere they are often called Cavapoos. Read Cavapoo vs Cavoodle for the story behind the names.

Size

This is where the two breeds differ most. A standard Groodle can weigh as much as three or four Cavoodles. That affects everything from the car you need to the size of the bed and how easily you can pick your dog up.

Mini Groodles, bred from a Miniature Poodle, are closer to a Cavoodle in size, but they are usually still a little taller and heavier, and sizes vary more. See our Cavoodle size guide for Toy and Mini Cavoodle measurements.

Temperament

Both breeds are friendly, people-focused and great with children.

• Cavoodles take after the Cavalier's love of company. They are cuddly lap dogs who want to be close to you, and they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Read more about the Cavoodle temperament.
• Groodles carry the Golden Retriever's bouncy, outgoing nature. They are often more boisterous as young dogs and love games like fetch and swimming.

Exercise and space

A Cavoodle is happy with a 30 to 60 minute walk each day plus play at home, which makes them easy to fit around work and apartment living. See how much exercise a Cavoodle needs.

A standard Groodle usually needs at least an hour or more of activity a day, ideally including off-lead running, and does best with a backyard. Without enough exercise, a bored Groodle can become destructive.

Coat and grooming

Both breeds can have curly, wavy or straight coats, and both shed far less than most dogs. Neither is completely hypoallergenic, though. Both need regular brushing to prevent matting and a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks. A Groodle's bigger body means grooming takes longer and usually costs more. Our guide to grooming a Cavoodle covers the basics.

Health and lifespan

Both breeds can inherit conditions from their parent breeds, so health testing of the parents matters for either.

• Cavoodles can inherit mitral valve heart disease from the Cavalier side, as well as luxating patella (slipping kneecaps) and eye conditions. They often live 12 to 15 years.
• Groodles are more prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which is common in larger breeds. Golden Retrievers also have a relatively high rate of cancer. Groodles often live 10 to 15 years, with larger dogs at the lower end.

For more, read how long Cavoodles live.

Cost

Puppy prices for both breeds are similar. Most good breeders charge several thousand dollars, and a Cavoodle usually costs $3,000 to $8,000 (see our Cavoodle price guide). The bigger difference is the running costs. A standard Groodle eats two to three times as much as a Cavoodle, and medication, grooming and boarding are usually priced by weight. Try our Cavoodle Cost Calculator to see what a Cavoodle would cost you.

Which is right for you?

Choose a Cavoodle if you:

• Live in an apartment, townhouse or home with a small yard
• Want a cuddly lap dog that is easy to take places
• Prefer moderate walks to long runs
• Want lower running costs

Choose a Groodle if you:

• Have a house with a good-sized yard
• Want an active companion for running, hiking or swimming
• Are happy to handle a bigger, bouncier dog through the puppy years
• Have the budget for higher food and vet costs

Also considering a Spoodle? Our comparison of the Cavoodle and the Cockapoo (Spoodle) covers another popular small Poodle cross.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Groodle bigger than a Cavoodle?

Yes. A standard Groodle is usually two to four times the weight of a Cavoodle. Even a Mini Groodle tends to be a little larger.

Mini Groodle vs Cavoodle: what is the difference?

Mini Groodles are closer in size but usually still a bit taller and heavier, with more size variation and a bouncier, Retriever-style energy.

Which sheds less, a Groodle or a Cavoodle?

They are similar. Both are low shedding, and the amount depends on coat type. Curly coats shed the least.

Which is better with kids?

Both are excellent with children. A Cavoodle's small size makes it less likely to knock over a toddler, while a Groodle may suit older kids who want an active playmate.

Is a Groodle the same as a Goldendoodle?

Yes. Groodle is the name commonly used in Australia, and Goldendoodle is more common overseas.