Genetics & Health Testing

All of our breeding dogs are DNA tested and undergo radiographs of the hips and elbow joints. Only the dogs with the best ‘scores’ are used for breeding!

Letters and Numbers – What do they mean?

When a litter is advertised, you will see a letter and a number next to the litter’s breed, such as F1, F2 or F3. The letter ‘F’ stands for Filial, which denotes the offspring of a cross. The number corresponds to the litter’s generation.

F1 Generation

Describes the cross between two separate pure breeds. For Groodles, this would be the Golden Retriever and the Poodle (either toy, mini or standard)

F2 Generation

Describes the cross between two F1 generation Groodles or an F1 Groodle parent crossed with a pure golden retriever or a pure poodle.

F3 Generation (not commonly used)

Describes the cross between an F2 and an F1 or F2. While generations can continue indefinitely, an F3 or higher-generation Groodle crossed with another F3 or higher Groodle is generally referred to as ‘Multi-Generational’.

Genetic Testing

DNA testing is carried out on ALL of our parent dogs through collecting cells and saliva from a cheek swab. The swab sample is sent to an independent laboratory where a genetic health profile is completed. We ensure our breeding dogs are checked against the following:

Golden Retrievers

– Progressive Retinal Atrophy
– Degenerative Myelopathy
– Progressive Rode Cone Degeneration
– Muscular Dystrophy – X-linked
– A Locus
– K Locus

Poodle (Standard)

– Degenerative Myelopathy C- DGMY
– Neonatal Encephalopathy C-NENY
– von Willebrand’s Disease Type I C-VWD1
– Renal Dysplasia C-RDSP

Poodle (Miniature)

– Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration – PRA C-PRCD
– Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy/Krabbe’s Disease C-GCLY
– Renal Dysplasia C-RDSP

Poodle (Toy)

– Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration – PRA C-PRCD
– Renal Dysplasia C-RDSP

Groodle testing is a combination of both of the above.

Hip and Elbow Testing

Our parent dogs are scored using the PennHip scoring system. This radiographic procedure is carried out by veterinarians at Greater Springfield Veterinary, who are specially qualified in this method. Xrays are then sent to the USA for assessment.
Our parent Groodles also undergo radiographs of their elbows prior to breeding. The images are sent to an independent radiographic imaging specialist for assessment of potential for Elbow Dysplasia.

** Please note that Groodles Australia puppies are NOT individually tested and no guarantee is made for their ongoing health. We strongly recommend Pet Insurance for all dogs.

Health Guarantee

Groodles Australia takes every care to breed strong and healthy puppies. Parents are tested for hip and elbow dysplasia and must pass DNA and temperament testing.

Rarely, a puppy may develop a hereditary or congenital (born with, but not necessarily inherited) serious health issue which is not able to be diagnosed prior to sale.

If your groodle, bred by Groodles Australia, is verified by your veterinarian to have such a defect, please contact us immediately.

If you are no longer able to keep your groodle due to such a defect, you may return him or her to Groodles Australia, and receive a full refund, before your puppy is 18 months of age.

All puppies purchased from Groodles Australia should be comprehensively insured by their owner immediately upon purchase. Groodles Australia is unable to provide financial reimbursement of any kind for any accident, illness or diagnostic work.