Health begins long before a mating ever takes place…
A true breeding dog, in our eyes, is never selected on one trait alone. It’s temperament first, always. A stable, affectionate, people focused nature is non negotiable. From there, we assess coat quality, frame and structure, DNA screening and joint health. A great breeding dog is balanced in every sense.
A lot goes into those decisions, and screening for both genetic and structural risks is a critical part of responsible breeding. We love when families ask us questions around the health of our dogs as it shows a genuine investment in the long term wellbeing of their dog, and that matters deeply to us. We’re not trying to just produce puppies. We’re here to raise healthy, well structured dogs who will thrive in family homes for many years to come.
Orivet DNA Testing
Orivet DNA Testing
DNA testing is a complete non-negotiable in our program. After temperament, it’s the first health layer we consider when selecting and pairing our breeding dogs.
All current and future breeding dogs in our program are DNA tested through Orivet*. Orivet is an Australian founded, internationally recognised veterinary genetics company specialising exclusively in animal DNA testing. Their laboratories use advanced, science backed technology to screen for breed specific genetic diseases and inherited traits with a high level of accuracy, and they’re widely regarded as a leader in canine genetic screening.
DNA testing allows us to look beyond what is visible. Many genetic conditions are recessive, meaning a dog can appear perfectly healthy while still carrying a mutation. Through Orivet's comprehensive DNA screening panels, we're able to identify these inherited mutations and make informed, responsible pairing decisions for both our current and future litters. This allows us to avoid producing puppies genetically affected by the inherited conditions included in our testing panel, while recognising that no health screening can eliminate every possible health risk.
Beyond health, DNA also gives us a detailed insight into the traits each dog carries genetically, even traits they may not visually express themselves. This helps us better understand what a dog may pass on to future generations, whether that’s coat type, furnishings, colour, pigment, curl pattern, shedding tendencies or markings.
After temperament and health, this predictability allows us to thoughtfully produce the beautiful coat types, colours and consistency our lines are known for, while also carefully managing and protecting our merle bloodline. Our Groodles are recognised for their stunning coats, rich colour depth and overall consistency across litters, and that doesn’t happen by chance. It comes from understanding the genetics behind what we’re producing and making intentional decisions every step of the way.
*Current May 2026
PennHIP Scoring
PennHIP Scoring
One of the most significant inherited conditions responsible breeders must consider in Groodles is hip dysplasia. This is especially important because Golden Retrievers, one of the foundation breeds behind Groodles, are genetically predisposed to higher rates of hip dysplasia and joint disease.
Hip dysplasia is a developmental and largely genetic condition affecting the hip joint. The main contributing factor is joint laxity, meaning the hip joint is looser than it should be. Over time, this can lead to cartilage wear, arthritis and long term discomfort. A dog can appear perfectly healthy and active while underlying looseness is already increasing their future risk of degenerative joint disease, which is why proper screening matters so much to us.
After working closely with our trusted veterinarian, Dr Jamie Mulcahy at Greencross Mudgeeraba, and reviewing the available scientific evidence, we’ve implemented PennHIP screening across our breeding program. PennHIP is an internationally recognised, scientifically validated method of measuring hip laxity and long term hip health risk.
Rather than relying solely on the appearance of an X ray, PennHIP calculates a numerical value called the Distraction Index, objectively measuring how tight or loose the hip joint truly is. Lower scores indicate tighter, more stable hips and therefore a lower statistical risk of developing degenerative joint disease associated with hip dysplasia.
All PennHIP tested breeding dogs currently within our program have scored within fantastic low risk ranges for hip dysplasia relative to their breed grouping. At present*, all breeding dogs within our program have been PennHIP assessed with the exception of two pregnant females, who are scheduled to undergo testing once appropriate following pregnancy and whelping, however both parents of each have been tested with great results, so we are not concerned.
It’s also important to understand that hip dysplasia is multifactorial. While genetics play a significant role, factors such as growth, nutrition, weight management, exercise and overall lifestyle also influence how joints develop over time. No breeder can guarantee a condition influenced by both genetics and environment will never occur, however careful screening and responsible breeding decisions significantly reduce genetic risk.
*Present, May 2026.
Lyka Pet Food
A huge part of giving our puppies the strongest possible start in life is nutrition.
We exclusively feed all of our pregnant and whelping mothers, as well as every puppy we raise, Lyka. These early stages of development are critical, and the quality of what goes into a puppy directly shapes their growth, digestion, immune system, and overall long term health.
Lyka is a premium Australian fresh dog food company that delivers ready made meals straight to your door, similar to HelloFresh but designed by Vets specifically for dogs. Each delivery arrives frozen, with pre portioned meals tailored to your dog, making it simple to feed a fresh, wholefood diet without any guesswork. Lyka uses human grade, locally sourced ingredients that are gently cooked at low temperatures, it's designed to be highly digestible and biologically beneficial. It is real food that is easy to digest and supports your dog’s health, without the fillers or heavy processing found in traditional kibble.
From the moment our puppies begin weaning, they are introduced to Lyka to ensure a smooth, consistent transition into solid food. This supports steady growth, healthy coats, strong gut health, and balanced energy as they develop.
We strongly recommend continuing this when your puppy comes home. Keeping their nutrition consistent during this transition helps remove unnecessary stress and allows them to settle into their new environment with confidence. As part of our program, our families and community receive access to 50% off their first box using our exclusive link or code GCGROODLES. We do not compromise on the things that matter. Nutrition is a cornerstone of our program, and we believe that starting with the very best gives our puppies every opportunity to thrive.
