Labradoodle vs.Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are two of the best breeds you can look at for a family. Of course, that isn’t extremely surprising. But, what if we compare the two? Let’s take a look at a Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle. 

Both dog breeds are practically perfect if you’re on the search for a family dog. If you haven’t seen them, you absolutely need to! They are incredibly adorable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs. 

Continue reading to find out more! By the time you’re done reading, you’ll want to run out the door to find one. 

Among the Two Breeeds: The Differences

Obviously, since their names aren’t the same, you can guess they aren’t the exact same breed. So, let’s start there. What’s the difference?

A Goldendoodle is a Poodle and Golden Retriever mix. 

A Labradoodle is a Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix. 

Whoa, there is a lot going on there. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are already excellent dogs, so why mix these dog breeds with a poodle? There are multiple reasons for this. First, hybrid dogs are known to be healthier with fewer genetic problems. That alone is huge. Why the poodle? The poodle is incredibly intelligent and non-shedding.

Each Dog’s Appearance is a Bit Unique

If you think about a Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever alone, you can visualize the differences between the two breeds. It’s the same with the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle. The two breeds are born with coats of varied consistency and color. 

Labradoodles generally have a wiry-type coat. Labradoodles also have more than one fur color. There may be several fur colors or variations in color. You may see a Labradoodle who is white, yellow, black, or even a mix of colors. That’s common. 

On the other hand, Goldendoodles are known for their long, wavy fur (similar to the fur of the Golden Retriever with the curl from the Poodle). 

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Do Both Breeds Share the Same Personality?

Essentially, you could say the labradoodle and goldendoodle act about the same. They both enjoy a run outside, walks each day, games, and the company of their family. They’re both friendly and enthusiastic with a huge love of life. 

There are slight differences among the two in regard to temperament. Remember, not every dog is the same even if they are the same breed. Every dog is unique and will carry his or her own set of characteristics.

We can generalize, though.

Goldendoodles are slightly more outgoing than the Labradoodle. The Labradoodle is friendly and loves to be around people, but if the two were at the park together playing and someone approached, the Goldendoodle would likely be the first to approach. The Goldendoodle is a more outgoing breed. The Labradoodle is more likely to stay close to her human best friend.

Goldendoodle and Labradoodle Similarities

Finally! We have been waiting to tell you about the similarities. 

First, one word. Hypo-allergenic. What’s this mean? Both breeds are excellent for people with allergies because their fur contains very few allergens in comparison to other breeds  (also known as hypoallergenic). If someone is allergic to dogs, they may handle a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle perfectly fine and find the best friend in the universe. This is another reason why the Poodle was chosen for the hybrid; to prevent allergies.

If you are searching for a family dog, a dog who is going to be incredibly loyal and dedicated to your family for their entire life, both of these breeds would be perfect for you. You are going to find a heart full of love the moment you meet them. 

Breed Profiles for the Two Doodles

As a summary of the Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle, we have provided a breed profile below. Keep in mind the chart is not strict but rather designed to provide you with an idea of the kind of dog you’re looking at.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: The Goldendoodle Facts

Dog Group: Hybrid

Goldendoodle Weight: 50-100 lbs on average

Goldendoodle Height: 13-26 inches

Coat Color: Gold, cream, red, black, brown, white, gray (or all of the above)

Coat Type: wiry, curly hair similar to the Poodle;  shaggy and straight fur like golden retrievers.

• The Goldendoodle’s coat type ranges based upon genetic factors.
• Give your dog a bath with moisturizing shampoo every 3 months or visit the groomer.

Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

Goldendoodle Traits

Affection Toward Children: High

• If you’re searching for the perfect puppy for a family, the Goldendoodle could be the match for you.

Affection Toward Other Pets: High

• Goldendoodles are extremely affectionate to other pets. They are an incredibly loving breed.

Playfulness and Energy: Medium

• Goldendoodles enjoy walking, running, hiking, and swimming. Goldendoodles are also content walking over to lounge on the couch to be loved on. But, don’t forget to exercise your dog at least 30 minutes each day to keep her happy and healthy.

Trainability: Easy-to-train

• The Goldendoodle is eager to please. She wants to make her family as happy as possible and will do nearly anything to do so.

Intelligence: High

• A high level of intelligence results in an easier-to-train, more obedient, well-rounded dog.

Prone to Excessive Barking: No

Amount of Shedding: Little to None

• Goldendoodles are known to be hypoallergenic which means they are often able to be tolerated by those allergic to dogs. Even though Goldendoodles don’t shed excessively, brushing her fur is still a must.

Common Health Issues: Although the Goldendoodle isn’t known to have a ton of health conditions there are still a few you should watch for.

• One of the most common health problems among Goldendoodles is hip dysplasia. In most cases, dogs are screened for this prior to being bred so puppies don’t carry this trait along with them.
• Ear Issues: If a Goldendoodle has the same ears as her Golden Retriever parent, she will be more prone to an ear infection. Since the Golden Retriever has ears that hang down, there are times where water may not be able to escape from the ear canal.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: The Labradoodle Facts

Dog Group: Hybrid

Labradoodle Weight: 15-100 lbs on average

• There’s quite a range here. This is because there are variations among this hybrid breed. Factors that affect puppy size include genetics from the mother and father, traits selected at the time of breeding (only some breeders do this), and/or if the Lab was bred with a Standard or Miniature poodle.

Labradoodle Height: 13-26 inches

• A standard Labradoodle can weigh up to 65 pounds
• Mini labradoodle just 15 to 25 pounds.

Coat Color: Chalk, cream, apricot, gold, red, black, blue, silver, tri-color

Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

Labradoodle Traits

Affection Toward Children: High

• Labradoodles adore children and are among the best family dogs.

Affection Toward Other Pets: High

Playfulness: High

Trainability: Easy-to-train

Intelligence: High

Prone to Excessive Barking: No

Amount of Shedding: Little to None

• Labradoodles are hypoallergenic. We will talk about what hypoallergenic means in a different post, but if a dog is hypoallergenic, that dog generally doesn’t affect those who are allergic to dogs as badly or sometimes not at all.

Health Problems in the Labradoodle: According to research, crossbreeds have fewer health problems than pure breeds, but there are a few conditions you should watch for.

• Elbow Dysplasia: You have probably heard of hip dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia is found in the parent breeds of the Labradoodle (Labrador).
• Addison’s Disease: Addison’s Disease has been found in the Australian Labradoodle. The Australian Labradoodle Association has been conducting a study to determine how common the disease is in Labradoodles.
• Congenital Eye Disease: Labradoodles are at risk of developing a condition called PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). As your dog ages, PRA has a high chance of worsening. Miniature poodles visit the veterinarian’s office frequently from PRA.

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: We Know the Decision is a Hard One

We understand it’s hard to pick between the two breeds. The Goldendoodle and Labradoodle are excellent family dogs and share a ton of traits. Basically, what it boils down to is what you are searching for as an individual or as a family. We are here to help you make that decision.

Click the apply button below to ask a member of our team which puppies we have available and let us match you with the perfect one.