Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle — The Similarities and Differences

So, you’re thinking of taking the plunge and welcoming a dog into your home. You’ve narrowed it down to two choices — Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle —- which is the right pooch for you? 

Both bow-wows are mixed with and incorporate the traits of the Poodle, they also come from the Retriever parentage — either Golden or Labrador. And, as pure breeds, the Labrador and Golden Retriever have a pawsome reputation for being kid-friendly. 

So, what’s the difference between a Goldendoodle and a Labradoodle? 

With both these popular ‘Doodle’ breeds possessing similarities, we’re here to help you answer this canine-related question.

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Contents

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Comparison Chart
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle — The Breeds
Is the Labradoodle For Me?
Is the Goldendoodle For Me?
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Size
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Temperament
Training Your Goldendoodle or Labradoodle
Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle Price
Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle Shedding
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Grooming Requirements
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Exercise Needs
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle FAQs

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Quick Comparison Chart

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle — The Breeds

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a hybrid breed. Made by mixing the Poodle and the Labrador to create the Labradoodle.

These dogs have huge amounts of energy and a super playful nature — but this does mean that regular exercise is a must. They’re easily trainable thanks to their intelligent parentage.

Is the Labradoodle for Me?

Labradoodles are first-timer and family-friendly, and considered low-shedding dogs. They love to tag along on the most boring of outings just so that they can be with their humans. And if you have a well-socialized Labradoodle, they’re sure to make plenty of friends along the way.

However, as only one parent is classed as hypoallergenic, it’s difficult to predict how much these dogs shed. You’ll get some Labradoodles whose shedding is almost nonexistent and others that shed a lot more. So, if you’re an allergy sufferer, this is something you should think about.

Pros

• Amazing temperament.
• Social dog.
• Considered a healthy breed.
• Intelligent and easy to train.

Cons

• Not the best guard dog.
• Shedding level is unpredictable.
• High energy and needs regular exercise.

Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a mixed breed that was first seen in the 1990s. They came about by breeding the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.

These dogs are very intelligent and love to please their humans, which means they’re easy to train. Goldendoodles are also good-natured and sociable, with a coat that shouldn’t shed too much. However, this will depend on which parent they take after.

Is the Goldendoodle for Me?

Goldendoodles are companion canines at heart, patient with kids — so they make good family dogs — and are tolerant of other pets.

However, if you’re looking for a dog that will curl up on the couch with you, this is not the breed for you. These are high-energy dogs, just like the Labradoodle, and require a lot of exercise as well as mental stimulation.

Pros 

• Great dogs for families.
• Intelligent and easily trained.
• Friendly nature.
• People pleasers.

Cons 

• Can’t guarantee shedding level.
• Overexcitable.
• Partial to chewing.

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Size

Let’s look at the height and weight of these two breeds.

Labradoodle

Labradoodles are classed as medium-large dogs. But their weight and height can vary.

• A fully grown Labradoodle can weigh as much as 65 pounds or as little as 50 pounds.
• Labradoodles’ height can also vary from 21 to 24 inches tall.

Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are considered to be medium-large dogs. But they do come in three different sizes depending on the size of the Poodle parent — small, small standard, and large standard. And, just like Labradoodles, their height and weight can differ.

• An adult Goldendoodle can weigh anything from around 15 pounds to a massive 90 pounds.
• Their height can also vary hugely from a tiny 13 inches to a very large 24 inches.

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Temperament

Not to beat around the bush, both the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle have pawsome qualities that anyone would wish to have in their furry best friend. 

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle has inherited a calm yet affectionate nature from the lovable Labrador breed. They adore being around humans and quite quickly will become the baby of the family. 

Goldendoodle

Likewise, the Goldendoodle also dotes on their pet parents, but also possesses a gentle manner. This breed stands out as a great pet for families with children and more senior owners.

Training Your Goldendoodle or Labradoodle

Training any breed takes time and patience, but for these two Poodle mixes, it comes naturally! Both the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are exceptional when trained as therapy service dogs. Both are people-pleasers, and their intelligence allows them to understand cues from their owner and they recognize when it’s time to play and rest.

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle has a great understanding of what is to come. They get on well in busy households and welcome visitors as if they’re a part of the family. Out of the two breeds, Labradoodles pick up on commands a touch faster. 

Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is amazing at problem-solving, which makes them brilliant at playing games like hide the treat, fetch, etc. However, one thing to note is the fact that Goldendoodles need set boundaries from the offset. Yet, once these have been established, you will have a great time with a Goldendoodle in the house.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle Price

Want a new companion? Here’s what you can expect to pay for these pups.

In terms of price, both the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle are equally matched — you can expect to pay anything from $1000 up to around $4000. The cost is impacted by a few key factors, such as the breeder’s reputation, the pup’s parentage, and genetics.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle Shedding

Being able to know in advance how much a dog is likely to shed is important for all pet parents but especially for those with allergies. As far as both breeds are concerned, this is one area to watch out for. 

Labradoodle

As we’ve mentioned, the Labradoodle is a mix of the Poodle and the Labrador. As the latter parent isn’t classed as hypoallergenic, it can be difficult to predict how much they will shed. 

The Labradoodle can have a variety of different coat types:

• Wool — the curliest type and most similar to the Poodle.
• Fleece — more of a wavy texture. 
• Hair — is more like the coat of the Labrador. 

Hence, some Labradoodles shed quite a bit — but still not to the degree of a pure Labrador — while others are more like their Poodle parentage and shed very minimally.

Goldendoodle

Typically Golden Retrievers have thinner, but longer coats than Labradors, which is evident in the Goldendoodle. And, depending on the dominant gene carried from the canine’s parents, this Doodle dog could also have many appearances:

• Curly — Poodle-like coat.
• Wavy — a mix of Poodle and Golden.
• Straight — coat takes after the Golden Retriever.

Again, just like the Labradoodle, one of their parents — the Golden Retriever — isn’t hypoallergenic. Hence, the Goldendoodle’s coat type dictates the level of shedding that could occur.

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Grooming Requirements

As we just discussed, both breeds vary in coat type. While this affects shedding levels, it also affects grooming demands. 

Brushing

Both breeds love to get outdoors and are, more often than not, attracted to dirt. This does mean that they require regular brushing. Here is what you can expect by Goldendoodle/Labradoodle coat type: 

• Straight/Hair — the least amount of maintenance, brush/comb weekly.
• Wavy/Fleece — daily brushing/combing would be beneficial — but twice per week would be ok, provided you’re thorough. 
• Curly/Wool — brushing/combing every day is a must. 

Grooming

Due to their Poodle gene, the Goldendoodle’s fur grows quickly and will require a trim every few months. While a Labradoodle with a curly ‘Poodle’ coat is going to need more frequent trimming around every 6 weeks.

Nails

Both breeds, like all medium-large breed dogs, require their nails trimmed about once a month. This prevents them from growing too long and causing your pup any issues. Many owners choose to do this at home with a nail grinder or nail clippers.

Bathing

Neither breed requires bathing very often, and their coats are extremely low odor.

Labradoodle or Goldendoodle Exercise/Activity

Are you going to be spending your life walking the dog park, or is a quick game in the garden going to be enough? Let’s take a look and find out.

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a high-energy dog that requires a fair amount of exercise every single day. They’re going to need around one hour a day to keep them happy and healthy. They also require mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble.

Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is another highly active dog that’s going to require at least 40 minutes of daily exercise. So if you’re looking for a couch potato, this isn’t the dog for you. 

What’s more, neither of these breeds are good apartment dogs due to their size and exercise requirements.

Conclusion

There’s no denying, the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are friendly, playful, and loyal dogs who fit well into family life. And, to be fair, there isn’t much between these two breeds.

However, there could be one deal breaker. 

Both dogs are hybrids and with that comes unpredictability. For example, shedding is dependent on the type of coat they have. And, if you have dog allergies, are you willing to take that gamble? 

If you are, then take your pick — Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle — either will be suitable. However, if you’d prefer some certainty, consider these purebred alternatives — like the Portuguese Water Dog, the Poodle, or the Spanish Water Dog.

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle FAQs

Do Labradoodles Weigh More Than Goldendoodles?

The size will depend on their parents, but on average, you can expect a standard Labradoodle to outweigh a small standard Goldendoodle. However, the large standard Goldendoodle weighs more than the Labradoodle.

What Is the Best Breed of Doodle To Get?

Typically the most popular Doodle dogs are the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle. They have loyal and friendly natures thanks to their family history. 

Which Doodle Is the Best Family Dog?

Goldendoodles are often considered one of the best due to their sunny outlook on life and goofy personalities.

How Do You Tell the Difference Between a Goldendoodle and a Labradoodle?

Goldendoodles’ fur is naturally longer than the Labradoodle’s. Even though both breeds have similar coats the difference would be in the length and thickness. Labradoodles tend to be thicker and Goldendoodles have a softer texture to their coat, making them appear fluffier.

What Is the Most Popular Doodle Dog?

Goldendoodles are a favorite among families. They have a bubbly personality with a teddy bear-like appearance. 

Which Is More Hyper Labradoodle or Goldendoodle?

Labradoodles tend to have a touch higher energy level than Goldendoodles. But to be fair, there isn’t much difference between them.