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Australian Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle

Designer dog breeds have been the center of interest for many breeders since the 1960s. There are around 500 designer breeds in the world right now and this number is still growing. The reason behind this popularity is the bulk of qualities these dogs possess; Hypoallergenicity being the biggest. This is evident from the origin of the Australian Labradoodle, which is inspired by the story of a vision-impaired woman in Hawaii who needed a guide dog that wouldn’t aggravate her husband’s allergies.

Many designer breeds look similar at glance but in actual they are not. In this article, we are going to discusses two such breeds (Australian Labradoodle and Goldendoodle) that are very popular today.

Australian Labradoodle

Australian Labradoodle sitting in a green hammock outdoors near trees

Australian Labradoodle, usually referred to as Labradoodle, was first bred in 1989, by Wally Conron. He was a representative of the Royal Guide Dogs breeding center, situated in Victoria, Australia. There are 2 reasons to add the word Australian in the name of this breed. The first one is linked with the origin of this breed as they were developed in Australia. The second reason is to draw a distinction between the Australian Labradoodle and the simple American Labradoodle.

Another factor that segregates Australian Labradoodle from simple Labradoodle is that the former can have other dog breeds in the line apart from Labradors and Poodles. Those breeds include Cocker Spaniels, Retrievers, and even Iris Water Spaniels. That’s why one should not mix Australian Labradoodles with their ordinary counterparts.

Goldendoodle

Goldendoodle running across a grassy field

This dog breed was brought to light in 1969. This designer breed was developed in both Australia and America. These canines combine the good temperament of the golden retriever with the non-sloughing coat of a poodle.

Goldendoodles were primarily bred as guide dogs, but this breed gained a lot of popularity (among the breeders) during the 1990s. Due to their immense demand, Goldendoodles are tough to find. Therefore, you may have to be a part of a long waiting list to get your pup.

Differences Between Australian Labradoodles and Goldendoodles

The following table covers the common differences between these breeds.

CharacteristicsAustralian LabradoodleGoldendoodle
Height14 to 24 inches13 to 24 inches
Weight15 to 70 pounds15 to 90 pounds
DiseasesEye and heart disease or develop cancerCollapse or retinal atrophy
AppearanceShorter coats with more coarse hairCoats with curly and wavier hair
ColorsRed, brown, and goldenBlack, copper, white, cream, gray, golden, apricot, and red,
Lifespan12 to 14 years10 to 15 years

Similarities Between Australian Labradoodles and Goldendoodles

Australian Labradoodle sleeping on hardwood floors at the edge of a rug

Some of the similarities between these wonderful canines are as follows.

Temperament – Both these dogs have a sweet and loving temperament. They love to play and spend time with their owners. Thanks to their easygoing nature they can be trained without a lot of hassle.

Active Nature –These breeds have an active and sportive nature. They require daily exercise and an ample amount of mental stimulation. This helps them to utilize their energy in a more productive way and stay away from negative behavior.

Bonding and Socialization – Both dogs develop strong bonds with their owners and stay loyal to them. However, sometimes they can get too clingy and that’s why they are termed as ‘Velcro Dogs’. Both Australian Labradoodle and Goldendoodle make great family pets and are typically good at socialization.

Behavior with Other Pets – Both of these dog breeds get along well with other pets due to their friendly nature.

Health – Both these canines live healthier lives when compared with their parents. However, hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems in both these breeds.

Grooming Requirements – Both these breeds require regular brushing to prevent tangles in their coat. They may also require trimming of the hair, especially around their ears.

Ease of Training – Both the Australian Labradoodle and Goldendoodle have a strong intellect and are very obedient. Hence, they can learn things quickly.

Cost – Both these designer breeds cost in the same range. You should expect an initial cost of more than $2000 with yearly expenses of nearly $1000 if you own either of these breeds.

What is Better about a Australian Labradoodle?

Australian Labradoodle running through a field of snow.

Australian Labradoodle is more energetic and active than Goldendoodles. This is because their bodies are more muscular, stronger, and agile. Overall, these dogs offer a great package of traits that are needed for serving as working dogs. These pups come in a variety of sizes that allow you to choose a pooch that is suitable for your home.

What is Better about a Goldendoodle?

Person sitting on hardwood floors against a wall with a Goldendoodle laying on the persons leg

These dogs are likely to have fluffier coats. They shedding even less than Australian Labradoodles and are considered to be lethally hypoallergenic. This is because they are bred over several generations and have improved all the time. Moreover, these pups are extremely popular in the United States and are generally preferred over Australian Labradoodles.

Who Should Get an Australian Labradoodle?

2 Australian Labradoodle wearing check patterned neckerchiefs laying on a furry blanket

Australian Labradoodles are extremely sportive and make a very good option for working families. Other than helping out on the farm, they can also be used as an effective guard dog. Australian Labradoodle do also quite well in dog sporting events due to their competitive nature. Because they come in several different sizes, you can easily find a canine friend that can live in your apartment.

Who Should Get a Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodle puppy sitting on hardwood floors with vases in the backgrond.

Over the years, Goldendoodles have developed into one of the greatest family dogs. They have a very calm and loving nature and do well with children. These pups are quite easy to train and can be a good match for first-time or timid owners.

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