Golden Retriever is the 3rd most popular canine breed in the US and has been a family-friendly dog for years. On the other hand, the poodle-golden mix (called the Goldendoodle) has also gained a lot of ground in recent years. This is because this doodle breed combines the gentle demeanor of Golden Retrievers with the non-shedding coat of Poodles.
Finding it hard to determine which of these canines will be better for you because you can’t pinpoint the differences? Brace yourself for the Goldendoodle vs. Golden Retriever showdown and keep reading to get a comprehensive overview of these breeds.
Goldendoodle
This breed is the result of a cross between Golden Retriever and Poodle. The first Goldendoodle was bred in 1969 by a breeder called Monica Dickens. However, these pups came into the limelight in the early 1990s, following the success of the Labradoodle hybrid.
Goldendoodles are essentially a mix of their parents’ personalities and appearances. The hypoallergenic coat of this designer breed comes from the Poodle parent while the Golden Retriever gene is responsible for their fun-loving nature.
Golden Retriever
These purebred canines were originally developed to retrieve hunted birds in the fields of Scotland. Despite their hunting background, Golden Retrievers make excellent companions because of their laid-back nature and gentle behavior. However, they are still very athletic and need an ample amount of exercise to stay calm. If you can provide that, these pooches can be a wonderful addition to your family.
Differences Between Goldendoodles and Golden Retrievers
The following table shows the marked differences between purebred Golden Retriever and hybrid Goldendoodle.
| Characteristics | Goldendoodle | Golden Retriever |
| Appearance | Short curly coat | Longer, relatively straight hair |
| Height | 12-20 inches | 21-24 inches |
| Weight | 15-90 pounds | 55-75 pounds |
| Shedding | Hypoallergenic dog breed that sheds very little hair | Shed moderately throughout the year |
| Lifespan | 10-18 years | 10-12 years |
| Colors | Black, brown, red, and cream | Different shades of golden (light, dark, and white) |
| Cost | $2,000-$4000 | $500-$3,000 |
Similarities Between Goldendoodles and Golden Retrievers
Some of the major similarities between Goldendoodles and Golden Retrievers are mentioned below.
Intelligence – Both these pups are extremely smart and respond very quickly to new commands and tricks.
Exercise Needs – Both these dogs are quite athletic and have an abundant supply of energy to spend. Therefore, they love to go outside and indulge in physical activities, like long walks and a game of fetch.
Behavior with Children and Other Pets – Goldendoodles and Golden Retrievers are excellent family dogs and enjoy the company of kids. However, Golden Hearts mention that you must socialize these pups early to make them comfortable around humans and other animals.
Trainability – Both these breeds are easy to train because they are intelligent and like to please their owners. Although Golden Retrievers can easily get distracted, they can be managed by using positive training methods.
Temperament – The friendly personality and loving behavior of these canines are the biggest reasons for their popularity. Thanks to their great temperament, both of them make an incredible choice for first-time owners.
Health Problems – Both Goldendoodle and Golden Retriever share quite a few medical issues, like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Early diagnosis of these ailments is critical because it can make things a lot easier.
What is Better About Goldendoodles?
The very first thing that makes this breed a better choice is its size variation. Goldendoodles come in three different sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) and can accommodate the varying needs of owners. Similarly, these hybrid dogs have different coat colors, which can broaden your options even more.
Irrespective of the color, the coat of Goldendoodles is hypoallergenic, and this is a massive advantage over Golden Retrievers. Due to minimal shedding, they are an excellent alternative for people with allergies. The intelligence and easy trainability add even more weightage to this beautiful breed.
What is Better About a Golden Retrievers?
Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds due to its fun-loving personality and gentle demeanor. Combine these positive behavioral attributes with intelligence and you will get an ideal companion. In addition to that, they can be quite reliable as service and therapy dogs.
The long, flowy fur of Golden Retrievers doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and grooming. This feature encourages a lot of people to go for this breed, especially the ones who have a hectic routine.
Who Should Get a Goldendoodle?
If you are looking for a hypoallergenic breed due to your allergies, this is just the right dog for you. However, the curly coat of this designer canine will require regular brushing to avoid mats. Therefore, you should only go for these pups if you can fulfill their grooming requirements.
Goldendoodles come in 3 different sizes, and it gives you the liberty to adopt a smaller dog. The smaller versions of this breed are ideal for apartment living as they won’t need a lot of space.
Who Should Get a Golden Retriever?
The low maintenance of their coats is the most significant factor that can make you choose Golden Retrievers. These pooches need to be brushed only once or twice a week because they are less prone to tangles. In addition to that, they can be a perfect addition to any family because of their friendly behavior. Just provide them with regular exercise and you will have a loyal companion for life.
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