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Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle

A Goldendoodle and a Labradoodle with the letters VS in between as to say "Goldendoodle versus Labradoodle"

Thanks to their loyal nature and hypoallergenic coats, both these breeds are among the most popular doodle breeds. They are very friendly to humans (including kids) as well as other dogs that allows them to become great companions. If you’re unable to decide which of these canines should be your pet, this article might help you make a decision. Read on to get all the important information about Goldendoodle and Labradoodle.

Goldendoodle

Goldendoodle puppy laying in grass outdoors chewing on a stick

This dog breed is developed by mixing a purebred Golden Retriever with a Poodle. These pups are also called Groodle in some parts of the world, such as Australia. They were first bred (widely) in the 1990s. This breed comes in three different sizes, standard, mini, and toy. The exact size of a Goldendoodle is usually determined by the size of the poodle parent.

Labradoodle

Labradoodle standing on the grassy shore of a pond with trees in the distance

These canines were bred by crossing Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. They emerged on the scene in 1955 but didn’t gain a lot of popularity in the beginning. Labradoodles are considered a very good choice for people with dander allergies due to their hypoallergenic coats.

Differences Between Goldendoodle and Labradoodle

The following table show some of the major differences between these breeds.

Characteristics              Goldendoodle                 Labradoodle
SizeHeight: 22-24 inches Weight: 55-70 poundsHeight: 20-24 inches Weight: 50-65 pounds
ColorsGold, red, cream, and apricot.Black, white, red, and golden.
TemperamentSocial, happy, zest for life, and trainable.Loyal, obedient, and friendly.
AppearanceLong hair which can be either straight or curly/wavy.Shorter hair that are wavy and wiry.
Lifespan10 -15 years12 -15 years.

Similarities Between Goldendoodle and Labradoodle

Goldendoodle laying on a couch with a woman reading a book in the background.

Some of the major similarities between Goldendoodle and Labradoodle are discussed below.

Affectionate Behavior – Both these breeds are very affectionate with their families and love spending time with time.

Get Along Well with Children and Other Pets – The owners of Goldendoodle and Labradoodle consider them excellent with kids because they treat the children with a lot of patience. Similarly, they do well with other pets in the house.

Intelligence – Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are extremely intelligent canines and don’t need a lot of time to learn new things.

Love for Playing – Both these breeds of canines love to play. They possess a lot of energy and like to spend it by playing fetch or going for a swim.

What is Better About Goldendoodle?

Golden doodle standing in sand at the beach with the ocean in the background.

Poodles don’t shed and are very athletic and intelligent dogs. On the other hand, Golden Retrievers are lovable and playful pups who love to be with their people. Goldendoodles inherited all these positive attributes from both parents to come out as great family pets.  

Goldendoodles are ideal for active families because they need regular exercise. They have an average energy level and will require 20-30 minutes of exercise to burn their excess energy.

Groodles are easy to train and can be conveniently managed by first-time or timid owners. They are not known to have any aggressive traits but will need proper socialization to avoid shyness and fearfulness. Therefore, Goldendoodles must be exposed to many different people, sights, sounds, and situations when they are young. This will make sure that your pup grows into a well-rounded dog.

What is Better About Labradoodle?

Labradoodle laying on a wooden deck

Labradoodles are very loyal, obedient, and have a friendly nature. Usually, they don’t shed excessively, but the ones with a hairy coat can leave their hair around. Being a high-energy canine, a Labradoodle needs an ample amount of mental and physical activity.

The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog that is always eager to please its owner. These pooches are extremely happy to live in the comfort of the home and have your company. They enjoy sleeping soundly on your feet or in a bed next to yours. This is because they love their people and prefer to live within their houses, rather than outdoors.

These pups are very playful and love being with the children. However, they can become overly exuberant sometimes and may knock down younger children, unintentionally. Therefore, you must be cautious with this breed if you have small kids.

Who Should Get Goldendoodle?

Young boy holding a Goldendoodle puppy

Goldendoodles come in different sizes and colors that are determined by the genes of their parents. The coats of these good looking dogs are unparalleled because it has been improved over several generations. They hardly shed any fur and that’s why they are considered ideal for allergic people.

This is a  great breed for active families because of its playful nature. They require a moderate level of exercise and would love to accompany you on daily walks. For this reason, Goldendoodles are more suitable for you if you own a backyard. Apartment dwellers can go for smaller versions (such as mini Goldendoodle) of this breed.

Who Should Get Labradoodle?

Woman squatting down hugging a labradoodle around the neck.

Labradoodles are the perfect family pets because of their gentle and friendly nature. They work well with kids, especially if the children are old enough to behave appropriately. They are easy to train and learn many things quickly. In fact, there is no other dog out there that is more eager than a labradoodle to please its owner.

Generally, these designer hybrids are quite healthy and live up to 15 years if proper care is provided. However, separation anxiety can be a problem with these canines and you can’t leave them alone for long spells. Hence, it is not ideal for families that work full-time.

Labradoodles have high energy levels and will require regular exercise to stay calm. It is a great advantage for active families as they get a power-packed companion. On the other hand, if you have a passive lifestyle, you should try to look for other options.

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