Goldendoodles vs. Labradoodles: Should You Get One? Yes

What’s with all the doodles these days, does anybody know?  With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which is better.  I have to admit that I have been curious about Goldendoodles vs. the Labradoodles and how they compare.

I wanted to know more, so I started hunting around for any information I could find on the difference between these doodles.

Both hybrid dogs share many qualities from their purebred Poodle parent, with a few variations from the other parent, the Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever.

Here are general differences between a Goldendoodle and Labradoodle:

• Labradoodles are slightly larger.
• Goldendoodles are more playful and social.
• Labradoodles are more service-minded.
• Goldendoodles have lighter coats with fewer color variations.

If you love Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Poodles like I do, you’re bound to love the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle. I’ve been around many dog breeds in my time and can confidently say the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle make excellent family pets since they are so gentle, intelligent, and affectionate.

Goldendoodle Vs. Labradoodle

A Brief Dog Breed Comparison

	Goldendoodle	Labradoodle
Height	Under 14 in. for Toy 14 to 16 in. for Miniature17 to 24 in. for Standard	Under 17 in. for Toy 17 to 20 in. for Miniature21 to 24 in. for Standard
Weight	Under 26 lbs for Toy 26 to 35 lbs for Miniature36 to 80 lbs for Standard	Under 26 lbs for Toy 26 to 45 lbs for Miniature46 to 90 lbs for Standard
Coat	Wavy or curly coat with minimal shedding. Colors include gold, cream, caramel, phantom, and red.	Wavy or curly coat with minimal shedding. Colors include cream, gold, chocolate, and black.
Personality	An intelligent and playful dog that enjoys constant interactions with people.	An intelligent and loyal service-minded dog that gets along well with people.
Lifespan	Between 10 to 15 years	Between 10 to 15 years

Are Goldendoodles and Labradoodles similar or different in character and temperament?

Yes, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are similar and different in their character and temperament.

Both hybrid dogs are similar in friendliness, gentleness, and qualities that make them both a great family pet.  Both have a loving and affectionate personality and are almost identical in popularity.  They both also can be low shedding and hypoallergenic, which can be beneficial for those families and individuals who suffer from allergies.

When it comes to differences in temperament and character, there are some distinct differences in each hybrid that potential pet parents must consider before deciding which is better for their family and lifestyle.

Goldendoodles have a more extroverted personality that is open, independent, and naturally trusting.  They can be thought of as the life of the party.  They will be the first to welcome and befriend anyone or play with that new shiny toy that just showed up.  With a zest for life, they love living it and want everyone around them to have a good time doing so too.  They have little self control and a whole lot of energy and have no problem putting it right out there.  This can make them an exceptional pet for families with lots of children.

Labradoodles are the more introverted party goer.  Reserved but very loyal, they are more likely to hold back and see what happens with the new house guest or the brand new toy in the living room before immersing themselves in playtime and fun.   Respectful of those around them, they are calm and loveable.  However, once they warm up, they share the same energy and enthusiasm as Goldendoodles, but they take longer to get going.  They, too, make a great family pet where there are children and teenagers.

How do Goldendoodles and Labradoodles compare in trainability and intelligence?

Both the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle are highly trainable dogs.  They both have a high level of intelligence that lends them both well to easy training.  Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are people pleasers that learn quickly.  This can make training both hybrid dogs easy and effective.

Labradors can be a bit more thoughtful, meaning they need a bit more time to process when being trained.  This is due to their more reserved nature and personality.

Both hybrid dogs tend to have excited puppy pee accidents due to their poodle background, and eventually, they all outgrow it once they reach over one year old.  Other than that, when we compare their toilet training, both are equally receptive and accepting of any training they receive.

What about the Goldendoodles or Labradoodles coat of hair and grooming?

Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles need lots of grooming, from toe nails to ears and of course their coat of hair. When they are puppies, they tend to look very similar, with variances related to the style of coat each dog will have as an adult.

Their coat of hair comes in straight, wavy, and curly, with the Labradoodle also having a wirey coat of hair.  Straight coats of hair have a high incidence of shedding for both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle, while the curly coat has a higher incidence of low shedding.

Goldendoodles will have a coat of hair that is fluffier than the Labradoodles, which tend to have a more sleek and smooth coat of hair.

The Goldendoodles have a slightly longer coat of hair when grown to full length, while the Labradoodles have a somewhat shorter coat of hair at its full length.

Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have the typical teddy bear appearance that makes them so popular. Each comes in a wide range of colors, with the Labradoodles having a larger number of different colors than the Goldendoodles.

Other variations in appearance include that the Labradoodles tend to have smaller snouts than the Goldendoodles, but this isn’t always evident beneath their facial furnishings.

What are the differences and similarities between Goldendoodles and Labradoodles regarding size and type?

The differences and similarities between Goldendoodles and Labradoodles regarding size and type are only slight. Measurements in height and weight are comparable with perhaps only a slight increase for Labradoodles.  This, however, is more related to the individual dog and not specific to the hybrid.

Labradoodles come in miniature, medium, and large or standard size.   Goldendoodles come in basically the same variations, miniature, small or medium, and large or standard.

Who needs more exercise or food, the Goldendoodle or the Labradoodle?

The Goldendoodle and Labradoodle both need a fair amount of exercise because they are energetic and active dogs, but the Labradoodle needs slightly higher amounts of exercise.

Goldendoodles and Labradoodles both eat about the same amount of food.  When it comes to food when comparing, it is best to reflect on the individual dogs and not the dogs size.  However, Goldendoodles tend to suffer food allergies, whereas it is less common in Labradoodles.

What about health? How do Goldendoodles and Labradoodles compare?

When it comes to health, both the Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are pretty healthy, with an average life span of 10-15 years.  This can vary depending on the generation of the Goldendoodles or Labradoodles.  First-generation Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have a hybrid vigor, which means they are usually healthier than their purebred parents. 

In this area each dog will be uniquely their own, even when they come from the same litter.  One Goldendoodle or Labradoodle might live to a certain again, where another from the same litter does not.

Each hybrid suffers from a predisposition to certain cancers, eye problems, and hip or elbow dysplasia.  Goldendoodles do tend to suffer a high incidence of heart disease.

Both hybrid dogs also tend to suffer from ear infections and issues related to their Poodle parentage that can be remedied or eliminated with acceptable grooming practices.

When looking for Goldendoodle or Labradoodle puppies, you should always look to get one from a reputable breeder.

A reputable breeder should be more mindful of a dog’s health needs compared to a breeder strictly selling designer dogs for money.

Looking at a former rescue dog, guide dog, therapy dogs, and other service dogs might be another good way to find doodle breeds that minimize dog allergies.

Poodle mixes that are biologically similar may face many of the same health issues.

Since both breeds are generally very active, you should make sure they have enough space to move around and are frequently given the opportunity to walk, run, and play.

Allowing your dog to move around freely, especially in open air, may help to reduce their stress levels and keep them healthy.

Goldendoodle Health Risks

Some notable health risks to Goldendoodles include possible instances of separation anxiety, hip dysplasia, ear infections, and stomach issues.

Since Goldendoodles are typically very social and happy when people are around, they may experience significant anxiety when their owners are gone for long periods of time.

The level of their anxiety can vary depending on the length of your separation, how often the dog has been alone in the past, and hereditary factors.

If you plan to be away for a while, you should try to gradually get your Goldendoodle used to being by themself.

That way when it does come time for you to leave, the separation won’t be so abrupt and jarring to your dog.

To prevent your Goldendoodle from getting an ear infection, you should try to trim hair around their ears as much as possible.

Having a Goldendoodle coat groomed on a regular basis can go a long way to keep them clean, healthy, and happy.

Since a Goldendoodle may have a sensitive stomach, you should avoid modifying their diet too often or too drastically.

It’s a good idea to stick to veterinarian-recommended dog food made especially for Goldendoodles and similar breeds.

Since a Goldendoodle may not inherently know when to stop eating, you should avoid leaving too much food out so they don’t overeat.

Labradoodle Health Risks

Labradoodles have similar health risks to Goldendoodles when it comes to hip dysplasia, ear infections, and stomach sensitivity.

You should consider getting professional Labradoodle grooming to prevent bacteria from accumulating on your dog’s coat.

Like a Goldendoodle, you should avoid modifying the diet of a Labradoodle too severely and risk upsetting their stomach.

You should also avoid leaving too much food out so they don’t get tempted to eat more than their body needs.

Labradoodle may be prone to eye diseases like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), so you should try to take your dog to the vet as often as possible to monitor eye problems and other issues like cancer.

Though Labradoodles may not be as social as Goldendoodles, they may still experience separation anxiety when kept away from their owners for too long.

You should try to not to leave them alone for too long, or make arrangements for someone familiar to them to be around while you are gone.

Labradoodle Vs. Goldendoodle Puppies

If you’re trying to decide which of the two breeds is right for you and your family, you should learn more about personality traits and other characteristics of each breed.

Since Goldendoodles and Labradoodles typically get along extremely well with humans and other dogs, you really can’t go wrong when picking either one.

However, when looking for a dog that will fit best with your family, you should carefully consider all qualities of each dog breed before making a decision.

For instance, if members of your family are highly allergic to dog hair, you might want to lean more towards breeds with a hypoallergenic coat.

You should also understand that each dog has unique characteristics that may be different from what you might expect from its breed.

Non-Shedding Coats

If getting a dog with minimal shedding is one of your top priorities, you should be pleased to know both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle have a non-shedding coat.

Depending on who you ask, one breed may shed slightly more than the other, but the difference is more than likely to be quite negligible.

When trying to determine how much your dog may shed, you should look at how much a parent dog sheds since that is a big factor.

Aside from shedding, many characteristics of a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle such as size, weight, color, and temperament are shaped by genes passed down from the parent dogs.

Do both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles get along well with kids, teenagers, and other animals?

Yes, both hybrid dogs get along well with kids.  Goldendoodles may have a higher success rate with younger children but they enjoy everyone from all walks of life regardless of age.  Simultaneously, Labradoodles may have a higher tendency and success rate with older children and teenagers.

Both can also get along with other dogs and cats, with the Goldendoodles being more outgoing and extroverted than their reserved Labradoodle counterparts.

How do Goldendoodles and Labradoodles handle separation anxiety?

Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles suffer from separation anxiety to the same degree.  Both hybrid dogs bond very closely with their family and loved ones and don’t like to be away from them.  Labradoodles might be less extroverted about expressing their separation anxiety than Goldendoodles but they both can suffer.

Thankfully this is easily remedied for either hybrid dog with proper training, socializing, and a routine.

Are either Goldendoodles or Labradoodles aggressive?

No, neither Goldendoodles nor Labradoodles are aggressive hybrid dogs.  Both might decide to bark and make their loved ones aware of an intruder, but neither is likely to play the role of guard dog or protector.

Both dogs were created to be companion animals, making great therapy or assistance dogs in certain situations.  These characteristics make it hard for them to defend, guard or protect anyone or anything.

A word about hybrid dogs

With all these comparisons between these two hybrid dogs, it must be said that each dog is an individual at the end of the day, even within a hybrid group.

Many external factors and circumstances also play into a dog’s personality and physical, emotional, and mental state.  Genetics and breeding are only one area.

When combining two purebred dogs, a hybrid dog is created.  This is what Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are, hybrid dogs.  This increases the chance for surprises and variances that can be unpredictable even to highly skilled and knowledgeable breeders who the right breeding practices.  Such is the life of a hybrid dog.

Activities For Doodle Dogs

Since both a Goldendoodle and Labradoodle will need loads of things to do to keep them occupied and happy, you should develop daily, weekly, and monthly routines that include a range of activities to meet their needs.

When we adopted our Goldendoodle puppy, we didn’t have much recent experience with such an active and affectionate hybrid dog.

It took us some time to adapt to the needs of our Goldendoodle puppy and get comfortable with the idea of spending plenty of quality time with it.

Some activities a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle may enjoy include:

• Going for regular walks outdoors.
• Playing fetch with a ball or chew toy.
• Catching a soft toy disc at the beach.
• Having their coat brushed.
• Hiding treats and letting the dog find them.
• Walking around a pet store or pet-friendly business.
• Riding in the car or on a boat.
• Taking your dog to explore new locations.
• Going to a dog park.
• Running through an obstacle course.

Many of these activities can be set up on your own with little to no money required.

If you are willing to spend some money, there are likely to be businesses that allow dogs to run around and have fun in a safe setting.

An activity my children love to do with our Goldendoodle is go to a dog cafe where we can get some food and drinks while our dog interacts and has fun with other dogs.

With the growing community of dog owners all around the world, it shouldn’t be too hard to find places where your Goldendoodle or Labradoodle can run around, socialize, and thrive.

Final Thoughts

While both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have many redeeming qualities, they are similar. There are still some slight variances from one to the other.  Physical traits, mental capacities, and emotional states are very similar and different.  This can make it hard for potential pet parents to decide which is best.

Sometimes it is best to compare individual dogs to individual dogs and be delighted with the surprises that can await you when they grow up!