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.
Goldendoodles vs. Labradoodles
Goldendoodles are a hybrid dog breed that combines the Golden Retriever and the Poodle to make a loving, affectionate and gentle designer dog that is hypoallergenic and low shedding while looking like a teddy bear.
Labradoodles are also a hybrid dog breed but combine the Labrador Retriever with the Poodle to make a playful and loveable designer dog that is calm, low, shedding, and fun while being a bit reserved, having that adorable teddy bear look as well.
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.
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.
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.
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!
