Recently, poodle mixes (doodles) have become extremely popular. Two of the most common doodle breeds are Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. They are lovable dog breeds due to their loyal, friendly natures and hypoallergenic coats. However, you might be wondering what the difference is between these two breeds.
We’ve got all the info on Goldendoodles vs. Labradoodles that you need.
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Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle: Origins
We first saw Labradoodles in Australia, bred by Wally Cochran in 1988. He aimed to combine the Labrador’s good nature and temperament with the poodle’s hypoallergenic coat to breed a guide dog for a blind woman with a husband suffering from dog allergies.
On the other hand, Goldendoodles are a hybrid between standard poodles and golden retrievers. We don’t know precisely when they were first bred, but it was some time around the early 90s. Golden retrievers are known to be loyal and obedient, while poodles are considered one of the smartest breeds; it seems natural to want to combine these traits. Many believe that the success of Labradoodles inspired the Goldendoodle. They shed much less than retrievers, making them popular among allergy sufferers.
Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle: Size and Coloring
Goldendoodles can vary wildly in their appearance. Standard Goldendoodles weigh between 55 and 70 lbs and stand about 22 inches high. However, we also have miniature and toy Goldendoodles that weigh between 35 and 50 lbs to as low as 20 lbs.
Their coat color and size depend on the dog’s parents.
Labradoodles have similar, varying weights and colors. However, their variants are typically a little bit smaller than Goldendoodles.
Their coats can be curly, fuzzy, or straight, depending on how much of the poodle genes they get. Like Goldendoodles, they rarely shed, making them an excellent fit for anyone who doesn’t want to clean up dog hair constantly or suffers from allergies.
Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle: Temperament
Labradoodles make for excellent pets due to their loyal, playful, and friendly nature. They typically enjoy being around other pets and people but are highly active and can be too much to handle for homes with small children.
This breed does not make for good guard dogs, however. They will greet both strangers and family alike with their enthusiastic nature. Labradoodles crave attention and can be quite destructive if they feel neglected. They can bark, chew on furniture, and be a general nuisance without proper exercise. They are one of the warmest and most loving dog breeds, though.
Likewise, Goldendoodles are friendly and attentive. They love to be around people and are at their happiest by their family’s side. In addition, this breed is brilliant and easy to train, making them excellent pets for a first-time dog owner. They are also superb guide dogs and a superb sniffer breed.
Goldendoodles are great with everyone, from kids to adults to strangers.
Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle: Activity Levels
Labradoodles are a high-energy breed that needs plenty of playtime. Ideally, you want a fenced-in backyard for them to run and the ability to take them on long walks, hikes, or runs to release their energy and keep them happy. They also enjoy training, herding, and tracking.
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Due to the retriever genes, this breed loves water; due to their high activity level, we don’t recommend Labradoodles for anyone living in an apartment setting.
Goldendoodles don’t require as much exercise as Labradoodles do; however, they are still an energetic breed that needs at least 30 minutes of playtime every day. However, they can handle more and are a great companion on long hikes and runs. Goldendoodles also love the water and enjoy swimming. They are a bit more mellow than Labradoodles and enjoy lounging around with their family.
Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle: Popularity
Since they were bred, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles have been a popular choice among dog owners. They’re an easy pick for pet owners worldwide with their sweet, loving nature and low-shed hypoallergenic coats. Both breeds are among the most popular dogs in the world.
Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle: Training
Because of their intelligence, Labradoodles are fairly easy to train. As a puppy, they are quick to learn commands and have a strong desire to please people. However, their ability to learn new things quickly is a double-edged sword; they can pick up bad habits quickly, too. They are friendly and affectionate, meaning they do not respond well to aggression. Training a Labradoodle takes patience.
Due to their similarities to Labradoodles, training a Goldendoodle is fairly similar. Goldendoodles need a lot of socialization, as they are friendly and high-energy dogs. Training is important to ensure they don’t get bored; a board Goldendoodle can be quite destructive.
To help socialize them, puppy playgroups and dog parks are great places to take your Goldendoodle. Like Labradoodles, they are quick to catch on and learn new commands and are Keen to follow the rules. Goldendoodles can get frustrated when they don’t know what’s happening, so consistency is key during training.
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Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle: Grooming
Because their coats are different, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles have different requirements for grooming. You need to brush Labradoodle puppies regularly because their adult coats don’t start growing for about a year. Brushing them helps prevent matting and keeps their coat healthy.
Labradoodles need to be groomed in specific ways, especially if you want them to maintain their trademark look. For example, you should always use a long blade to trim the majority of their coat. Labradoodles are meant to have full-looking legs, so it’s important that you don’t trim off too much. You should also trim their nails a couple of times per month.
Similarly, Goldendoodles need regular grooming. When you trim their coat, you have a couple of options regarding length. Some owners prefer to trim their hair to the same length all over except around their feet, face, and tail. However, the longer you leave their hair, the more you’ll have to deal with mattes. If you decide to keep their coat long, you’ll need to brush them daily and might want to consider cutting it shorter during the summer to help keep them comfortable.
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