Goldendoodle Versus Labradoodle:You may be looking for a new four-legged friend for your family. Both the Goldendoodle and the labradoodle appeal to you. Numerous people think that a Goldendoodle and Labradoodle are the same. Although they are very similar, that is not entirely the case. They both have the word ‘doodle’ in the name, and both descend from a Poodle. This way they can both get positive characteristics of a Poodle.
In this article, I will discuss the main differences and I hope to help you make a good choice between the 2 types of dogs. You will discover that they do not really differ much from each other and so you cannot make a ‘wrong’ choice.
Origins: Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle
Labradoodles were first bred in 1988 in Australia by breeder Wally Cochran. Wally wanted to mix up the good-natured Labrador with the hypoallergenic poodle to make a seeing-eye dog for a blind woman whose husband suffered from dog allergies.
Wally spent a good amount of time finding the proper poodle for the hybrid, sending 33 samples of dog hair to the couple to check allergies. They finally settled upon the quality poodle, and therefore the Labradoodle was born.
Goldendoodles are a hybrid of a retriever and a typical poodle. They were first bred within the late 80s and early 90s, although the precise date isn’t known. Poodles are broadly considered to be one the neatest breeds, while goldens are known for his or her obedience and loyalty, so it seems natural that breeders wanted to mix these desirable traits. Many believe the success and recognition of the Labradoodle also inspired them.
Size and Weight: Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle
Labradoodles, as well as Goldendoodles, are bred in three different sizes due to their great popularity. Although there is no breed standard for both varieties, we can mention the average dimensions in the table below.
Size | Weight | |
Miniature Labradoodle | 35-43 cm | 10-15 kg |
Miniature Goldendoodle | 33-50 cm | 8-16 kg |
Medium Labradoodle | 43-53 cm | 15-21 kg |
Small standard Goldendoodle | 43-50 cm | 18-23 kg |
Standard Labradoodle | 53-63 cm | 23-42 kg |
Large Standard Goldendoodle | 50-60 cm | 23-40 kg |
Physical Characteristics: Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle
In terms of appearance, both dogs are very similar. For example, both breeds are bred in three different sizes.
Both breeds are also bred in three different coat types: Curly coat (Curly coated), Straight coat (fleece coated), or a coat in between, the curly fleece coated. The colors of the coat also match Chalk white, cream, apricot, gold, ruddy, brown, and black.
The dogs have a slender build with a long, curly coat. The ears are long and drooping, and the nose is often black. The tail is long with long hair and curls down slightly.
A goldendoodles coat is often slightly longer and wavier. The labradoodle generally has a slightly shorter coat than the Goldendoodle.
Shedding And Grooming: Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle
While the Goldendoodle and labradoodle generally shed much less than the average dog, it doesn’t mean the dog is hypoallergenic by default. There are many different types of Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Some dogs lean a little more towards the golden retriever or labrador side than towards the poodle side, so this dog can shed more.
The coat of a Goldendoodle and labradoodle both need good and consistent care. Brush the dog’s coat well once a week or once every two weeks to prevent tangles and felting.
You can also take the dog to the groomer regularly if you find brushing too much work. In any case, do not use a shaver yourself! This can ruin the entire coat.
Hypoallergenic: Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle
There are many different types of Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Both are not standard hypoallergenic. This is at the junction of the dog. For example, there are Labradoodles in which the labrador’s DNA is stronger, which means that the dog sheds quite a bit. Another mix is, for example, 25% Goldendoodle and 75% poodle. This is probably more suitable.
So in both breeds don’t automatically assume that the dog is hypoallergenic.
A specific species that 98% of people with allergies to dogs can tolerate is the Australian Labradoodle. For this reason, this breed is also rapidly increasing in popularity.
Some are allergic to the dog’s saliva. Unfortunately, these people will also be allergic to the Goldendoodle or labradoodle saliva.
Character Traits: Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle
Because the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are a “designer breed” and are not officially registered as a breed, the character traits can vary. For example, one has the character of a poodle and the other more of a labrador or golden retriever.
Labradoodle – In general, the labradoodle is very friendly, happy and the dog has a lot of energy. For some families, this energy bomb is too much of a good thing. The dog likes to be part of the family and is looking for a lot of contacts. They are friendly to children, intelligent and easy to train.
Goldendoodle – The Goldendoodle is very sweet, social, friendly, and a real people-pleaser. They took the latter from the golden retriever. The dog is very patient and sweet with children and likes to be involved in everyday family life. A very cheerful and sunny character with which the dog is really “the life of the party”. The dog is less able to be alone for long periods.
The Goldendoodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are easy to train and are often used as guide dogs or assistance dogs. The dog is less suitable as a watchdog because they are simply too friendly.
Although the characters are quite similar, there are also small differences. For example, the labradoodle is generally busier and bulkier, which can sometimes cause collisions with small children. The Goldendoodle is a bit quieter, yet cheerful and open. The Goldendoodle is therefore also the first choice as a therapy dog.
Breed Popularity: Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle
Ever since their introduction, both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles have proven to be admired breeds. Their loving and sweet nature and low-shed coats have made them easy picks for pet owners round the globe. High-profile celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Usher own Labradoodles and Goldendoodles as pets, and both breeds are considered to be a number of the foremost popular “designer” dogs around.
The Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are very similar. Not surprising, because they partly have the same history. In addition, the history that they do not have in common also looks alike. The most important similarities and differences are the following:
- The Goldendoodle has a slightly higher social desire.
- The energy level of the Labradoodle is slightly higher.
- The Goldendoodle has a longer, wavy coat. The Labradoodle has a somewhat harder, denser coat.
- Both dogs are intelligent.
- The Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are suitable as a family dog.
- Both dogs are social and therefore need a lot of attention.