Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle: What’s the Difference?

In recent years, poodle mixes referred to as “Doodles” have become all the rage. Two common Doodle breeds, the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle, are at the top of the heap thanks to their friendly, loyal natures and hypoallergenic coats. If you’re considering one of these two breeds as a pet and want to find out more, look no further. We’ve got the Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle comparison you need.

Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle Origins

Labradoodles were first bred in Australia in 1988 by breeder Wally Cochran. He wanted to combine the good-natured Labrador with the hypoallergenic poodle to create a guide dog for a blind woman whose husband suffered from dog allergies.

Wally spent a fair amount of time finding the right poodle for the hybrid, sending 33 samples of dog hair to the couple to test allergic reactions. They finally settled upon the standard poodle, and the Labradoodle was born.

Goldendoodles are a hybrid of a golden retriever and a standard poodle. They were first bred in the late 80s and early 90s, although the exact date is not known. Poodles are widely considered to be one the smartest breeds, while goldens are known for their obedience and loyalty, so it seems natural that breeders wanted to combine these desirable traits. Many believe the success and popularity of the Labradoodle also inspired them.

Goldendoodles shed far less than goldens, who are known to be great shedders, so they’re popular for allergy sufferers.

Size and Coloring

Goldendoodles vary in appearance. A standard Goldendoodle is about 22 inches high and ranges in size from 55 to 70 pounds. However, there are also miniature Goldendoodles that weigh in between 35 and 50 pounds, and toy Goldendoodles that can be as small as 20 pounds.

Likewise, their coats come in a wide variety of colors and textures. Their hair can be wavy or curly and coat colors may include silver, gray, black, tan, cream, white, and orange. They rarely shed, but their coats need care via daily brushing and trips to the groomer.

Both size and coat color depend on the specific parentage of the dog.

Labradoodles similarly have varying weights and colors, depending on parentage. The standard size is between 50 and 65 pounds with a height between 22 and 24 inches. A medium Labradoodle is slightly smaller, with a height of around 18 to 20 inches, and a weight of around 30 to 45 pounds.

Labradoodle coats can grow in straight, wavy and shaggy, or curly, depending on their “poodle percentage.” Curlier coats require more care to avoid matting and tangling. Like their Goldendoodle cousins, they shed very little, making them a good fit for allergy sufferers (and anyone who doesn’t want to deal with dog hair cleanup.)

Doodle Temperament

Labradoodles are wonderful pets because of their loyal, friendly, and playful nature. They tend to get along with other pets with proper introduction and love being around people. Labradoodles are extremely playful, so they may be a bit too much to handle if you have a toddler or young child in the home. They get excited and may jump on small children.

This breed greets strangers and family alike with enthusiasm so they do not make great guard dogs. These social dogs crave attention and can be destructive mischief-makers if they feel neglected. They’ve been known to chew on furniture or bark excessively if they’re not getting attention or lack proper exercise. Labradoodles are warm and loving, making them great therapy dogs for people suffering from disabilities, autism, or depression.

Goldendoodles are also friendly and attentive dogs. They love being around humans and are happiest being a constant companion to their family. This highly intelligent breed is easy to train. Because of this, they prove to be excellent pets for first-time pet owners. They also make superb guide dogs for those with disabilities and are great sniffer dogs.

Like Labradoodles, they’re friendly with adults, kids, and strangers, and thus do not make effective guard dogs.

Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle Activity Level

Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise. A fenced-in backyard is ideal, but long walks, runs, or hikes will help this active breed release energy and stay on track. They also enjoy agility training, tracking, and herding.

This active breed is known for their love of the water thanks to their retriever genes. Generally speaking, because of their high activity level, Labradoodles don’t do well in apartment settings.

Goldendoodles may not require quite the same level of exercise as Labradoodles, although they are still energetic dogs that require about 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. They can also keep up with an active family and can enjoy longer runs or hikes. Goldendoodles love the water and enjoy a good swim and particularly, a game of fetch in the water. Anecdotally, they can be mellower than Labradoodles, although they like to be with their owners as often as possible.

Breed Popularity

Ever since their introduction, both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles have proven to be popular breeds. Their sweet and loving nature and low-shed coats have made them easy picks for pet owners around the globe. High-profile celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Usher own Labradoodles and Goldendoodles as pets, and both breeds are considered to be some of the most popular “designer” dogs around.

Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle: The Bottom Line

Both Doodles are friendly, loyal, and affectionate. Both dogs live for companionship and need plenty of exercise, companionship, and stimulation. So which is right for you? Ask lots of questions about a litter’s specific parentage, which will give you the most information about size and temperament.

If you’re looking for a working or hunting dog, a Labradoodle may be better because of its slightly bigger size and higher energy level. Labradoodles are often chosen for service dog work, too. However, Goldendoodles are very popular for therapy dog work, thanks to their outgoing, sunny personalities.

Either Doodle is sure to bring a lot of love to your family.

Further Reading

• 10 Things Only Goldendoodle Lovers Understand
• Breed Spotlight: All About the Labradoodle
• Here’s Everything You Probably Don’t Know About Poodles