Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: A Complete Comparison
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are two of the most common large doodle breeds. They have many characteristics in common and it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart.
There are also some subtle differences between the two which might influence your decision if you can’t choose between them. To help you make a fully informed choice, we’ve put together a comprehensive Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle comparison.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle?
Labradoodle
A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Labradoodles were first intentionally produced in Australia in the 1980s, with the aim of producing a guide dog that was suitable for people with allergies.
Since then, Labradoodles have become popular as family pets all around the world due to their fantastic temperament and low shedding coat.
Depending on the size of the poodle parents, Labradoodles come in four main sizes: teacup, mini, medium, and standard.
Goldendoodle
Inspired by the popularity of the Labradoodle, Golden Retriever breeders realized that they could combine the temperament of their beloved Retriever with the low-shedding Poodle coat.
Golden retrievers shed a lot and this can put people off owning them as pets, so the Goldendoodle was the perfect solution. Goldendoodles have been growing in popularity as pets since the 1990s and come in petite, mini, medium, and standard sizes.
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Statistics
Let’s see how the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle stats compare:
labradoodle
goldendoodle
height:
weight:
lifespan:
colors:
Caramel/ Light brown
Apricot/ Golden
Black
Blue
Cream
White
Chocolate
Red
Black and white/ Tuxedo
Parchment
Champagne
Apricot/ Golden
Black
Blue
Cream
White
Chocolate
Red
Black and White/ Tuxedo
Silver
Gray
Silver beige
Tan
exercise requirements:
grooming requirements:
shedding:
trainability:
friendliness:
good with children:
The above information is based on generalized data and, as with any cross breed, there may be wide variation depending on the traits and characteristics the dog inherits from the parent animals.
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle similarities
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles have a lot of similarities. If we compare Goldendoodle vs labradoodle size, although we typically think of them both as large doodle breeds but, in fact, they both come in a range of sizes.
Both also come in a range of colors and have a similar lifespan. Smaller dogs tend to have a longer lifespan than larger dogs, so if you compared the lifespan of a mini Labradoodle vs a mini Goldendoodle, they would be similar.
However a mini Labradoodle is likely to live slightly longer than a larger Labradoodle or Goldendoodle.
Both of these Doodles have lovely temperaments and are well-known for being sociable with people and other animals.
Poodles are highly intelligent and both Labradors and Golden retrievers are working dogs, bred to follow commands from the handler so both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are highly trainable.
They both tend to be low shedding breeds thanks to the Poodle genes. However how much an individual dog sheds will depend on what coat type he has inherited, so a dog with a more Labrador or Goldie-type coat is likely to shed more than a dog with the tight curls of the poodle.
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle differences
Despite first appearances there are some subtle differences between the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle.
As a breed, Labradors are higher-energy dogs than Golden Retrievers. This means that Labradoodles may need more exercise and mental stimulation than Goldendoodles, especially when they are young.
Both Doodle breeds require lots of exercise, it’s just that the Goldendoodle might be content to miss a walk on a rainy day while the Labradoodle will not!
Labradoodles find life very exciting, whereas Goldendoodles tend to be a bit more laid back.
Labradoodle owners report that they can be a little more reserved around new people than Goldendoodles, who want to be everyone’s best buddy.
Poodles are sensitive dogs who can be wary of strangers so it makes sense that some Doodles will inherit this trait to a certain degree.
The coat of the Labrador is short and dense, whereas the coat of the Golden Retriever is longer and fluffier.
These differences can be seen in the Doodle coats- although there is much variation within each Doodle breed, the coat of the Goldendoodle is almost always naturally longer than the coat of the Labradoodle.
Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles come in a wide variety of colors, from white to red and even black. However, when it comes to color choice the Goldendoodle comes out on top and prospective puppy owners are spoilt for choice!
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: which is easiest to train?
Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are very easy to train, providing you use positive reinforcement to train them and you ensure training is fun.
Labradoodles can be more excitable so you may need to work harder to keep their attention when compared to the more relaxed Goldendoodle.
However, Labradoodles often inherit the Labrador’s tendency to be highly motivated by food and that can make training much easier!
Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles take learning basic obedience in their stride and can easily be trained to take part in dog sports such as agility or Rally-O.
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: which is best for families?
Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles can make excellent family pets if they are well-socialized with children when young.
They both have kind and affectionate temperaments and are well-suited to family life.
Their forgiving temperaments shouldn’t be taken for granted though, all dogs should be well supervised around children and certainly no tail pulling or back-riding should be allowed, even if the dog is tolerating it.
Both Doodles require a good deal of exercise so will be happier and best suited to living with active families who spend a lot of time outdoors.
They are both playful breeds and will enjoy playing fetch, tuggy or hide and seek with family members.
Of the two breeds, Labradoodles tend to be more boisterous and Goldendoodles tend to be more gentle, so take this into account when choosing the right dog for your family.
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: coat and grooming requirements
The coats of the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are highly variable, depending on how much of the poodle coat they have inherited.
Coats can range from almost straight, to wavy, to curly for both breeds, although the coat of the Goldendoodle is almost always longer and fluffier and the coat of the Labradoodle is usually thicker.
Doodles with more Poodle-like coats will tend to shed less than those with coats like the Labrador or Golden Retriever. Grooming requirements for both Doodle breeds will depend on what type of coat they have.
Those with a curlier, more poodle-type coat will be more difficult for an owner to maintain and will definitely need to visit a professional groomer for a full bath, brush out and trim every few weeks.
All Doodles need regular brushing to keep the coat mat free and to remove dead hair. Even if their dog has straighter hair that is easier to maintain, many Doodle owners send them to a professional groomer to keep them looking neat and tidy.
The longer the coat, the more likely it is to mat, so many owners opt to keep their Doodle’s coat short. In terms of comparison of the grooming requirements of Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, there isn’t much difference.
The variation within both breeds means that it is a case of finding a grooming regime that works for the individual dog.
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: which needs more exercise?
Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are high-energy dogs that are ideally suited to active households.
Both breeds require 1-2 hours of exercise each day. This can be a mix of on-leash and off-leash exercise, but they really do need the chance to run free.
Labradoodles tend to be slightly more active and excitable than Goldendoodles and may need more off-leash time to burn off their excess energy.
Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles enjoy long walks or hikes with their family. Both breeds usually love water and will enjoy swimming or playing in a paddling pool.
Are Labradoodles or Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?
Labradoodles were originally created with the intention of producing a dog that could live with allergy sufferers.
It is not possible to produce a truly hypoallergenic dog because the allergy is usually triggered by contact with the dander (dead skin cells) from the dog, as well as loose hair and saliva.
When a dog sheds, the dander, loose hair, and saliva (from the dog licking himself) can be spread throughout the house and may cause problems for allergy sufferers.
Although they can’t be called ‘hypoallergenic’, there are some dog breeds that shed much less and therefore may be better tolerated by those with allergies.
Poodles are very low-shedding dogs and they often pass this trait onto their offspring, so both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are likely to be better tolerated by allergy sufferers than Labradors or Golden Retrievers.
Bear in mind that this does depend on the coat type that the individual dog has inherited, if the Doodle has a coat more like his non-poodle parent, he may shed a little more.
Which is healthiest, the Labradoodle or the Goldendoodle?
Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles tend to be fairly healthy dogs because they benefit from what is known as ‘hybrid vigor’.
Purebred dogs can suffer from hereditary conditions and a dog with two parents of the same breed is more likely to inherit the tendency to develop one of these conditions.
Dogs whose parents are different breeds are less likely to develop hereditary conditions, unless the two different breeds are prone to the same problems.
Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier than purebreds and both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are usually healthier than purebred Labradors, Golden Retrievers, or Poodles.
The effect of ‘hybrid vigor’ is at its strongest with the first cross (F1) and then weakens with each generation.
Breeding from parents that have been health tested is the best way to ensure pups are healthy. Prospective puppy owners should always enquire about what health tests the parent dogs have had.
Suggested reading: How to find a reputable dog breeder
Conditions that both Goldendoodle and Labradoodle owners should be aware of include:
- Hip dysplasia. An inherited condition that affects the ball and socket joint of the hip, causing lameness and sometimes arthritis.
- Elbow dysplasia. An inherited condition affecting one or both elbow joints. Elbow dysplasia causes pain and may lead to arthritis.
- Eye disorders including Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Exercise induced collapse. A genetic condition that causes a dog to become weak and collapse after strenuous exercise or excitement.
- Ear infections, skin problems, and allergies
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus. A very serious condition in which the dog’s stomach fills with gas or food and then twists, cutting off the blood supply. This requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Cruciate ligament strain or rupture. This causes lameness and may require surgery.
Health issues that Goldendoodle owners should be aware of:
Goldendoodles can suffer with all of the same conditions that affect Labradoodles. In addition, owners of Goldendoodles should know about:
- Epilepsy. This can be inherited from the Golden Retriever parent and affected dogs will start to first have seizures when they are 1-4 years of age.
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a heart condition that may be inherited from the Golden Retriever parent.
- Patella luxation. This is a problem with the kneecap on the hind leg and can be inherited from both poodles and Golden Retrievers.
- Cancer. Sadly, Golden retrievers are prone to cancer so it is sensible to ask the breeder about the health and lifespan of related dogs.
How much do Labradoodles and Goldendoodles cost?
To buy a Labradoodle puppy from a breeder you can expect to pay $1500-$2000.
If you are specifically looking for one of the rarer colors, or a teacup Labradoodle, then you may have to pay up to $4000.
A Goldendoodle puppy will also cost around $1500-2000, again with the rarer colors and sizes costing more.
Well respected breeders with health-tested parent dogs may charge more for their puppies, and paying that little bit more might be worth it for peace of mind.
A backyard Doodle breeder may charge as little as $500 for a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle, but you have no guarantees with regard to the health or temperament of the parents.
Of course you may be able to adopt an adult Labradoodle or Goldendoodle for much less than a breeder would charge.
Typical adoption fees range from $100 to $500 and often include vaccinations, spaying or neutering, parasite control, and sometimes even a bag of dog food or a month’s insurance.
You will also get post-adoption support from the rescue organization. If you are happy to take on a full-grown Labradoodle or Goldendoodle, adopting is a wonderful thing to do and it can be a cost-effective way to bring a dog into your home.
Suggested reading: Adopting vs buying a dog, Doodle rescues in California, Labradoodle rescue Florida, ways to identify a reputable dog rescue shelter, best pet adoption websites, Doodle rescue Ohio
The pros and cons of living with a Labradoodle vs a Goldendoodle
Labradoodle
Pros
- Lovely temperament with family members
- Good with strangers
- Tends to be a low shedding breed
- Usually quite healthy
- Easy to train
Cons
- Requires a lot of exercise
- Can be boisterous, especially when young
- Coat needs regular maintenance
Goldendoodle
Pros
- Lovely temperament with family members
- Excellent with strangers
- Tends to be a low-shedding breed
- Usually quite healthy
- Easy to train
- Usually quite laid back when full grown
Cons
- Requires a lot of exercise
- Coat needs regular maintenance
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle - final thoughts
The Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle have much in common. They are similar in appearance, coat type, color, and temperament.
They both make excellent family dogs and are easy to train. Both dogs suit active homes and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
So what are the differences when comparing the Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle?
Goldendoodles tend to have naturally longer coats than Labradoodles, but this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker as you can choose to have them clipped shorter.
The main difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles is their attitude to life!
Labradoodles are often described as Duracell bunnies; energetic, sometimes boisterous, and always on the go. Labradoodles find life very exciting.
Goldendoodles tend to be more gentle and laid back, equally happy relaxing by the fire as out on the hills. If you are a first-time dog owner, a Goldendoodle might be a better choice for you.
Both these breeds have wonderful temperaments so whichever Doodle you choose, you can be assured of an affectionate and loving companion.
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