Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: Size, Intelligence and Care

The doodle is a breed of dog that combines the breed is when a poodle mixes with the other dog breed. The most popular crossbreeds in this family are the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle – mixes of the Poodle and Labrador Retriever and Poodle and Golden Retriever.

As some of the most popular breeds of these dogs, many people across the United States and the world now include them as part of their family pets. The combined traits of these breeds and their beautiful temperament make them affectionate family pets. Even the dogs are part poodles; they have some distinct differences that make them well-suited as energetic family pets and some of the most distinctive and adorable new breeds.

There are some distinct differences between the two breeds. If you are weighing on the right type of breed that’s going to suit your family is important to know the differences between a Labradoodle and Goldendoodle.

What are the differences between a Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle?

	Goldendoodle	Labradoodle
Height	20-24 inch	21-24 inch
Weight	50-90 lbs	50-65 lbs
Type of Coat	Generally lighter coats. Wavy, sometimes can be straight; 2-3 inches long.	Generally lighter and darker coats, 4-6 inches long.
Colors	black, copper, white, cream, gray, golden, apricot, or red (most common is golden)	gold, apricot, caramel, chalk (a chalky white), black, red, café, cream, silver, chocolate, parchment, and blue. Parti-colored coats: brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors.
Lifespan	10-15 Years	10-15 Years
Personality	Friendly, kind, and fun	Energetic, friendly, excitable
Intelligence	Highly intelligent	Intelligent, eager to please.
Social with other dogs	Should be socialized from an early age, friendly to other dogs and pets at home.	Friendly to other dogs and pets should be socialized and trained from puppyhood.
Social with people	Very affectionate with their families and kids; can be distant toward strangers, but not aggressive.	Devoted to their family. Friendly to strangers.
Damage	Without mental stimulation can destroy things at home. Crate training and interactive toys are recommended to avoid destruction.	Without everyday mental and physical stimulation, it can be mischievous.
Energy	Require 20-30 minutes of daily exercise.	Require about 30-60 minutes of daily exercise.

Some of the main differences between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles as a dog breed include their overall size and energy levels, and appearance. Golden doodles are usually a little bit heavier and can weigh up to 100 pounds; they also have more of a kind and affectionate nature with a little bit less energy. Labradoodles are known for being a little more high-energy and slightly smaller than their golden counterparts.

In a side-by-side comparison

In a side-by-side comparison, you may notice that a Labradoodle usually has a darker coat with shorter hair and a little wavier and wiry. They often get their coats from Labrador Retriever sides. You can get coat colors that vary, including black, red, chocolate, cream, and Dual and tricolor pets. The Golden doodle is sometimes slightly larger, and it often comes in gold, red, or caramel spectrum. Black Golden doodles exist, but they are quite rare.

Apart from some of their physical differences, you can usually recognize the changing temperament between these two types of dogs, with Labradoodles typically being much more excitable and energetic.

What are the similarities Goldendoodle and Labradoodle share?

There are a massive number of similarities between these two dogs, including their overall size and weight. The Labradoodle dogs can be slightly smaller, but that is the only tiny difference you might notice. Next to one another with similar coat styles, they can be tough to tell apart. As both dogs will always be part poodles, they will have some of these similar characteristics from that breed. Labs and golden retrievers are also quite similar is not unusual to see similar traits between these breeds even as they grow to maturity.

Both dogs have roughly the same temperament, with the Labradoodle being slightly more energetic and often requiring more training. Both dogs have the same types of health conditions, and they have roughly the same lifespan as well. The overall cost of the dogs is usually the same as well as these are both breeds intermixed with other standard variety dogs.

Are They Hypoallergenic?

Many researchers have been looking into hypoallergenic dogs for some time. Some breeds are much better for allergy sufferers; there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic breed. Shedding is not often the allergy trigger, but there is approaching found in skin, hair, and saliva for dogs that can sometimes cause an allergic reaction for people who regularly suffer from allergies. Weekly grooming can help with both of these breeds, and both of these dogs are known for being relatively safe for people that regularly suffer from allergy symptoms.

Suppose you’re interested in having a hypoallergenic dog; you need to make sure that you work with a breeder with second-generation dogs. Crossing to doodles is one of the best ways to ensure coat shedding can be lower and that the F1 protein is in a lesser amount causing less havoc with allergies. Going with an experienced breeder will also make sure that you have a wealth of information about the temperament and care of your new puppy.

If you have allergies and you’re concerned about getting a hypoallergenic dog, it might be wise to consider visiting the breeder so that you can see if the dogs they are keeping will cause an allergic reaction.

Coat differences and care

These dogs can have quite a variety of coats. Labradoodles and Goldendoodles can pick up traits from golden retrievers and labs for their coat variety as well as from standard poodles. Certain dogs have extremely straight hair, whereas others will have short and curly style coats. The standard poodle comes in a much greater spectrum of colors, but both of these breeds usually come in a darker color for labs or lighter color for the Goldendoodle.

Labradoodles will often have a much shorter hair coat that can get wavy and wiry. The Goldendoodle coat will usually be more straight or take on a standard poodle’s short and curly notes. Most of these dogs will have a goal or caramel color, but they can also get to a red color.

Because these dogs have a fairly similar coat, their grooming is going to be roughly the same. Both of these breeds have a poodle parent, which often makes them very low shedders and very low for the amount of dander they’re going to spread. When compared to Labradors and Golden retrievers, these dogs shed far less. There Harry is usually longer and wavier, and when the best tip for care in these breeds is to brush them several times a week regularly. Regular brushing prevents their coat from matting which can occur when the small amount of hair they are shedding has a chance to collect in their curls.

Most breeders would recommend using a slicker brush for both breeds and getting these dogs used to the idea of brushing early on. When these dogs do not fear the idea of a brush, you can enjoy regular upkeep with a bit more ease and keep your dog feeling more comfortable in many types of weather.

As far as bathing goes with their coat, it’s important to bathe them once every 1 to 2 months. These breeds often have sensitive skin, so choosing a gentler formula or using a natural ingredient such as oatmeal in the bath can be a great way to preserve their skin and reduce their dryness. Labradoodle coat styles will vary in their need for care, but you can often spot a need to change up shampoos or bathe as these dogs can sometimes experience dander.

 Size and coloring

The difference between the two breeds is often in their size. Goldendoodles can often be a little bit larger, weighing up to 100 pounds of their maximum weight. Both serve as excellent canine companions. Labradoodles usually wait for between 15 to 65 pounds and can grow up to a height of 24 inches. In most cases, the dogs will grow to roughly the same size but with many of the top Goldendoodle varieties growing a bit bigger.

Temperament and personality

There is a slight difference in their temperament and personality, with Goldendoodles often being the type of affectionate, kind, and fun-loving dogs. Labradoodles will often carry trades of being high energy, affectionate, and extremely friendly. They often require a bit more training due to their energetic personality. Both dogs make amazing companions, and they do require regular exercise and affection to stay happy. Both the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are intelligent dog breeds and great family dogs.

Activity level

Labradoodles are best recommended for people that are interested in the dog is going to be high activity. Goldendoodles are a little bit better suited to people interested in getting a fun family dog that may not require all of the same energetic exercises. Both dogs thrive in higher energy environments; the Golden doodles are often much more content to spend time with their owners and enjoyed regular affection, whereas Labradoodles will require the extra exercise to burn off the immense amount of energy they carry. These dogs can sometimes get a bit bored and destroy your house when they are continually bored.

Regular exercise is important:

Labradoodles are more energetic when comparing the two breeds, and most of these dogs should be getting at least an hour of exercise every day. If you have a toy variety of these breeds, they may only require around 30 min. of exercise every day. Labradoodles will require more intensive exercise because they can often get bored easier. A much higher energy breed and Labradoodles will absolutely need the full hour of activity every day to make sure that they will not tear your house apart.

Any amount of regular exercise also needs to be properly buried and monitored with a proper diet and proper hydration. These dogs can get hot very quickly because they have long curly hair, and it’s important to make sure that they are getting enough water in the summer heat. Both breeds are capable of working hard and continuing activity even in the heat and don’t always notice when they’re dehydrated. Rather than risking your dog’s health, keeping cool water out and making sure that they can regularly drink will keep them at their best. 

Overall health and lifespan:

Because of the quality of the breeds used in both of these dogs, they can live for quite a long time. Some health problems are common amongst these breeds, such as hip dysplasia and more. The typical lifespan of these dogs is usually 10 to 15 years making this a great choice for a long-term family pet. Eye conditions are also quite prevalent with both breeds. When you are exploring breeders in your local area, make sure that you are finding someone with a long-standing history of breeding excellent dogs and that remains vigilant about the quality of pets they are offering to people.

Other things to watch out for are cleaning their ears as Labradoodles can be quite prone to ear infections. Regularly cleaning out their ears if they’ve been in the water and came to great attention to dental health will make sure that your dog is not uncomfortable and that they can avoid the chance for tooth problems, ear problems, and other hygiene issues.

READ MORE: Best Dog Toothpaste of 2021 (Vet Approved)

Various allergies and skin conditions will also affect Goldendoodles. Many of these dogs can have skin conditions, and they are prone to conditions like epilepsy. Proper nutrition and regular monitoring of your dog can help you spot the signs of an allergic reaction or monitor for symptoms caused by epilepsy; even though this is a rare condition, it is present in this breed more than some others.

READ MORE: Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies (Vet Approved)

Cost

If you’re concerned about the price of adopting a dog or purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder, you can find some of the most affordable breeds in Goldendoodles and Labradoodles.  A rescue dog may be easier for you to find if you want a new dog verified as a hybrid dog or labradoodle puppy. These are some of the most affordable breeds on the market today in family dog things, you can expect to pay roughly around $1000 for either breed. In Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle, the pricing can be similar in the labradoodle and the golden doodle puppy.  The nice part about these dogs is that they are not considered designer dogs but are gaining popularity to the point where they could be registered as an official breed by the national dog kennel clubs worldwide.

Prices are bound to vary based on your location in the history of your breeder, but you can expect to pay a maximum of $2500 for this breed.

Their popularity:

Due to their desirable personality traits, both of these dogs are extremely popular. People love them because they are great for those that suffer from allergies, and they also have a number of the most favorable traits from poodles, labs, and golden retrievers. Their non-shedding coats make it easier to clean your home, and it also helps to prevent the chance that you might experience an allergic reaction or symptoms of an allergic reaction. Many of these dogs come from breeders who are very experienced in their field, and the reputation they are gathering makes these dogs some of the best for families.

Nutrition:

The amount you feed the dogs will often come down to these factors, including their overall size, speed, and energy levels. If you have a dog that will be very energetic or a working dog, you’re likely to need to feed them more and a high-quality diet. There are some toy varieties of these breeds, and toy-sized dogs will eat much less than the standard size, which can grow up to 100 pounds. Most of these dogs in their standard breed will be 2 to 3 cups of food per day, but the toy-sized dogs will only eat around half a cup a day.

Make sure that you are not settling for the quality of food that you are giving to your dog. Labradoodles love their food, and giving them a higher-quality cable will provide them with a more balanced diet that can help prevent skin conditions and health problems later on. ^[2] Choosing a balanced diet and making sure that you’re measuring the amount of food you give them each day will help prevent the chance that you are having your dog put on weight. These dogs begin to get overweight; this can lead to a series of problems with their hips and impact their activity levels. These dogs love food, and they will overeat if you give them the extra.

Most breeders often recommend not feeding them table scraps and avoiding the chance to eat human food. Because these dogs can be prone to allergies and skin conditions, keeping a balanced diet of food designed for them to eat is usually the best course of action. Human food can also be high in fat, which can lead to excess weight gain and the chance that they could experience more health problems as a result of this weight.

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The training process:

The level of intelligence in both of these breeds makes them easier to train. Labradoodles especially are quick to pick up new commands and demonstrate new techniques for their human companions. They have high energy and are always interested in showing affection. Labradoodles don’t respond well to any negative reinforcement. It would be best to focus on building up a strong relationship between the two of you and establishing yourself as the person they can trust. ^[1] Dogs need to understand their place within your family. If you have a Labradoodle, you need to make sure that you establish a strong bond so that your kids can stay safe and curb some of the undesirable behaviors of the stress response. Because these dogs are high energy, they can often react in a panic when experiencing stress.

Goldendoodle training is often very similar to Labradoodles. They are concerned with destructive behaviors just the same if they are not presented with opportunities for enrichment and ways to please their owners. It’s not quite prevalent in Goldendoodles because they are not known for being as high-energy a dog breed. What is important with Golden doodles is socializing them. Going to the dog park and giving them opportunities to meet other dogs will make sure that they can be comfortable with other dogs that they might meet in passing. Goldendoodles are usually great with people, and they are friendly and gentle, but they can be somewhat standoffish with other pups if they are not properly socialized.

Adoption and shelters:

Because these are trendy pets, you can often find them up for adoption in many local shelters. Putting your name on the rescue list for a local breeder or finding a local shelter that regularly gets Labradoodles and Golden doodles into their shelter can be a big help. Having a contact within the shelter system or a local dog rescue will ensure that you can pick up one of these dogs a little bit cheaper. The good news with these pets from a shelter is that you’ll be able to enjoy adopting them for considerably less than what you would at a breeder.

Final considerations:

If you seek a faithful companion and an excellent family dog, either of these breeds would be a perfect choice. The only differences between the two breeds often come down to their overall size and a slight difference in their temperament. If you’re okay with more of a high-energy breed, you should consider a Labradoodle, but if you want a fun-loving family breed, the golden doodle may be a better choice for you.

FAQ:

Article Sources:

1. “Dominance and Dog Training.” The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, 1 May 2021, apdt.com/resource-center/dominance-and-dog-training/.
2. “Nutritional Requirement of Dogs and Nutritional Composition of Their Commercial Feeds .” Journal of Science and Technology Hung Vuong University, hvu.edu.vn/file/1548236183.pdf.