Labradoodle and Goldendoodle may seem similar, but telling them apart isn’t easy. They’re both popular and adorable dog breeds. Many people want these cute puppies because they look like teddy bears are friendly and smart.
Although they’re alike Labradoodles and Goldendoodles have some differences. We’ll help you understand these distinctions so you can pick the right Doodle breed for your family.
The Origins of Labradoodle and Goldendoodle
The Labradoodle puppy is a mix of a Lab and a Poodle. It comes from a Standard Poodle and a Labrador. The Standard Goldendoodle size comes from a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Both Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are not their own breeds. They are F1 generations because of the mix.
Common Traits
- Color – Labradoodles and Goldendoodles come in different colors like black, white, chocolate, yellow, golden, and more.
- Coat – Their fur can be long and messy or short and curly. They are low shedding.
- Temperament – Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are friendly, smart, and active.
- Training – They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement during training.
The Difference Between Labradoodle and Goldendoodle
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are both types of mixed-breed dogs, often referred to as designer dogs, that have gained popularity for their friendly nature and hypoallergenic qualities. The main difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles lies in their parentage.
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, while Goldendoodles result from crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle.
Appearance
- Labradoodle
Even though Labradoodles and Goldendoodles come from similar dog breeds, they have some noticeable differences. They often have similar heights, but Labradoodle dogs might be heavier than Goldendoodle dogs.
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles come in more colors and have shorter coats, while Goldendoodles with a golden color are more common than golden Labradoodles. If you want a black Doodle, choosing a Labradoodle is a good idea, but if you prefer a white Doodle dog, Goldendoodles make more sense.
- Goldendoodle
Different breeders have different opinions about the weight of fully grown standard Goldendoodles compared to adult Standard Labradoodles. Some say one is heavier, while others say it’s the opposite.
However, if both parents of these mixed-breed dogs are full sized, you can expect that a Standard Labradoodle might be a bit heavier than a Standard Goldendoodle when they grow up. The size of the parents will influence how big the puppies will be, so the best way to know for sure is to observe the puppies themselves.
Giant size – (Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle)
You might know about the Giant size Goldendoodle or Labradoodle. When we say big dog, we mean dogs that weigh more than 100 pounds. The first-generation Labradoodle or Goldendoodle is not likely to be this big. If you want a really large doodle dog, you might want to consider the Newfypoo or Bernedoodle, as they are two of the biggest doodle breeds.
Colors and Coats – (Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle)
Labradoodle and Goldendoodle can have different colors and coats, and it can get a bit tricky. Both the Goldendoodle and the shaggy Labradoodle come with a variety of coats. Their fur can be short and curly or long and fluffy. Sometimes, people might call a Labradoodle with medium-coarse curls a wiry-haired Labradoodle, even though that’s not accurate. A Labradoodle puppy with a puffy coat might end up with a rough coat because coarse hair is common in this breed.
While individual Goldendoodle coats can vary, coarse hair is a bit less common in Goldendoodles. However, predicting coat quality and curl can be challenging since it depends on the traits the puppies inherit from their parents. The coat color is similar in this aspect. The Standard Poodle, which is part of both breeds, comes in a wide range of colors. To know how your puppies will look, check the specific colors of the parent dogs.
Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are known for solid colors like brown or chocolate, black, apricot, gray-red, silver, and cream. Finding a chocolate Goldendoodle might be a bit trickier than finding a Labradoodle with that color.
Goldendoodles in gold colors, from cream to red, are usually easier to find. Doodles with two distinct coat colors or rare color combinations like striped variations or chocolate merle Goldendoodles can also be found, although a full-grown black Goldendoodle might be a bit more challenging to locate.
- Labradoodle Coat
The hair of the Labradoodle is often shorter, wiry, and wavy. The colors of coats can differ significantly. Labradoodles and Goldendoodles frequently come in a variety of hues including black, white, red, yellow, cream, and chocolate.
- Goldendoodle Coat
A Goldendoodle’s fur is usually longer and can be wavy, curly, or straight. The colors of their coats usually stick to shades like gold caramel and red and they don’t vary too much from each other.
Temperament
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles have different personalities too. Doodle breeders say that both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are super loyal, loving, and full of energy. They are friendly dogs that make great family pets.
But if you have a specific job in mind for your doodle, like working on a farm, hunting, doing service, or being a therapy dog, there are some important differences in their temperaments.
- Labradoodle
Labradoodle dogs are a bit more energetic and reserved than Goldendoodle dogs. They are usually stronger and more active. Because of their mix of traits, Labradoodles are a better overall choice for farm work, field activities, and community tasks. Breeders also prefer Labradoodles for jobs like being service dogs, guide dogs, or helping those with sight impairments.
- Goldendoodle
Goldendoodle dogs are usually more outgoing and less anxious than Labradoodle dogs. Despite having lower overall energy, they can be the life of the party because of their constant joy and excitement. While all puppies have their moments, Goldendoodles are not typically overly energetic. Breeders often pick Goldendoodle dogs as the top choice for therapy dogs and jobs in hospitals or nursing homes because of their sunny and outgoing temperament.
Health Conditions
Health conditions refer to the various illnesses, diseases or physical issues that can affect the well being of living beings, including humans and animals. In the context of pets like dogs health conditions can encompass a range of issues that may impact their overall health and quality of life.
Dogs like any other living beings can experience a variety of health issues including but not limited to respiratory problems joint and bone disorders skin conditions, and digestive issues. Regular veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, proper exercise and a clean living environment can contribute to maintaining a pet’s health and preventing certain health conditions.
- Labradoodle
Labrador retrievers can commonly face specific health problems including:
1. Collapsing during exercise
2. Progressive retinal atrophy
3. Bloating
4. Ear infections
- Goldendoodle
Golden retrievers are more likely to have these health issues:
1. Elbow and hip dysplasia
2. Cancer
3. Eye problems
4. Heart conditions
Because they often get cancer, it’s essential to know how long the Goldendoodle parent’s family lived. Not every Golden retriever has the genes that make them more likely to get cancer.
Exercise
Goldendoodles and Labradoodles need similar amounts of exercise. Goldendoodles, even though they might be more easygoing, have energy levels like Labradoodles. Both breeds are great for active families because they need regular exercise. If you want a dog for hiking and outdoor activities with your family, either of these doodles could be a great choice. Like many Doodles, these dogs are very active and do well in places with lots of chances for physical and mental activities.
Shedding
- Goldendoodle shedding
Hypoallergenic means a breed makes less dander and sheds less. But even in hypoallergenic breeds, allergic reactions can happen. Goldendoodles, even with a hypoallergenic parent can still cause allergies. Pet dander is one allergy trigger and there are others like fur, saliva and urine.
- Labradoodle shedding
Labradoodles might not shed as much as other dogs because they have a mix of Poodle and Labrador in their background. Labradors usually shed a lot because of their shiny coats, and this shedding can happen any time of the year.
Intelligence and training
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are very smart dogs!
Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and Poodles, their parent dogs are also really clever. These three dogs naturally want to work with people in daily life and make their humans happy. That’s why Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are easy to train and learn things quickly. Positive training methods work best for both of these dogs.
Lifespan
When choosing a dog for your family, think about how long they’ll be with you. Labradoodles and Goldendoodles can make great family pets. Their average lifespans are quite similar. A study on dog lifespans in England found that Labradors and Golden retrievers both live around 12.5 years. Poodles, on average, live for 12 years. The lifespan of a Golden or Labradoodle can vary based on different factors, but a regular-sized one can be expected to live for about 12 years.
Feeding and Nutrition
Feeding and nutrition are crucial aspects of taking care of a pet’s health. What and how much a dog eats directly impacts their overall well being. When it comes to feeding dogs, it’s important to provide a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Dogs including Labradoodles and Goldendoodles benefit from a diet that includes a mix of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The specific nutritional requirements may vary depending on factors such as the dog’s age, size, activity level and health condition. It’s advisable to choose high quality dog food that is appropriate for the dog’s life stage.
Home Friendliness
These dogs are big and lively and they don’t do well in small houses. Ideally, you should have a spacious home with some outdoor space if you want to have one of these Doodles. Labradoodles and Goldendoodles don’t like staying in a kennel outside all the time. They are friendly dogs that feel stressed and anxious when separated from their human families. To make your dog feel like a part of the family, it’s best for them to live inside with you.
Pet-friendliness
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are friendly with other animals. But, teach your puppy not to bother the household cat. Full size Goldendoodles are especially good at this, while Labradoodles might need more time with new pets. Now, let’s talk about the history of these dog breeds.
Their history
- Labrador
The Labrador retriever was made in Canada for hunting and fetching waterfowl. In the early 1800s, they came to England from Canada. This breed became very popular worldwide. The American Kennel Club accepted it in 1903 and in 1917, it got its first registration with the AKC.
- Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a friendly and intelligent dog breed known for its golden colored, water repellent coat. Originally developed in Scotland in the late 19th century, they were initially bred for retrieving waterfowl during hunting.
Golden Retrievers are characterized by their gentle and trustworthy nature, making them excellent family pets and companions. How Fast Can A Goldendoodle Run? They are also highly trainable and often excel in various roles, including therapy, assistance work, and search and rescue operations. Their friendly demeanor and versatility have contributed to the Golden Retriever’s enduring popularity as one of the most beloved dog breeds.
- Poodle
Poodles are often connected with France because the French use a poodle as their dog symbol. However, these dogs were actually made in Germany, where people designed them to hunt and bring back ducks.
Duck hunters liked poodle fur because they thought it kept them warm in cold water and helped them move easily. Later on, the purpose of the breed changed to being a friendly companion, and they adjusted the breed rules to match this new role.
Frequently Asked question
What breeds are Labradoodles and Goldendoodles?
Labradoodles are a mix of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, while Goldendoodles are a crossbreed of Golden Retrievers and Poodles.
How do Labradoodles and Goldendoodles differ in appearance?
Labradoodles may have a more curly or wiry coat, and their appearance can vary. Goldendoodles often have a wavy or curly coat and can also come in various colors.
Are there differences in temperament between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles?
While both breeds are known for being friendly and intelligent, Labradoodles may be more energetic, and Goldendoodles are often described as outgoing and less anxious.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Labradoodles and Goldendoodles share similarities in their friendly nature and mixed-breed characteristics, distinctions exist in their appearance, energy levels, and potential roles as family pets. Understanding these differences, including considering factors like having a full grown Micro Mini Goldendoodle, allows individuals to make informed choices based on personal preferences and lifestyle, ensuring a harmonious companionship with these beloved canine companions.
GoldendoodlePet specializes in expert Ruby Reverie pet care advice and services. With 8 years’ experience, the author offers invaluable insights and guidance.
