Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and poodles: three breeds that are perpetually popular and unarguably adorable. But when you cross these dogs, the breeds that are produced are a next level of teddy bear dog come alive- goldendoodles and labradoodles.
They make for cuddly, sweet and unforgettable dogs that fit into any family home. But which dog is best suited for you? And which is the better breed: labradoodle or goldendoodle?
Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: What’s Their Story?
Let’s start with the basics. A Labradoodle is a dog breed created by crossing labrador retrievers and poodles. The poodle parent can be a toy, miniature, or standard poodle.
The first Labradoodle has been attributed to Wally Conron, an Australian breeder, who created the first cross in 1989. Conron thought that Labradors’ gentle temperament and ease of training would help people with disabilities. He theorized that the poodle lineage would help in making them have a low shedding coat, and so, low maintenance, with lower allergy potential.
In the USA, labradoodles are not recognized as a pure breed by the AKC, because they are a hybrid and not a pure breed themselves. They are trained as guide dogs throughout the world today.
Labradoodles are a low shedding, gentle dog, and since they do not shed a lot of dander, people with mild to moderate asthma can live with them without discomfort. This makes them very popular with people from all walks of life.
Goldendoodles on the other hand are ‘hybrid’ crossbreed dogs between a golden retriever and a poodle. Goldendoodles are American dogs and relatively new. They were ‘launched’ in the 1990s in America and gained rapid popularity during this time, because of their designer status.
Since goldendoodles also have poodle parentage, they also can come in three sizes, depending on whether they have a standard, miniature, or toy poodle parent.
Goldendoodles derive attributes from both parents’ breeds, and are much more relenting towards their owners. However they are also more skittish than either parent breed.
Labradoodle versus Goldendoodle – Size
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles can have three standard sizes. Miniature Labradoodles average 14 -16 inches at shoulder, and weight around 15-25 pounds. Medium sized labradoodles vary between 17 – 20 inches in height, and 30-45 pounds in weight. Males are generally 1-2 inches taller than the females.
Standard labradoodles are between 21 to 24 inches in height, and weigh between 50 to 65 pounds. Again, gender influences their height, but not weight. Although: labradoodles often end up taller or shorter than originally estimated.
Goldendoodles are slightly larger on average. Miniature goldendoodles average 20 inches, and weigh 15-35lb. Medium size goldendoodles can be between 17-20 inches tall, and weigh anywhere between 40 – 50lb.
Standard goldendoodles, which are the larger ones, are usually 20-24 inches tall, and can weigh up to a whopping 80 lb.
Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle – Temperament
Having a Labrador retriever as a parent is a guarantee of one thing: lots and lots of tail wagging, and extra large cuddles. Typically, Labradoodles are very loving. They are extremely intelligent dogs, and friendly to a fault. They are naturally curious dogs, extremely energetic, playful, and do not shy away from physical contact.
Labradoodles are vastly influenced by hereditary factors. Early socialization and training go a very long way in acclimatizing them to sounds, strangers, and new smells, sights, and places.
Labradoodles are very friendly towards their owners and families, while goldendoodles are friendly towards everyone.
So, with a goldendoodle, you have a dog who is very happy being pet by everyone on the street- expect many pet stops. Labradoodles are more conservative in their approach to strangers.
Goldendoodles are overall more approachable. They have friendlier interactions in general. But they are more mischievous. Labradoodles are more sedate and will wait till you say that it’s okay to play, while your goldendoodle will be running around planning tricks.
However: both dogs’ temperaments are largely decided by their early training, they retain their puppyhood tendencies. A puppy who was the ‘bully’ of his litter will grow up to be a dog that will listen to commands, but will challenge for dominance around other dogs.
Parentage also goes a long way. Dogs that have friendly parents are almost invariably friendlier.
Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle – Appearance and Grooming
Both labradoodles and goldendoodles are soft, curly, and cuddly, when it comes to their coats. But what does this mean for upkeep?
Labradoodles are single coated dogs with coats ideally between 4-6 inches long. Their coats are not extraordinarily long or thick, nor is this a desirable trait, but there are other variations.
First generation dogs may have coats that are coarser. These dogs shed more and a particular odor of dog fur. Breeders generally try to breed dogs to avoid this va