Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: The 5 Key Differences
Key Points
- Doodle dogs are popular pets but not “purebreds.”
- Goldendoodles are a mix between a mini or standard poodle and a golden retriever.
- When a labrador retriever and a mini or standard poodle reproduce, their offspring is a labradoodle!
Doodle dogs are among the most popular breeds with pet owners. Unfortunately, these beloved creatures don’t get a lot of respect in most purebred circles. Many groups argue any breed deliberately produced by mixing breed dogs destroys the pedigree.
Unfortunately, this means these great dogs don’t get recognized by top clubs like the American Kennel Club.
Breeding was once exclusively for labor or to create the ever-popular sports dog. Today, they’re bred to create “better” dogs. Dogs that are fast, slender, and beautiful. The Poodle dog definitely falls into this category. And two of the finer pooches to come out of the pool are the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle.
Both these dogs are loyal, friendly, and hypoallergenic. If you’re looking for a great pet, you couldn’t do better than one of these puppies. But you can only have one, right? So let’s look at them both. Here’s our Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle comparison.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are adorably goofy looking and a much affectionate crossbreed. Like all poodle breeds, the Goldendoodle is sharp as a tack and loyal to its human companions. Playful, loving, and active, these pooches are exceptional first-time pets.
The Goldendoodle is bred from the poodle and Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles are available in a small size as well as a standard pooch.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a mix of either the Standard or Mini Poodle with the Labrador Retriever. The dog is intelligent and moderately active. The curly or shaggy coat does require some maintenance.
A well-trained Lab loves working with people. They often mimic the energy levels of their human companions so, for many of these empathetic creatures, they can only be as happy as their owners.
Comparing Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle
Both Labs and Goldens can vary in appearance. The greatest factor will be what percentage of each parent the dog inherits. In the following table, we’ve summarized some of the more notable differences between the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle.
| Goldendoodle | Labradoodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Considered a pooch of medium size. Can grow to 22″ tall. There is a smaller breed. | The larger Lab grows between 22–24″ inches in height. The medium can reach 18″ to 20″. |
| Weight | 50–70 pounds | 50–80 pounds |
| Energy Levels | Quite active | Very active |
| Exercise | Requires moderate exercise on a daily basis. | Needs lots of activity. |
| Temperament | Calm | Tendency to be excitable |
| Price | Goldendoodle puppies can be as expensive as $8,000 and cost as low as $500. On average though, the Goldendoodle runs between $1,000 and $2,500. | Labradoodles are popular and owners will pay a large price for one. Buyers have paid up to $4,000 for the hybrid from a highly-respected breeder, especially for a pet with an exotic colored coat. The average price is roughly around $1,750. |
| Minis | The toy Goldendoodle can be as small as 20 pounds. | |
| Coat | Goldendoodle coats come in a broad variety of textures and colors. They rarely shed but to keep up their appearance the dogs require daily brushing and trips to groomers. | The Lab’s coat can be wavy, straight, curly, or shaggy. They require significant maintenance to manage tangling and matting. They shed very little. |
The 5 Key Differences Between Goldendoodle and Labradoodle
What follows is a closer look at what makes the doodle family members Goldendoodle and Labradoodle such unique personalities.
- Appearance: Labradoodles have varied colored coats. The Goldendoodle takes after its Retriever ancestry. So the Goldendoodle will have a lush orange-yellow, caramel or red coat. There is the rare Goldendoodle that comes in black. The Lab, on the other hand, can come in chocolate, black, cream, red, white, yellow and multi-colored coats. Also, the Labradoodle’s hair is typically wiry and shorter than the Goldendoodle
- Intelligence: Both dogs are smart, though they may show it in different ways. It’s said the Labradoodle is noticeably thoughtful. They demonstrate the trait whenever they’re around strangers showing cautious conservatism.
- Temperament: Goldendoodles tend to be enthusiastic and friendly. They’re a happy breed and you’ll find their tails constantly wagging. Labradoodles are more reserved. They’re not looking to make new friends. Both dogs are energetic, playful animals, but the Goldendoodle will run circles around the Labradoodle at playtime.
- Exercise: The Lab is definitely going to need more play and exercise than its cousin. The Labradoodle needs enough activity to add up to at least 60 minutes daily. The Goldendoodle will only need half that and even then will settle for a walk or romp in a fenced yard. Keep in mind both dogs have the capacity to sleep almost half the day.
- Environments: As workers, Labradoodles will be great on a farm or other labor environment. If there’s a suitable job to do, the Lab will tenaciously get it done. At the least, they’ll stay at your heel as you work. Goldendoodles, while bred for labor, best serve as companions and protectors. They’re family-friendly and like playing with kids and other pets.
Other Doodles
Labradors and golden retrievers are not the only two breeds crossed with poodles. Other examples of doodles include:
- Schnoodle – schnauzer/poodle
- Bernedoodle – Bernese mountain dog/poodle
- Cockapoo – cocker spaniel/poodle
- Sheepadoodle – sheep dog/poodle
A multitude of other doodles exist, too many to name here! All of these crossbreeds tend to be loving, loyal, energetic, and all around good pets.
Up Next…
- Australian Labradoodle Vs Labradoodle: What Are 8 Key Differences? – Is their name all that’s different?
- Doodle vs Poodle: Is There a Difference? – Doodles are part poodle but how similar are the two?
- Schnoodle vs Goldendoodle: 5 Key Differences – Doodle is in both of their names, but are they the same?
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which is Better: A Labradoodle or Goldendoodle?
The one thing you want to take into account about these breeds is the energy level. An active family will be better off with a Labradoodle. Even better if they have a fenced-in yard where the animal can explore and play. The Goldendoodle is better off with a more relaxed family.
Are Goldendoodles Calmer Than Labradoodles?
The answer again boils down to energy levels. Goldendoodles have a milder temperament than the Lab. They can befriend almost anyone. The Labradoodle is more reserved with strangers but has a noticeably higher energy level when it comes to play and exercise.
Does the Labradoodle or Goldendoodle Shed Less?
The two dogs shed comparably the same. That’s due to the fact the parents of the two breeds have similar coats. Poodles don’t shed while the Golden Retriever and Labrador are moderate shedders.
Is the Goldendoodle a Recognized AKC Breed?
No. The AKC will not let owners register their puppies. The organization disallows listing a lot of mixed breeds as the AKC does not consider these pure breeds. You can list your dog with the AKC’s Canine Partner program.
More from A-Z Animals
Key Points
- Doodle dogs are popular pets but not “purebreds.”
- Goldendoodles are a mix between a mini or standard poodle and a golden retriever.
- When a labrador retriever and a mini or standard poodle reproduce, their offspring is a labradoodle!
Doodle dogs are among the most popular breeds with pet owners. Unfortunately, these beloved creatures don’t get a lot of respect in most purebred circles. Many groups argue any breed deliberately produced by mixing breed dogs destroys the pedigree.
Unfortunately, this means these great dogs don’t get recognized by top clubs like the American Kennel Club.
Breeding was once exclusively for labor or to create the ever-popular sports dog. Today, they’re bred to create “better” dogs. Dogs that are fast, slender, and beautiful. The Poodle dog definitely falls into this category. And two of the finer pooches to come out of the pool are the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle.
Both these dogs are loyal, friendly, and hypoallergenic. If you’re looking for a great pet, you couldn’t do better than one of these puppies. But you can only have one, right? So let’s look at them both. Here’s our Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle comparison.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are adorably goofy looking and a much affectionate crossbreed. Like all poodle breeds, the Goldendoodle is sharp as a tack and loyal to its human companions. Playful, loving, and active, these pooches are exceptional first-time pets.
The Goldendoodle is bred from the poodle and Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles are available in a small size as well as a standard pooch.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a mix of either the Standard or Mini Poodle with the Labrador Retriever. The dog is intelligent and moderately active. The curly or shaggy coat does require some maintenance.
A well-trained Lab loves working with people. They often mimic the energy levels of their human companions so, for many of these empathetic creatures, they can only be as happy as their owners.
Comparing Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle
Both Labs and Goldens can vary in appearance. The greatest factor will be what percentage of each parent the dog inherits. In the following table, we’ve summarized some of the more notable differences between the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle.
| Goldendoodle | Labradoodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Considered a pooch of medium size. Can grow to 22″ tall. There is a smaller breed. | The larger Lab grows between 22–24″ inches in height. The medium can reach 18″ to 20″. |
| Weight | 50–70 pounds | 50–80 pounds |
| Energy Levels | Quite active | Very active |
| Exercise | Requires moderate exercise on a daily basis. | Needs lots of activity. |
| Temperament | Calm | Tendency to be excitable |
| Price | Goldendoodle puppies can be as expensive as $8,000 and cost as low as $500. On average though, the Goldendoodle runs between $1,000 and $2,500. | Labradoodles are popular and owners will pay a large price for one. Buyers have paid up to $4,000 for the hybrid from a highly-respected breeder, especially for a pet with an exotic colored coat. The average price is roughly around $1,750. |
| Minis | The toy Goldendoodle can be as small as 20 pounds. | |
| Coat | Goldendoodle coats come in a broad variety of textures and colors. They rarely shed but to keep up their appearance the dogs require daily brushing and trips to groomers. | The Lab’s coat can be wavy, straight, curly, or shaggy. They require significant maintenance to manage tangling and matting. They shed very little. |
The 5 Key Differences Between Goldendoodle and Labradoodle
What follows is a closer look at what makes the doodle family members Goldendoodle and Labradoodle such unique personalities.
- Appearance: Labradoodles have varied colored coats. The Goldendoodle takes after its Retriever ancestry. So the Goldendoodle will have a lush orange-yellow, caramel or red coat. There is the rare Goldendoodle that comes in black. The Lab, on the other hand, can come in chocolate, black, cream, red, white, yellow and multi-colored coats. Also, the Labradoodle’s hair is typically wiry and shorter than the Goldendoodle
- Intelligence: Both dogs are smart, though they may show it in different ways. It’s said the Labradoodle is noticeably thoughtful. They demonstrate the trait whenever they’re around strangers showing cautious conservatism.
- Temperament: Goldendoodles tend to be enthusiastic and friendly. They’re a happy breed and you’ll find their tails constantly wagging. Labradoodles are more reserved. They’re not looking to make new friends. Both dogs are energetic, playful animals, but the Goldendoodle will run circles around the Labradoodle at playtime.
- Exercise: The Lab is definitely going to need more play and exercise than its cousin. The Labradoodle needs enough activity to add up to at least 60 minutes daily. The Goldendoodle will only need half that and even then will settle for a walk or romp in a fenced yard. Keep in mind both dogs have the capacity to sleep almost half the day.
- Environments: As workers, Labradoodles will be great on a farm or other labor environment. If there’s a suitable job to do, the Lab will tenaciously get it done. At the least, they’ll stay at your heel as you work. Goldendoodles, while bred for labor, best serve as companions and protectors. They’re family-friendly and like playing with kids and other pets.
Other Doodles
Labradors and golden retrievers are not the only two breeds crossed with poodles. Other examples of doodles include:
- Schnoodle – schnauzer/poodle
- Bernedoodle – Bernese mountain dog/poodle
- Cockapoo – cocker spaniel/poodle
- Sheepadoodle – sheep dog/poodle
A multitude of other doodles exist, too many to name here! All of these crossbreeds tend to be loving, loyal, energetic, and all around good pets.
Up Next…
- Australian Labradoodle Vs Labradoodle: What Are 8 Key Differences? – Is their name all that’s different?
- Doodle vs Poodle: Is There a Difference? – Doodles are part poodle but how similar are the two?
- Schnoodle vs Goldendoodle: 5 Key Differences – Doodle is in both of their names, but are they the same?