Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: What’s The Difference?

Do you know the difference between a Goldendoodle and a Labradoodle?

If you’re thinking about getting a dog and you’re looking for a so-called hypoallergenic hybrid breed, you’ll probably have stumbled across the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle.

However, there are some subtle differences between the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle that we’ll touch upon in this article.

We’ll take a close look at Goldendoodles and Labradoodles to examine some of the similarities and a couple of the differences between these two designer dog breeds.

With the introduction complete, let’s get started with our Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle feature.

What Is A Goldendoodle?

A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. While they’re commonly called a Goldendoodle, they have the following nicknames: Groodle, Curly Golden, Curly Retriever, Goldenoodle, Goldenpoo. It’s important to note that neither the American Kennel Club nor the Kennel Club recognises the Goldendoodle as a dog breed. However, they’ve been granted status by the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America and International Designer Canine Registry.

What Is A Labradoodle?

The Labradoodle is a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. The Labradoodle is an affectionate, energetic, loyal and smart cross breed. Just like Goldendoodles, Labradoodles aren’t accepted by the AKC or the KC, either. However, Labradoodles are recognised by the following organizations: American Canine Association, American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America and International Designer Canine Registry. They’re also recognised by the Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association.

Where Do Goldendoodle Come From?

Goldendoodles are thought to have originated in the 1990s as dog breeders in Australia and the United States of America started to cross Golden Retrievers with Poodles. While these designer dogs became more common and more popular in the 1990s, some dog breeders were crossing these two breeds as early as the 1960s. The idea was to create a dog that was capable of helping people with disabilities or in need of a service animal but struggled with allergies to dogs. Goldendoodles tend to have a hypoallergenic coat that make them a good option for people with allergies to dogs.

Where Do Labradoodle Come From?

The first Labradoodle is thought to have been bred by a man called Donal Campbell in 1955. However, these hybrid dogs didn’t become more common until the late 1980s and early 1990s. For instance, Australian breeder Wally Conron set about breeding Labradoodles and introducing these hybrid dogs to the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia. Just like the Goldendoodle, Labradors and Poodles were cross bred to create a dog with a “gentleness and trainability of the Labrador but a low shedder producing minimal dander.

Is A Labradoodle Bigger Than A Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles have an average size range of 22 to 29 inches and can weigh between 60 and 90 pounds depending on the sex of the dog. Labradoodles are slightly smaller, standing at between 21 and 24 inches and weighing from 45 to 65 pounds, depending on whether they’re a male or female.

So, Goldendoodles on average are slightly bigger than Labradoodles.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Appearance

Goldendoodles tend to have a broad, round skull with a long muzzle. They’ve got dark oval-shaped eyes. They can have a curly coat or a smoother coat. Goldendoodles will usually have brown eyes but it’s possible to find some members of the cross breed with blue or green eyes. They’ll have a black or brown nose. Goldendoodles have a number of possible coat colors and coat combinations, including cream, brown, black, red, sable, blue and silver. The most Goldendoodle coat color is cream, brown or sable, resulting in these hybrid dogs often being likened to teddy bears.

Labradoodles aren’t too dissimilar in appearance. They can either have what is described as a wool-like coat similar to their Poodle parent or a softer, fleece coat that is more akin to their Labrador parent. They’ll usually have brown or hazel eyes with a black or brown nose. Labradoodles can have a variety of coat colors, including black, red, cream, sable, brindle, blue and silver.

As Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are cross breeds, it’s important to remember that no two Goldendoodles or Labradoodles are the same. So each member of these designer dog breeds can differ in appearance.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Temperament

Goldendoodles are affectionate, eager to please, energetic, loving, loyal and trainable dogs. As we touched upon, Goldendoodles are often used to help people who have service needs. They’ll be quick to learn new commands thanks to their incredible intelligence. Goldendoodles are friendly dogs that enjoy meeting new people and new dogs, so they’ll thrive at the dog park provided they’ve been given sufficient socialization as a puppy. It’s a good idea to start training your Goldendoodle from a young age to lay down a strong foundation to have a well-behaved, much-loved family pet.

Labradoodles have a lot of traits in common with the Goldendoodle. For instance, they’re dogs that will develop a deep bond with their fellow family members, they’ll like to give and receive love, they’re quick to learn and more often than not obedient. They’ve got quite a bit of energy so they’ll needs lots of mental and physical stimulation. Labradoodles can do well in a family setting but supervision around children is always a good idea. These social dogs will benefit from early socialization and training just like Goldendoodle puppies.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Exercise

Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have similar exercise needs, which is hardly a surprise seeing as they’ve got a Poodle parent in common. It’s a good idea to give your Goldendoodle or Labradoodle at least 60 minutes of exercise a day. At a minimum, you could walk your hybrid dog for 60 minutes but these two cross breeds are eager to please, highly intelligent and like to put their IQ to good use. You’ll probably find that your Goldendoodle or Labradoodle will excel at mental stimulation activities that require them to use their nose or put their brain power to good use. They’re versatile dogs that will be happy to run alongside their owners, go for a swim, take part in agility or more advanced training sessions.

Are Labradoodles Or Goldendoodles Calmer?

While Goldendoodles might be ever so slightly calmer than Labradoodles, there’s little difference between these two breeds where energy levels are concerned.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Hypoallergenic

You won’t be surprised to learn that both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are low-shedding dogs that don’t produce a lot of dander. The result of breeding the Golden Retriever or the Labrador Retriever with a Poodle is a dog that won’t leave much if any hair on your clothes, furniture and floor. Their tight curls will catch any dander they produce. Having said that, every dog is different so there’s no guarantee a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle won’t trigger your allergies because of their salvia, urine or allergens brought in from outside the home.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Shedding

Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are low-shedding dogs as we highlighted in the point above. They’re often used to help people in need who have allergies to dogs. So they should be minimal shedders if they shed at all. If they’re a second or third generation Goldendoodle or Labradoodle, they’re likely to shed even less. This is the result of breeding a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle with a Poodle to increase the latter’s impact on the dog’s genetics.

While the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle don’t shed a lot, they do require lots of care and maintenance. They will require a daily brush to make sure there’s no dirt or debris caught in their curls. Both hybrid dogs will require a haircut every couple of months if dog owners don’t want their hair to grow too long and to pick up dirt or other allergens. These two cross breeds will require regular baths to maintain the appearance, health and texture of their coats.

Who Sheds Less Goldendoodle Or Labradoodle?

There’s little difference in shedding levels between the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle. First generation Goldendoodles and Labradoodles will have similar shedding levels. However, a second or third generation Goldendoodle or Labradoodle will likely shed even less than a first generation Goldendoodle or Labradoodle.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Price

The average price of a Goldendoodle is around $2500 but they can cost anywhere from $500 to $5000 depending on the coat color, the parents or the generation of Goldendoodle.

Labradoodles have a price range from $1000 to $4000 but they’ll usually cost around $2000. Just like Goldendoodles, the price of a Labradoodle will vary depending on some key factors such as coat color and lineage.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Life Expectancy

Goldendoodles will usually have a life expectancy ranging from 10 to 15 years. For instance, Golden Retrievers live between 10 and 12 years and Poodles have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Labradoodles have a slightly longer life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. You may find some Labradoodles who don’t reach that range or exceed that range but the average life of a Labradoodle seems to be around 13 or 14 years.

The Difference Between Goldendoodle And Labradoodle

The Goldendoodle and Labradoodle cross breeds have more in common than you may have realised. There are some subtle differences that we’ve referenced in this article. For instance, Goldendoodles tend to be slightly bigger than Labradoodles. However, Labradoodles can live to a slightly older age than Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles do have a slightly higher average price than the Labradoodle.

The Similarities Between Goldendoodle And Labradoodle

Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have lots of similarities, which isn’t really a surprise seeing as they’ve both part-Poodle. These two dogs can make excellent guide and service dogs thanks to their affectionate, gentle, loyal, eager-to-please, highly-trainable personalities. Goldendoodles and Labradoodles don’t shed at much – if at all. They need lots of daily exercise to satisfy their mental and physical stimulation needs.

Which Is Better A Goldendoodle Or Labradoodle?

Whether a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle is a better choice of pet depends on each individual person and what traits they’re specifically looking for in their family dog.

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle – In Conclusion

We’ve reached the end of this Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle comparison feature.

They’re similar designer dog breeds who can make excellent family pets or service animals.

Overall, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have lots of similarities both in terms of appearance, temperament, coat texture, shedding and exercise requirements.