Any poodle mixed crossbreed is called Doodle and the two most popular doodles are the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. The Labrador Retriever cross Poodle mix is the Labradoodle whereas the Golden Retriever cross Poodle is the Goldendoodle.
Quick Comparision – Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle
| Specs | Labradoodle | Goldendoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Lineage | Poodle cross with Labrador | Poodle Cross with Golden Retriever |
| Height | 22 – 24 inches | 20 – 24 inches |
| Weight | 50 – 80 pounds | 50 – 90 pounds |
| Coat color | Golden, apricot, caramel, white, red, chocolate, black, and even double color coat like brindle or sable | Golden, cream, red, brown, black |
| Eye color | Hazel, brown, amber, blue (rare) | Brown, blue, multi-colored |
| Coat type | A single coat that is relatively longer. Straight/wavy | Single coat that is relatively shorter. Wavy/curly |
| Temperament | Intelligent, gentle, loving, more energetic but relatively shy | Intelligent, playful, social, energetic but relatively calmer |
| Exercise | High | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 12 – 14 years | 10 – 15 years |
Popularity
Both the doodles Goldendoodle and Labradoodle are equally popular.
They are equally as loving, intelligent, and social. When choosing between a Goldendoodle and a Labradoodle, it actually comes down to your personal preference. Either way, you will end up with a true canine companion in the dog you choose!
Size – Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle
Both Golden retriever and Labrador are almost similar-sized dogs. Thus there is not much of a difference when it comes to size comparing Goldendoodle with a Labradoodle.
The size of these Poodle mix breeds depends on individual traits and the size of the Poodle used for crossbreeding. Poodles are available in three different sizes – Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
Goldendoodle size
The size of the Goldendoodle varies greatly. As with many hybrid dogs, they show uncertain physical characteristics. They usually have a height of 22 inches making them medium-sized dogs. Their weight falls between 50 and 90 pounds.
Labradoodle size
The standard Labradoodle can be slightly higher in height ranging between 22 to 24 inches. Their weight gradient is also 50 to 80 pounds.
Temperament – Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle
Temperament is the personality of your dog. A well-tempered dog is both well-mannered and social. Temperament is important as it decides whether your dog is a danger to children or animals.
Though both doodles are playful and energetic, Labradoodles can get more excited compared to Goldendoodle.
Labradoodle temperament
The Labrador Retrievers are naturally a social dog that loves humans even if you are not his owner. These energetic and loving characteristics carry through to the Labradoodle.
Combined with the family-loving traits of the Poodle, all the positive characters of the Labrador are amplified. This doodle is loyal, fun-loving, energetic, with an outgoing personality.
Goldendoodle temperament
The Golden Retriever also has a nature similar to the Labrador. The Goldendoodle is an intelligent dog breed that loves humans and can sense emotions. This makes him an excellent candidate for a therapy or service dog.
Goldendoodle is a great companion for people who love exercise and outdoor activities as he is an athletic dog. A true people-pleaser, there is nothing that he won’t do to please his owner.
Coat
Both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle boast of the curly locks that the Poodle is renowned for. They have a double-coat that is prone to getting mats.
Labradoodle has relatively shorter hairs and adopts a coat closer to the Poodle rather than the Labrador Retriever. Goldendoodle has a fusion of traits from both parents which can result in a variety of hair textures.
Labradoodle coat
Labradoodle has a wiry or wavy hair coat that is shorter in general compared to a Goldendoodle.
Coat colors are widespread ranging from black to cream. Other colors are red, yellow, tan, chocolate, white.
Goldendoodle coat
The Goldendoodle has relatively longer hairs that can be straight, wavy, or curly.
They don’t come in a big variety of colors like a Labradoodle and you will typically see them in tan, gold, or red.
Do Goldendoodles shed? – Read here
Grooming
Both the dogs require frequent grooming.
If the coat is straight, the dogs may shed but it will require less brushing to maintain. On the other hand, if the coat is more curly resembling a poodle, you would need frequent grooming sessions to maintain the coat and keeping it matt-free.
Looking for best brushes for goldendoodle brushing – Read here
Exercise
Both Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are high-energy dog breeds. These dogs love hikes and camping trips in the wilderness. Playing fetch and running with other dogs are among their favorite times of the day.
Compared to Goldendoodles, Labradoodles need more exercise. Labradoodles, in general, need an hour of exercise daily whereas Goldendoodles need half an hour.
Health
Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are only as healthy as their parents. They are vulnerable to inheriting diseases from both their parents. When assessing the health risks of your dog, you should look at the Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Golden Retriever.
The Labrador Retriever may suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) due to exercise. This means a Labradoodle is at risk of any of these conditions.
Golden Retriever is prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, cancer, eye cataracts, and heart diseases. Thus Goldendoodle would be prone to these diseases.
In addition to the above, both these dogs would be prone to the diseases that poodle may have. This includes Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), patellar luxation, and eye conditions.
Lifespan
Both the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle have a similar life span. Averaging 12 years, both these hybrid dogs are not exactly the longest living dogs. However, they have carved themselves a permanent place in American households.
Lineage
Let us quickly look at brief at the parent breeds.
Labrador
Labradors were originally bred in the Newfoundland region of Canada to help local fishermen in retrieving fish. They are good-natured, loyal, and hardworking dogs. With their eager to please attitude, they soon became one of the most popular dogs in the USA.
Golden Retriever
Lord Tweedmouth originally bred this dog breed in his highland estate in Scotland. Golden retrievers excel at retrieving prey along with hunters. They are friendly, loyal, playful, and tolerant dogs. This has helped them to also become one of the most popular dogs in the USA.
Poodle
Poodle is quite an old dog breed originally bred for hunting and retrieving waterfowls. They are quite popular across the world for being considered the smartest dog and having a hypoallergenic coat. Poodles come in three different sizes. Standard, mini, and Toy poodles.
P.S. Poodles are the national dog of France.
So which one should you choose?
Choose a Labradoodle if you have a more active life for his higher energy level. Labradoodles are preferred as service dogs. However, Goldendoodles are very popular as therapy dogs like Golden Retrievers as they are more tolerant.
And whichever doodle you choose, it is sure to bring a lot of love to your family.