Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Breaking Down Breed Differences

Over the past few decades, the popularity of crossbred dogs, such as the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle, has exploded across the United States. Affectionately known as “Doodles,” these wavy-haired pups are celebrated for their delightful personalities and hypoallergenic coats. If you’re thinking about welcoming one of these dogs into your family, learning the differences in appearance, grooming needs, temperament, and energy levels between these pups can help you make an informed decision.

Sadly, many Doodles end up in rescues when their original families realize they are allergic to the dog, can’t keep up with the grooming needs, or can’t meet the high-energy requirements. Keep reading to compare Labradoodles and Goldendoodles and see if they are the right fit for you.

Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: history

Labradoodles and Goldendoodles developed separately, but the Labradoodle is the breed considered the pioneer of the designer dog trend. It was first bred in 1988 by Wally Cochran, a visionary breeder with a compassionate goal. Cochran aimed to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for a blind woman whose husband had allergies to dogs. This innovative crossbreeding initiative resulted in the Labradoodle, combining the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador Retriever with the hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. Though Cochran later regretted developing the breed, it marked the beginning of a new era in crossbreeding, giving rise to the popularity of designer dogs.

Goldendoodles, on the other hand, emerged in the 1990s in both Australia and the United States. During this time, other breeders started experimenting with the crossbreeding of Poodles and Golden Retrievers, aiming to combine the friendly and gentle nature of Golden Retrievers with the hypoallergenic qualities of Poodles. The Goldendoodle quickly gained popularity for its affectionate temperament and appealing coat, contributing to the ongoing boom of designer dogs and making them one of the most popular mixed-breed dogs in the United States. 

Megan Betteridge/ Goldendoodle

Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: appearance

It can be hard to tell these curly-coated dogs apart, but when you compare Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, there are some differences in appearance you may notice:

• Labradoodles typically have short, wiry fur, while Goldendoodles tend to have longer coats.

• Labradoodles often have a broader head, whereas the Goldendoodle’s is more refined.

• Goldendoodles have more variety in their coat color than Labradoodles.

• Goldendoodles can be slightly taller than Labradoodles.

With their short wiry coats, Labradoodles come in a wide range of colors, from cream, tan, and gold, to chocolate and black. They typically weigh between 45 and 100 pounds, but, this can vary greatly depending on whether they are a miniature or standard Labradoodle. Miniature Labradoodles can weigh as little as 15 to 30 pounds. In terms of height, the average Labradoodle stands between 21 and 24 inches tall. 

Goldendoodles also weigh between 45 and 100 pounds and stand between 21 to 24 inches tall, but they can be slightly taller than Labradoodles, given the slender build of the Golden Retriever. These pups also come in a miniature variation, weighing between 15 and 30 pounds and standing only 13 to 16 inches tall. Goldendoodles come in a rainbow of hues including black, red, apricot, brown, cream, tan, and gray — and some even have multiple coat colors or unique patterns, such as merle and sable.

Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: grooming

When it comes to grooming needs, there are a few key ways Labradoodles and Goldendoodles differ, and this mainly has to do with the style of their coats:

• Labradoodles have curlier coats that may naturally shed less.

• Labradoodles need to be groomed more often to prevent matting.

Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles require regular grooming to maintain their coat health and prevent matting. The curlier and more Poodle-like the coat, the more likely it will have hypoallergenic qualities. Grooming also plays a role in helping maintain their coat and reducing allergic reactions. 

While it depends on the coat type of the specific pup, Labradoodles typically have curlier coats, compared with Goldendoodles, and may require more frequent grooming to prevent matting. That curly coat also means that they may shed slightly less than Goldendoodles. The frequency of grooming can depend on coat length and how fast the coat grows. But it’s generally recommended that Labradoodles get groomed every six to eight weeks and Goldendoodles every eight to 10 weeks. 

Regular brushing, occasional baths, ear cleaning, and nail trimming are also important grooming tasks for both breeds. It’s essential to establish a consistent grooming routine from an early age to keep their coats in good condition and ensure their overall well-being.

ChristopherBernard / iStock/ Labradoodle

Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: temperament

While Doodles can be very similar in their temperaments, there are some subtle differences when comparing Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, although this can vary based on the individual dog. A few key differences include:

• Labradoodles are generally more task-oriented.

• Goldendoodles are more sociable, open, and trusting with strangers and other dogs.

Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable. These attributes make them great options for families with kids and can be suitable for first-time pet parents. Labradoodles have a sharp intellect and task-oriented mindset, often excelling as service dogs. They have a more hesitant disposition towards strangers and other dogs, which may stem from their heightened protective instinct. 

Goldendoodles, on the other hand, may be slightly more trusting. Their affectionate temperament makes them excellent emotional support animals and therapy dogs. While they may not be as task-oriented as Labradoodles, their sociable disposition ensures that they form strong bonds not just with their families, but also with those seeking comfort and companionship.

Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: energy level

When choosing between a Labradoodle and Goldendoodle, energy level is an important consideration that can strongly influence changes in your lifestyle. Energy levels of Labradoodles and Goldendoodles can vary depending on the dog. In general:

• Labradoodles are higher energy than Goldendoodles and need more activity to thrive.

• Goldendoodles still need exercise but tend to be more laid-back buddies.

Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that need to keep on the move. These energetic pups thrive with ample opportunities for play and exercise, making a spacious backyard their ultimate playground. If you have an active lifestyle and are ready for a pet that keeps the energy levels high, a Labradoodle might be the perfect fit for your family.

On the flip side, Goldendoodles offer a slightly more laid-back approach. While they still appreciate their daily dose of activity, Goldendoodles tend to exhibit a mellower demeanor compared to their Labradoodle counterparts. While it’s recommended that they get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, Goldendoodles strike a better balance between staying active and moments of relaxation that are more suitable for moderately active families.

Which breed is best for you?

Are you considering adopting a Labradoodle and Goldendoodle? When choosing the right dog for you, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and schedule. If you’re an active individual or family seeking an enthusiastic partner with a task-oriented mindset, the Labradoodle might be your ideal sidekick. On the other hand, if you envision a laid-back yet sociable partner, the Goldendoodle’s friendly and trusting nature could be the perfect fit.

Keep in mind that individual dogs, regardless of breed or mix, have unique personalities with their own quirks and charms — temperaments can vary even within the same litter. Consider adopting a rescue dog from a rescue organization that specializes in Doodle mixes and provides a home for a dog in need. You can also always look for breed-specific rescues to find these pups.

Commonly asked questions

Which is better for allergies, a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle?

Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are generally considered hypoallergenic, making them suitable choices for allergy sufferers. But not all Goldendoodles and Labradoodles express Poodle-like coats, so it’s important to get them tested. And individual reactions may vary, so it’s important to spend time with your potential rescue dog.

Do Labradoodles shed more than Goldendoodles?

Labradoodles typically shed less than Goldendoodles due to their curly coats. Individual variations exist, however, and regular grooming can minimize shedding in both breeds.

Are there other dogs similar to the Goldendoodle?

Yes, several breeds are similar to Goldendoodles, including Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, and Aussiedoodles. These breeds share traits such as friendliness, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coats.