Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Which Is Better?

Labradoodle

In 1988, Wally Conron of the Royal Guide Dogs of Australia crossbred a Labrador Retriever with a standard Poodle and introduced the first Labradoodles. Labradoodle has many excellent attributes. They are adorable and very good looking with shorter hair that can be wavy or wiry. Their colors can range from chocolate, white, apricot, cream, yellow, red, black, and bi-color or tri-color.

Labradoodle Pros

The temperament of the Labradoodle is a combination of both the Labrador and the poodle, which have so many excellent traits.

• Labradoodles are affectionate, fun-loving, playful, high energy, friendly, extremely intelligent, and easy to train.
• They are not big barkers like other dogs.
• While Labradoodles can't be considered totally hypoallergenic, they come close even with and a thick coat of fur. It is not the shedding of fur that causes allergies it is the dander.
• Labradoodles are excellent adventurers because they love to hike and swim as some of us humans do.
• They are a top choice for guide dogs, seeing-eye dogs, and service dogs.

Labradoodle Cons

Labradoodles weigh in slightly larger than Goldendoodles and can become quite weighty depending on the size and genetic makeup of their pet parents.

A regular Labrador weighs in from 55 to 80 pounds and a poodle from 40 to 70 pounds, so your doodle's weight can lie anywhere in between.

If you weren't looking for a large dog or don't have much space it would be disappointing if your puppy becomes too large.

• Temperament is usually good with Labradoodles although sometimes they may have a slightly reserved personality and can even appear standoffish sometimes exhibiting aggression in situations with strangers.
• They can reveal guard dog tendencies that can be curbed with training.
• The cost from a breeder for a Labradoodle can be in the range of $1,500 to $2,500. That price tag can be quite steep for some.
• Labradoodles need a lot of exercise that would not suit someone with a sedentary lifestyle. This could set you up for an array of behavioral problems.
• They also need brushing and grooming to avoid knots and mats. These things are time-consuming for those who have limited time.
• Labradoodles do not suffer from too many health problems. Some diseases that they may acquire are Progressive Retinal Atrophy, collapse induced by exercise, and hip and elbow dysplasia.

Related: The 10 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed

Goldendoodle

They were first bred in the USA in the 1990s. Their fur is longer than the Labradoodle and can be either curly or straight. Their coat colors range from gold to caramel to fawn with some having a reddish tint.

Goldendoodle Pros

The Goldendoodles are a lovable mix of intelligence, friendliness, and cuteness.

• The Goldendoodle is very affectionate, loving, and calm with a sunny disposition having inherited the best of both parent breeds.
• Highly intelligent, they are easily trained and are wonderful companions and family dogs.
• They are extremely gentle and are good choices for therapy dogs as well as visiting nursing homes because they are remarkable with the elderly as well as the young.
• Goldendoodles also love the outdoors for playing, hiking, and swimming.
• They can adapt to a small home or apartment and are well behaved when left alone.
• They do not shed much and are somewhat hypoallergenic.

Goldendoodle Cons

Goldendoodles can grow to be a medium to large dog. The weight of a golden retriever falls between 55 and 75 pounds and the poodle weighs between 40 to 70 pounds. Their weight will fall in between these weights and with too many treats and too little activity they can become quite heavy.

Both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle will have a final adult weight that is less if the poodle for breeding is a toy or Miniature Poodle.

• Goldendoodle requires plenty of exercises to avoid weight gain.
• Grooming can be challenging because of the fur. Regular brushing and clipping are necessary.
• Goldendoodles do not have many health problems but can be prone to heart disease, eye issues, hip and elbow dysplasia, and some forms of cancer.
• The price of a Goldendoodle can range between $1,700 to $2,500. If either dog is bred with a toy or Miniature Poodle the price can increase immensely ($3,000 to $5,000).

How to Choose

What is the Difference?

Although there are many similarities between the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle, there are several differences.

Their appearance in color and fur texture is dissimilar. The Labradoodle comes in a more wide variety of shades as listed above. The Labradoodle's fur texture is wavy and shorter than the Goldendoodle's which can be straight or curly and longer.

The Labradoodle usually weighs in heavier than the Goldendoodle.

The Goldendoodle tends to be better with children and friendlier with strangers, while the Labradoodle can have a more reserved personality and may exhibit some aggression or have a tendency to guard.

The Labradoodle has higher boundless energy while the Goldendoodle is easier to train.

Which Makes A Better Family Pet?

A better family pet would be the Goldendoodle.

While both breeds are friendly, studies show that the Goldendoodle is the most family-friendly, being very gentle and better with young children as well as strangers. Exceptions to the rule can happen. Training and breeding do play an important role in raising any dog.

Final Verdict

The Labrador retriever, the golden retriever, and the poodle are among people-pleasing breeds. They have been crossbred to create two different hybrids. Since the golden retriever and the poodle can't help but retain the great qualities of their parents, the final verdict for the better dog is the Goldendoodle.

They are an all-around fun-loving dog, excellent with children easy to train, love exercise, very gentle and happy and sunny all of the time. This can be a matter of your personal preference.

When considering getting one of these dogs or any dog, please find a reputable breeder. If you are not sure of one ask a veterinarian or someone who has either dog.

Just remember the verdict is in and it's the Goldendoodle!