The Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle – Which Dog Is Right For You? 

The crossbreed craze is in full swing, but there are no two hybrids quite as popular as the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle.

While they may look similar and even have similar temperaments, these two designer dogs are actually worlds apart.

Are you wondering which crossbreed canine would be right for you? Then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we are comparing the Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle in an effort to help you understand their differences, similarities, and the pros and cons that come with each.

But before we begin, let’s first talk about doodle dogs and the crossbreed controversy.

Contents

What On Earth Is A Doodle? Let’s Talk About Crossbreeds!

1 a labradoodle and a black lab
The dog on the left is a hybrid dog while the dog on the right is purebred.

Before we dive into comparing the Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle, it’s important you understand what a doodle dog really is and also have some background on the crossbreed controversy.

Let’s first start with doodles.

Doodle dogs, by today’s standard, are crossbreed dogs that are 50% Poodle and 50% any other breed. There are quite a few doodle dogs hitting the market these days, as people have realized that mixing any breed with a Poodle can result in an intelligent and even hypoallergenic canine companion.

The first doodle dog star is likely the Labradoodle, which was created in the early 1980s by a breeder by the name of Wally Conan.

Mr. Conan created the Labradoodle in an effort to help those in need of service and therapy dogs be able to obtain such dogs with hypoallergenic coats.

Wally Conan is credited for being a massive part of the doodle-dog craze, and soon after the Labradoodle exploded in popularity, so did many other hybrids like the Goldendoodle, the Maltipoo, the Shepadoodle, and more.

While most canine enthusiasts today are simply smitten with these doodle dog crossbreeds, Wally Conan has confessed to BBC that creating the Labradoodle is his “lifetime regret”.

Not everyone agrees that he should be remorseful of the curly creation he is responsible for, especially those who have obtained doodle mix breeds and fallen in love.

With that being said, there is some controversy surrounding the idea of buying and selling first and second-generation crossbreed dogs.

And whether we are discussing the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, it’s important you know this.

Crossbreeding dogs is a practice that has been going on for centuries, so we can’t solely blame Mr. Wally Conan for the massive trend that spiked over the last two decades.

However, originally crossbreeding was used to create specific dogs with particular working characteristics. Most breeders would use careful breeding standards to breed their dogs, and it would take generations before dogs would be perfected enough to be considered purebred dogs.

Today, all that has changed. Breeders are breeding first and second-generation dogs and selling them for top dollar, often attaching cute nicknames to them which help allude to the fact that these dogs are, in fact, just like purebreds.

The truth is, first and second-generation crossbreed dogs are considered less predictable than their purebred counterparts. This is especially true when considering traits like temperament, appearance, and health.

However, there are some benefits of investing in crossbreed dogs.

Since purebred dogs have been so carefully bred throughout centuries to maintain their breed standard, they do have a number of specific genetic health issues they are predisposed to. Hybrid dogs like the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, on the other hand, have a widened gene pool and maybe thus be less likely to inherit certain genetic health problems from one parent breed over the other.

Still, not everyone accepts this theory, known as hybrid vigor, and some insist that genetics are unpredictable regardless and that crossbreed dogs like the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle can be just as prone to inheriting genetic health issues as their purebred parent breeds.

All of this is important to consider when considering the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, but it is also a small piece of a larger puzzle.

With that noted, it’s time to move on and dig deeper into comparing the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle.

Let’s begin with the dog that likely started it all – the Labradoodle!

Meet The Labradoodle

2 a labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a mix between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle.

Labradoodle Height: 22 to 24 Inches

Labradoodle Weight: 50 to 65 Pounds

Labradoodle Lifespan: 12 to 16 Years

Labradoodle Temperament: Intelligent, Devoted, Affectionate, Social

As we mentioned briefly above, the Labradoodle was created by breeder and canine enthusiast Wally Conan in the early 1980s. The first Labradoodle came about when a client of his requested a guide dog for her husband, who had severe allergies.

Her husband desperately needed a guide dog, but the traditional Labrador Retriever wouldn’t do.

This is when Mr. Conan got the idea to breed a Poodle and a Labrador together in an effort to maintain the guide dog standard of intelligence, obedience, loyalty, and friendliness while also designing a coat that sheds less and produces less allergy-inducing dander.

It took several years for Wally Conan to create the perfect guide dog for his client, and he expected that would be the end of it. Instead, the Labradoodle, as his creation was affectionately coined, exploded in popularity.

Today, the Labradoodle is not only one of the most sought-after guide dogs and therapy dogs, but it is also one of the most sought-after companion dogs in the United States.

When comparing the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, one of their biggest differences is their lineage.

The Labradoodle, for example, is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The Labrador in particular was a bred water retrieving dog from Newfoundland, Canada. This dog is energetic, devoted, intelligent, and family-oriented.

The purebred Poodle is also all of these things, with a mix of entertainment as well. Poodles are also famous for their curly coats and the fact that they are available in three-size varieties.

This means that your Labradoodle could come in a few different sizes as well depending on his purebred Poodle parent’s size.

When it comes to appearance, the Labradoodle is more likely to have a wiry coat that comes in a number of colors including black, white, yellow, and brown.

It should also be noted that the Labradoodle is not guaranteed to be hypoallergic, especially if he is a first or second-generation hybrid.

Of course, the same goes for the Goldendoodle. Keep reading to learn more.

Meet The Goldendoodle

3 a goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.

Goldendoodle Height: 17 to 20 Inches

Goldendoodle Weight: 40 to 50 Pounds

Goldendoodle Lifespan: 10 to 15 Years

Goldendoodle Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Energetic, Eager To Please, Playful

When comparing the the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, it can be difficult to tell them apart when it comes to temperament and appearance, though when you have the two in the same room you will easily spot the differences.

When it comes to the Goldendoodle, this is a hybrid dog that is a cross between the friendly, active, and playful Golden Retriever and the intelligent, hypoallergenic and athletic Poodle.

The Golden Retriever specifically was a bred gun dog, originating in Scotland during the 1900s. This dog is very energetic and playful, and he is said to know no strangers. Outgoing and fun-loving Golden Retrievers make excellent family pets, and when bred with the clever Poodle these hybrids are known to be quite intelligent, energetic and affectionate.

Goldendoodles likely came about shortly after Labradoodles, as hybrid enthusiasts began realizing the full potential of these markedly adorable and clever canines.

The Goldendoodle has less variety when it comes to its coat color. While his coat is often a bit longer and softer than his Labradoodle counterpart, he is most often gold, as his name implies.

Goldendoodles are often somewhat smaller than their Labradoodle counterparts, though not by much.

But which of these two crossbreed dogs is best?

Well, the answer to that question will depend greatly on your perspective and lifestyle. Lets learn more.

The Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle – Intelligence And Training

4 a doodle mix puppy
Both the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are intelligent dogs.

If you’re looking for the most intelligent when comparing the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, you’ll have a difficult time deciding.

Both the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are considered some of the most intelligent hybrid dogs in the world, which means their cleverness could go head to head with one another.

However, they do have different levels of intelligence when it comes to certain traits. For example, the Labradoodle is designed to work closely with his master and follow orders. He may be more trainable for this reason, and he is likely a more devoted and loyal canine.

The Goldendoodle is friendlier and more of a free-thinker. He enjoys meeting new people and making new friends, and is likely to bond with almost anyone willing to give him a pat on the head.

Regardless of which dog you think is right for you when it comes to comparing the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, training should be conducted in the same manner.

When it comes to training any dog, we recommend using positive reinforcement training techniques that utilize high-value treats, praise, patience, and consistency.

Avoid punishments and scolding during training, as this could lead to your Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle shutting down or becoming aloof, bored, or even depressed. Instead, work to build a strong bond with your dog based on trust, and keep training sessions short and game-like to help hold your dog’s interest.

Another way to hold any dog’s interest, not just the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, is to utilize high-value training treats.

Train Me Training Treats

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High-value training treats are treats that are small, very smelly, and chewy. Treats like the above freeze-dried liver treats are perfect for training either the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, as they have all the characteristics needed to hold your dog’s attention.

We also like that these treats are low in calories and made with only natural ingredients. With that being said, freeze-dried liver training treats can be very rich. We suggest only using these treats during training sessions and feed your dog other treats for fun.

And speaking of fun, it’s time to talk about energy and exercise when comparing the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle. Take a look!

Energy And Exercise Needs Of The Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle

5 a goldendoodle on the beach
Labradoodles and Goldendoodle dogs are both high-energy dogs.

Wondering which dog is more laid back when comparing the the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle?

If you’re on the hunt for a calm, relaxed hybrid dog, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere. Both the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle are high-energy, outgoing, and athletic dogs that are going to require routine exercise each and every day.

With that being said, the Goldendoodle could be slightly more energetic and active than the Labradoodle, which may make him a better playmate for small children and other pets.

Either way, both the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle are considered high-energy dogs that do best in active homes with owners who have a good yard where they can run and play freely. Any potential owner of either doodle dog should also be ready and willing to commit time to exercise each and every day.

The right exercise for a Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle is going to be an hour or more of dedicating walks, runs, jogs, or swims a day, as well as some free playtime in a backyard or at a dog park.

Because both the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are friendly dogs, they could enjoy being social with other pets so long as they have been properly raised, trained, and socialized.

However, because they are so energetic, these dogs may also be prone to pulling ahead on walks and outings. This could be especially true if you are not using the proper walking equipment with these dogs.

Instead of using prong collars or choke chains on your Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, we recommend using no pull dog harnesses.

No Pull Freedom Dog Harness

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The Freedom Dog Harness listed above gives you the option of clipping your dog’s leash in the front or in the back. You can also use the leash provided to clip to both the front and back for extra control. This reduces the pressure put on your dog’s neck and chest, which in turn reduces his natural urge to pull.

These types of harnesses are also more comfortable for your dog to wear, which can help make walking a more pleasant and natural feeling for your pup.

Most importantly, front clip no pull dog harnesses like the above-listed Freedom Harness are much safer and more effective than prong collars or choke chains. They not only help gently redirect your dog back to you if he pulls, but they also help teach your dog better walking manners.

Along with routine physical exercise, both the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle are clever dogs that are going to need mental stimulation as well.

Without proper mental stimulation, both the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle can be prone to destructive behaviors like chewing and barking.

Some great ways to ensure you are keeping your dog mentally stimulated is to invest in puzzle toys and KONG toys, and to make sure you are spending an adequate amount of time each day with your dog to teach him new queues or play challenging games with him.

KONG For Large Breed Dogs

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The classic KONG is always going to be a winner when dealing with any dog, but especially for intelligent dogs like the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle hybrids. You can order KONGS in different shapes and varieties, but we like the classic KONG because it is so versatile just the way it is.

We like that you can stuff this KONG with any of your dog’s favorite treats. You even have the option of freezing the KONG on hot days to make a fun, frozen treat that will help keep your dog entertained and busy for hours.

The Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle – Which Is More Family Friendly?

6 a child with a a doodle mix
One of the great things about both Labradoodle and Goldendoodle mix dogs is that they can each do well with children.

If you have a family, you’re likely going to want a dog that is family-oriented, bonds with everyone, and enjoys children.

The good news is that you can’t go wrong with either the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, as both do well with youngsters, strangers, and other pets.

However, if you’re looking for the most playful of the two breeds, you may want to focus on the Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles are energetic, playful, patient, and fun-loving, and they tend to enjoy children of all ages.

But that doesn’t mean you should count the Labradoodle out. Labradoodles become very bonded with their families and are patient and affectionate with kids as well. They are less enthusiastic than their Goldendoodle counterparts, which means they can be more laid back as they get older, but they still make wonderful companions for active, outgoing, and devoted families.

With all of that being noted, it’s important to remember that all dogs can be capable of growling, nipping, or biting if they are in distress, pain, or fear. This is also true for both the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle dogs.

When raising any dog around children, it’s wise to never leave small children unsupervised around the family dog. It’s also a good idea to work with children on how to safely and respectfully interact with dogs in general. We recommend taking the time to teach children how to understand basic canine body language.

This can help strengthen the bond between your dog and your family while also helping to ensure everyone is getting along happily and safely.

What Is The Health And Lifespan Of The Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle?

7 two dogs running
Like all dogs, the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle can struggle with genetic health issues.

When considering any dog, not just the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, it’s very important you consider health and lifespan.

We did touch briefly on the idea of hybrid vigor above, but remember that this is not a guaranteed benefit that either the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle will have. For this reason, it’s still important to consider the health issues both the Labraodolde and the Goldendoodle can be predisposed to based on the genetics of their parent breeds.

So, which dog is healthiest when comparing the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle? Let’s take a look.

What You Should Know About Labradoodle Health

LIFESPAN: 12 to 16 Years

HEALTH ISSUES:

What You Should Know About Goldendoodle Health

LIFESPAN: 10 to 15 Years

HEALTH ISSUES:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
  • Addison’s Disease
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Cataracts
  • And Bloat

The Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle – Which Is Healthier?

For the most part, both the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle are relatively healthy and long-lived dogs. When comparing lifespan, the Labradoodle can live slightly longer than the Goldendoodle, but not by much.

The Labradoodle may also be more prone to certain types of cancers while the Goldendoodle struggles with unique heart problems.

Though both dogs can be prone to their fair share of genetic health issues, there are a few measures you can take to help ensure your hybrid doodle dog lives his healthiest life.

Veterinarian Visits

Just like people, dogs should be seen annually by their veterinarian to ensure they are healthy. In fact, most vets recommend that large breed dogs like the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle be seen once a year until they reach the age of seven, and then twice a year thereafter.

Health Screening

We recommend going through reputable sources regardless of if you’re looking at a Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle. Reputable breeders will be able to provide you with paperwork proving their pups have been screened and cleared of any serious health issues.

However, if you rescue, you may not be provided with such paperwork. The good news is that doggy DNA kits are now widely available. They are affordable and easy to use and can offer you a wealth of information about the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle when it comes to genetics and health.

Diet

Like all dogs, the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle is going to need to eat high-quality dog food that is specified for his age, weight, and activity level. The best dog food for both the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle is going to be dog food for large breed dogs that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, carbs, and will also contain a good source of water.

Avoid dog foods that contain fillers or additives like corn, wheat, soy, or gluten. It also may be a good idea to invest in a puzzle feeder or slow feeder for your dog.

This is because both the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle can be predisposed to Bloat, which is a serious and often life-threatening condition that can come on suddenly and may is caused when air or gas fills the intestines.

Slow feeders and Puzzle Feeders help to slow your dog down during mealtime and can reduce the amount of air he swallows. These types of feeders can also help improve digestion and encourage good eating habits.

Outward Hound Puzzle Feeder

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The above Puzzle Feeder by Outward Hound is designed to help reduce bloat and encourage healthy eating habits and should work for both the Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle when it comes to reducing the chances of Bloat.

This product is made with dog-safe material and is even dishwasher friendly, which is always a plus.

Grooming And Basic Care of A Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle

8 a doodle mix playing in the snow
Grooming can take some maintenance, though these dogs can be hypoallergenic if they are second or third-generation mixes.

Wondering which dog is easier to groom and care for when it comes to the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle?

The honest truth is that grooming both of these dogs is relatively similar. However, keep in mind that the Labradoodle could have a more wiry coat while the Goldendoodle’s coat may be a bit longer and softer.

Either way, it’s important to remember that the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle is not guaranteed to be hypoallergenic. This is especially true if you’ve obtained a first or second-generation crossbreed.

If you do wish to get your hands on a Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle that is hypoallergenic, we recommend going through a breeder who has bred later generation hybrid dogs or we recommend rescuing a dog that is at least over a year old and whose coat has already been established.

Regardless of which coat type or which dog you have when it comes to the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, grooming needs are going to require a similar amount of work.

Both the Labradoodle Vs Goldenddoel is going to need to be brushed often to help keep their coats free of tangles, mats, and debris. They should have baths once every two to four weeks using a dog-safe shampoo, and they should have their ears checked routinely to help keep them from developing ear infections.

Like all dogs, both the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle should have their nails trimmed or ground down once or twice a month to keep them from cracking during exercise or play. Both of these hybrid dogs can also be prone to dental disease, so we suggest investing in a canine toothbrush and toothpaste kit and brushing your dog’s teeth once a day.

Arm & Hammer Dog Toothbrushing Kit

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We recommend a kit like the Arm & Hammer Dog Toothbrushing Kit above because it includes everything you need to help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. The toothpaste is also flavored, which can make the experience more pleasant for your dog whether you are dealing with a Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle.

Which Dog Is Right For You When It Comes To The Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle? Let’s Find Out?

9 a doodle mix puppy
Deciding which dog can be right for you might be tricky, but it’s important to understand what makes each mix different.

Choosing between the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle can be difficult, especially considering these dogs are so similar.

When trying to decide which dog is right for you, it’s best to do plenty of research and consider your lifestyle.

Both of these hybrid dogs make wonderful family dogs for the right home and can do well with first-time dog owners, so we truly believe you can’t go wrong with either one!

So, after learning more about the Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle, which dog do you think is right for you?

Tell us below in the comments.

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