Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: 10 Important Differences

Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world.

It is no wonder everyone wants to adopt a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Their “teddy bear” appearance, affectionate personalities and intelligence has made them a favorite!

However, there are some differences between these two dogs.

When comparing a labradoodle vs goldendoodle is important to understand these differences. It will help you make a decision on which dog is best for you!

Continue reading for our list of ten important differences. We also have a quiz that will help you determine which dog will be the best for you…

1. Size

The size difference between Goldendoodles and Labradoodles is small, but noticeable enough. If you are familiar with these two breeds it can often help you spot the difference.

Labradoodles are typically 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. There are also mini Labradoodles that are similar in size to miniature Labradors at 30 to 45 pounds.

The Goldendoodle is typically smaller at 22 inches, but heavier at 55 to 70 pounds. Miniature Goldens weigh closer to 35 pounds and toys can weigh as little as 20 pounds!

Labradoodles are taller dogs that tend to be a bit leaner, while Goldendoodles are shorter and a bit stockier.

Despite this small size difference, true Doodle experts can easily spot the difference! Both dogs are classified as medium dogs and are typically not suitable for apartments, unless you choose to adopt a miniature or toy.

They are very unaware of their size and still think they are lap dogs. They will hilariously crawl on top of you in bed or on the couch and demand to sit in your lap. Some of them even like to be held! They are simply gentle giants.

2. Color

To determine the possible colors of Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle coats, we first have to look at the parents:

• Poodles can come in 12 different coat colors. White and black are the most popular, but it is also possible to see them in blue, silver, gray, cream, brown, red, apricot, cream, silver and parti.
• Labrador Retrievers mainly come in chocolate, black, or yellow. Sometimes, you can get a silver Lab
• Golden Retrievers can come in colors such as red , cream or tan, but are mostly golden!

Labradoodles are often black, white, red, chocolate, cream or golden. Black and gold Labradoodles are the most common colors, while red and white are rarer. Typically, these dogs have solid coat colors.

Goldendoodles have a bit more variety when it comes their coat color. These dogs can be black, tan, cream, white, orange, apricot, gold, caramel, red, cream, silver, or gray. The most common coat colors are black (despite the Golden name) and apricot or gold.

Overall, both dogs have Poodle genetics and are limited to the colors that Poodles are. There is not a whole lot of difference between the two dogs, but Goldendoodles can come in a few extra colors like apricot and gray.

Whatever the color, these dogs are always gorgeous teddy bear dogs.

3. Appearance

Poodle genes are extremely strong, so it is no wonder these two dogs look so much alike!

When comparing a Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle, they often have the same curls and human like eyes! However, there are a few differences that can help you spot the difference.

Labradoodles are generally taller than Goldendoodles. This difference in body size is one of the most helpful factors in spotting the difference.

Another difference is snout length.

Labradoodles tend to have shorter snouts, but this physical trait is much harder to spot.

Doodle mixes are known for their curly facial hair. These curls cover their snout entirely and make them look more like an old man than a dog! Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have these curls, so it is hard to notice any difference in snout length.

4. Hypoallergenic

Some Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, and some are not. A general rule of thumb for both dogs is that the straighter their fur, the more they will shed. The tighter their curls, the less they will shed!

Labradoodles have an interesting coat because of the difference in their parents’ coats.

Labrador Retrievers are known for their dense, double coats that are built for water resistance and warmth. Poodles, on the other hand, have light, airy curls that are as soft as a cloud. When you combine these two coats, you can pretty much end up with anything!

Some Labradoodles end up with completely straight fur and do not inherit the fur of their Poodle parent. Others have tight, springy Poodle curls. However, most have a wavy, shaggy coat.

Goldendoodles have wavy or curly fur that is soft to the touch and has a fluffy, light appearance. Their coats are often hypoallergenic, especially if they have tight curls. Their fur is always longer than a Labradoodle’s.

Both breeds have similar coats, the main difference is coat length and thickness.

Labradoodles have really thick hair that make their fur a bit tougher and stronger. Goldendoodles have thin hair which makes their coat softer and fluffier.

5. Personality

These dogs are more similar in personality than different.

Both Doodles are known for their intelligence which they inherit from their Poodle, Golden Retriever and Labrador parents. All three are smart dogs.

Being this intelligent makes them highly trainable and suitable for a variety of tasks and jobs. They excel at scent, obedience, and agility trials and make great working dogs! They are skilled at tasks such as herding and tracking, but they especially make great candidates for therapy work.

They are eager to please, intensely loyal and will tirelessly serve their owner.

Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are filled with kindness, so it is no surprise that these dogs are so loving. Cuddling, endless pets, and kisses on the head will make these dogs happier than anything! They are extremely fond of their family members.

Labradoodles are a bit more reserved with new people and dogs. They have a higher level of protective instincts, so they are a bit more cautious. Goldendoodles are more trusting of strangers and willingly open their hearts to everyone they meet without question.

Neither dog, however, makes a good guard dog. A few scratches behind their ear can easily win them over.

The Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are also very playful! They have a zest for life and are bouncy dogs that will keep you on your toes! Hiking, swimming, fetch, and tug of war are some of their favorite activities, but really they will do anything fun.

Overall, Labradoodles tend to have more energy. They have a hard time calming down and can be a bit jumpy and rambunctious.

6. Price

There is only a slight difference in price between the Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle. Labradoodles often cost $1,500 to $3,000, while Goldens are $1,000 to $2,500. This price difference is likely due to popularity differences.

Both dogs are popular and widely beloved, however, Labradoodles are more in demand.

Luckily for owners that want to adopt a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle, you can often find them in shelters. Your local shelter, animal control, or a breed specific rescue are all good places to start.

Adopting a dog is an extremely rewarding experience. It is also a cost-effective option because both dogs typically only cost $100 to $300 to adopt.

7. Health

Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are extremely similar in health and lifespan. Both Doodles are quite healthy and can live for between 10 to 15 years. In most cases, the smaller your mix is, the longer they will live.

Labradors and Golden Retrievers are known for hip and elbow dysplasia. Their highly active lifestyle and tendency to become overweight can put a lot of strain on their joints. This leads to an uncomfortable condition that may require physical therapy, medication, or surgery.

A healthy diet and actively looking for signs of discomfort can help ward off hip and elbow dysplasia.

Both of these breeds also struggle with eye-related issues. Labradoodles often develop progressive retinal atrophy while Goldendoodles can get cataracts.

Minor health concerns that both breeds face are obesity and ear infections.

These dogs, because of their Retriever genetics, have eyes bigger than their stomachs and like to gobble up whatever food falls in front of them. Because of this, they often accumulate many extra pounds, so it is important to monitor their weight closely.

Ear infections are also common because of their Poodle genetics. Poodles tend to have hairy ear canals that can trap in dirt, wax, and water, leading to ear infections. It is important to have the inner ear fur trimmed during grooming sessions.

Goldendoodles have two additional health conditions. They can often develop heart disease (it is common in Golden Retrievers) and food allergies.

8. Grooming

When deciding between a Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle, their grooming routine will likely not be a deciding factor. They both require a lot of care in this category!

Trips to the groomer are a must with Goldendoodles and Labradoodles.

Most owners choose to take their dog to a groomer every six weeks.

Your groomer will likely follow the same techniques they would use on a Standard Poodle if your pup has those characteristic curls. They will cut down the length of the fur, shape their fur to give a rounded teddy-bear look, and will remove any small knots or tangles.

Both mixed breeds have a tendency to accumulate dirt, debris, and ticks in their toe fur, so cutting it down can reduce this. Also, long toe fur can cause them to slide and trip on hardwood floors, which can be quite frustrating and dangerous for them.

Your groomer should also pay special attention to your dog’s ears. Poodles have long fur in their ear canals which both Lab mixes and Golden mixes can inherit. This long fur traps dirt and debris and can lead to ear infections if not carefully trimmed and cleaned.

Daily brushing also helps release all of the fur, dirt, and debris that is trapped in their curls. It also breaks apart any knots and avoids matting.

Matting is when the hair becomes so tangled it forms a small wad of fur that can grow over time. If matts are left unattended, they can begin to pull on your dog’s skin and actually be quite painful!

Daily brushing can be tedious, but it is definitely worth it in the long run to keep your pup looking like a fluffy cloud! It is also a bonding experience. A lot of dogs love being brushed and view this as an extra-long scratching session.

9. Origin

The Poodle, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever have been trusted hunting companions since the 1800s. These popular dogs have stood the test of time and have excelled in canine sports, working jobs, and as beloved household pets.

However, Doodle breeds are not working dogs and have a fairly recent history.

The first Labradoodle came from Australia in 1988. Their origin can be traced back to one breeder, Wally Cochran. Cochran set out with the goal of creating the perfect guide dog for one specific client. This woman, who happened to be blind, was married to a man with severe pet allergies.

Cochran was so determined to create the perfect working dog for her that he sent the couple 33 hair samples from various Poodles and asked the husband to test his reactivity to each one. From this, he then selected his perfect breeding pair and created the loveable breed we all know today!

The Goldendoodle has a less specific origin story, but was still first bred in Australia. They, however, are known as Groodles in Australia!

Both the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle were bred to produce a hypoallergenic, intelligent dog with a loving personality. These hybrids are perfect for service and therapy work because of their big brains and even bigger hearts.

10. Purpose

Goldendoodles tend to be better suited for families with young children as they have lower energy levels. They know how to contain their excitement and will not play rough with kids or jump on them. They are less rambunctious and have a sweeter, gentler personality that makes them better babysitters than Labradoodles.

Their gentle temperament also makes them highly suitable for therapy work. They can be very content lying next to someone and helping them feel better in every way.

Labradoodles are much more energetic and not as suited for young families. They may accidentally nip at kids during playtime or jump on them when they are greeting them.

Families with older children are better suited to Labradoodles as long as they have an active lifestyle! Couch potatoes should never bring a Labradoodle into their home. Both owners and dogs will become frustrated quickly as these dogs will resort to destructive behaviors if not properly exercised.

Difference Between Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle

Labradoodles have higher exercise requirements, who tend to relax a bit more often. Their high energy, rambunctious and jumpy personality can mean they have a hard time calming down and can be a bit too much for younger children.

Goldendoodles love everyone they meet without a single thought! They are more trusting of strangers and willingly open their hearts to everyone. In comparison, Labradoodles are more shy and cautious around strangers.

Despite their differences, both dogs are hard-working and will fill your home with their loving, goofy, loyal personalities. It is hard not to love them, they are intelligent, sweet, and look like teddy bears with the cloud of curls on their bodies.

More active and experienced owners are better suited to Labradoodles while new dog owners would be a better fit for a Goldendoodle.

Compatibility Quiz

1. Are you active for 1 to 2 hours a day?
a. Yes
b. No

2. Do you have a young family?
a. No
b. Yes

3. Do you know how to socialize a dog?
a. Yes
b. No

4. Do you have a large yard at home?
a. Yes
b. No

5. Will you take your dog to the dog park often?
a. Yes
b. No

6. Would you prefer a working dog or therapy dog?
a. Working dog
b. Therapy dog

If you answered more A’s = Labradoodle
If you answered more B’s = Goldendoodle