Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle - Who Is Better?

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Designer breeds are becoming increasingly more popular, and none more so than the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle. These two crossbreeds have been winning hearts all over the world. They might be similar since they share one of the parent breeds, but there are also some key differences. 

If you are looking into these two popular hybrids, you will probably want to learn as much as you can about them before deciding on one. Here is what you need to know about the comparison between the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle.

Pedigree

When talking about any hybrid, first, we need to mention the basics. In this case, the basics would be their creation. Both breeds are a mix between a Poodle and another breed. Labradoodle is a mix between the Poodle and the Labrador, and the Goldendoodle is a mix between the Poodle and the Golden Retriever.

To truly understand the similarities and differences between these two hybrids, we need to understand the difference between the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever.

cream Labradoodle

Labrador vs. Golden

Labradors and Golden Retrievers are both hunting breeds or, more precisely, retrieving breeds. They were originally bred for retrieving prey on land and water, with Labradors specializing in water retrieving. They come from the Canadian province of Labrador and Newfoundland, where they helped local fishermen retrieve loose fish.

Both these breeds are excellent swimmers, and they make great service dogs and pets. Labs and Goldens are friendly dogs that form powerful bonds with their owners. Labrador Retriever is the most popular family pet globally, and it is mostly because of its friendly character. Golden Retriever is one of the most popular choices for families with small kids, but both breeds are very gentle and playful.

RELATED: Golden Retriever vs. Labrador - How to Pick the Right Breed?

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a mix between the Poodle and the Labrador, so their characteristics are a mix as well. Some dogs might end up with hypoallergenic coats, and others might shed. It is impossible to know which characteristics will be dominant and from which parent breed they will come.

The creation of the hybrid was fascinating as well. An Australian service dog association wanted to create a service dog that could work and live with a person with dog allergies. It might have been created with a purpose, but these days, Labradoodles are mostly pets that enjoy family lives.

Labradoodle

Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles were first bred in 1969, but the crossbreed didn’t get popular until the 1990s. This crossbreed followed the Labradoodle’s popularity, and even though they were created with the same working purpose in mind, they were never as popular as the Labrador Poodle mix.

These days, Goldendoodles are already a well-established crossbreed and have a strong, growing fan base devoted to the hybrid.

RELATED: Types of Goldendoodles - Owners Guide

Goldendoodle

Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle size

The first important difference between the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle is their size. Both these crossbreeds are medium-sized dogs that are similar in size and weight. However, Labradoodles are usually heavier and taller than Goldendoodles.

Labradoodles can weigh up to 80 pounds, and most standard ones are between 22 and 24 inches tall. Goldendoodles are between 21 and 23 inches tall and can weigh 75 pounds max.

Mini versions

Poodles come in three or four-size varieties, depending on your governing cynology association. In the Us, Poodles have three sizes - Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Most Labradoodles and Goldendoodles result from Standard Poodle mixes, but these days, a lot of breeders are starting to create smaller versions.

Smaller dogs are considered better, or better yet, easier to maintain. So naturally, owners started looking for smaller hybrids that would be easier to maintain. To supply the demand, breeders started crossing Goldens and Labradors with smaller Poodles.

Check out the best Poodle mixes - Best Poodle Mixes And Crossbreeds.

Labradoodle puppy

Character

Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are amiable dogs. However, it is impossible to know which character traits will prevail. There are far too many available combinations to be sure which will be displayed.

Labradoodles are friendly, active, gentle, playful, and terrible watchdogs. They are more likely to greet trespassers than to let you know someone is approaching.

cream Labradoodle puppy

Goldendoodles share all of those characteristics. They tend to be less energetic but more outgoing and friendly.

The main difference in their characters is this - Labradoodles are better service and working dogs, and Goldendoodles are better emotional support and therapy dogs.

Coat

It might seem that these two breeds have a similar coat, and that might be true in some cases. A wide variety of coat structures and lengths are available in both crossbreeds, and it will mostly depend on the dominant gene combination. Here are some key characteristics of both coats.

Goldendoodle

1. Goldendoodle coat

Goldendoodles usually have longer coats than Labradoodles. They can end up with a curly or straight coat and everything in between. It is usually in the golden/red spectrum.

3. Labradoodle coat

Labradoodles have a shorter, shaggier coat than Goldendoodles. They can be more or less curly or wavy and can come in different colors since both Labradors and Poodles come in various colors. Most of these dogs come in black, chocolate, white, cream, fawn, and yellow.

World Dog Finder team