Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: Which One is Right For You?

Thinking of getting a doodle? You’re definitely not alone. Over the past few decades, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles have exploded in popularity, quickly becoming the designer dogs of choice for families everywhere. From their sweet and outgoing personalities to their soft coats and adorable teddy bear faces, it’s impossible not to fall in love with doodles. 

At a glance, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles seem nearly identical, but these two crossbreeds differ in key ways, from appearance and grooming needs to temperament and energy levels. Both breeds are celebrated for their affectionate personalities and low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats. Still, understanding their differences will help you choose the perfect doodle for your family.

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: History and origins

A doodle is a crossbreed between a Poodle and another purebred dog. These poodle mixes typically have low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats and sweet, playful personalities. For anyone seeking a hypoallergenic dog, the choice often comes down to Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle. Understanding their origins helps explain why these breeds have distinct characteristics.

 The Labradoodle story

Out of the two Poodle mixes, the Labradoodle came first. In 1988, a puppy breeding manager named Wally Conron set out to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for a blind woman whose husband was allergic to dogs. Through innovative crossbreeding between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle was born. 

The combination of the Lab’s intelligence and loving personality with the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat marked a new era of crossbreeding, sparking the popularity of designer dogs over the next few decades. 

The Goldendoodle story

The Goldendoodle came along slightly later. After the Labradoodle’s success, breeders in Australia and the US began crossbreeding Poodles with Golden Retrievers in the 1990s. 

The goal was to combine the Golden Retriever’s obedience, loyalty, and friendly personality with the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat. The experiment was a success and gave way to one of the most popular mixed-breed dogs in the US: the Goldendoodle. 

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: Appearance and Size

Labradoodles and Goldendoodles may look alike, but they have a few physical differences. Both breeds come in a variety of sizes, ranging from standard to mini. Here’s a quick guide to help tell them apart. 

Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle size

Coat types and colors 

One of the biggest advantages of Poodle mixes is their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats. While both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles shed minimally compared to Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, their coat textures and colors differ. 

Labradoodles typically have shorter, wiry coats that can be straight, wavy, shaggy, or curly, depending on how much Poodle genetics they inherit. Their coats come in cream, tan, gold, chocolate, and black. 

Goldendoodles have longer, softer coats that are usually wavy or curly. They offer more color variety, including silver, gray, black, tan, cream, white, orange, red, apricot, and sometimes merle or sable patterns. 

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: grooming needs

When comparing Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle grooming needs, Goldendoodles are slightly lower maintenance. Both breeds require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy: 

• Brushing: Daily brushing is recommended for both breeds to prevent tangles and matting. Labradoodles have shorter, wiry coats that are more prone to matting, while Goldendoodles have softer coats that tangle less but still need consistent care. 

• Bathing: Every few weeks or as needed, especially after outdoor activities or swimming 

• Nail trimming: Monthly or as needed 

• Ear cleaning: Weekly, since floppy ears are prone to infections 

• Professional grooming: Every 6-8 weeks for Labradoodles, every 8-10 weeks for Goldendoodles

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: temperament and personality

Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are both known for their affectionate temperament and adorable personalities. Both Doodles are intelligent, eager to please, highly trainable, and great options for families with kids.

Labradoodles are more energetic and will thrive in a house with a yard, while Goldendoodles are more relaxed and can handle apartment living better. Here are a few other key differences to know when choosing the right doodle for your home. 

Personality Traits 

Intelligence and Trainability

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle for families and other pets

Shany, a pet parent to a Goldendoodle from Florida, describes her experience: “Rubin is the sweetest Goldendoodle and an integral part of our family. He's a velcro dog that likes to be with us always. He loves adventure, such as going on the boat, and is very sweet with kids, as he comes to my office with me every day.”

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: Energy level and exercise needs 

Like all dog breeds, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles enjoy going on daily walks with their humans. Labradoodles are slightly more energetic and thrive in settings where they can run around, while Goldendoodles are more mellow and relaxed. 

Daily exercise requirements 

Ideal living environment

• Labradoodles: Due to their high energy, Labradoodles do best with permanent access to a fenced-in backyard where they can run and play throughout the day

• Goldendoodles: Goldendoodles have more mellow personalities, which make them a better fit for apartment and city living, though they still benefit from outdoor time and walks 

Do Goldendoodles and Labradoodles shed?

One of the main reasons people choose Doodles is their low-shedding coats. Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles shed far less than their parent breeds, the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, thanks to their Poodle genes. 

Shedding levels 

• Labradoodles: Labradoodles are minimal shedders, especially those with curlier, more Poodle-like coats. Wiry coat texture means you’ll find less hair around the house compared to purebred Labs.

• Goldendoodles: Goldendoodles are also minimal shedders. Their soft, wavy, or curly coats shed very little, making them popular among people who want to avoid constant vacuuming and pet hair cleanup.

Which is better for allergies: Goldendoodle or Labradoodle?

Both breeds are often promoted as hypoallergenic because they inherit the Poodle's low-shedding coat. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. That’s because allergies are caused by dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and proteins in a dog's coat, not just shedding. 

In Labradoodles, curlier coats that are more Poodle-like tend to produce fewer allergens and trigger fewer reactions. Similarly, Goldendoodles with wavy or curly coats are less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to their Golden Retriever parent.

If you have dog allergies, it's recommended to spend time with the specific Doodle you're considering before bringing it home. Each dog triggers different allergies, even within the same breed. Regular grooming also helps reduce allergic reactions by minimizing dander.

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: Health issues and lifespan

With proper care and a bit of luck, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles can live long and healthy lives. Still, as with any breed, there are some common issues to consider. 

 Common health concerns 

Regular vet checkups, balanced nutrition, and plenty of exercise help keep your doodle healthy. Learn more about pet insurance options to help manage unexpected veterinary costs.

Life expectancy

Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, which may vary based on genetics, diet, exercise, and overall care.

Frequently asked questions

What are some other Doodle breeds?

Poodles have been crossbred with many other breeds to create a variety of Doodles. Some other popular Doodle breeds include: 

• Schnoodles (Schnauzer + Poodle) 

• Bernedoodles (Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle) 

• Aussiedoodles (Australian Shepherd + Poodle) 

Which breed is higher maintenance?

Overall, Labradoodles are slightly higher maintenance due to the following factors: 

• Grooming: Labradoodles require more frequent grooming due to their wiry coats being more prone to matting 

• Training: Labradoodles need more motivation and firmer guidance during training compared to Goldendoodles

• Exercise requirements: Labradoodles are more energetic and need more daily activity than Goldendoodles 

Which sheds less, Labradoodle or Goldendoodle?

 Both breeds are minimal shedders, but individual shedding varies based on coat type rather than breed. Labradoodles and Goldendoodles with curlier, more Poodle-like coats shed the least, while those with wavier or straighter coats may shed more. Overall, there's no significant difference in shedding between the two breeds.

Are Labradoodles or Goldendoodles better for families?

Both breeds make excellent family dogs. Goldendoodles are often better for families with young children due to their calmer, more patient nature. Labradoodles are great for active families who can keep up with their higher energy levels. 

Can Labradoodles and Goldendoodles be left alone?

Neither breed does well when left alone for long periods. Both are prone to separation anxiety and thrive on human companionship. Goldendoodles may struggle more with being alone, as they tend to form very strong bonds with their families.