Mini Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle

Are you interested in owning a dog that is absolutely adorable and friendly too? Then you may have found lots of information available on different doodle breeds. Doodle dogs have certainly grown in popularity over the years and for good reason! For those unaware, a doodle dog is a mix between a poodle and a different dog breed (such as a Labrador or golden retriever). These pups are known for being intelligent, sweet, and quite cuddly. However, since there are many different types of doodles, figuring out which one fits best with your family means you need to do your due diligence. That’s why in this article we’ll be discussing the differences when comparing the mini labradoodle vs. the goldendoodle. 

So are you interested in learning about these two different dog breeds? Let’s take a look at the main differences between these two designer breeds so you can decide which one is best for you and your family!

Comparing a Mini Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle

History of the Mini Labradoodle and Goldendoodle

There is a fascinating history behind the doodle dog breeds. They were first designed as a way to provide people with hypoallergenic dogs that can be trained as guide dogs. Wally Conron is the inventor of this designer dog breed. He was an Australian breeder who bred a Labrador retriever and a poodle together to create a labradoodle. It all started when a blind woman reached out to him with a plea. She needed a guide dog, however, her husband was severely allergic to dogs. This is when Conron got the idea to mix the two dog breeds together to create a dog that could be easily trained and hypoallergenic. From that point on, the doodle dog breed began to become one of the most popular designer dog breeds. 

The labradoodle, as we mentioned, is a mix of a Labrador retriever and a poodle. However, some individuals wanted a smaller version of this dog and that’s how the miniature labradoodle came about! This dog is made by breeding a Labrador with a miniature poodle. A goldendoodle, on the other hand, is made when you mix a golden retriever with a poodle. Throughout the years, this dog has become increasingly more and more popular. Although most doodles have a similar appearances, they do have their differences. Let’s take a look at the biggest differences between the mini labradoodle and the goldendoodle when it comes to their appearance.

Mini Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Appearance

When it comes to differences in appearance, at first glance, it’s easy to just assume that one of these dogs is simply the smaller version of the other. However, both of these dogs have their own unique appearance characteristics. Let’s start by describing the appearance of a mini labradoodle. As you now know, the mini labradoodle is simply the smaller version of the standard labradoodle. Although the mini labradoodle is smaller, its exact size can actually vary. This is because it depends on which parents’ genes they have more of. 

The Labrador retriever is considered a medium to large-sized dog. So if the mini labradoodle takes after its Labrador parent it may be larger than one that takes more after its mini poodle parent. Overall, however, the size of a mini labradoodle is between 14-16 inches and 15-25 pounds. They also come in many different colors and coat types. Once again this depends on which parent they take after. They may have a curlier coat or a more wavy or straight coat. 

The goldendoodle on the other hand is a mix between a golden retriever and a poodle. This means that this dog will be much larger than a mini labradoodle. They usually weigh between 50-75 pounds and are 20-25 inches tall. This dog will also vary in appearance depending on which parent it takes after. They usually have shaggy, curly coats that come in a variety of colors such as brown, cream, black, and white! However, they can also have wavy coats and even straight coats. However, the biggest similarity between these two dogs is that they both have that adorable teddy bear appearance!

Mini Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Temperament

When it comes to their personalities, these two dogs share a lot of similarities. Both the mini labradoodle and the goldendoodle are known for being high-energy dogs that love being around people. Both dogs are described as intelligent, curious, playful, and incredibly social. This is because both dogs are mixed with a retriever breed. The mini labradoodle is often described as a small dog with a lot of personality. They are very loving and are also quite easy to train. However, it has been noted that mini labradoodles can be slightly warier around strangers when compared to a goldendoodle. 

The goldendoodle is known for being intelligent, obedient, and are also incredibly patient dogs. This means that they are fantastic family dogs as they display a lot of patience and gentle care with children. They’re also incredibly friendly to a fault. Many people say that this dog should not be expected to be trained as a guard dog as they’re just too friendly! Unlike the mini labradoodle, the goldendoodle will have no problem going up to a stranger and becoming best friends right away. Overall, both breeds are incredibly sweet dogs that love to be affectionate and are great in a family setting.

Mini Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Maintenance

Now, you may be wondering what the maintenance of these two dogs looks like. When it comes to taking care of the mini labradoodle, it’s important to note that they are pretty high-maintenance dogs. Since they can have a wavy and/or curly coat they usually require daily brushing. They will also require consistent trimming and grooming appointments in order to avoid having their coat become matted. This is especially true if they inherit their poodle parent’s coat and have a curlier coat. 

Once again, this is where these dogs converge once again. When it comes to the maintenance of a goldendoodle, you’ll also have to commit to regular brushing and consistent grooming. Your goldendoodle will need to ideally be brushed every day. If not, you can get away with brushing them at least three to four times a week. This is because they may have a curly or wavy coat that may mat easily. This is why it is important to brush them and get them regular haircuts. So if you were looking for a low-maintenance dog that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep, then a doodle breed will not be the dog for you.

Mini Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle: Health and Wellness

Finally, let’s take a look at the difference between these two breeds and their overall health. Mini labradoodles have a general lifespan of about 12 to 16 years. This is a bit longer than the standard goldendoodle which has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. This lifespan difference is often attributed to the fact that smaller dogs often outlive larger dog breeds. Larger dogs, because of their size, often have more strain on their bodies which leads to them aging faster. 

So what health issues will you run into with these two breeds? Well, with a mini labradoodle, you need to watch out for progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, exercise-induced collapse, and hip dysplasia. Goldendoodles have their own specific health issues that they may have to deal with which include Addison’s disease, subvalvular aortic stenosis, and eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy. However, providing your pup with regular vet checkups and feeding them a nutritious diet along with plenty of daily exercise will help keep them healthy!

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