Poodle vs Goldendoodle: 5 Key Differences

While one of these breeds is a crossbreed of its purebred counterpart, there are many differences between a poodle vs goldendoodle. Given that the goldendoodle is a crossbreed of a poodle and a golden retriever, you can only imagine that there are some significant physical and behavioral differences between these two dogs. 

In this article, we will address all of these differences, including a difference in what these two dogs were originally bred for as well as how they behave while being trained. We will also discuss the physical appearances of these two unique dog breeds so that you can learn how to tell them apart upon first glance. Let’s get started and talk about these two dogs now! 

Comparing Poodle vs Goldendoodle

Key Differences Between Poodle vs Goldendoodle

There are many differences between poodles and goldendoodles. For example, goldendoodles grow larger than poodles in both size and weight. The fur length of the goldendoodle is slightly longer than the fur length of the poodle, though both are found in a variety of colors. The poodle was originally bred for hunting waterfowl, while goldendoodles were originally bred for guide dog purposes. 

Let’s take a look at these differences in more detail now. 

Poodle vs Goldendoodle: Size

While there is a great deal of overlap between the sizes of the poodle and goldendoodle, the average goldendoodle grows larger than the average poodle. For example, poodles grow anywhere from 10 to 23 inches long, while goldendoodles grow 12 to 14 inches in length. There are also some differences in the weights of these two animals. 

Given that poodles come in a variety of sizes, the average poodle weighs anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds, and the average goldendoodle weighs anywhere from 25 to 75 pounds. Both of these breeds have toy variations as well as standard size variations. Their size and weight differs depending on the type of poodle or goldendoodle you have. 

Poodle vs Goldendoodle: Appearance

You can definitely tell that the poodle and goldendoodle are related. But there are some differences in their physical appearances that you can also see right off the bat. For example, the texture of poodle fur is tighter and more even compared to the looser and longer texture of goldendoodle fur. Poodles have a distinct rounded crest of fur on top of their head, while goldendoodles do not have this. 

The snout of the poodle is far more pointed than the snout of the goldendoodle. In fact, you can see that a goldendoodle is related to the golden retriever in the face. Poodles have a much more pointed face overall. Finally, the legs of the average poodle are typically skinnier than the legs of the average goldendoodle. 

Poodle vs Goldendoodle: Original Reason for Breeding

The poodle dog breed has been around far longer than the goldendoodle dog breed, and for a variety of reasons. Poodles were originally bred as hunting and gun dogs, particularly when hunting waterfowl, while goldendoodles were not bred for hunting at all. In fact, goldendoodles were originally bred as guide dogs, but they are now considered a friendly and warm breed for families of all ages. 

Poodle vs Goldendoodle: Behavior

Given that the goldendoodle is a cross breed between a poodle and a golden retriever, there are likely many behavioral similarities between them. However, goldendoodles were bred with golden retrievers for their laid back personality and friendliness, while poodles are more alert and higher strung overall. 

Both of these breeds are particularly easy to train, the poodles are regarded as extremely intelligent dogs compared to the less focused goldendoodle. However, the loyalties of both of these breeds is impressive, and they both enjoy spending time with people of all ages, including young children. 

Poodle vs Goldendoodle: Lifespan

A final difference between poodles and goldendoodles is their lifespan. Poodles live longer than goldendoodles on average, despite the goldendoodle being a crossbred dog. Purebred dogs rarely live longer than crossbred dogs, but the poodle is an extremely healthy breed. Let’s discuss their life spans in more detail now. 

Poodles live an average of 13 to 16 years, while goldendoodles live anywhere from 12 to 15 years. However, it depends on the individual dog and the care that they are receiving, as both of these dogs have extremely similar lifespans overall.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Dulova Olga/Shutterstock.com