Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: The 5 Key Differences

Doodle dogs are among the most popular breeds with pet owners. Unfortunately, these beloved creatures don’t get a lot of respect in most purebred circles. Many groups argue any breed deliberately produced by mixing breed dogs destroys the pedigree.

Unfortunately, this means these great dogs don’t get recognized by top clubs like the American Kennel Club.

Breeding was once exclusively for labor or to create the ever-popular sports dog. Today, they’re bred to create “better” dogs. Dogs that are fast, slender, and beautiful. The Poodle dog definitely falls into this category.

And two of the finer pooches to come out of the pool are the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle.

Both these dogs are loyal, friendly, and hypoallergenic. If you’re looking for a great pet, you couldn’t do better than one of these puppies. But you can only have one, right? So let’s look at them both. Here’s our Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle comparison.

Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are adorably goofy looking and a much affectionate crossbreed. Like all poodle breeds, the Goldendoodle is sharp as a tack and loyal to its human companions. Playful, loving, and active, these pooches are exceptional first-time pets.

The Goldendoodle is bred from the poodle and Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles are available in a small size as well as a standard pooch.

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a mix of either the Standard or Mini Poodle with the Labrador Retriever. The dog is intelligent and moderately active. The curly or shaggy coat does require some maintenance.

A well-trained Lab loves working with people. They often mimic the energy levels of their human companions so, for many of these empathetic creatures, they can only be as happy as their owners.

A warm loving Labradoodle’s personality makes them amazing therapy dogs for people with autism, depression, or other physical disabilities. Labradoodles also make fantastic guide dogs for the blind. Being a guide dog is actually what Labradoodles were originally bred for.

Although bred for work, these animals have a natural kind and affectionate nature with plenty of energy to play. This makes them a fantastic family pet.

Comparing Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle

Both Labs and Goldens can vary in appearance. The greatest factor will be what percentage of each parent the dog inherits. In the following table, we’ve summarized some of the more notable differences between the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle.

The 5 Key Differences Between Goldendoodle and Labradoodle

What follows is a closer look at what makes the doodle family members Goldendoodle and Labradoodle such unique personalities.

• Appearance: Labradoodles have varied colored coats. The Goldendoodle takes after its Retriever ancestry. So the Goldendoodle will have a lush orange-yellow, caramel or red coat. There is the rare Goldendoodle that comes in black. The Lab, on the other hand, can come in chocolate, black, cream, red, white, yellow and multi-colored coats. Also, the Labradoodle’s hair is typically wiry and shorter than the Goldendoodle
• Intelligence: Both dogs are smart, though they may show it in different ways. It’s said the Labradoodle is noticeably thoughtful. They demonstrate the trait whenever they’re around strangers showing cautious conservatism.
• Temperament: Goldendoodles tend to be enthusiastic and friendly. They’re a happy breed and you’ll find their tails constantly wagging. Labradoodles are more reserved. They’re not looking to make new friends. Both dogs are energetic, playful animals, but the Goldendoodle will run circles around the Labradoodle at playtime.
• Exercise: The Lab is definitely going to need more play and exercise than its cousin. The Labradoodle needs enough activity to add up to at least 60 minutes daily. The Goldendoodle will only need half that and even then will settle for a walk or romp in a fenced yard. Keep in mind both dogs have the capacity to sleep almost half the day.
• Environments: As workers, Labradoodles will be great on a farm or other labor environment. If there’s a suitable job to do, the Lab will tenaciously get it done. At the least, they’ll stay at your heel as you work. Goldendoodles, while bred for labor, best serve as companions and protectors. They’re family-friendly and like playing with kids and other pets.