Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle

This past weekend I was camping up north with family and friends.

Our campsite happened to be across from a family with two dogs, Fred and George (think Harry Potter). Of course, I had to go over and say, “Hi,” since I can’t help but to want to pet every dog I see.

The two dogs looked like either a Goldendoodle or a Labradoodle.

It turned out that there was one of each!

And, like all dog parents, they were more than happy to talk to me about their dogs.

They had adopted both dogs from the same breeder at the same time. Both dogs were quite young and energetic.

I’ve had limited exposure to the Doodle breeds, so it was quite interesting to learn more about them.

I learned the two breeds are similar in several ways, yet different in others.

Also, I hadn’t realized the importance of choosing a dog from the right generation.

Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Generations

The dog’s generation is important because it impacts the dog’s traits, especially regarding their dander and shedding.

• F1 – The first generation, resulting from breeding a purebred dog with a purebred poodle.
• F2 – The result of breeding two F1 dogs
• F3 – The result of breeding two F2

If you see a “B” after the number, it means that the dog was bred back to a purebred poodle.

The two most common types are F1B and F2B.

The purpose of breeding the dog back to a poodle is to reduce shedding.

Many Doodle breeds are 75% poodle and only 25% another breed.

History of the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle

Labradoodle

The original purpose of creating a Labradoodle was to come up with a more hypoallergenic service dog^[1].

It is believed that the first doodle was a Labradoodle created by Wally Conron in the 1980s.

He was looking for a service dog, for a blind woman whose husband was allergic to dogs.

Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle emerged in the 1990s on the heels of the Labradoodle’s success^[2].

Golden retrievers have been a well-loved breed over the years, but their shedding can be a deterrent to those interested in getting a dog.

When the Goldendoodle started to gain in popularity, their lack of shedding held great appeal to those reluctant to have dog hair in the house.

Physical Differences Between a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle

Though Labradoodles and Goldendoodles look similar, there are few small differences in their physical appearance.

Most of the differences can be seen in the texture and color of their coats.

Thanks to the poodle, both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles come in three different sizes: small, medium, and large.

Height

These are the average heights to the shoulder.

Goldendoodles are generally taller than Goldens Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.

Weight

Coats

Things to Know…

When looking for a Doodle or any designer dog breed, the physical and behavioral characteristics can vary greatly.

How Much Exercise Do They Need?

Both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle have similar exercise needs.

Though there are always exceptions and, of course, age and size play a role as well.

The two breeds are both originated from the sporting breed group.

Sporting breeds generally require a fair amount of exercise, like walking, playing ball, and swimming.

The good thing about Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are that they don’t need a ton of exercise, like a five-mile run every day. The smaller versions of these two breeds require a little less exercise and space to play.

I’m a strong believer that, big or small, old or young, exercise is a part of dog parenting.

Personality Differences Between a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle

Both breeds are friendly dogs.

However, the Goldendoodle is more social than the Labradoodle.

Also, Goldendoodles tend to be more exuberant when expressing themselves to others.

Though Labradoodles are definitely amiable dogs, they are more reserved than Goldendoodles.

They tend to prefer the company of their family, over greeting everyone they meet.

Both are intelligent dogs and have been used for service and therapy dogs.

Labradoodles excel as service dogs, whereas Goldendoodles are better suited to work as therapy dogs.

Common Health Issues Found in Labradoodles and Goldendoodles

Doodles can develop health issues common to the original breeds^[5].

This means that they’re able to inherit health issues from both sides of their family, creating a longer list of health issues.

Goldendoodles Are More Prone to the Following Diseases:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Sebaceous Adenitis (skin disease common to Poodles)
• Subvalvular aortic stenosis (heart disease common to Golden Retrievers)
• Addison’s disease
• Eye diseases like retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma

Labradoodles Are More Prone to the Following Diseases:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia^[6]
• Eye diseases like retinal atrophy and Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Sebaceous Adenitis (skin disease common to Poodles)

Average Lifespan

Another similarity between the two breeds is their lifespan.

Both breeds’ average life expectancy is 10-15 years old.

Their age is also impacted by the size of the dog, as smaller dogs usually have a longer lifespan.

Labradoodles and Goldendoodle Hypoallergenic Traits

Both dogs are known to be a good breed for those who are allergic to dogs.

Also, both breeds shed less than most other dogs, which they get from their poodle parents.

However, keep in mind though that no dog is entirely free of dander. Both dog breeds may still cause problems for those who suffer from severe allergies.

It is crucial that if you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog that you find a dog that falls into the F1B category.

Ultimately, the dog will have a higher genetic percentage of poodle than of lab or golden.

How Much Do Goldendoodles and Labradoodles Cost?

From a reliable breeder either breed can cost between $1500-$2500^[7].

Less expensive dogs can be found; however, less is not always better here. If you are thinking of buying from a breeder, do your research on them first.

Also, be sure that they include a health certification on the puppy’s parents.

Though there is no guarantee that the dog you choose will be healthy, you will reduce the chance if you buy a dog that comes with proper certification.

Final Thoughts

Both breeds are amazing dogs that carry similar positive traits.

I don’t feel that there is a better breed between the two dogs.

Through my research, the three most significant differences between the two breeds are their people skills, the texture of their coat, and color.

I think both breeds are absolutely adorable and perfect family dogs. I particularly like the different size choices.

That all being said, it is essential to note that these are mixed breeds and relatively new breeds.

The traits that you get in a doodle are less reliable than purebred dogs that have a long and stable history. The lack of reliability also applies to the dog’s overall appearance.

If you decide on getting a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle, I encourage you again to do your research.

There are both excellent and horrible dog breeders out there, and it’s not always apparent which is which.

Alternatively, if you are seeking a more mature dog to avoid the puppy training, rescue groups are great at matching dogs with forever families.

FAQ

Resources

1. https://www.cobberdogking.com/en/about-labradoodle/how-was-the-labradoodle-created/
2. https://www.goldendoodleassociation.com/about-the-breed/history-of-the-goldendoodle/
3. https://rockymtnlabradoodles.com/labradoodle-sizes/
4. https://www.teddybeargoldendoodles.com/goldendoodles/english-goldendoodle-sizes
5. https://pets.thenest.com/problems-labradoodles-9759.html
6. https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/dog-breeds/labradoodle
7. https://www.westwoodlabradoodles.com/what-does-a-doodle-cost-/