Friendly, playful, and loyal, Golden Retrievers are some of the most popular dogs in the US. They are quick to comply with instructions, eager to please their owners, and fun to have around. Labradoodles are just as caring, gentle, and intelligent. After all, they’re a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Labrador! Both breeds are frequently used as service, working, and guard dogs.
So, if you’re looking for a family dog with a great heart, these breeds can be an excellent pick. Which four-legged friend should you adopt, though? What are the key traits of Golden Retrievers and Labradoodles? That’s exactly what we’re here to discover!
Today, we’ll discuss the differences and similarities in appearance, size, height, lifespan, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and personalities. If you’re torn between a Golden and a Labrador/Poodle mix, this guide will help you make the right choice!
Visual Differences With Pics and Details
Golden Retriever
- Average height (adult): 20–24 inches
- Average weight (adult): 55–75 pounds
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Exercise: 1–2 hours a day
- Grooming needs: Moderate
- Family-friendly: Very
- Patience with children: High
- Other pet-friendly: Yes
- Protective nature: Moderate
- Trainability: Loyal, intelligent, outgoing, quick to follow commands
Labradoodle
- Average height (adult): 14–25 inches
- Average weight (adult): 15–65 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Exercise: 1–1.5 hours a day
- Grooming needs: Low/Moderate
- Family-friendly: Very
- Patience with children: Moderate
- Other pet-friendly: Yes
- Protective nature: High
- Trainability: Loyal, curious, playful
Golden Retriever Overview
Golden Retrievers belong to the sporting group of dogs and originated in Scotland in the 19th century. They were initially developed as gundogs and adapted to handle the tough weather conditions within the Scottish Highlands. Their popularity boomed in the 1970s, and today, they’re the third most popular dog in the U.S., according to the AKC’s popularity ratings. The eager and energetic Golden Retriever excels in a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and field training. They’re also excellent service dogs.
Appearance
Aesthetically, the Golden Retriever is very different from the Labradoodle. This medium-sized dog is muscular, athletic, confident, and stable. The Golden Retriever has two solid coats, which can be straight or wavy, in various shades of gold from light gold to dark gold, with the feathers sometimes lighter than the coat shade.
Character
Golden Retrievers are gold inside and out. A well-socialized Golden Retriever is a pleasure to have around because these dogs are friendly and extremely gentle. They are devoted to their people, great with children, and social with strangers and other pets, making them worthy dog citizens. Golden Retrievers are also highly motivated and hard-working dogs with a sense of responsibility, always eager to perform simple tasks such as carrying something or finding a “lost” item.
Training
Golden Retrievers respond well to training and learn quickly because they are eager to please. If possible, enroll your Golden Retriever in socialization and obedience classes, as you can pick up great tips and tricks here as your Goldie interacts with dogs and other people.
Exercise
Golden Retrievers are very active dogs that need about an hour to 90 minutes of exercise per day. Activities can include walks, running (healthy adult Goldens make great running buddies—avoid running with dogs while their joints and bones are still developing), games, toys to play with, and even agility training.
Health Information and General Care
Due to their thick double coat, Golden Retrievers tend to shed during the shedding season (spring-fall), which can cause matting, especially around the hind legs and behind the ears. You will need a good shedding tool, a slicker brush, a detangling comb, and pet-safe detangling spray to prevent matting before it becomes an issue.
During the shedding period, you will need to brush your Golden Retriever daily. Even outside of the shedding stages, they will shed but infrequently, so a good brushing once a week should be enough. Trim your Golden Retriever’s nails at least once a month.
Properly bred Golden Retrievers (by breeders who check for possible health issues before birth) are generally healthy dogs. However, there are certain health conditions you should be aware of, including (but not limited to):
- Skin diseases
- Ear infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye conditions
If your Golden Retriever loves to swim, as many do, be sure to check their ears and skin regularly for infections.
Golden Retriever Suitable For:
Golden Retrievers are appropriate for any dog parent or family who can commit to giving them all the care, love, and attention they need. If possible, consider adopting a Golden Retriever instead of buying. Though they’re not the most common breed in shelters, there are still Golden Retriever rescue organizations worth looking into.
Labradoodle Overview
A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle and dates back to the 1950s. The Labradoodle was developed in Australia in the 1980s as a hypoallergenic guide dog. Thanks to cross-breeding, Labradoodles are popular and beloved pets. There are two types of Labradoodles—the standard Labradoodle, which is a Poodle Labrador Retriever mix, and the Australian Labradoodle, which is a Poodle Labrador Cocker Spaniel mix.
Appearance
Since Poodles may be standard, medium, or miniature in size, this can influence how large your Labradoodle will be. A Miniature Labradoodle may only reach between 14 and 16 inches, whereas a Standard Labradoodle can weigh between 50 and 60 pounds.
Unlike the Golden Retriever, the Labradoodle does not have a double coat. The texture can range from woolly to fleecy, or it can be a “hair coat” that is flatter, straighter, and sheds. There are numerous possible coat hues, such as apricot, cream, white, black, chocolate, and blue, to name a few.
Labradoodles have robust backs, slender waists, long legs, and well-proportioned chests. Their gait is determined and assured when on a “challenge” and relaxed and mild during play.
Character
The Labradoodle is a dog that likes to have fun, and their happy-go-lucky, goofy, and sometimes mischievous character is very endearing. They’re also affectionate, committed, playful, and sociable with strangers and other dogs (as long as they’ve been properly socialized).
Labradoodles are very similar to Golden Retrievers in temperament. Labradoodles might be a tad goofier and more mischievous, while Golden Retrievers can be a bit more mellow, but this depends on the individual dog. Both are high-energy, lively, and intelligent dogs that need lots of mental and physical stimulation.
Training
Labradoodles pick up new instructions and skills quickly because they’re so smart. Their exuberance and enthusiasm for new adventures and experiences also contribute to making them quite easy to train.
They may try to goof around a bit because they’re such bubbly, fun-loving dogs, but as long as you’re consistent and use plenty of positive reinforcement, your Labradoodle should adapt to the training sessions quickly. As with any dog, socialization and obedience lessons are well worth considering.
Exercise
A Labradoodle’s exercise needs are about the same as a Golden Retriever’s—an hour to 90 minutes a day, but it depends. For some, an hour might be fine, but some Labradoodles might need a little more. Walking two or three times a day is a good rule of thumb, with some sports thrown in and even some agility training if that’s your thing.
Health Information and General Care
Labradoodle coats come in a variety of styles. However, whether they are wool or fleece, they don’t shed much. That said, they should be brushed at least a few times a week, and it’s a good idea to see a professional groomer every 6–8 weeks for a trim. You should also trim your nails at least once a month—ask the groomer if you’re confident enough to do this yourself.
Labradoodles are generally healthy, but be aware of the following conditions to which both types of parents are susceptible:
- von Willebrand’s disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation
Like Golden Retrievers, many Labradoodles love to swim, so keep an eye out for ear and skin irritation if you hit the water frequently.
Labradoodle Suitable For:
Well-socialized Labradoodles make terrific family dogs, including families with children. However, like the Golden Retriever, they are high-energy dogs and need a family that will commit to ensuring they get sufficient mental and physical exercise. Please consider adopting a Labradoodle from a rescue organization if possible.
Which Breed is Right for You?
Wow, talk about a tough decision! On the one hand, you’ve got a patient but playful and totally devoted Golden Retriever, and on the other, a good-humored and friendly Labradoodle. Both generally get along well with children and other dogs and are easy to train.
The main differences are looks and coat maintenance. Golden Retrievers shed more and require regular grooming, while Labradoodles are often more hypoallergenic but require professional grooming. Labradoodles may be a bit more hyper than Golden Retrievers, though this varies by individual dog.
That’s why it’s important to spend some time with your potential new family member and get to know them as much as possible before bringing them home. Avoid choosing based solely on breed, as this only gives you an idea of what the dog should look like.
Cost Comparison
Purchase Price
The initial cost to buy a purebred Golden Retriever puppy is $500-$3,000, with most from reputable breeders priced at $1,500-$2,000.
Goldendoodle puppies range from $1,500 for smaller puppies up to $5,000 for dogs bred from champion show lines. The Poodle parent used plays a major role in price.
Lifetime Costs
Over a lifespan of 10-15 years, expect to invest around $15,000-$20,000 for both breeds. Key costs:
- Food: $500-$600 annually
- Vet Care: $600-$800 annually
- Grooming: $500-$1,200 annually for Goldendoodles vs. $250-$400 for Golden Retrievers
- Supplies/Miscellaneous: $200-$500 annually
Professional grooming contributes to the higher lifetime costs of Goldendoodles compared to Golden Retrievers. Both require a significant financial commitment.
Both are Loving Family Dogs
Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles form very close bonds with their families. They crave attention, playtime, cuddles, and just being with their loved ones as much as possible. Neither wants to be left alone for long periods.
Both are Gentle with Children
When socialized early, Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles do quite well with children of all ages. They patiently endure the climbing, ear, and tail pulling, and other games of young children. Supervise small children and dogs at all times.
Both are Intelligent and Trainable
Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles are very intelligent breeds that learn quickly with positive reinforcement training techniques. Their eagerness to please makes them receptive to instruction. With proper training, they can succeed in obedience, therapy, service, and other roles.
Both Require a Lot of Exercise
These high-energy breeds thrive on at least an hour of exercise every day, whether it’s running, swimming, playing fetch, or walking. Without the right activity, they can become bored and destructive. An active family is a must.
Both Have a Friendly Sociable Nature
Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles get along incredibly well with new people and other pets when they are socialized properly. They bring toys to guests to play with and are sweet and gentle once they get to know other dogs. Proper socialization is important for both breeds.
In many ways, these two breeds make ideal family pets. Their loving nature and nurturing abilities allow them to thrive as beloved housemates with just the right amount of time and care.
Which is Best for Your Family?
When choosing between Goldendoodles and Golden Retrievers, consider your family’s lifestyle and needs:
- Families with Young Children: Golden Retrievers are great with young kids. Their size makes them ideal companions for children. Goldendoodles also work well but can be more excitable.
- Allergy-Prone Families: Goldendoodles shed less and produce less dander. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Meet the individual dog first and test for allergies.
- Families Seeking Loyalty: Golden Retrievers bond deeply with their people. They crave maximum time together and do not thrive if left alone for long periods.
- Families Seeking Trainability: Eager-to-please Golden Retrievers and quick-learning Goldendoodles are both highly trainable with positive reinforcement.
- First-Time Owners: A calm and adaptable Golden Retriever is great for new dog owners. Goldendoodles can be a bit more independent.
- Active Families: Both breeds thrive with 1-2 hours of daily exercise and play. Retrievers are more energetic, while Goldendoodles are a bit calmer.
Evaluating your family background and commitment level helps determine if a Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle is a good fit. Get to know reputable breeders and animal shelters and make the best decision.
Final Decision
Deciding between two such quality breeds, the Golden Retriever and the Goldendoodle is not easy. They are both wonderful family companions who form strong bonds and treat their owners with loyalty and love. They are gentle with children, highly intelligent, easy to train, and need daily routines and significant exercise.
Some key considerations are that Goldens shed more while Goldendoodles are less allergenic. Golden Retrievers are less expensive initially, but professional grooming makes Goldendoodles more expensive in the long run.
Golden Retrievers are more affectionate and energetic, while Goldendoodles can be more independent. Goldens may be better for families looking for a more loyal dog that thrives on daily interaction. Golden Retrievers are popular breeds and are also ranked in the top three by the AKC.
Finally, analyze your family’s lifestyle, level of experience, activity commitment, and budget to determine which of these breeds is right for you. If possible, meet both breeds before making a decision. Whether you choose a Golden Retriever or a Goldendoodle, you’ll find a loving four-legged family member eager to share life’s adventures with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Goldendoodles Better Than Golden Retrievers?
There is no definitively “better” breed. Both make remarkable family pets. Goldendoodles shed less and are slightly more hypoallergenic. However, Golden Retrievers tend to be more loyal, easier to train, cheaper upfront, and better for beginner owners. Evaluate your family’s needs and meet both breeds before deciding.
Do Goldendoodles Shed More Than Golden Retrievers?
No, Goldendoodles shed significantly less than Golden Retrievers due to inheriting the Poodle’s low-shedding coat. Golden Retrievers shed a lot year-round. Goldendoodles require professional grooming to prevent matting but produce less dander and hair, which is beneficial for families with allergies.
Who is healthier, Goldendoodles or Golden Retrievers?
There is no clear winner. As a hybrid, a Goldendoodle can benefit from hybrid vigor and therefore generally be healthier. However, Golden Retrievers from responsible breeders can be just as healthy when tested for diseases. Both require a high level of care, exercise, vet visits, and initial health screenings to address common issues.
Are Goldendoodles quiet dogs?
Goldendoodles tend to be quieter than Golden Retrievers but still need 30-60 minutes of exercise a day. As puppies, they can be quite energetic when given enough activity and proper training. However, personalities vary among hybrids, so ensure a Goldendoodle meets your needs.
Which breed is easier to train?
Golden Retrievers are generally easier to train than Goldendoodles due to their greater desire to please their owners. However, both breeds are quite intelligent. Starting with initial training and consistently reinforcing desired behaviors can create an obedient dog from any breed.
