Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle: Which is better?

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The Labradoodles and the Goldendoodles are two of the most popular Doodle dogs. At a glance, they all just look like Poodles but there are a few things that set them apart, like their coat texture and color.

They have many comparable features but if you are aware of hybrids or designer dogs, you can tell there are differences between them. Torn between these two Poodle mixes? Find out which one will likely go well with your preference and lifestyle.

Origin

The first Labradoodle was created by Wally Conron, an Australian dog trainer who received a request from a Hawaiian woman who wanted to have a hypoallergenic pet that can also be used as a guide dog for his blind husband.

Conron decided to use the Poodles in developing the dog because they have low-shedding coats. But in a span of three years, he failed to see in Poodles the required skills of an efficient guide dog.

The Poodles are often used as service dogs but you don’t often see them assisting blind people, like the German Shepherds or the Labradors. Poodles are among the smartest breeds but they lack the physical stability to guide people well.

Because of this, Conron decided to use the Labrador in developing a guide dog that will be perfect for his client. The breeding was successful and people started calling him about the offspring, which was eventually called the Labradoodle.

Just like with the Labradoodle, the intention behind creating the Goldendoodle was to have a dog that is non-shedding and can also be used as a guide for visually impaired individuals.

It’s believed that the first Goldendoodle was created in 1969 but the cross only gained popularity in the early ‘90s when North American and Australian breeders showed interest in it.

Since then, the Goldendoodle has become one of the well-loved crosses. Many people who adore the traits of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle end up getting a Goldendoodle pup as a pet.

Recognition

There are various groups for each hybrid but both Doodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. This is due to the fact that many crossbreeds are not consistent. At one point, Conron, the original creator of the Labradoodle, regretted developing the cross because there were more “failures” than successes in every hypoallergenic dog created.

Despite that, there is still a lot to love about Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. They deserve the love and affection given to any purebred. For Goldendoodles, the only established club is the Goldendoodle Association of North America. For Labradoodles, there are many organizations, such as the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association and Labradoodle Association of the UK.

Appearance

The characteristics of both dogs will depend on the more established gene. In most cases, you will get a first generation (F1) dog which is 50-50 Labrador Retriever-Poodle or 50-50 Golden Retriever-Poodle.

When you have an F1 dog, you get the best of both breeds with a great balance between them. So, if you have an F1 Labradoodle, you get a good combination of the Lab and the Poodle. That’s also how it goes with F1 Goldendoodles.

Some breeders produce Doodles having more of the Poodle gene. These dogs are a bit difficult to differentiate from Standard Poodles, because they have nearly all the traits of the latter.

In general, Goldendoodles are heavier than Labradoodles although they look like they have the same built. They weigh 50-90 lbs. on average while Labradoodles weigh around 50-65 lbs.

Although Goldendoodles are bigger in terms of weight, the Labradoodles are a bit taller than them. They stand one foot and 9 inches when full-grown while Goldendoodles averages at one foot and only 8 inches.

Adaptability

Both Doodle dogs are great for novice or inexperienced pet parents. They are both popular as family pets because they are friendly and even-tempered. They don’t have the tendency to be aggressive and that makes them suitable for households with young kids or frequent visitors.

To further develop your pet’s natural fun-loving and gentle traits, you should takeseriously socialization and training. Dogs should be socialized early in life by introducing them to new faces and surroundings.

However, the two dogs have different ways of adapting to their new environment. Goldendoodles cannot tolerate hot and cold weather as much as Labradoodles do but a Goldendoodle may be a better option if you live in an apartment because it seldom barks.

Labradoodles have the tendency to bark or howl more often, like their Lab parent. While this is the case for most Labradoodles, there is something you can do to stop your pet from growing up with this unpleasant trait.

First of all, it helps to know that there should be a reason why a dog cannot stop barking. Perhaps there is something he is not happy about and the only way to communicate it to you is to bark. Or maybe the dog is just seeking help or they feel there is danger nearby.

When your Labradoodle cannot help but bark, identify the problem first. Stay calm and act like you are the “pack leader.” Let your dog know that you are in charge because dogs can pick up your movements and emotions.

Grooming

Labradoodles may be easier to groom compared to Goldendoodles if they have a fleece coat. Their coats only need to be brushed twice a week while Goldendoodles should be brushed regularly.

Doodle dogs usually inherit the different coat textures of Poodles. Many of them have a curly or wool-like coat that is low-shedding but difficult to maintain. It also requires clipping or trimming to maintain the health and beauty of the dog’s coat.

Regardless of the coat texture of your Labradoodle or Goldendoodle, the most versatile tool you can find is the slicker brush. This brush works on any type of coat, from straight and fleece to wool.

When brushing a dog’s coat, it helps to do it in segments to make the task easier and faster. While your pooch stands on a grooming table, start on the legs then work all the way to the tail. Once you are done brushing both the legs and the tail, you can finally start brushing the entire body.

The last parts to brush are the ears. If you are having a hard time brushing the coat, mist it with dog conditioner first to soften it. In case there are tangles, use a slicker brush to loosen them. Be extra gentle in dealing with the mats and tangles or you will hurt your pooch.

Personality

Both dogs boast high levels of intelligence, because they are the offspring of the smartest dog breeds you can ever find. These two Doodle dogs are easy to train and do well in many dog competitions because of their cleverness.

If both dogs inherited more of the Standard Poodle’s traits, you can expect them to be playful dogs with intense energy levels. In general, Poodles are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. Both have a low prey drive.

Like any breed, Poodles may also possess traits that are not very pleasant. One of these is their tendency to be quite boisterous around young children. Hence, it is important to train the dog at an early age and expose them with your kids early in life so they will get used to their companionship.

Health

Both dogs have a long lifespan, although the Goldendoodles can live much longer when well taken care of. Labradoodles normally live up to 12-14 years while Goldendoodles only have an average lifespan of 10-15 years.

As crossbreeds, both the Labradoodles and the Goldendoodles benefit from having hybrid vigor. Because of their diversified gene pool, they are less susceptible to a range of problems often seen in their purebred parents.

Still, it helps to be aware of these health issues common in their parents. The common problems seen in Standard Poodles include:

  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Bloat
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Addison’s Disease

In Labradors, the top 5 health concerns are the following:

  • Bloat
  • Hip or Elbow dysplasia
  • Heart disease
  • Ear infections

Meanwhile, the common health problems associated with Golden Retrievers are:

  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Luxating patella
  • Cataracts
  • Ear infections

Exercise Needs

Labradoodles and Goldendoodles both require lots of physical activities, although the Labradoodles usually have higher levels of energy than the Goldendoodles. They also need mental stimulation to prevent them from developing bad habits like chewing stuff they are not supposed to eat.

They require around 30-60 minutes of exercise per day whereas Goldendoodles only need 20-30 minutes a day. Because of the Labradoodle’s intense playfulness, it helps to have a yard where he will be allowed to run freely. It can adapt to apartment living but rural living ismore recommended.

Feeding

Do note that both dogs can be prone to bloating, a condition they may inherit from their parents. It is important to feed your dogs based on their size, activity levels, and lifestyle. Your vet may even suggest a special diet if the pet has an existing condition.

Regardless if you own a purebred or a mixed breed, a dog should be fed high-quality food that is free from preservatives. There are many commercial dog foods that are ready to serve and they are the most convenient way to feed your pooch. Wet and dry dog foods are ideal especially if you are too busy to prepare your dog’s meal at home.

In case you have the time for it, homemade food will be the best one for your pooch. You may serve a range of human foods, from meats to fruits and vegetables. A raw food diet also benefits dogs prone to allergies and other diseases.

Just avoid chocolates, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, salty foods, sugary treats, and grapes as well as raisins. When giving fruits, make sure they do not have a pit that may cause intestinal obstruction. In terms of veggies, it is better if they are well cookedbecause raw vegetables may be hard to digest for dogs.

When choosing pet food, the first thing to consider is the main ingredient. Will it be able to meet your pet’s nutrition needs? In general, dogs require a high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet that has the right amount of healthy fats. It should not be made of fillers or animal by-products that do not contain substantial amounts of nutrients for your dog.

Do note that pups and adult dogs have different feeding requirements. Puppies should be fed three to four times a day with a formula specially created for their age. Once they become adults, you will need to reduce their meal servings because they also have reduced physical activities.

If you are confused about what to feed your new buddy, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian. Your vet will help you come up with a diet plan that suits your pet’s life stage, activities, and any special needs.

Ownership

You can find a number of breeders advertising Labradoodles and Goldendoodles online. A Labradoodle usually costs $2,500-$3000 while a Goldendoodle may cost you anywhere between $1,500 and $3,500.

Breeders normally ask for a down payment to guarantee that you are not buying your pip from anywhere else while waiting for the litter’s arrival. But before paying the down payment, it is important to see the facility in person. Take a look at the litter’s parents and ask for their pedigree and health certificates.

Conclusion

Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are two Doodle dogs with many similarities and also notable differences. Both of them are beautiful dogs that are naturally inclined to be friendly and loving, especially when raised well by their owners. Regardless of the crossbreed you are planning to get, it matters to do thorough research about your prospect breeders first.

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