Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle?

[Kate]

What are the differences between Goldendoodles and Labradoodles? Preference? Size? Shedding? Coat colors?

 

So far I have only been searching for Goldendoodle puppies, but perhaps I should be looking at both?

 

Any info that Doodle parents can share would be great!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You should look at both because the differences aren't very big.  We have had discussions and can't get a handle on any specifics - it more depends upon the dog and its background.

[Kate]

I will definitely look at both then! Thanks Nancy!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I wondered the same thing 5 years ago when I was researching.  I found an e-book and bought it and downloaded it to my computer.  It is by Edie MacKenzie.  It is "The Definitive Guide to Goldendoodles" and there is also one "The Definitive Guide to Labradoodles".  I just Googled it and there are discussions.  Not sure you can actually get the e-book but you can check the links.  Otherwise, Google Edie MacKenzi.  She also did another e-book called "Your Doodle Puppy's First Year Made Easy".   FYI...I have a 4 year old F1 Standard Goldendoodle who is the love of my life!!!!  (well almost...husband, kids and grandkids).

[Kate]

Wow, great info - thank you for sharing! I will check out those e-books. After you researched, what ultimately made you decide on a Goldendoodle?

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

We had a black Lab who died at 11 from Lymphoma.  He shed like crazy and had an edge about him and was totally my husband's dog.  My mother and brother both had Labs.  It seemed like everyone has them these days so I was a bit tired of looking at them.  I wanted something different and unique and had fallen in love with Doodles though they were few and far between 5 or 6 years ago when I was starting to research.  I knew I didn't want shedding!!!!  I fell in love with the GoldenDoodle's over all look and the faces seemed a bit sweeter looking.  Now that I am on DK and see all the wonderful Doodles there are some Labradoodles that I have fallen in love with and even some that I swear look just like my Gracie Doodle though they are Labradoodles.  So, it really comes down to hit or miss on the coat, temperment, sweetness, overall look that you want.  I also like the softer hair that I think may be a Golden characteristic...maybe not.  Also, the final clincher for me was reading (I think Edie MacKenzie) about the subtle differences in the two breeds.  She said that GDs were just big goofy, silly, friendly, center of attention dogs whereas LD were a bit more standoffish at first and they sort of would assess the situation or group of people before joining in and getting comfortable whereas the GD just jumps right in.  It is a tough call because I have met some Labradoodles that are so sweet and outgoing.  There is just something about the faces and eyes in most GDs that melts my heart.  Two Labradoodles that instantly come to mind are F. Parker's Calla and Luca.  Go to her webpage and look at them.  They are gorgeous and if I were to have decided on a Labradoodle I would have wanted one just like them!

[Kate]

No doubt about it...both types of Doodles are absolutely adorable!!!

[Kate]

I just bought Goldendoodles (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) by Edie MacKenzie and one other book on Goldendoodles. I bought on amazon.com thru the DK link to help support this site. Thank you so much for the recommendations, I can't wait to read the book!

[Adina P]

Goldendoodles typically are only available in F1 and F1b generations with only a few breeders going beyond that.

Labradoodles are rarely found in the F1 generation and most are F1b or higher generation (multigen) and there's also the Australian Labradoodle which is more complicated and has other breeds in there.  So it's not a simple comparison.

 

But overall I'd say they are somewhat SIMILAR in temperament.  Usually the F1 generation if they are a standard size tend to be the biggest for both types of doodles.  Fewer and fewer breeders are breeding the BIG ONES that weigh 70 lbs+.  More are going to medium size or smaller standards it seems.

 

Since few F1 generation labradoodles are being bred by good breeders, I'd say F1b and higher tend to be similar to goldendoodles in shedding and coat colors.  Because poodles come in every coat color imaginable and then some...you can get any coat color in goldendoodles to (though chocolate F1 goldendoodles are pretty rare since golden retrievers RARELY carry the chocolate gene).

 

Perhaps just look at the various breeder lists and see who is in driving distance from you and check out what litters they've got coming and compare the looks of the LD vs. the GD and see if you would feel just as good about either.  I really think the differences are minor especially since they are a mix and not all on either side are the same.

[Kate]

Thank you again as always, Adina, your knowledge and info is superb!!! My Haus was 120 pounds, so I tend to gravitate toward bigger dogs, so am thinking a standard is probably the right size for me.

 

Did I read correctly that it might be harder to find a good breeder for a 50/50 labradoodle? Finding a good breeder is my utmost concern. I have totally used those tips that you shared about what to ask a breeder and I talked to two breeders today and it was like night and day difference!

 

That's a good idea about going and looking at the two different puppy types. I have been thinking Goldendoodle all along b/c the ones that I've met have been the cutest, softest, sweetest...

 

Thank you again for the great advice!!!

[Adina P]

Yes it is tougher to find a good F1 LD breeder because most are moving past the 50/50 generation.  About 70% of F1 Labradoodles shed whereas 30-some% of F1 goldendoodles shed.  So if shedding is a deal breaker, your chances are better with an F1 goldendoodle (no guarantee though).  The only thing to keep in mind is that if your goldendoodle does NOT shed you might have quite the grooming job on your hand.  A lot of matting to keep up with, etc.

I personally like F1 labradoodles best and although I don't like shedding, I prefer the low maintenance, scruffy coat better. 

[Kate]

When you say the F1 LD shed...how much are we talking? For example, my Haus was a solid black German Shepherd and he shed a ton all the time. I would vacuum and then have to vacuum 30 minutes later! I loved him to pieces, so I didn't really mind, but this time around I would like to go the no-to-low-shedding route if possible.

 

There are some adorable local doodle puppies in my area right now, from what can only be described as BYB. Even though the parent dogs are obviously loved and are house pets, and puppies are in the home, since testing isn't done...there would surely be a greater risk of genetic defects down the road, right? I am sure I know the answer to this, b/c this is what happened with Haus. Loving family with a couple of shepherds who they would breed once a year or so...but certainly no testing was done.

[Adina P]

By shed less/more I simply mean F1 LD's are more likely to shed, period.  F1 GD's are more likely to be non-shedding, period.   How much shedding each LD does varies.  All three F1's I've had have shed.  Not quite like a lab but there are tumbleweeds around my floor forming all the time.  And there's no way to know in advance if a pup that might shed will shed a lot or a little.  Karen's rescued Jack supposedly sheds A TON!  Mine are moderate shedders but still shedders.