Goldendoodle or Labradoodle?

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

I have a mini goldendoodle Bexter who is still young (11 weeks old), but I already know that I want another dog, probably a girl, to keep him company.  I am going to concentrate on him for a while (at least a year), but as you all know, many of the good breeders have very long waiting lists, so I wanted to make sure what I want.  I am leaning towards the same breeder & maybe even the same parents as Bexter.  However, I see lots of cute labradoodles too! 

What is the difference between goldendoodles & labradoodles (in terms of looks & temperament)?  Do any of you have one of each to compare?  Or are they very similar & so it doesn't matter?

[Adina P]

I think depending on the generation and parentage the differences are pretty minor.  In fact most of the time when people describe their doodles' personalities you wouldn't know by reading their description which doodle it is.  I like the more terrier-like scruff of F1 labradoodles and that is my personal preference.  Plus I like that most of them have a low maintenance coat.  BUT once you get past that first generation, the differences really diminish.  Although yes, there are differences between labs and goldens, once you add in a poodle and mix up the genes, it's less obvious.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Hi Traci,  I bought Sasha (goldendoodle) first.... she was so full of life, extremely smart and just a great dog I knew I I had to get another "doodle" so she would have company.  It did not matter whether I got a golden or a lab doodle as long as it was a doodle.  The breeder I chose had labradoodles available,  I would have purchased another doodle but did not see any available at the time.   I was fortunate enough where he let me bring Sasha so "we" could pick out a puppy together.  Sasha was 10 months when we got Oliver, I wanted to get another puppy while Sasha was still very young so they could grow up together.   They immediately bonded and are the best of friends.  They are both unique in their own individual ways but both are true "doodles".  Sasha has is very "poodley" where Oliver has very curly hair it not as tight of a curl as Sashas.  Sasha weighs 45 lbs. and Oliver weighs 75 lbs and still growing.  The major differences are in the size but that is because of the male vs. female in my case.  Both are extremely loveable, loyal, smart and very easy to train.  So for differences besides male vs. female I see none between my dogs.  Having purchased Oliver while Sasha was young was the best because they are both young and have the same play energy.  The only thing was that as soon as Sasha was completely house trained I got Oliver and the process started all over again.  Oliver is now completely trained and has been for the past several months.   Good luck and I highly recommend getting another "doodle" :)

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I love them both AND would take either but Daisy is a Goldendoodle, she is independent, NOT food motivated, she however is ATTTENTION/PLAY motivated. She is full coated and does not shed. She is also very smart (even if I do say so myself).

I will go for another if given the chance but also if we do it will be a rescue so not a puppy and will know more of what we get before we do.

Can't go wrong with either.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

It seems to me that the real difference is that Goldendoodle owners tend to brag about their dogs, while Labradoodle owners are extremely humble and usually exceptionally beautiful too! LOL

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

So what you're saying Laurie is that if you have one of each you are beautiful and conceited LOL;)

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Touche Suzann!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Suzann, I guess that makes sense, but since both of mine are Labradoodles, I am just humble and beautiful...LOL!! Thanks for the laugh!!!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

We can't help but brag, but I guess I could learn to be more humble like you Laurie!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Lisa, I knew you could not resist responding :) Thanks for the giggle :)

[Pat and Traveler]

LOL Laurie!  I'm gonna remember this one.  :)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Pat, We Labradoodle owners have to stick together :)

[Donna K & Quincy]

I just lifted this from a website and is only one person's opinion, not necessarily mine. I don't have enough experience with a labradoodle to have a valid opinion. If I were to choose another doodle I would go with a goldendoodle, only because that is what I know and love.


Labradoodles vs. Goldendoodles


Goldendoodle and Labradoodle breeder Michael Waggenbach, of Sunshine Acres feels, “For a therapy dog, the Goldendoodle is the better choice. I’m not sure what it is, but they don’t tend to dust all the tabletops when walking into a hospital or an elderly home, where the Labradoodles’ tails are going back forth so fast they dust every thing off.”
During an interview with Indiana Doodle Owners Group founder Beth Line, she said, “There’s a very distinct difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles,” Beth said. “As an owner and observer of behavioral traits I see a big difference.

It takes more to convince the Labradoodles to come into your environment – into your space. Labradoodles evaluate you before they walk into your area.

Labradoodles are very loyal, friendly, all the things Labs are, but they need to be convinced that walking into your space is a good idea. They won’t come right in.”

“They’re also strong. They have very strong necks and they’re going to pull more. And their coats are going to be different. I tell the difference between F1 Labradoodles and Goldendoodles by their coat.



It stands to reason a labs coat is short. Add some poodle to it and it’s going to have some length and weight. However, you aren’t going to find a six inch long wavy, curly coat on F1 Labradoodles because there’s nowhere for that 6-inches to come from genetically. A lab has a short coat and the poodle has curl.

Labradoodles (F1) are also going to tend to be more wiry, like a terrier. They also are weightier and their body shape is a little boxier.”

The Goldendoodle on the other hand, when they reach their adult coats, their hair is going to grow 4 to 6 inches long and has a wavy look or a curl to it because of the poodle. It’s the same formula, more curl equals less shedding and more wave equals higher shedding.

Conceptually, Golden Retrievers influence the Goldendoodle making them more energetic. They’ll come into your space immediately. They don’t sit back; they’re happy to visit with you. They are happy, affectionate, and love to roll on you. They don’t have the delay of making a decision. They make their decision well before they decide to come to you.”

Goldendoodles are mouthier.

Their mouth is more active when they are puppies and you have to train them not to be mouthy, because they’ll use it on you somewhere! That’s where they get their information. I have trained my Goldendoodles not to put their mouths on people by simply taking one of their other natural tendencies (retrieving) and replacing the mouthing with retrieving a toy. Their natural desire to retrieve keeps their mouths occupied with a toy.”

“So, they are mouthier than Labradoodles. I referred to the Goldendoodle as a very zestful and happy with life kind of dog. Labradoodles have a sense of loyalty and appreciation, whereas Goldendoodles have a wonderful, life of the party, personality.”