Poodle mixes have become ever more popular. One big reason is that they shed far less, something that owners with allergies appreciate a lot.
Two popular poodle mixes are the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. While the two may possess many similarities, they also have their share of differences.
Before deciding on which breed mix to get, it can help to understand the similarities and differences; that is what we will talk about today.
Labradoodle
Labradoodle Breed Mix: Labrador Retriever and Poodle
Labradoodles are a mix of Labrador Retriever and Poodle. One of the first things you will notice is their coats are different.
A Labradoodle possesses a shorter coat with a variety of different colors. Some of the popular colors include:
- Black
- Chocolate
- White
- Red
- Caramel
- Cream
- Gold
- Parchment
- Chalk
- Silver
- Lavender
Labradoodle Size
Labradoodles are the smaller of the two dogs. At the max, they tend to be around 65 pounds at their largest.
However, they are available in mini, medium, and standard sizes.
Labradoodle Temperament
Labradoodles are friendly pups that love being with their people. That being said, typically, they aren’t prancing about trying to be the overly energetic, friendly dog.
Instead, they display other positive traits such as profound confidence, dependability, and task-oriented.
Most Labradoodles would rather be with their people than out adventuring on their own. The pack mentality is strong in these wonderful dogs.
Labradoodle Socialization
Socializing your Labradoodle is important. Because Labradoodles are more inquisitive and set in their territory, they can be prone to guarding their home or persons.
Proper socialization helps to prevent this behavior, as does proper training.
If you notice that your Labradoodle is more prone to these tendencies, it is important to approach new situations when working with your Labradoodle slowly.
With that being said, it is important to state that they do not regularly display overly aggressive guarding or problematic behavior when guarding.
It is important to keep in mind that every dog and every situation is different.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodle Breed Mix: Golden Retriever and Poodle
Mixing a Golden Retriever and Poodle results in another wonderful dog. The resulting dog is a beautiful and smart breed mix.
You will find that their coats tend to be on the longer side, leaning toward wavy.
Unlike Labradoodles, the Goldendoodle has much more limitations in its coat colors. Their coats tend to be either golden, cream, or red.
Goldendoodle Size
A Goldendoodle often ends up being a larger dog; it can weigh up to 100 pounds. Goldendoodles can be found in either standard or mini mixes.
Goldendoodle Temperament
Goldendoodles also are very friendly dogs. They love to be around people, but they also love being energetic; you can see that in the fact that they are wagging their tails a good amount of the time.
Instead of being the more serious dog that is the Labradoodle, they are the happy dog that enjoys playing around and exploring.
Don’t let this take away from the fact that they are still very smart dogs that learn well and are happy to work with you.
Because Goldendoodles tend to have more energy, they expend more calories. This results in Goldendoodles eating more than Labradoodles.
Of course, this all depends on how much exercise you give your Goldendoodle and their personality. Every dog is different.
Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Similarities
As we have touched on, both breeds are very smart. Both take to training very well. This makes them excellent for working partners, but it also makes them great to be around a family.
As long as they are raised properly, they bond with their families, including kids. That also makes them great for being around older families and singles.
Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Behaviors, Learning, and Training
People often choose both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles for service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy animals. Being smart is one of the reasons they are chosen but the dedication to their family.
Your Poodle mix will be dedicated to doing their job because they want to work with you. A huge heart makes them a great companion.
When it comes to training, both breed mixes respond best to rewards-based training. That means using food, praise, and/or toys to help reinforce training.
It is best to focus the most on praise and toy rewards, so they don’t begin to learn that certain behaviors will regularly get them treats. Remember that these pups are incredibly smart, and they will easily learn that.
On the other hand, you will want to avoid any aggressive, loud, or punishment-based training. Doodle mixes will be put off by these training techniques and may even end up fearing you.
It only takes a few times of these methods for them to start fearing or misbehaving. Most homeowners will be appreciative of the fact that neither breed mix is known to be big barkers.
While they can get separation anxiety (more common in Labradoodles), they still do well with moderating their barking.
Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Temperament
Both breed mixes are happy to laze around with you and enjoy being around with you. At the same time, they will enjoy running around and playing with you.
In fact, it is important to give them plenty of time to play around and enjoy themselves.
The big difference here is that the Labradoodle would much rather spend that playtime with you than alone in the yard. The requirements for exercise are less amongst the Labradoodle too.
Should you find a Labradoodle and Goldendoodle together with the same coat color, they will look very similar. Sometimes people will confuse them for each other.
Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Medical Conditions
In addition to appearances, both breeds also share the same common medical conditions. Utilizing modern medical tests, it is possible to determine whether your new pup is likely to get one of these conditions.
It is also possible to test a parent to determine the likelihood of common medical problems too. Here are three of the most common medical:
- Hip Dysplasia/Elbow Dysplasia
- Patella Luxation (Most common in smaller mixes)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Overall, both breed mixes are known to be healthy puppies that can live up to 17 years old.
Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Summary
It is important to note that Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are both living beings and parts of nature. That means that they all have their own unique nature. You can find a wide variety of sizes, temperaments, and energy levels.
When you get a Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, or any other dog, you will have to learn about them. The bond you create with your pup will also change their behavior, especially if they are rescued.
A Note About Hypoallergenic Dogs
While Poodles and Poodle mixes are commonly referred to as hypoallergenic, this is not completely true.
Poodles and their breed mixes shed far less than most other breeds. Your pet’s fur still has the protein in it that is known to cause allergic reactions.
The reason that Poodles do not trigger allergies as much is the fact that they do not shed as much. When a pup sheds, the protein comes off the dog along with the fur.
Reduced shedding means reduced protein spread. Second-generation Doodle mixes tend to do the best when it comes to controlling the shedding process.
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are both great companions and partners. Getting one of these amazing breed mixes will change your life forever.
You will bond with your furry friend and want to spend all of your time with them. It helps that both breed mixes are well-behaved and friendly.