Comparing Best Family Dogs: Labradoodle vs. Goldendoodle

Choosing between a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle can feel like picking a favourite dessert. Both are sweet, smart, and great with families.

The difference comes down to your lifestyle, coat care goals, and how much daily activity your home enjoys. We will compare the two breeds side by side so you can find the breed that fits your life.

Key takeaways

Both crosses are highly intelligent poodle mixes with low-to-moderate shedding, but coat results vary by genetics and generation.

• A Goldendoodle is a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle. A Labradoodle is Labrador Retriever x Poodle. Subtle differences in temperament and energy can help you choose.

• Coats can be wavy or curly. Some have true fleece coats or a wool coat. These details affect how you groom, brush, and prevent a mat or tangle.

• Both are friendly and affectionate. Neither tends to make great guard dogs. They are often used as therapy dogs, a service dog, or even a guide dog.

• Work with a responsible breeder who does health testing and helps match coat type and energy to your home.
  

If you want a primer on the Labradoodle cross and how coat genetics work, start with What is a Labradoodle?. For a Goldendoodle overview, see our Goldendoodle breed guide.

• A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.

• A Labradoodle is a Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross.

Both are popular doodle dogs. The shared poodle parent adds a more hypoallergenic coat and bright trainability.

The Retriever side shapes size, energy, and sociability. History note. The Labradoodle was developed in Australia for royal guide dog work, linking to the Royal Guide Dogs programme in the late 1980s (Wikipedia).

If you want a deeper Labradoodle profile, tap the Labradoodle Breed Guide. For parent-breed context, see the Labrador breed guide and the Poodle breed guide.

For readers comparing shedding expectations across breeds, here’s a helpful explainer on dogs that don’t shed.

The Labradoodle grew in popularity after its role as a guide dog for households with dog allergies in Australia. This programme proved how intelligence and hypoallergenic traits could be combined (see Wikipedia).

The Goldendoodle rose as a friendly family helper and as therapy dogs.

Both crosses are used worldwide as assistance dogs today.

Both doodle breed types can have a coat that is straight, wavy, or curly. Your day-to-day maintenance will depend on you chosen coat type.

Fleece and wool coats are the classic “Doodle” textures. These often have low shedding coats that seem less likely to trigger allergies.

Hair-like coats can shed more and need a different care plan.

Grooming must‑knows:

• Daily checks for a tricky mat or tangle behind the ears, under the collar, and in the armpits.

• Use a slicker brush and steel comb for regular brushing.

• Schedule a routine groom and trim every 6 to 10 weeks to keep their coats neat.

• Teach table manners young so appointments are calm.
  

Both crosses are affectionate, playful, and highly intelligent. They usually get along well with children and other pets when socialised.

They are people-focused and can struggle if alone for too long, so prevent separation anxiety with calm departures, puzzle feeders, and steady routines.

• A Labradoodle may be a touch more work-driven and super keen to “do a job”.

• A Goldendoodle may feel more like the “host of the party”.

Both like regular activities, making them great for active homes. They need plenty of walks and stimulation.

Many readers ask about allergies. Start here: Are Labradors hypoallergenic? It explains why “hypoallergenic” is about coat and dander, not just labels.

Both the Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle thrive with structured activity. Plan:

• 60 to 90 minutes of mixed exercise daily.

• Brain games and mental stimulation at home.

• Short training sets to polish manners. It will make them easy to train and calm.

• Water games and retrieval activities suit the retriever brain. Agility or scent work are brilliant outlets.
  

Both crosses come in a range of sizes. Each can be petite or mini, to standard, which often “comes to size” by parental genetics.

Considering a medium Doodle? See growth notes in How big do Labradoodles get? A medium labradoodle can be the “just right” option for many homes.

Colour and size can vary quite a bit with generation.

Ethical breeding matters with poodle mixes. Look for:

• DNA and orthopaedic health testing on parents.

• Clear communication from a responsible breeder or specialist Goldendoodle breeder.

• Support for coat matching and temperament.

• Written contracts and follow‑ups.

Insurance can help you plan. Compare options for both crosses:

• Labradoodle pet insurance

• Goldendoodle Insurance
  

I want very low shed and a predictable coat

Consider lines known for fleece coats or a wool coat. . These shed less than than the "hair coat"

I want a calmer companion for first-time owners

Many families feel a Goldendoodle or a Labradoodle fits well. Some find the Goldendoodle slightly mellower. There are always slight differences by line.

I want an active partner who enjoys tasks

A Labradoodle is generally a more active pet than a Goldendoodle which may be more adaptable to calmer environments.

Labradoodles require more mental stimulation but both dogs like plenty of exercise. These intelligent dogs also love purposeful training.

I need allergy awareness

Look for a very curly coat. Confirm coat type and try to spend some time together first. Some lines are less likely to trigger allergies, but no dog is fully allergen‑free.

I want a good watchdog

These breeds do not make great guard dogs. They greet guests like they wrote the invite list themselves.

What’s the difference between a Goldendoodle and a Labradoodle in daily life?

Both are great family dogs. The differences and similarities are subtle. Many feel the Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle choice comes down to home energy for exercise and mental stimulation as well as grooming time.

Do they need a lot of grooming?

Yes. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles need coat care. Skipping a week can lead to a surprise mat or tangle.

Are they good as working dogs?

Both can be therapy dogs or a service dog. Many are gentle, affectionate, and easy to train. They do not make great guard dogs, but they do make excellent family companions.

What about the Australian lines?

An Australian Labradoodle is a multi‑generational programme, and Australian Labradoodles can have more consistent coats and temperaments. Some families prefer the predictability.

If your heart says “sunny social butterfly,” you may be choosing a Goldendoodle.

If your heart says “task-loving teammate,” a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle with a strong training plan will shine.

When it comes to Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle coat care and energy, those subtle differences can help you decide.

And if you are still weighing your options, perhaps a side-by-side meet up with both breeds will help. The right doodle dog just might choose you back.