Guide: Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle
Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: The Key Differences
Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle is a close call, because both are retriever and Poodle crosses of similar size. The main differences come from the retriever parent. Labradors score higher for energy and have a short coat, while Golden Retrievers are a little calmer and have a long one. Even so, individual parents matter more than the label.
Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle at a glance
Since the Poodle parent is shared, this table compares the retriever parents, using American Kennel Club (AKC) figures.
| Golden Retriever | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 55 to 75 lb | 55 to 80 lb |
| Life expectancy | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Energy | 3 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Playfulness | 4 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Barking | 1 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Trainability | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Shedding | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Coat | Long, water-repellent double coat | Short, thick double coat |
Sources: the AKC pages for the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever.
Energy and exercise
The AKC calls the Labrador an exuberant, very energetic breed that needs lots of exercise every day. Golden Retrievers also need plenty of exercise, but they score lower for energy and are quieter in the house.
As a result, a Labradoodle is often the busier dog, especially when young. Both crosses need daily activity and training. Neither suits a home that wants a couch companion.
Coat and shedding
Both retriever parents shed heavily, so neither cross is guaranteed to be low shedding. In both, shedding depends mainly on whether a puppy inherits the Poodle’s furnishings gene. See Goldendoodle coat types for how that works.
The Golden’s long coat usually gives a Goldendoodle a longer, softer fleece. Therefore, expect regular brushing and a groomer visit every four to six weeks. See our Goldendoodle grooming guide.
Health: Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle
The parent breeds share several concerns. According to the AKC, breeders of both retrievers should screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease and heart conditions. Labradors also have a DNA test for exercise-induced collapse. Golden Retrievers are known for a higher cancer risk. See Goldendoodle lifespan.
Research has looked at Labradoodles directly. A 2024 UK study found their health was no better and no worse than their parent breeds in most comparisons (Bryson and colleagues). In addition, a 2012 study found that Labradoodle coats carried no less allergen than Labrador coats (Vredegoor and colleagues).
Temperament
Both retrievers score 5 out of 5 for affection, friendliness with young children and openness to strangers. In short, both crosses are friendly, people-loving dogs.
The Golden side tends to be a touch gentler and quieter. The Labrador side tends to be bouncier for longer. However, these are averages. Read Goldendoodle temperament for more.
Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: which should you choose?
- Choose a Goldendoodle if you want a slightly calmer dog and like a longer, softer coat.
- Choose a Labradoodle if you want a high-energy partner for running, hiking or swimming.
- Either way, ask for hip, elbow, eye and heart results on both parents.
One note for honesty: we raise Goldendoodles, not Labradoodles. So the Labradoodle side of this page rests on AKC data and published research. See our Goldendoodle puppies.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Golden Retriever breed information. akc.org
- American Kennel Club. Labrador Retriever breed information. akc.org
- Bryson GT, O’Neill DG, Brand CL, Belshaw Z, Packer RMA. PLOS One, 2024. The doodle dilemma: how the physical health of designer-crossbreed Cockapoo, Labradoodle and Cavapoo dogs compares to their purebred progenitor breeds. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Vredegoor DW, Willemse T, Chapman MD, Heederik DJ, Krop EJ. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2012. Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026.
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