Dachshund
Bold and tenacious with a distinctive elongated body, the Dachshund is a spirited companion. Originally bred for hunting badgers, they are fearless, clever, and endlessly entertaining.
VS
Labradoodle
The original designer dog, a Labrador Retriever-Poodle cross bred for low-shedding guide dog work. Labradoodles are intelligent, energetic, and famously friendly — ideal for active families with allergies.
Quick Answer
Choose Dachshund if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose Labradoodle if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Dachshund
Attribute
Labradoodle
small
Size
medium
7–15 kg (15–33 lbs)
Weight
15–30 kg (33–66 lbs)
20–23 cm (8–9 in)
Height
43–61 cm (17–24 in)
12–16 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
4/5
3/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
Better4/5
Apartment
3/5
3/5
Health
4/5Better
Better$500–$2,000
Price
$1,500–$4,500
Attribute Comparison
Cost of Ownership
Dachshund is less expensive to own annually.
Dachshund
Avg. Purchase$1,250
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Labradoodle
Avg. Purchase$3,000
Annual Food$660
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,610
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Labradoodle costs $1,500–$4,500 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Dachshund's $500–$2,000. That's a $1,750 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Training & Intelligence
Labradoodle is generally easier to train.
Dachshund
Labradoodle
Trainability
2/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs5/5Better
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Labradoodle (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Temperament & Personality
Dachshund is calmer; Labradoodle is more energetic.
Dachshund
Labradoodle
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
The Dachshund and Labradoodle bring very different personalities to the table. Dachshunds are clever, stubborn and playful, while Labradoodles tend to be friendly, energetic and intelligent.
Family & Social Life
Labradoodle is better suited for families with children.
Dachshund
Labradoodle
Good with Kids
3/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs4/5Better
Strangers
3/5
vs4/5Better
If kids are part of the equation, the data is clear: the Labradoodle scores 5/5 with children while the Dachshund manages 3/5. The Labradoodle is naturally patient and gentle around young ones.
Exercise & Activity
Labradoodle needs more exercise; Dachshund is lower-maintenance.
Dachshund
Labradoodle
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
Better4/5
vs3/5
The Labradoodle needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Dachshund (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Labradoodle.
Grooming & Shedding
Dachshund sheds more; Labradoodle is easier to maintain.
Dachshund
Labradoodle
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
The Dachshund sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Labradoodle (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Labradoodle has a slight edge.
Health & Lifespan
Labradoodle tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Dachshund
Labradoodle
Lifespan (years)
12–16
vs12–15
Health Robustness
3/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–16 years for the Dachshund and 12–15 years for the Labradoodle. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Size & Appearance
Labradoodle is the larger breed; Dachshund is more compact.
Dachshund
Labradoodle
Weight (kg)
7–15
vs15–30
Height (cm)
20–23
vs43–61
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Labradoodle tips the scales at 15–30 kg (33–66 lbs), dwarfing the Dachshund's 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs).
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Labradoodle has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 2/5), better with children (5/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Labradoodle is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Dachshund if...
- • You want more apartment-friendly
Choose Labradoodle if...
- • You want easier to train
- • You want better with kids
- • You want less shedding
- • You want better health
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Dachshund or Labradoodle?
The Labradoodle is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Dachshund's 3/5. The Labradoodle is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Dachshund or Labradoodle easier to train?
The Labradoodle is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Dachshund's 2/5. The Labradoodle's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Dachshund or Labradoodle?
A Dachshund puppy costs $500–$2,000 while a Labradoodle costs $1,500–$4,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Dachshund and $1,610 for the Labradoodle. The Labradoodle costs more to maintain annually.
Do Dachshunds or Labradoodles live longer?
The Dachshund lives 12–16 years on average, while the Labradoodle lives 12–15 years. The Dachshund generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Dachshund or Labradoodle live in an apartment?
The Dachshund is better suited for apartments (4/5) compared to the Labradoodle (3/5). The Dachshund is one of our top picks for apartment living.