A popular Golden Retriever-Poodle cross combining the best of both breeds. Goldendoodles are friendly, intelligent, and often low-shedding, making them a top choice for allergy-conscious families.
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 Goldendoodle if you want a great companion. Choose Labradoodle if you want a great companion.
Goldendoodle
Attribute
Labradoodle
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Goldendoodle
Labradoodle
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Goldendoodle
Labradoodle
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 10–15 years for the Goldendoodle and 12–15 years for the Labradoodle. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Goldendoodle
Labradoodle
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,500–$5,000 for a Goldendoodle versus $1,500–$4,500 for a Labradoodle. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Both breeds are similar in size.
Goldendoodle
Labradoodle
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Goldendoodle weighs 14–30 kg (31–66 lbs) and the Labradoodle weighs 15–30 kg (33–66 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Goldendoodle
Labradoodle
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
When you live with a Goldendoodle, you'll notice their friendly, intelligent and gentle character in everything they do. A Labradoodle, by contrast, shows a friendly, energetic and intelligent nature.
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Goldendoodle
Labradoodle
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle need high daily activity (4/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Goldendoodle
Labradoodle
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Both breeds shed at the same rate (1/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Goldendoodle
Labradoodle
Trainability
Intelligence
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Goldendoodle if...
Choose Labradoodle if...
Looking for more options?
The Goldendoodle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labradoodle at 5/5. The Goldendoodle is specifically recommended for families.
The Goldendoodle is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Labradoodle. The Goldendoodle is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
A Goldendoodle puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Labradoodle costs $1,500–$4,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,610 for the Goldendoodle and $1,610 for the Labradoodle. Annual costs are nearly identical.
The Goldendoodle lives 10–15 years on average, while the Labradoodle lives 12–15 years. The Labradoodle tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Goldendoodle is equally suited for apartments (3/5) as the Labradoodle (3/5). It can manage in an apartment with enough exercise.