Goldendoodle
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.
VS
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Goldendoodle if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Goldendoodle
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
medium
Size
large
14–30 kg (31–66 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
43–61 cm (17–24 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Better10–15 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
5/5
Trainability
5/5
4/5
Energy
5/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better1/5
Shedding
4/5
4/5
Grooming
2/5Better
Better3/5
Apartment
2/5
Better4/5
Health
3/5
$1,500–$5,000
Price
$800–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Grooming & Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Goldendoodle is easier to maintain.
Goldendoodle
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better1/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs2/5Better
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Labrador Retriever's 4/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Cost of Ownership
Labrador Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Goldendoodle
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$660
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,610
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Goldendoodle puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a Labrador Retriever is $800–$2,000.
Exercise & Activity
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Goldendoodle is lower-maintenance.
Goldendoodle
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
4/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
Better3/5
vs2/5
The Labrador Retriever needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Goldendoodle (4/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have very high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Labrador Retriever.
Health & Lifespan
Goldendoodle tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Goldendoodle
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better10–15
vs10–13
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Goldendoodle lives roughly 10–15 years while the Labrador Retriever averages 10–13 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Temperament & Personality
Goldendoodle is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Goldendoodle
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
4/5
vs5/5
Goldendoodles from the Hybrid group carry a friendly, intelligent and gentle personality, shaped by their heritage as hybrid dogs. Labrador Retrievers, belonging to the Sporting group, are friendly, outgoing and active — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Size & Appearance
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Goldendoodle is more compact.
Goldendoodle
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
14–30
vs25–36
Height (cm)
43–61
vs55–62
The Goldendoodle stands 43–61 cm (17–24 in) and weighs 14–30 kg (31–66 lbs), while the Labrador Retriever measures 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs). The Labrador Retriever is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Goldendoodle
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
5/5
vs5/5
Intelligence
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Goldendoodle
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
5/5
vs5/5
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
The Goldendoodle comes out ahead in most categories — it's more apartment-friendly (3/5), lower exercise needs (4/5), less shedding (1/5). If you can meet its high exercise needs and don't mind regular grooming, the Goldendoodle is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Labrador Retriever by roughly $200/year.
Choose Goldendoodle if...
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Goldendoodles shed dramatically less (1/5 vs 4/5 shedding score).
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Labrador Retrievers tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever have high energy needs (4/5 and 5/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Goldendoodle or Labrador Retriever?
The Goldendoodle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The Goldendoodle is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Goldendoodle or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Goldendoodle is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Labrador Retriever. The Goldendoodle is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Goldendoodle or Labrador Retriever?
A Goldendoodle puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,610 for the Goldendoodle and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Goldendoodle is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Goldendoodles or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Goldendoodle lives 10–15 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Goldendoodle generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Goldendoodle or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Goldendoodle is better suited for apartments (3/5) compared to the Labrador Retriever (2/5). It can manage in an apartment with enough exercise.