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.
One of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle combines elegance with athleticism. Their hypoallergenic curly coat and keen mind make them ideal for allergy sufferers who want a trainable companion.
Quick Answer
Choose Goldendoodle if you want better with kids. Choose Poodle if you want a great companion.
Goldendoodle
Attribute
Poodle
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Goldendoodle is better suited for families with children.
Goldendoodle
Poodle
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The Goldendoodle has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Goldendoodle's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Goldendoodle
Poodle
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Goldendoodle costs $1,500–$5,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Poodle's $1,000–$3,000. That's a $1,250 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Goldendoodle
Poodle
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
The Goldendoodle and Poodle bring very different personalities to the table. Goldendoodles are friendly, intelligent and gentle, while Poodles tend to be intelligent, elegant and athletic.
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Goldendoodle
Poodle
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 have similar health profiles.
Goldendoodle
Poodle
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 10–15 years for the Goldendoodle and 12–15 years for the Poodle. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Poodle is the larger breed; Goldendoodle is more compact.
Goldendoodle
Poodle
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Goldendoodle weighs 14–30 kg (31–66 lbs) and the Poodle weighs 18–32 kg (40–71 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Goldendoodle
Poodle
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Goldendoodle and Poodle need high daily activity (4/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Goldendoodle
Poodle
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. Choose the Goldendoodle if you value better with children (5/5).
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Goldendoodle and Poodle are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Goldendoodle if...
Choose Poodle if...
Neither may be right if...
Both the Goldendoodle and Poodle have high energy needs (4/5 and 4/5 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?
The Goldendoodle scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Poodle's 4/5. The Goldendoodle is specifically recommended for families.
The Goldendoodle is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Poodle. The Goldendoodle is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
A Goldendoodle puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Poodle costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,610 for the Goldendoodle and $1,650 for the Poodle. The Poodle costs more to maintain annually.
The Goldendoodle lives 10–15 years on average, while the Poodle lives 12–15 years. The Poodle 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 Poodle (3/5). It can manage in an apartment with enough exercise.