Golden Retriever VS Goldendoodle: 19 Differences

Goldendoodles and golden retrievers have similar temperaments and exercise needs. They are equally suited for families with children, hunting, and physically impaired people who need assistance.

However, Goldendoodles have inherited many traits from poodles, so they have different grooming needs and are prone to other health conditions. Furthermore, Goldendoodles come in many types with different sizes and coat structures.

Both breeds are worth your attention and make wonderful companions. There’s no right or wrong choice, so listen to your heart to make the right decision.

Size & Weight

According to the golden retriever breed standard, females should range from 21 to 22.5 inches in height and weigh 55 to 65 pounds, while males should range from 23 to 24 inches and weigh 65 to 75 pounds.

Goldendoodles vary in size. Because they are hybrid dogs, they can be either small or medium-sized, depending on the poodle variety a golden retriever is crossed with.

Some Goldendoodles are only 17 inches tall and weigh under 40 pounds, while others are taller than 24 inches and weigh up to 90 pounds.

Shedding

The worst thing about golden retrievers is how much they shed. These dogs with lustrous, long fur shed year-round, with intense shedding phases in spring and autumn when they blow out their undercoat.

Poodles are among the least shedding dogs, perfect for people with an allergy to dog fur. Because Goldendoodles are a mix of golden retrievers and poodles, they are moderate shedders.

Personality

Golden retrievers are playful, affectionate, friendly, and exuberant dogs. They are always up to play and love to explore new terrains. These intelligent and obedient dogs are unfamiliar with aggression and are patient with kids.

Goldendoodles combine the best of golden retrievers and poodles. They are equally affectionate, easy-going, and even-tempered as golden retrievers. However, they tend to be more independent than goldens.

Child-Friendliness

Golden retrievers are among the best dogs for families with kids. These affectionate, gentle dogs never mind cuddles and are unlikely to unintentionally hurt a child because they have soft bites.

Goldens are patient and rarely bark, so they are well suited for families with babies, but they make even better companions for older children who can play together with the dog.

Goldendoodles have a similar temperament to golden retrievers, so they can also be considered children-friendly dogs. However, both breeds may be a bit too energetic for young children, so supervision is essential.

Pet-Friendliness

Golden retrievers and Goldendoodles get along well with most pets, including other dogs, cats, and small animals like rabbits and hamsters. They are social dogs and are unlikely to start a confrontation first.

These breeds have a low prey drive, so they won’t chase other pets. However, problems may arise between two dogs of the same sex or if the second animal is aggressive.

Barking Level

Golden retrievers only bark when necessary – for example, when they sense danger or urgently need to draw the owner’s attention. Goldens have learned to remain silent because a barking dog makes a poor hunting companion.

Poodles, too, are moderate barkers, so Goldendoodles don’t bark much. However, both breeds have powerful, scary barks, and golden retrievers even keep the Guinness world record for the loudest bark.

Intelligence & Trainability

According to canine researchers, golden retrievers are the fourth most intelligent dog breed among 138 study participants, and poodles are the second.

Although mixed breeds didn’t participate in the study, it’s simple to figure out that Goldendoodles are equally brilliant.

Both golden retrievers and Goldendoodles have fantastic memory, are highly obedient, effectively communicate with people, have exceptional problem-solving skills, and can learn by observing the behavior of other dogs.

These dogs excel at every parameter. Golden retrievers and poodles regularly prove their right for the title of the most intelligent dogs by winning obedience championships.

Common Behavior Problems

An intelligent dog doesn’t equal low maintenance dog. Conversely, golden retrievers and Goldendoodles need plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity to prevent behavioral problems.

Both breeds are prone to destructive behavior such as chewing, mouthing, and digging caused by boredom. They may suffer from separation anxiety and phobias if not socialized properly.

Because golden retrievers and Goldendoodles are curious, energetic dogs, they tend to pull on the leash and jump on people.

Exercise Needs

Golden retrievers are high-energy dogs that need at least an hour of exercise daily, and Goldendoodles are no different in this regard. These dogs can’t spend their lives on the couch.

Because golden retrievers and Goldendoodles are very intelligent dogs, they may find regular walks around the park boring. Games, swimming, hiking, and other mentally-stimulating exercises are better options for these breeds.

Grooming Needs

Golden retriever grooming is straightforward but must be done frequently. These dogs require daily brushing and occasional bathing.

Golden retrievers have a double coat, so they must never be shaved, but feather trimming prevents tangling and keeps the fur cleaner.

Goldendoodles may suffice with brushing a few times per week. Goldendoodle fur can be shaved very short, so owners can ease home grooming.

Lifespan

Golden retrievers live for 10-12 years on average, and Goldendoodles live slightly longer – for 12-15 years. Firstly, poodles generally have a longer life expectancy than golden retrievers.

Secondly, purebred dogs are more prone to genetic conditions than mixed breed dogs. However, remember that not the breed alone determines how long a dog will live. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to a long and happy life.

Health Issues

Like all purebred dogs, golden retrievers are prone to some health conditions, either inherited or acquired.

The most common golden retriever health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, epilepsy, cancer, progressive retinal atrophy, ear infections, and thyroid disorders.

Goldendoodles are prone to the same diseases but are at a lower risk. Additionally, they may suffer from von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP Disease or LCPD), and Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV).

Price

The average price of a golden retriever puppy is about $1,500 because of the breed’s popularity. Poodles aren’t cheap either, so a mix of golden retriever and poodle is bound to be expensive.

Goldendoodles typically cost $2,00-$3,000, with miniature Goldendoodles costing more than standard Goldendoodles.

Teacup Goldendoodles are even pricier, costing over $3,500, and the most expensive Goldendoodle variety is the F1b genotype which costs over $6,000.

Suitability for Inexperienced Dog Owners

Both golden retrievers and Goldendoodles are wonderful breeds for first-time dog owners. They aren’t prone to aggression, are highly obedient, and are well suited for families with children.

However, owners must be ready to invest the time and effort into training and exercising their dogs because an under-stimulated golden retriever or Goldendoodle can become destructive.

Suitability for Apartments

Many people considering getting a dog wonder – can large dogs live in apartments? Golden retrievers and Goldendoodles aren’t as large as Bernese mountain dogs or Dobermans but are in no way small, so that’s a valid concern.

The good news is that golden retrievers and Goldendoodles can live a happy life in an apartment if their owner provides their dog with sufficient exercise outdoors. Furthermore, these dogs rarely bark, so they are unlikely to bother the neighbors.

If you live in a city center with no parks, stadiums, or forests available nearby, consider getting a different breed.

Suitability as Service Dogs

Golden retrievers and Goldendoodles are among the best service dog breeds. They are intelligent, obedient, loyal, and very sociable, so they don’t pose a threat to strangers and can safely accompany the owner everywhere.

Golden retrievers and larger Goldendoodles are physically capable of supporting the owner, pushing the wheelchair, carrying bags, pressing elevator buttons, and performing other tasks impossible for smaller dogs.

Suitability as Guard or Protection Dogs

Golden retrievers and Goldendoodles are very loyal and protective, so they won’t let anyone hurt their owner. However, they make poor guard dogs because they have no watchdog heritage.

These dogs rarely bark and are overly friendly to strangers. They simply don’t have the capacity to be aggressive. Golden retriever and Goldendoodle temperaments are too mild.

One can train a golden retriever or Goldendoodle to be a protection dog, but these breeds need to be with the family and cannot live outdoors like some guard dogs.

Suitability as Hunting Dogs

Golden retrievers are natural-born hunters. They have excellent swimming skills, thanks to their athletic body, webbed feet, and water-repellent fur. Their soft bite allows them to retrieve prey without damaging it.

Not everyone knows, but poodles also make wonderful hunting companions, so Goldendoodles are equally suited for this purpose.

Rarity

Golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., so they can in no way be called rare. However, red goldens aren’t as widespread as cream or mid-gold dogs.

Goldendoodles are relatively rare dogs, but more and more people start breeding them because of the surging demand. The most common Goldendoodle colors are apricot, champagne, and cream, whereas other shades may be hard to find.

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