Mini Goldendoodles Vs. Mini Labradoodles – A Tail-Wagging Showdown of Two Beloved Breeds

One’s considered a social butterfly, and the other a thoughtful observer. I’m referring to Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Labradoodles. And while it can be hard to tell both doodle breeds apart, experts will tell you that they fall under distinct personality spectrums. Both breeds also cater to different owner preferences.

When it comes to coats, Goldendoodles‘ coat colors are akin to the palette of a vibrant painter. In contrast, Labradoodles’ coats tend to follow a more elegant, cohesive pattern.

But despite their diametrically opposite personalities, both breeds are gentle, intelligent, highly trainable, and therefore great candidates for service or therapy dogs. These adorable mini hybrid breeds are also popular because of their size, hypoallergenic coat, and low-shedding fur.

From shared quirks to unique characteristics, this article explores the delightful facets of the Mini-Goldendoodle and the Mini Labradoodle breeds.

Origins

The doodle dog breeds have a fascinating history we bet you weren’t aware of. It all began with Australian breeder Wally Conron and a desperate plea from a blind woman. The woman needed a guide dog but couldn’t get one as her husband was severely allergic to dogs.

After extensive research, Conron decided to combine a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever to create what came to be known as the Labradoodle – a dog that’s hypoallergenic and easily trainable.

There’s been no looking back since, and the doodle breed is among the top designer dog breeds today.

The miniature Labradoodle was created to meet the demand for a pint-sized version of the breed. It was done by breeding a Labrador with a miniature Poodle and boasts the Lab’s spirited personality alongside the poodle’s intelligence and reduced shedding tendencies. In short, the mini Labradoodle is a small package loaded with heaps of character.

On the other hand, mini Goldendoodles are a product of Golden Retrievers and miniature Poodles. They were bred to capture the friendly nature of the Golden and the low-shedding qualities of the Poodle. In short, charming companions with hypoallergenic coats.

Mini Goldendoodle Vs Mini Labradoodle

Since both breeds have a common parent breed – the poodle, they appear to have several similar attributes. But thanks to the other half of their parent breed, they also have several dissimilarities, which include:

Attributes

Mini Goldendoodles are intelligent, brave, and friendly. They love to please their owners and are easy to train. This is one of the top reasons they are preferred as pets, therapy, service, and guide dogs.

“Goldendoodle dogs are intelligent, lively, and devoted to their human mates”, says James Johnson, a blogger and pet lover. “Because of their amiable and caring temperament, they make excellent first-time pets.” he further explains.

Labradoodles are playful, loving, and intelligent but slightly reserved compared to the Goldendoodles. This breed makes excellent service and guide dogs as well.

Although super furry, both breeds adapt to most climates. They have long to short, low-shedding fur, thanks to their Poodle genes.

Appearance & Grooming

According to dog lover Rody Wil, “The Goldendoodle can come in any color variant common to the Golden Retriever or the Poodle including black; copper; white; cream; gray; golden; apricot or red. However, golden is the most common coloring.”

While both breeds have colorful coats, Labradoodles tend to have solid coat colors, often black, white, red, chocolate, cream, or golden. Black and gold are among the most common Labradoodle coat colors, while red and white are rarer.

Goldendoodle coats come in a variety of hues, from black, tan, cream, gray, and white to orange, apricot, gold, caramel, red, and silver. But surprisingly, despite the golden in their name, black and apricot are the most common Goldendoodle coat colors, followed by gold.

While both breeds have similar coats, the difference lies in the length and thickness of the coat. Goldendoodles have longer but thinner, wavy, or curly fur than Labradoodles so their coats appear softer and fluffier. On the other hand, Labradoodles have shorter but thicker coats that are tougher and stronger.

For both doodles, the straighter the coat, the higher the shedding, and the curlier the Poodle Mix coat, the lesser the shedding.

And both breeds have human-like eyes.

Size & Average Weight

If you’re wondering “Mini Labradoodle vs. Mini Goldendoodle: Which Is Bigger?” don’t worry. In this section, I will break it down for you. Before I do that, I’d like to point out that although both the doodles are called “mini”, they are considered medium- to small-size dogs.

Since both breeds inherit extremely strong poodle genes, they appear similar. However, Labradoodles are comparatively taller (some adult mini Labradoodles can get as tall as 24 inches, depending on genetics) and leaner, while Goldendoodles are typically shorter and a bit stockier.

Trainability & Personality

Both breeds are easily trainable and are ideal candidates for therapy and guide dogs. They also have similar temperaments and respond well to positive reward training.

Moreover, they are brilliant, thanks to their Poodle genes. This also means you need to keep them entertained. These breeds can become destructive if left alone without any physical and mental stimulation.

Both breeds are dynamos in small packages, Labradoodles tend to be a bit more wary around new people and dogs. And given their high protective instincts, they are also a bit more cautious. On the other hand, Goldendoodles are friendlier, more outgoing, and more trusting of strangers.

That said, both breeds do not make good guard dogs since a few scratches behind their ears are all that’s needed to win them over.

Life Expectancy & Health

When it comes to health and lifespan, both breeds are very similar. They are considered healthy breeds with an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

That said both breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, and eye issues. While Labradoodles tend to develop progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts are common in Goldendoodles.

Both doodle breeds inherit Poodle ears, predisposing them to hair in the ear canal. This hair can trap bacteria or wax and cause bad smells or infections. But this is not a significant cause for concern as regular grooming can prevent such issues.

Goldendoodles also stand a higher chance of developing heart diseases and food allergies thanks to their Golden Retriever parentage.

A healthy diet, frequent physical examinations, and regular grooming sessions can keep both breeds healthy and prevent illnesses.

Exercise Regime

Both breeds require daily exercise, but the Labradoodle being more active and rambunctious, needs at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily and is, therefore, better suited to homes with large backyards and older children.

The Goldendoodle has comparatively lower energy levels, so 30 minutes of daily exercise will suffice for this breed. And given their gentle and sweet disposition, this breed is better suited to families with young children. Their personality traits also make them good babysitters.

That said, both breeds require daily physical and mental exercise to prevent destructive behavior.

Diet & Nutrition

Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Labradoodles are active breeds, so their diet needs to sustain their energy levels. A diet rich in protein, healthy fats, carbs, fiber, and vitamins and minerals can help meet their nutritional needs.

Both breeds tend to eat a lot if given the opportunity and are prone to obesity. It is, therefore, important to put doodles on healthy diets, practice portion control, and monitor their weight regularly.

That said, on average, Labradoodles consume slightly more food than Goldendoodles of the same weight.

But given that Goldendoodles are prone to food allergies, a wheat, corn, soy, and dairy free diet will help them immensely.

While dry food is a good option for both breeds, Goldendoodles, in particular, can benefit from dry and grain-free foods.

In addition to kibble, both doodle breeds can benefit from fresh foods in their diet, including meat (raw or cooked), fresh or tinned fish, especially sardines and mackerels (if tinned, then remove the brine completely), dairy products like bio yogurt or cottage cheese and healthy leftovers like steamed vegetables, or cooked scraps of meat or fish.

Cost

Doodles are a typically rare breed and, therefore, expensive. While the price of doodles will vary from breeder to breeder, reputable breeders will charge you a higher price since they prioritize health and temperament and produce limited litters.

While both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are equally popular, Labradoodles seem to be more in demand even though the price difference between the two is significantly less. That said, Labradoodles in standard colors can cost anywhere between $1500 to $2000, while Goldendoodles range between $1000 to $2000. Exotic colored doodles of either breed can cost upward of $3000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Goldendoodle Calmer Than A Labradoodle?

Yes, Goldendoodles are comparatively calmer than Labradoodles. While both breeds have high energy levels, Goldendoodles are gentle and less boisterous than Labradoodles.

Why Are Mini Goldendoodles So Hyper?

Mini Goldendoodles inherit the best traits from their parent breeds – the Golden Retriever and the Poodle – both known for their hunting skills.

As a result, Mini Goldendoodles can get a bit hyper and exhibit signs of excitement more than their parent breeds.

Which Is More Laid Back, Goldendoodle Or Labradoodle?

Goldendoodles are considered more laidback than Labradoodles. As puppies, they can get a bit hyper, but once they hit adulthood, they tend to calm down.

Do Labradoodles and Goldendoodles Bark More?

If you take into account their high-energy levels, then the answer would be yes! Goldendoodles and Labradoodles need mental and physical stimulation. They exude energy through barking, which can get excessive if they’re left unattended.

Which Is Easier To Train: Labradoodle Or Goldendoodle?

Both the doodle breeds are highly intelligent and trainable and therefore make excellent service and guide dogs. Both love human companionship and children. Plus, they love to please their owners, which makes training them even easier.

Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodles are a matter of preference. While both doodle breeds are similar in temperament, trainability, dietary requirements, and size, there are subtle differences you need to consider when making a decision.

Also, no matter which breed you choose, ensure you do your due diligence when looking for a breeder. Choose a reputable breeder that focuses on health over anything else.