Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Goldendoodle Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction
- Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever: Overview
- Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever
- The Similarities Between the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever
- Size (Weight and Height) of Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever
- Lifespan of Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever
- Price of Goldendoodle versus Price of Labrador Retriever
- Adopting the Goldendoodle versus Adopting the Labrador Retriever
- Tolerates Being Alone: Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever
- Do Goldendoodles shed more than Labrador Retrievers?
- Which one drools more, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever?
- Does the Goldendoodle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labrador Retriever?
- Do Goldendoodles Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?
- Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Goldendoodle vs. Labrador Retriever
- Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever?
- Are Goldendoodles good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?
- How Kid-friendly are Goldendoodles and Labrador Retrievers?
- Is the Goldendoodle Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Goldendoodle
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?
Goldendoodle Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Goldendoodle and for the Labrador Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever.
Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever: Overview
Both the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever are similar in size. The Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever are both large-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.
On the other hand, the Labrador Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Goldendoodle to the Labrador Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever
| Factor | Goldendoodle | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 90 pounds | 55 to 80 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $2170 | $1290 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $850 – $1500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Goldendoodle in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Labrador Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Goldendoodle is a better pet than the Labrador Retriever. So, you should get the Goldendoodle!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever
Below is a list of where the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever are most different:
The Similarities Between the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever
The Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever.
Goldendoodles weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever
The lifespan of Goldendoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Goldendoodles is 12.5 years.
The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is 11.0 years.
Goldendoodles live longer than Labrador Retrievers.
Price of Goldendoodle versus Price of Labrador Retriever
The average price of the Goldendoodle puppy is $2170. The price of the Goldendoodle typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Goldendoodle can be as low as $300 and as high as $32500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4239 Goldendoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of the Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Goldendoodle is more expensive than the Labrador Retriever.
| Goldendoodle | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2170 | $1290 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2500 | $850 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Goldendoodle puppies or how many Labrador Retriever puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Goldendoodles. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Goldendoodle puppy or the Labrador Retriever puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Goldendoodle versus Adopting the Labrador Retriever
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Goldendoodles and many Labrador Retrievers are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Goldendoodle named Cliff-Nc that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Goldendoodles like Cliff-Nc on pefinder.com.
Also, like Goldendoodles, Labrador Retrievers are also available for adoption. For example, Yukon Cornelius is a Male Labrador Retriever that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Labrador Retrievers like Yukon Cornelius that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Eddie is the name of another Goldendoodle (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Big Boy is an adorable Male Labrador Retriever on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Goldendoodles and Labrador Retrievers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever
Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.
Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Do Goldendoodles shed more than Labrador Retrievers?
Goldendoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever
Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.
Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever?
Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.
Does the Goldendoodle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labrador Retriever?
Goldendoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Labrador Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Goldendoodles Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?
Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.
Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Goldendoodle vs. Labrador Retriever
Goldendoodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Labrador Retrievers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Goldendoodles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Labrador Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever?
Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.
Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Goldendoodles good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?
Goldendoodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Goldendoodles and Labrador Retrievers?
Goldendoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Goldendoodle Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?
Goldendoodles are very easy to train.
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.
Is the Goldendoodle Better for Apartment Owners than the Labrador Retriever?
Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.
Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever?
Goldendoodles are very good for new dog owners.
Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Goldendoodle
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Goldendoodle that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Goldendoodle:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador Retriever that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Labrador Retriever:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Goldendoodle and how the Labrador Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Goldendoodle and of the Labrador Retriever to other breeds:
Goldendoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds
Goldendoodle versus American Bulldog Goldendoodle versus Boxer Goldendoodle versus Goldador Goldendoodle versus Fila Brasileiro Goldendoodle versus Icelandic Sheepdog Goldendoodle versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Goldendoodle versus Spanish Mastiff Goldendoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Goldendoodle versus Shiloh Shepherd Goldendoodle versus Silky Terrier Goldendoodle versus Black Mouth Cur Goldendoodle versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Goldendoodle versus Bearded Collie Goldendoodle versus Dutch Shepherd Goldendoodle versus Toy Fox Terrier Goldendoodle versus Portuguese Pointer Goldendoodle versus Newfoundland Goldendoodle versus English Setter Goldendoodle versus Irish Water Spaniel Goldendoodle versus Lancashire Heeler Goldendoodle versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Goldendoodle versus Skye Terrier Goldendoodle versus Labradoodle Goldendoodle versus Black and Tan Coonhound Goldendoodle versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Labrador Retriever versus Bernedoodle Labrador Retriever versus Keeshond Labrador Retriever versus Boerboel Labrador Retriever versus Black Mouth Cur Labrador Retriever versus Leonberger Labrador Retriever versus Saint Berdoodle Labrador Retriever versus Kerry Blue Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Catahoula Bulldog Labrador Retriever versus Affenhuahua Labrador Retriever versus Bracco Italiano Labrador Retriever versus Clumber Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Dogue de Bordeaux Labrador Retriever versus Newfoundland Labrador Retriever versus American Pit Bull Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Finnish Lapphund Labrador Retriever versus Welsh Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Sealyham Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Swedish Vallhund Labrador Retriever versus Scottish Deerhound Labrador Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Redbone Coonhound Labrador Retriever versus Japanese Chin Labrador Retriever versus Patterdale Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Tibetan Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Lancashire Heeler
Conclusion: Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever better suits you and your family.