Breed Comparison
Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are intentionally bred crosses between two purebred parent breeds. Both were originally developed to combine the friendly temperament of retrievers with the intelligence and coat characteristics of the Poodle.
Goldendoodle Temperament
Families searching for Goldendoodle temperament information are often trying to determine whether this breed will be a good fit for their household. In general, Goldendoodles are known for being friendly, affectionate, and eager to please — traits inherited largely from the Golden Retriever side of their lineage. If that sounds like the right match for your family, browse our available Goldendoodle puppies.
Goldendoodles tend to be highly social dogs that form strong bonds with every member of the household, including children. Many Goldendoodle owners describe their dogs as "people dogs" who want to be wherever their family is. This strong desire for companionship is part of why Goldendoodles often do not do well when left alone for extended periods on a regular basis.
In terms of trainability, Goldendoodles tend to excel. Their combination of Golden Retriever enthusiasm and Poodle intelligence often results in dogs that pick up on new commands relatively quickly and who generally enjoy the mental stimulation that training sessions provide.
Labradoodle Temperament
Labradoodles inherit much of their temperament from the Labrador Retriever side of their lineage — a breed long known for being friendly, outgoing, and highly trainable. In terms of energy level, many Labradoodle owners describe their dogs as slightly more active or driven compared to Goldendoodles, though this can vary significantly from dog to dog.
Labradoodles often thrive with families who enjoy an active lifestyle, including activities like hiking, running, swimming, or participating in dog sports. They can also adapt well to a calmer household as long as their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met consistently.
Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are generally known for being good with children, particularly when properly socialized from an early age. As with any breed, appropriate supervision during interactions between young children and dogs is always recommended. Think a Labradoodle could be your match? See our available Labradoodle puppies.
Doodle DNA: Core Characteristics
While every puppy is an individual, these are the characteristics that consistently define the Doodle experience across both breeds.
Low Shedding
Most Doodles inherit the Poodle's hair-growth pattern rather than the Retriever's fur-shedding pattern. This makes them ideal for families with mild allergies and those who prefer a cleaner home environment. Coat type varies even within litters.
Highly Intelligent
Ranked among the top 5 most intelligent breeds, Doodles learn new commands quickly. Their eagerness to please combined with Poodle intelligence makes them particularly responsive to positive reinforcement training methods.
Family Oriented
Both breeds tend to bond closely with every member of the household, including children and other pets. They are frequently praised for their affectionate nature and adaptability to different family dynamics.
Active & Athletic
Both breeds benefit from regular physical exercise and mental enrichment. Most adult Doodles do well with at least one to two periods of meaningful exercise per day — walks, fetch, swimming, or structured play.
Trainable
Their combination of intelligence and food motivation makes Doodles exceptionally trainable. Many owners report that their Doodle picks up basic commands within just a few sessions of consistent positive reinforcement work.
Adaptable
From city apartments to rural farmhouses, Doodles adapt remarkably well to different living environments, provided their exercise and social needs are consistently met by their family.
Are Goldendoodles & Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?
One of the most frequently searched questions related to these breeds is whether Goldendoodles or Labradoodles are hypoallergenic. The honest answer is that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic in an absolute sense, since allergic reactions in humans are typically triggered by proteins found in a dog's dander, saliva, and urine — not just their fur.
However, many people with mild to moderate dog allergies find that they react less to dogs with certain coat types, particularly those with curlier, Poodle-like coats that shed less and release less dander into the environment. Because Goldendoodles and Labradoodles inherit varying degrees of Poodle coat genetics, some individuals within these breeds may produce less dander and shed less than their retriever ancestors.
Families with significant allergy concerns are often encouraged to consider F1B or multigenerational doodles, as these generations typically have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics and are often more tolerable for allergy-sensitive individuals.
Pro Tip: Families with serious allergy concerns should consult with an allergist and, if possible, spend time around adult dogs with similar coat types before committing to a puppy.
Sizes for Every Lifestyle
From studio apartments to vast ranches, there is a Doodle size that fits your living situation perfectly. Both breeds come in three main size categories based on the Poodle used in the cross. Browse our currently available puppies to find the size that fits your home.
