A dog is a friend and a commitment for many years, so it is wise to consider the differences among various breeds, especially if you are looking for some very specific characteristics. If you have narrowed down your choice to Goldendoodles and poodles, there are just several differences to consider.
Goldendoodles and poodles are similar: bright, responsive to training, athletic, and great for families with children. Goldendoodles are calmer and less vigilant around new people and dogs. Poodles shed very little but need more care for their coats. They are also more hyper and prone to barking.
If you decide to welcome a Goldendoodle, keep in mind that is harder to predict the look and temperament. Being designer dogs, Goldendoodles can resemble either Goldens or poodles more. There is less variability with poodles and you can even choose the size of your pet.
Goldendoodle Could Be Better For You If:
- You or your family would like a pet who is very comfortable with strangers and new dogs.
- Someone is home most of the time: these pups are attached to the owner and the family and are dependent on the company, in general.
- You prefer a dog that is not prone to barking
- You have other pets: Goldendoodles get along with most friendly pets, and poodles are a little more vigilant
- If you live in a warm climate: Goldendoodles are not as heat-sensitive as poodles
Poodle Could Be Better For You If:
- You or someone in your household is allergic to dogs: although no pet is truly hypoallergenic, poodles are among the breeds that cause reactions in fewer people than most other dogs
- You have a strong preference for a pet that does not shed: poodles shed very little but their fur does need some regular care and maintenance
- You have a strong preference for a certain type of fur and size of the dog: you can choose with poodles but physical features are more uncertain with Goldendoodles
Overview Of The Breeds
| Breed | Goldendoodle | Poodle |
| Size | 17–24 in (43–60 cm) | standard 15+ in (38+ cm) medium 14-18 in (36-46 cm) miniature 11-14 in (28-36 cm) toy 9.5-11 in (24-28 cm) |
| Weight | 40-50 lbs (18-23 kg) | standard 45-70 lbs (20-32 kg) medium 33-42 lbs (15-19 kg) miniature 26-31 lbs (12-14 kg) toy 14-17 lbs (6.5-7.5kg) |
| Life expectancy | 10-15 years | 12-18 years |
| Coat colors | apricot, blue, silver, grey, brown, cream, and cafe-au-lait | apricot, black, brown, cafe-au-lait, red, silver, white |
| Exercise needs | moderate to high | moderate to high |
| Good with kids? | yes | yes |
| Hypoallergenic? | no | yes, but some people could still be allergic |
Training Capacity And Working Intelligence
Poodles are known for their quick minds and high capacity to learn but Goldendoodles are comparably intelligent and capable. After all, the latter does come from poodles and Goldens, which is an intelligent mix!
Both breeds are likely to learn new commands and skills extremely quickly. They retain new skills with few repetitions and respond to commands as well outside, in a noisy or overstimulating environment, as they do at home.
Being owner-oriented helps the dogs of both breeds learn better too. Use positive reinforcement and never punish your pup, like with any pet.
Temperament, Energy Level
Both breeds are dynamic, curious, and enthusiastic to participate in games, hikes, and any activities with the owners or other canines in a dog park. Both Goldendoodles and poodles are also very intelligent, so they require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and misbehavior.
Goldendoodles have a calmer disposition, thanks to their Golden Retriever half but there is plenty of individual variation within the breed. When it comes to exercise and hiking, high-intensity physical activity is not recommended for dogs of either of these breeds. Allow your pet to stay active as tolerated.
You should dedicate at least an hour daily to taking your pet of either breed on a good walk or an occasional hike of moderate intensity.
Grooming Needs And Shedding
There is great variation in the quality of length of fur in Goldendoodles because it is fair game whether the pup resembles one of the parent breeds more or both equally. The poodles are much more uniform in this regard.
A Goldendoodle’s fur could be longer and straighter or shorter and curlier. Most dogs have some form of wavy fur that needs to be trimmed every 10-12 weeks and needs regular brushing. Goldendoodles also do not shed much, as a rule, but you should expect at least some shedding from these pooches.
Poodles shed very little but caring for their coats can be time-consuming. Your poodle should be brushed thoroughly at least twice a week, possibly more, depending on how long you keep your pet’s coat. The fur has to be trimmed every few weeks. You could learn how to do it but many owners prefer to take them to professional groomers for bathing and trimming sessions.
The Dog And People With Allergies
If you are allergic, your odds of an allergy-free life are better around poodles than Goldendoodles.
Breeders often claim that poodles are hypoallergenic dogs but, in reality, there is always a chance that a person could develop allergies even to a hypoallergenic animal. When it comes to dogs, it is not clear what proteins in their bodies are responsible for allergenic reactions, or at least there is less clarity than in the case of allergenic cats. But an allergen can be shed through saliva, for example, so the fact that the dog does not shed fur is not always an important factor.
That said, a poodle might be a better option for a person with allergies but it is still best to spend some time with the dog, ideally at least an hour. Usually, you will know pretty quickly if the animal is triggering a reaction.
The Dog And Children
In general, both Goldendoodles and poodles are excellent pets for families with kids.
A Goldendoodle could be more patient, even-tempered, and less reactive. They do well with young children, as well as older ones. Poodles are more likely to bark and become very excited, so they are better suited for homes with older, school-age children.
Of course, it is always important to supervise the interactions of very young kids and household pets, because even the most patient dog can react inappropriately out of fear or overstimulation – if a young kid corners their beloved pet, for example.
Goldendoodles are relatively high-maintenance pets, due to their need for interaction, exercise, and grooming needs. Poodles are about the same. So, if you are looking for a pet for your kiddos, just be aware that your dog might need a lot of your time and love, almost like another kid in the family.
The Dog And Other Pets
Many Goldendoodles inherit the exceptionally friendly disposition of Golden Retrievers, while poodles tend to be more alert and ever-vigilant.
Although both breeds are entirely capable of living with other pets peacefully and happily, Goldendoodles usually need less time and effort to accept a new pet in the house. They are also more friendly with other dogs they encounter outside.
Initial And Maintenance Cost
The cost of welcoming and maintaining a new pet is an important factor for most households.
Goldendoodle puppies are more expensive than poodles, likely because there are more poodles and poodle breeders in the world. If you are in the US, you could expect to pay 2000-3000$ for a new Goldendoodle puppy. There is more variety in prices for poodles, but the range is lower. It is usually 500-2000$, depending on the size of the poodle and your geographical area.
Always check out your local shelter or rehoming websites. Poodles in particular are often found in shelters because they are such a popular breed of dogs and more people take a puppy but find themselves unable to provide care for their pet. This post lists several great websites where you can search and find a puppy or an adult dog of the breed of your interest.
Both poodles and Goldendoodles need some professional grooming care but many owners eventually become comfortable with trimming, bathing, and clipping the dog’s hair eventually, which can save quite a bit of money. Standard poodles and Goldendoodles consume about the same amount of food, smaller poodles consume less, of course.
If you choose to buy pet health insurance, Goldendoodles are usually a little more expensive to insure.
Potential Challenges
Both poodles and Goldendoodles are highly prone to separation anxiety if you regularly spend long hours away from home. These dogs are attuned to the owner and the family, very intelligent and energetic, which is why anxiety related to being alone at home is so common.
Although neither breed is particularly stoic when it comes to weather extremes, Goldendoodles are more tolerant of both hot and cold weather.
Poodles bark more, although Goldendoodles can have the desire to vocalize, too. Thankfully, consistent training and positive reinforcement lead to excellent results with both breeds.
To Conclude
Goldendoodles and poodles are amazing dogs and a dog of either breed is likely to become a perfect friend for your household if you are looking for a smart, active, friendly dog and you are fine with the fact that your pet will need some of your time and investment.
