Golden retrievers have consistently been among the most popular breeds of dogs but Goldendoodles have also become a very popular breed, especially in households with children.
Golden retrievers and Goldendoodles are smart, sociable, and energetic dogs. Their personalities are similar, although Golden retrievers are known to be calmer, while Goldendoodles tend to be more bubbly. Goldendoodles are less likely to trigger allergies. They shed very little but their coat requires a lot of maintenance. Golden retrievers are hardier when it comes to strenuous exercise, they also tolerate hot and cold weather better.
The Basics
| Parameter | Golden Retriever | Goldendoodle |
| Size | up to 24 in (61 cm) | 17–24 in (43–60 cm) |
| Weight | 60 -75 lbs (28 – 34 kg) | 40-50 lbs (18-23 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years | 10-15 years |
| Personality | Sweet, calm, friendly, intelligent | Cheerful, curious, bright |
| Energy level, exercise needs | Moderate to high, needs plenty of daily exercise | Moderate to high, needs plenty of daily exercise |
| Trainability | Easy to train | Easy to train |
| Good with kids? | Yes | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic? | No | Low potential to trigger allergies in comparison to other breeds |
Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle: How Are They Similar?
INTELLIGENCE AND TRAINING
Both breeds are highly intelligent and easy to train.
Golden retrievers are in the top 5 breeds with the highest working intelligence, according to Stanley Coren, the famous canine psychologist.
Goldendoodles are about as bright but, as a designer breed, they are not ranked. Their parent breeds – poodles and Goldens – are both known for their exceptional learning capacity. That predicts a great outcome for Goldendoodles, of course.
PERSONALITY
Both Goldens and Goldendoodles are sociable and people-oriented. This trait adds to their capacity to learn skills and commands from people but also makes them excellent companions for hiking, walking, and other activities that imply meeting other dogs and people.
In general, Golden retrievers are calmer, more mellow, and more relaxed. Goldendoodles are known to be bubbly and restless, in comparison. Of course, it is important to remember that dogs’ personalities can greatly deviate from the stereotype!
Both breeds are amazing with children, as well as household pets, and dogs they encounter during walks.
Goldendoodles can be a little more vigilant and vocal around unfamiliar dogs and other animals, thanks to their poodle background.
ADAPTABILITY
An important implication of these dogs’ high intelligence and good social skills is that they do very well in a variety of living settings. They love to have a yard of their own, like most dogs (and people, for that matter). However, having a yard and ample space is not essential to their happiness and comfort – these dogs thrive in compact apartments, as long as they get the exercise they need.
ENERGY LEVELS, EXERCISE NEEDS
Goldendoodles and Golden retrievers are energetic, sporty dogs, and they need long walks daily. Adding some variety to their daily routine is helpful.
Your dog will be happy to go on a hike or join an agility course. Goldendoodles and Goldens usually like water, so aquatic activities are also a good idea if it is an option in your area. Running around in an off-leash area designated for dogs will make your pet happy.
Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle: How Are They Different?
CLASSIC VS DESIGNER BREED
Golden retrievers are a classic breed of dogs, quintessential family pets, and generally dogs with a long history of being companions to human beings.
Goldendoodles were developed as a new breed – a hybrid of Golden retrievers and poodles in the 1990s. They are among the newest of the doodles.
Goldendoodles are low-shedding, they have a low potential to cause allergies, and they are friendly and easy to train, so these pups are great pets for people for whom these qualities are important.
Some people may not like the idea of designer breeds and prefer a classic dog, such as Golden retrievers.
SHEDDING
Goldendoodles were developed as a breed to produce minimal shedding. As a result, they are a low-shedding breed.
These dogs have long, thick, and curly coats. Some barely shed at all, others shed very little. It depends on which parent breed the Goldendoodle puppy resembles more.
Golden retrievers, on the other hand, have long, soft fur. They also shed profusely, especially in spring and autumn. These dogs’ fur often sheds in tufts, which makes it easy to pick up with a vacuum cleaner but regular cleaning is usually necessary.
GROOMING NEEDS
Goldendoodles do not not shed but they are rather demanding when it comes to the grooming routines that are needed to maintain their beautiful coats:
- Goldendoodles need their coats brushed daily, preferably with a metal comb. You might need to use a detangler if your pup’s coat is long.
- They need regular baths – every 6 weeks could be enough for some but other dogs need a bath every couple of weeks.
- Most owners take their Goldendoodles to a professional groomer every 6-10 weeks, depending on how short you want your dog’s coat.
- Like most dogs, Goldendoodles need nail trimming every month, or every other month. Some owners are comfortable with the task, while others prefer to leave it to professionals.
Golden retrievers do not need as much care to maintain their fur:
- They need regular baths but spacing them by up to 6 weeks or as needed is usually appropriate.
- Golden retrievers do not need a full fur trim but you might need to spot-trim their fur around the neck and ears, and the tail, every couple of months.
- Goldens have long, double-layer fur, and they need to be brushed a few times a week to prevent matting and maintain luster and softness.
- They need nail trimming every month or every other month.
ALLERGIES
One of the reasons Goldendoodles were developed is to minimize the dog’s allergenic potential.
It is questionable whether any dog is truly hypoallergenic. A sensitive person might still experience allergies around these dogs.
However, Goldendoodles are indeed among the breeds, along with their parent breed poodles, that shed little dander. They are unlikely to trigger allergies. If they do trigger a reaction, it is more likely to be mild than with other dogs.
Golder retrievers are not hypoallergenic and they can cause allergies.
If you or someone in your family is allergic, it is good practice to meet the dog before committing. Spending some time with the animal often reveals sensitivity rather quickly.
TOLERANCE TO HOT AND COLD WEATHER
Golden retrievers do much better with both cold and hot weather than Goldendoodles, which is important if you live in an area where weather extremes happen.
Golden retrievers are more likely to tolerate a hike in the summer and regular walks in harsh winter conditions. Their double-layer fur protects insulates and protects them much better than a Goldendoodle’s coat.
Goldendoodles do not have the protection of the double-layer coat, nor do they have the historically athletic past of Goldens as a breed. Although they are active and bubbly dogs, they are generally less sporty than Goldens. They are less tolerant of exercise in weather extremes, hot weather, in particular.
Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle: Which Breed Is Best For You?
Goldendoodle may be best for you if:
- You or a family member in your household suffer from allergies
- You need to avoid dog fur in your home
- You prefer a pet with a longer lifespan
Golden retriever may be best for you if:
- You live in an area where very cold or very hot days are common
- You are outdoorsy and athletic, and you want your dog to join you on jogs, hikes, and so on
- You like calmer, mellow dogs
To Conclude
Goldendoodles and Golden retrievers are quite similar in their spirit and personality: energetic, lovely, and charming.
Goldendoodles were meant to be just like Golden retrievers minus the shedding and allergies – that was the purpose of developing the breed. Of course, the poodle half gives these pups more than just the physical differences from Goldens.
Whichever breed you end up with, you are likely to end up with a beloved addition to your household – a wonderful, bright, and adaptable companion and family pet.
