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Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever

Discover the differences between Goldendoodle and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Goldendoodle
United States

Goldendoodle

Hybrid (Not recognized by AKC/FCI)
Medium

A lovable and social breed, Goldendoodles blend intelligence with a playful spirit. Their affectionate nature and low-shedding coats make them wonderful family companions.

Golden Retriever
Scotland

Golden Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.

Quick comparison

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–29 kg

Coat:

Wavy or curly, low-shedding

Lifespan:

10–15 years

Female:

18–25 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Large

Male:

29–34 kg

Coat:

Double coat, water-repellent

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–29 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Goldendoodle

Friendliness
5/5

Very sociable with people and other pets

Intelligence
5/5

Learns new commands and tasks quickly

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular exercise and activity

Playfulness
5/5

Enjoys games and interactive play

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to changes in environment

Golden Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs

Intelligence
5/5

Quick to learn commands and routines

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and mental stimulation

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to various living environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Goldendoodle

Grooming:
High grooming needs (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy

Golden Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Goldendoodle

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Friendly, trainable nature suits those new to dog ownership.

Apartment Living
3/5

Fairly suitable

Moderate energy and barking may require daily walks and mental stimulation.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Enjoys regular activity and thrives in energetic households.

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle temperament and patience make them good companions for young children.

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Social and generally gets along well with other pets in the home.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Not ideal

Prone to separation anxiety and may become destructive if left alone too long.

Golden Retriever

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage

Apartment Living
2/5

Needs space

Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people

Kids
5/5

Perfect fit

Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation issues

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Goldendoodle

  • Friendly and social with people and pets
  • Low-shedding coat reduces loose hair
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Generally good with children
  • Adaptable to various living environments

Golden Retriever

  • Friendly with children and other pets
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
  • Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
  • Strong retrieving and swimming abilities

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Goldendoodle

  • Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
  • Coat requires regular grooming and maintenance
  • Can be hyperactive without enough exercise
  • May develop hereditary health conditions
  • Sometimes prone to barking when bored

Golden Retriever

  • Prone to obesity without portion control
  • High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
  • Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
  • Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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