Choosing a designer doodle breed seems like it might be a simple task, but it really isn’t as easy as it sounds. You hear about all of these awesome Doodle breeds, but it’s important to know the differences between Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle to help you choose one. Goldendoodle
Not all Doodle breeds are the same and they can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and fur types. They also have different personalities and needs across the board. Some of the most popular Doodle breeds are the Australian Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle.
In this guide, we will focus on the Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle and share with you everything you should know about each of these breeds and just how different they really are, even though they might look similar at first glance.
Here’s a quick summary for the Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle:
- Australian Labradoodles are multi-generation dogs typically mixed between the Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel. Because they are bred over multi-generations, they are typically more nonshedding and hypoallergenic than a Goldendoodle.
- Goldendoodles tend to have slightly softer coats. This is due to the fact that the Golden Retriever coat is softer and less coarse than a Labrador Retriever.
- Australian Labradoodles usually conform to a “standard” better than the Goldendoodle. You’ll find many breeders associated with the Australian Labradoodle Association of American (ALAA) and Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association (WALA).
- Both the Goldendoodle and Australian Labradoodle will require a lot of grooming. Expect to brush them and give them haircuts because they don’t shed fur.
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What is the Australian Labradoodle?
The Australian Labradoodle is often also just referred to as a Labradoodle. They get the name of Australian Labradoodle because they were originally specially bred in Australia. However, the Australian Labradoodle is its own unique breed that is not exactly the same as the American Labradoodle.
The big difference between Australian Labradoodles and Labradoodles is that the Australian Labradoodle can have other breeds in the line. The line might include Labradors, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Retrievers, and even Iris Water Spaniels. The most common Australian Labradoodle is the Poodle, Labrador Retriever, and Cocker Spaniel bred over several generations.
The American Labradoodle that we are familiar with is not as broad of a category and is just the Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. It’s different than the Australian Labradoodle.
What is the Goldendoodle?
The Goldendoodle is perhaps one of the most popular Doodle breeds out there. It is certainly one of the most well-known, especially if you prefer a large dog breed that typically doesn’t shed. An Australian Golden Doodle is a cross between the Poodle and the Golden Retriever and they are absolutely perfect in terms of personality.
Goldendoodles can be challenging to find from a breeder or you may find yourself on a lengthy waiting list to get a puppy. This is because they are becoming more and more popular for their hypoallergenic coats and easy-going personalities.
Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: Size
The size difference between the Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle is perhaps the biggest difference you will find between the two. The Australian Labradoodle can vary so much in size since there are other breeds in the mix. However, on average, the standard Australian Labradoodle is slightly larger than the standard Goldendoodle.
As with most breeds, the size to which they will grow largely depends on the size of the parents. If you can, familiarize yourself with the parents to really know what to expect.
Both of these breeds are considered to be large dog breeds unless bred from a miniature or toy Poodles. The Australian Golden Doodle or Australian Labradoodle might weigh anywhere between 40 to 80 pounds when fully grown and this could be true for either breed. There are variations in size out there but this is the average.
Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: Temperament
The Australian Labradoodle and Goldendoodle breeds are both very popular because they are fun-loving and easy-going. Their behavior is very similar in the parent breeds and the resulting crossbreed as well.
Both the Australian Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle have loving temperaments, and they are both incredibly intelligent. They can be slightly stubborn at times if they don’t want to do something, but it’s nothing to worry about. The Goldendoodle and Australian Labradoodle are both typically easy to train.
Both the Australian Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are also active dog breeds. They need to have playtime and exercise time for a decent amount of time every day (at least 1 hour). They also need to be entertained because they tend to be chewers if they don’t have something to entertain them. This is the biggest risk if you leave them alone while you work or for long periods of time.
However, the Goldendoodle and Australian Labradoodle are always loyal and friendly. You really can’t go wrong with either one as they are nicknamed “velcro dogs” because they never want to leave your side. They make great family pets and they love to socialize. Additionally, they typically will get along with other animals and any age or type of person pretty well. Both the Goldendoodle and Australian Labradoodle are very loyal, friendly, and loving.
As far as differences in personality, Goldendoodles are very outgoing but they are better at being calm when they need to be. These dogs are sometimes trained as service or therapy dogs because of these characteristics.
Australian Labradoodles are very energetic and active. They sometimes are trained to be guide dogs or service dogs and have a happy-go-lucky personality.
Overall, both dog breeds are very easy to train and have fun, happy personalities.
Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: Life Span
The life expectancies of the Goldendoodle and the Australian Labradoodle are almost identical. They both live pretty long lives, which can sometimes be surprising when it comes to evaluating designer breeds. If you choose either one of these, you will have a companion for many years to come.
Goldendoodles typically live an average of 10 to 15 years. This can vary and it’s quite possible they will live even longer. There are some Goldendoodles that have been known to live nearly 20 years!
On the other hand, Australian Labradoodles have an average lifespan of about 12 to 14 years. Their lifespan is much harder to predict since they have varying parents in their breeding line. It can be challenging to really know exactly what to expect aside from looking at the few numbers available.
The Australian Golden Doodle or Australian Labradoodle live rather long lives and can live even longer than the average if they receive proper love and care throughout their lifetimes. It may also depend on whether or not they face any potential health issues as well.
Goldendoodle vs Australian Labradoodle: Health
We know that there are reputations out there for designer breeds to have a lot of health issues. The interesting thing about these breeds is that since they are a hybrid dog breed, they actually have fewer health issues than their parents for the most part. This is due to a genetic trait called Hybrid Vigor which means that crossbred dogs will be healthier than their purebred parent dogs because they aren’t passed down genetic diseases from the same bloodline over and over again.
It’s a good idea to learn about the parents if you can to determine whether or not there are health issues. This may help you know what to expect for the Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle.
For both of these breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia can be very common. It is almost expected, but it is not necessarily something that they all suffer from. When you purchase from a breeder, they typically will offer testing results that show whether or not this is likely or whether the parents have any of these ailments.
Both the Goldendoodle or Australian Labradoodle also sometimes suffer from various eye conditions that can be a nuisance or require extensive care.
Additionally, it is very important to keep the hair around their ears trimmed as the long hair can lead to ear infections for both the Australian Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. This is typically covered in the grooming process, but it’s worthwhile to note that both dogs have extremely hairy ears.
Goldendoodles are more likely to experience eye and heart diseases, develop cancer, or suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia. On the other hand, Australian Labradoodles are more likely to suffer from collapse related to exercise, retinal atrophy of the eyes, or possible elbow and hip dysplasia.
Quality breeders will share the medical history as well as any testing to give you a clear picture of what you might be able to expect for their health.
Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: Appearance
The Australian Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are pretty similar in looks, which is why they sometimes are confused as being the same breeds. Most Labradoodles are slightly larger than Goldendoodles but this is not always the case. Australian Labradoodles also tend to have shorter coats with more wiry hair while Goldendoodles tend to have longer coats with more wave to it.
As far as the colors of their coats go, Goldendoodles typically have gold, brown, or red shades. Australian Labradoodles can be any variation of colors and maybe even have blended colors, depending on the parental lines. It’s challenging to define specifics but the colors tend to be dark colors like black and brown, maybe with white as well.
Both the Australian Labradoodle or Goldendoodle might have a mixture of hair that includes long hair and curls scattered throughout the coat. Some areas might be short while others are long and then there are curls. The end result is beautiful and similar for both breeds.
Goldendoodle vs Australian Labradoodle: Grooming
Grooming designer breeds can be important, particularly with the Australian Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. These dogs do tend to have a lot of hair and get a lot of curl in their coats. Because of this, you will need to plan on regular grooming and brushing. You will need to brush at home regularly in-between grooming sessions.
The good news is that both of these breeds are incredibly hypoallergenic and they shed very little. The downside is their hair tends to tangle easily and can develop mats easily as well.
You will need to plan to brush their coats daily to keep them from tangling and matting. You should also plan to incorporate regular ear cleaning to prevent ear infections. Be sure you keep scissors on hand to trim the hair around their ears and also help prevent ear infections.
As far as visiting the groomer, you might be able to spread your visits to every 6-8 weeks. It really depends on how short you keep their hair cut and how much grooming you are able or willing to do in between at home.
Be sure to brush their teeth, keep their eyes clean, and trim their nails regularly. You don’t want to bathe them too often as they can have sensitive skin which dries out after a bath. If you keep up with brushing daily, the other grooming won’t be so bad. Just plan to schedule routine trips to the groomer every 6-8 weeks for all of the trimming and bathing needs.
Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: Training
Both of these breeds are very easy to train and they are very obedient. The Goldendoodle and Australian Labradoodle loves to please and they are very intelligent. You should have very little trouble training them to use a crate, potty training, and other commands. Both of these breeds are known to be trained for therapy dogs or service dogs as well, which points to their training and obedient abilities.
The Goldendoodle and Australian Labradoodle socialize well and pick up basic commands pretty easily. Goldendoodles can sometimes be vocal but this can be worked on with training as well. Neither breed will typically be problematic or aggressive towards humans or other dogs.
You will need to actively work with them and continue in a routine or continual training. You don’t want them to get bored as this is when they are most likely to act out.
Australian Labradoodle Vs. Goldendoodle: Costs
The cost of care for both the Australian Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle is about the same. Expect to pay $2000+ as the initial cost of a Goldendoodle or Australian Labradoodles. These breeds can also have some higher expenses especially regarding medical care and veterinarian costs. They typically require specialty foods and they also need regular grooming. These costs can add up considerably and you should budget at least $1,000 per year.
If you are proactive with health care, you shouldn’t have a lot of hefty expenses but you should plan on routine veterinarian care expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about the Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle? We’ve got answers!
Are Labradoodles calmer than Goldendoodles?
Nope. In fact, dog owners would be more likely to tell you that the Australian Golden Doodle is calmer than the Labradoodle. Remember, though, that all dogs are not created equal! Talk to your breeder about your pup’s parents and their personalities to better gauge how your dog will act.
Which is better for my family, a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle?
The Goldendoodle is a calmer dog, which may make your pup easier to train. But the Poodle, a parent of both breeds, is a highly intelligent dog. Your pup will inherit this intelligence as well as a friendly, cuddly personality from his parents.
Why should I choose a Goldendoodle?
Goldendoodles are energetic but can “chill” with the fam. They’re smart, making them easy to train relative to some other breeds. They’ve got an incredible sense of humor, and they’re quite empathetic and intuitive! These are all excellent reasons to choose a Goldendoodle to add to your family.
Conclusion for Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle
The Australian Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are very similar dogs. However, there is some difference that you should account for before you make a purchase. The Goldendoodle tends to have a softer coat and is definitely the more popular dog breed throughout the United States. However, the Australian Labradoodle is generally more nonshedding and more hypoallergenic since they are bred over several generations. You can’t go wrong with either Doodle breed, but choose one that fits your lifestyle best!
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Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.