Are you a dog lover who lives in an apartment or small dwelling? Make your next companion a Mini Golden Doodle or Mini Labradoodle. Mini Doodles are the sweetest and most adorable little dogs.
In fact, they’re so popular Hollywood stars who live in huge mansions with plenty of space are clamoring for them.
People often get these dogs confused and think they’re the same. Although they are quite similar in many ways, the Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle are two breeds that are quite different. Let’s compare their traits to help you decide which one is right for you.
Mini Labradoodle VS Mini Goldendoodle Genetics
Lineage is the key to understanding the differences between the Mini Goldendoodle and the Mini Labradoodle. Both are hybrids (mixed breeds). The Mini Goldendoodle is created by breeding a Toy or Miniature Poodle with a Golden Retriever and a Mini Labradoodle is a cross between a Toy or Miniature Poodle with a Labrador Retriever.
Poodles, Labs, and Golden Retrievers are all very popular breeds. Poodles are loved for their athletic bodies, high energy level, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coats. Labs have retriever traits and are laidback, loving, and loyal. Hybrid breeding allows these desirable traits from the parent Lab, Golden Retriever, and Poodle to a different dog breed.
By using a Toy or Miniature Poodle, the result is a dog smaller than the Standard Poodle. (There is really no such thing as a Toy or Miniature Lab or Golden Retriever.)
Crossing two breeds also results in a healthier dog and a longer lifespan. Generally, smaller dogs live longer than larger ones. Labs and Golden Retrievers have lifespans of 10-12 years. Standard Poodles may live to age 15. Expect your Mini Doodle to live about 15 years or perhaps a little longer.
Like any dog breed, these dogs are at risk for certain genetically inherited health conditions. The Goldendoodle is vulnerable to hip dysplasia, allergies, epilepsy, and cataracts. The most common risks for the Labradoodle include hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin irritations.
Mini Labradoodle VS Mini Goldendoodle Size
Both of these dogs are classified as medium-sized dog breeds. However, there are some slight differences. Of the two, the Mini Labradoodle will weigh slightly more than the Mini Goldendoodle since a Lab is generally heavier than a Retriever. The average weight of a Mini Goldendoodle is between 15 and 35 lbs and a Mini Labradoodle may weigh up to 40 lbs.
Mini Labradoodles are a little shorter than Mini Goldendoodles with an average height of between 13 and 20 ins while the Mini Goldendoodles have an average height of 14-21 ins. Keep in mind that heights and weights vary from dog to dog, and males are generally larger than females.
Mini Labradoodle VS Mini Goldendoodle Coat
Both the Goldendoodle and the Mini Labradoodle inherit a low-shedding coat from the Poodle. This makes both a good choice for allergy sufferers. Both will require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles and regular haircuts to maintain their coats. Depending on personal preference and the climate where you live, both should get clipped 2-4 times a year.
Since the Labrador Retriever parent has coarser fur than the Golden Retriever, the Mini Labradoodle will have shorter, wirier coats similar to a Terrier. The Mini Goldendoodle will have a slightly softer coat since the Retriever parent has longer hair than the Lab parent. The Mini Goldendoodle’s coat will also tend to be curly.
Labradoodles have a more extensive color range than the Goldendoodle. Color depends on genetics. Labradoodles may be any one of the following colors. Many of them come from the Poodle parent.
- Black
- Chocolate
- White
- Silver
- Reddish
- Cream
- Apricot
- Parti (mixed)
Goldendoodles come in fewer colors and include golden, brown, reddish, cream, and apricot, and parti.
Mini Goldendoodle VS Mini Labradoodle Temperment
Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Labradoodles make great family pets. Both are intelligent and easily trained. They’re both moderately energetic, but the Goldendoodle is a little more active and more likely to be up for a game of fetch. Goldendoodles are a little more outgoing and playful than the Labradoodle who inherits a laidback personality from the Lab parent.
Labradoodles are more reserved and tend to be more loyal to their “person” while Goldendoodles seem to never meet a stranger.
Both are good-natured and are rarely aggressive. Remember, temperament depends a lot on how a dog is treated. Neither are recommended as guard dogs but both will bark when they feel that their human is being threatened. Labradoodles tend to be a little more protective than Goldendoodles. Neither of them are lap dogs and need regular exercise to avoid behavioral issues.
Final Thoughts
Since a Goldendoodle is a little more energetic than a Labradoodle, they make great pets for more active people. The Labradoodle needs regular exercise but may be able to do with a little less. Labradoodles will fare better than Goldendoodles when left alone. Both will enjoy retrieving games both on land and water.
It is also always worth considering a reputable breeder over just grabbing whatever miniature Goldendoodle or Labradoodle you see online from backyard breeders. Do your research and help keep the industry on the up and up.
The Labradoodle’s loyalty and dedication to its owner make it a better guide dog or emotional support dog. Goldendoodles are a bit more patient around children. Both are easily trained and make excellent family pets.