Dog breed comparison
Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Goldendoodle tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Goldendoodle | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hybrid Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 50 to 90 pounds | 55 to 75 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Shedding
The Golden Retriever sheds more than the Goldendoodle.
Drooling
The Golden Retriever drools more than the Goldendoodle.
Easy to groom
The Goldendoodle is easier to groom than the Golden Retriever.
Copes alone
The Goldendoodle copes better when left alone than the Golden Retriever.
Energy
The Golden Retriever has more energy than the Goldendoodle.
Easy to train
The Golden Retriever is easier to train than the Goldendoodle.
Which to choose
Goldendoodle or Golden Retriever?
Choose the Goldendoodle if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
Choose the Golden Retriever if…
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
Questions.
Is the Goldendoodle or the Golden Retriever bigger, and which lives longer?
The Goldendoodle tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Goldendoodle or the Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever is generally easier to train than the Goldendoodle. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Goldendoodle or the Golden Retriever?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Goldendoodle sheds less than the Golden Retriever. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
