Dog breed comparison
Poodle vs Labradoodle
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Labradoodle is the bigger breed, about 9 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Poodle | Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Hybrid Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Height | From 10 to over 22 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 6 to 70 pounds | 50 to 65 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 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.
Easy to groom
The Labradoodle is easier to groom than the Poodle.
Copes alone
The Labradoodle copes better when left alone than the Poodle.
Shedding
The Labradoodle sheds more than the Poodle.
Apartment living
The Poodle copes better in an apartment than the Labradoodle.
General health
The Labradoodle tends to have fewer health problems than the Poodle.
Energy
The Labradoodle has more energy than the Poodle.
Which to choose
Poodle or Labradoodle?
Choose the Poodle if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
Choose the Labradoodle if…
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
Questions.
Is the Poodle or the Labradoodle bigger, and which lives longer?
The Labradoodle is the bigger breed, about 9 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Poodle or the Labradoodle?
The Poodle is generally easier to train than the Labradoodle. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Poodle or the Labradoodle?
The Poodle is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Labradoodle can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Poodle sheds less than the Labradoodle. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
