Introduction
If you're a dog lover, chances are you've heard of the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle. These adorable breeds, known for their intelligence and friendly nature, are popular choices among families and individuals alike. But when it comes to choosing between an Australian Labradoodle versus a Goldendoodle, which breed is better? Let's delve into the characteristics of these two breeds to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Breeds
Before we compare these two breeds, let's understand what they are. A Labradoodle is a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, while a Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Both breeds were initially bred to be hypoallergenic guide dogs.
The Australian Labradoodle is slightly different from the standard Labradoodle as it includes more than just Labrador and Poodle genes. It also includes genes from the Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever, or English and American Cocker Spaniels.
Temperament: Australian Labradoodles vs Goldendoodles
Both Australian Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are known for their friendly nature and intelligence. They are great with children and other pets, making them perfect family dogs. However, there are slight differences in their temperaments.
Qualities of an Australian Labradoodle: extremely clever, sociable, comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet when handled. Additionally, they display intuition about the emotional state of family members or their handlers; thus making them excellent dogs for service or special needs.. On the other hand, Goldendoodles are considered designer dogs. They are very generally very friendly. They are a hybrid dog and therefore their traits are not as predictable as their multigenerational counter parts. Goldendoodles have been know to be therapy dogs because of their generally friendly nature. Goldendoodles can be more laid back but still enjoy regular walks or play sessions.
Both breeds are highly trainable due to their intelligence but may display stubbornness at times. Early socialization and training can help manage this behavior.
Physical Characteristics
When comparing physical characteristics of an Australian Labradoodle versus a Goldendoodle, both breeds come in a variety of sizes, including miniature, medium, and standard. Goldendoodles are larger than Australian Labradoodles.
Australian Labradoodles have a slightly more athletic build compared to Goldendoodles. Their coats can be curly or wavy and come in a wide range of colors. Goldendoodles also have curly or wavy coats but are often lighter in color, typically cream to golden. Some Goldendoodles have beards and some do not. Australian Labradoodles have beards and hair that grows very long.
Health and Lifespan
Both Australian Labradoodles and Goldendoodles can be prone to certain health problems. . Australian Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are generally healthy breeds with a few breed-specific health issues. Australian Labradoodles suffer from ear infections, skin issues and PRA Progressive Renal Atrophy. Goldendoodles struggle with elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Looking at the parent breeds of both the Australian Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle we can see some notable differences. According to a study on Cancer in specific breeds, cancer is very prevalent in the Golden-retriever and could contribute to smaller lifespans in Goldendoodles vs. the Australian Labradoodle. The average lifespan for both breeds is around 10-16 years, depending on their size and overall health. Looking at their life spans in more detail, the Australian Labradoodle lives an average of 13 to 16 years, while the Goldendoodle lives an average of 12 to 15 years. Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet can help ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life.
Maintenance: Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle
One of the main reasons people choose these breeds is their hypoallergenic coats that shed less than other breeds. However, this doesn't mean they are maintenance-free.
Australian Labradoodles require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. This includes brushing at least once a week to prevent matting and regular trims every 8-12 weeks.
Goldendoodles also require regular grooming but may need more frequent brushing if they have a curlier coat. Goldendoodles are generally hybrids so they are more likely to have a double coat. Double coated dogs can experience more shedding. Like Australian Labradoodles, they also benefit from regular trims.
Conclusion: Which Breed is Better?
When it comes to choosing between an Australian Labradoodle versus a Goldendoodle, there's no clear winner as both breeds make excellent pets. The decision largely depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Doing more research on both breeds would be a good way to make that decision. No matter what doodle you choose, make sure it is from a breeder that knows the breed and tests for the major health concerns in the breed. If you need an allergy friendly dog, make sure the breeder can talk about the coats of their dogs and provide testing to show the coat type of the parent dogs.
Remember, regardless of the breed you choose, owning a dog is a big responsibility. Ensure you're ready to provide the necessary care and attention your new furry friend will need.
References below Dobson JM. Breed-predispositions to cancer in pedigree dogs. ISRN Vet Sci. 2013 Jan 17;2013:941275. doi: 10.1155/2013/941275. PMID: 23738139; PMCID: PMC3658424.
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