Dog lover searching to bring a new friend back home? Two of the most popular breeds that people wish to get as pets are mini Labradoodles and mini Goldendoodles.
You should consider the similarities and differences between these breeds before settling on one or the other and beginning your quest for the ideal puppy. Which dog breed would be ideal for a family that loves hiking and camping?
If you are stuck between choosing one of the two, you’ve come to the right place! Luckily for you, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about a mini Goldendoodle versus a Mini Labradoodle, as well as all their key features and differences.
1. What is a Mini Labradoodle?
Mini Labradoodles result from the Labrador Retriever and Poodle breeding together. These little dogs were first bred around the 1950s with the intention of producing a pet who can act as both a service dog and a hypoallergenic guide for their owners.
Along with mini Goldendoodles, the Labradoodles are also one of the most popular breeds and are well-known by everyone. Mini Labradoodles carry many similar traits to the Labrador Retriever. Not only are they smart, but these dogs have a sweet personality and don’t require much maintenance, especially when cleaning up the hair they shed!
Suppose you’re looking for a dog who can quickly become a part of your family and who is capable of becoming an emotional support/therapy dog and well-behaved and loving. In that case, it doesn’t get much better than a mini Labradoodle!
2. What is a Mini Goldendoodle?
On the other hand, we have mini Goldendoodles, a crossbreed between the beloved Golden Retriever and Poodle. Both dogs require to be bred with the use of a mini Poodle to create a smaller-sized pet. Mini goldendoodle breeders first emerged around the 1960s, and the dog has risen in popularity worldwide.
Like mini Labradoodles, these dogs were also bred to serve many of the same purposes, such as becoming guide dogs and hypoallergenic family members. In addition, Labradoodles have a personality that is hard to resist. They are playful and loving creatures who love the outdoors and carry some of the best traits from the parent Golden Retriever and Poodle.
Today, mini Goldendoodles are praised for not only their intelligence but also because they are great social creatures who get along with just about everyone! Furthermore, in addition to looking adorable, Goldendoodles also have kind and affectionate personalities. This is why they are well-suited to be guide dogs for those who need support.
3. Key Features of a Mini Labradoodle
Now that we’ve given you a brief idea about what these two breeds are, it’s time to take an in-depth look at the key features these two dogs possess, starting with mini Labradoodles.
● Color
Firstly, mini Labradoodles come in a variety of different colors depending on their genetics. Chocolate, red, white, brown, black, and silver are some of the colors these dogs can be found in. They may also have more than one color on their body.
● Coat Type
The coat of a mini Labradoodle tends to be short and wiry and doesn’t shed much hair, either.
● Weight & Height
As for their size, these dogs are medium-sized, with the average weight of a mini Labradoodle being around 15-20 pounds, and they can reach up to 16 inches in height.
● Price
When becoming dog parents for the first time, you also need to consider the expenses, as a mini labradoodle can cost you about $1000-$2500 or more!
● Lifespan
Dogs are considered a long-term commitment, and mini Labradoodles can live up to 10-15 years if treated properly.
● Activities & Intelligence
Additionally, mini Labradoodles are loyal and intelligent creatures who love making friends and playing. Although they aren’t considered high maintenance, they are highly energetic, making it necessary for them to get regular exercise!
● Health & Diet
Their diet depends on how big they grow, and they might experience health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, PRA, and Addison’s disease. These dogs will also need to participate in outdoor activities to maintain good health, such as outdoor walks and playing in parks. Swimming is also great for them.
4. Key Features of a Mini Goldendoodle
Now, let’s talk about mini Goldendoodles, which share many of the same traits as the Labradoodle.
● Height & Weight
The Goldendoodle is a comparatively big dog that can reach heights of about 16-19 inches and weigh around 20-30 pounds.
● Health & Diet
The amount of food they require will depend on how big they grow. They can also encounter health issues such as hip dysplasia, PRA, skin conditions, cancer, and epilepsy.
● Lifespan
You can expect them to live around 10-15 years if they are treated right and given plenty of water, food, and other necessary treatments.
● Coat Type
Their coats are usually straight/curly, but neither type sheds much hair.
● Color
Black, white, golden, silver, and red are some of the colors these dogs are available in.
● Activities & Intelligence
Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and require plenty of exercise and outdoor activities such as walking and swimming. These dogs are known for how much they love and wish to please their owners. They are intelligent, proven by their use as guide dogs for some owners.
● Price
As for the price, the Goldendoodle will cost you around the same, about $1000-$2500 or more.
5. Key Differential Points between Mini Labradoodle and Mini Goldendoodle
Mini Labradoodle versus mini Goldendoodle, which one is the best for me? To find the answer to this question, we must look at some key differential points between the two breeds.
● Size, Weight, and Appearance
Firstly, mini Goldendoodles are the bigger breed, as they can grow taller and weigh more than mini Labradoodles. There are also toy Goldendoodles that are much smaller in height and weight if you want a smaller-sized Goldendoodle. Speaking of appearances, Labradoodles can be bred in more colors than Goldendoodles, such as blue.
● Diet, Nutrition, and Care
Goldendoodles may also require more grooming due to their larger coats. As for their diets and nutritional needs, both dogs are almost identical and require food depending on their size.
● Domestic Life
Mini Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are terrific family pets. Both are smart and trainable. Both are active, but the Goldendoodle is more likely to play more games with you, such as fetch. Goldendoodles’ are also more outgoing and playful than Labradoodles.
● How Friendly or Aggressive Are They?
Labradoodles are shyer and tend to be more loyal to their owners, while Goldendoodles become instant friends with anyone! Both dogs are good-natured and will rarely show any signs of aggression. Give them plenty of exercises, so they don’t start showing behavioral issues.
● Health Factors
Like any breed, these dogs can develop health issues. Hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin irritations plague Labradoodles. Hip dysplasia, cataracts, allergies, and epilepsy affect Goldendoodles more. That being said, most of these canines live to a ripe old age without health issues.
● Training
Training is also a big variable when choosing a dog to bring home. The Labradoodle is the best dog to choose if you want to train it to be a service dog, like a seeing-eye dog. The Goldendoodle is the superior breed to choose if you train your dog to visit regularly with children or the elderly. Because of their intelligence, both of these breeds are simple to teach.
Why Should You Keep a Pet Mini Labradoodle or Mini Goldendoodle?
By now, you must have noticed that these two breeds share more similarities than differences. They are both great additions for single households or families. Nevertheless, you still need to pick one between the two, so let’s get to it!
Mini Goldendoodles are considered to be more energetic and hyper than Labradoodles. So if you are looking for a more relaxed pet, then a mini Labradoodle is the one for you.
In contrast, a busy household will instantly click with a mini Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles also require more grooming and are a bit bigger, requiring more space and food.
Mini Goldendoodle and mini Labradoodle both make great family dogs and have identical traits that make them both low maintenance for their owners. On the other hand, Mini Labradoodles are protective and loyal, which are perfect traits if you want a guide or emotional support/therapy dog. Goldendoodles, however, make better companions with children and are very patient animals that will brighten any outdoor activity, whether hiking or going on a short walk.
Key Takeaways
At the end of the day, these dogs are pretty similar, so if you have your heart set on a dog of either breed, don’t hesitate to listen to your heart.
After all, before bringing your new puppy into your house, you want to be sure that you’ve made the proper decision. Whichever you pick, you’ll be rewarded with the cutest, most gregarious little canine pal that cannot help but brighten the day of everyone around them.
