Is the English Springer Spaniel or the Labradoodle better for families with children?

Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Labradoodle are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Labradoodle?

The English Springer Spaniel and Labradoodle shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the English Springer Spaniel or the Labradoodle?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is English Springer Spaniel or Labradoodle bigger?

Labradoodle is the larger breed; English Springer Spaniel is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, English Springer Spaniel or Labradoodle?

English Springer Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Labradoodle is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, English Springer Spaniel or Labradoodle?

For apartment or apartment living, English Springer Spaniel and Labradoodle are an even match — either can work well.

English Springer Spaniel vs Labradoodle: Which Is Quieter?

English Springer Spaniel vs Labradoodle: full comparison

Trait	English Springer Spaniel	Labradoodle
Size	Medium	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	Very High
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Labradoodle is a larger dog than the English Springer Spaniel, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The English Springer Spaniel is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Labradoodle is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The English Springer Spaniel requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Labradoodle requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The English Springer Spaniel wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Labradoodle wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Springer Spaniel is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Labradoodle is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, English Springer Spaniel is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Labradoodle is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, English Springer Spaniel and Labradoodle are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, English Springer Spaniel and Labradoodle are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Labradoodle has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Labradoodle has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, English Springer Spaniel and Labradoodle are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the English Springer Spaniel if you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Labradoodle if you want a more adaptable dog, you prefer a quieter dog, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Springer Spaniel or the Labradoodle better for families with children?: Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Labradoodle are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Labradoodle?: The English Springer Spaniel and Labradoodle shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the English Springer Spaniel or the Labradoodle?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is English Springer Spaniel or Labradoodle bigger?: Labradoodle is the larger breed; English Springer Spaniel is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, English Springer Spaniel or Labradoodle?: English Springer Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Labradoodle is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, English Springer Spaniel or Labradoodle?: For apartment or apartment living, English Springer Spaniel and Labradoodle are an even match — either can work well.

English Springer Spaniel vs Labradoodle