Is the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever better for families with children?

Both the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever?

The Labrador Retriever sheds more than the Goldendoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Goldendoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever?

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

Is Goldendoodle or Labrador Retriever bigger?

Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Goldendoodle or Labrador Retriever?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Goldendoodle or Labrador Retriever?

For apartment or apartment living, Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever are an even match — either can work well.

Goldendoodle vs Labrador Retriever: Which Sheds Less?

Goldendoodle vs Labrador Retriever: full comparison

Trait	Goldendoodle	Labrador Retriever
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	High	Low
Shedding	Low	High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Very High	Very High
Typical lifespan	13 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Goldendoodle has noticeably higher grooming than the Labrador Retriever.
The Labrador Retriever has noticeably higher shedding than the Goldendoodle.

Size and living space

The Goldendoodle is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Labrador Retriever is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Goldendoodle needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Labrador Retriever needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Goldendoodle needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds very little. The Labrador Retriever needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Goldendoodle is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Goldendoodle is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Labrador Retriever is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Goldendoodle is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Labrador Retriever is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Goldendoodle has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Goldendoodle if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Labrador Retriever if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever better for families with children?: Both the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever?: The Labrador Retriever sheds more than the Goldendoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Goldendoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Goldendoodle or the Labrador Retriever?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Goldendoodle or Labrador Retriever bigger?: Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Goldendoodle or Labrador Retriever?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Goldendoodle or Labrador Retriever?: For apartment or apartment living, Goldendoodle and Labrador Retriever are an even match — either can work well.

Goldendoodle vs Labrador Retriever