When looking at the retriever breeds, most people gravitate toward the Golden Retriever and Golden mixed breeds like the Goldendoodle. Golden Retrievers and their mixed breeds make fantastic pets for beginners and seasoned dog owners alike. They have a quality about them that makes it feel like they complete the home. But, how do you know if you want a purebred Golden Retriever or a Goldendoodle? Today we will look at the differences and similarities in the Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever to help you decide which is the better match for your lifestyle.
But before we begin, think about your lifestyle and needs. Find out what is more relevant to you and what you can financially afford. Make a list and see which breed meets those requirements by the end of reading this article.
Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever:
Temperament
- A dog’s temperament is determined by the genetics passed down from generations of good breeding and what the dog was bred for. Both the Goldendoodle and Golden Retriever have very similar temperaments. Both love to play and are highly energetic. Yet, they are cuddly and mellow natured. They are very intuitive to feelings and emotions, which makes them great for families with kids or other pets. In general, a Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle are loyal and willing to please.
- The Golden Retriever is also highly intelligent, but the Goldendoodle has beat it by a hair in the ranking according to the Goldendoodle Association of North America. This intelligence level is because the Goldendoodle is mixed with another highly intelligent dog, the Poodle. This combination has made the Goldendoodle slightly superior though it does not mean that the Goldendoodle is easier to train by any means.
Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever:
Training And Exercise
- Both breeds are also very similar in this case. Since both breeds are intelligent and eager to please, it makes them great candidates for training. The Goldendoodle and Golden Retriever alike have been great dogs for service and emotional support animals. They learn fast and usually love the training itself just as if it were a game.
- In fact, both breeds do well when you start training at a young age and treat it like a game. The Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle love to make their owners happy. So rewards with a treat or a special toy accompanied by a, “Who’s the best doggie in the whole world?” can work wonders on the speed of training.
- Part of the training for both breeds is proper exercise. Both breeds will need to have at least two walks a day that lasts about an hour. This exercise is to help them burn energy and keep their minds sharp and focused. A dog or puppy with too much energy will be too excited to focus on tasks. In addition to these walks, they will need one on one playtime daily to prevent them from becoming bored. Boredom in dogs leads to chewing everything in sight and unwanted behaviors.
Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever:
Grooming
- When it comes to grooming, this is where the breeds will differ the most. Since Goldendoodles are mixed with a Poodle, it means that there is a lot of maintenance and money that goes into grooming. But, this is because Goldendoodles do not shed. They are considered a hypoallergenic dog because they do not shed their hair like a Golden Retriever does. Which is one of the reasons this Doodle mix has come about?
- A Goldendoodle can have a curly, straight, or wavy coat. The curly the coat is, the less it will shed. Curly coated Doodles should be brushed daily to prevent mats and tangles. Wavy coats can go every couple of days before needing a proper brushing, while the straight coat will require brushing once a week.
- Goldendoodles will also need to have more regular trips to a professional groomer for a hair trim or cut. This trip to the salon is a necessity every 8-12 weeks to prevent mats, tangles, and to give them a good bath too. These regular trips cost more than a Golden Retriever because it is not typical to cut a Retriever’s hair as a Goldendoodle will need. This matting is very painful to a dog and will result in a very close shave as the only way to fix the problem.
- Golden Retrievers require very little grooming. They do shed more than a Goldendoodle, so it is recommended to brush them with a slicker brush at least once a week. Bathing should be done at least once a month or as needed when dirty. Most grooming for a Golden Retriever can be done at home, though it is not unheard of to take a Retriever to the groomer every 8-12 weeks for a quick groom.
Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever:
Size and Lifespan
- Goldendoodles come in three size varieties depending on the size of the parents used. A Golden Retriever female can be bred with three sizes of available male Poodles to create a miniature, small standard, or large standard Goldendoodle.
- Miniature sizes range from 13-20 inches tall and 15-35 pounds.
- Small standards range from 17-20 inches tall and 40-50 pounds.
- Large standards can be anywhere between 20-24 inches tall and 50-90 pounds.
- Golden Retrievers only come in one recognized size and range from 21.5-24 inches tall and weigh 55-75 pounds and are considered a medium-sized dog.
- The life span of a Goldendoodle can range from 10-15 years, depending on the size of the dog. Typically the miniature breeds live a longer life than the large standards. The lifespan of a Golden Retriever is 10-12 years with good breeding and proper diet and exercise.
Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever:
Medical Concerns
- When looking at common medical concerns, it is essential to remember that not every dog in these breeds will have these ailments. It just means that they are prone to getting them more than other breeds, or that it is more common in these breeds than others. You can help reduce the likelihood of your dog getting these medical conditions by choosing a reputable breeder who can show you the family history of the parents. You can also select a breeder that does genetic testing on their puppies to show the likelihood of them becoming sick. Another way you can prevent most disease is by maintaining proper weight, diet, and physical activity throughout your dog’s life.
- Common medical conditions for the Golden Retriever are hip dysplasia, cataracts, heart disease, and cancer. These are also very common in Goldendoodles since one parent is a Golden Retriever as well. Goldendoodles are also prone to getting Addison’s disease and skin diseases as well that are common on the Poodle side.
Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever
Retriever: Price
- Goldendoodles are in high demand. The average cost is $800 – $1500 and available almost anywhere. Golden Retrievers can cost anywhere from $500-$3,000. This range in price depends on location, breed size, age of the dog, and how high of a demand your breeder has for these puppies. Typically the lower the cost of the dog, the less testing and breeding standards are put into creating these litters. The most expensive dogs come with papers, DNA testing, and pristine and careful breeding procedures.
- If you have your heart set on a Goldendoodle or Golden Retriever but can’t afford a breeder’s price, look into adoption! Check your local shelters and rescues to see if they have any Goldendoodles or Golden Retrievers available. Many of these breeds are surrendered every year because people do not have the time or capability of taking care of them the way that they need. Adoption prices are always much lower than breeders, and you will be giving a loving dog a forever home.
- The only downside of adopting is that you never know precisely what you are going to get. If you get a mixed breed, you can’t be 100% certain it is a Goldendoodle without DNA testing. You also will never know the medical history or parental medical history for future use. But, these dogs are just as loving and deserving of a home as any other dog.
In Conclusion:
Goldendoodles and Golden Retrievers are both fantastic and loyal dogs. They are great with change, families, pets, and strangers. They all want to love, and to please you. Choosing the right breed can be very tricky. And with so many options available, there is no one right way to get a dog. There are many pros and cons of both breeds, but choosing which one all depends on your needs and lifestyle. If you are looking at getting a Goldendoodle or a Golden Retriever, spend some time with one today. Maybe just being around them will help you make your final decision. We hope we have answered some questions in the meantime!
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
