Goldendoodles, and bernedoodles, and labradoodles… oh my! It seems like there are enough “doodles” and “poos” to make your head spin. What’s the difference? To make your job a little simpler, we’ve done the research and have our findings laid out in a simple side-by-side comparison below.
Keep in mind that all of these statements are about the breeds generally, and could always vary depending on the specific dog! All doodles are part poodle, and poodles’ temperaments, while known for intelligence, can range from extremely outgoing and people-oriented to much more independent and cautious; bearing this in mind, we recommend always seeking out a breeder who selects their parent dogs for personality and breeds for excellent temperament, regardless of what kind of doodle you end up going with!
Goldendoodles
Type: Golden Retriever crossed with Poodle
Personality: Eager to please, social, snuggly, intelligent
Trainability: Due to their intelligence and adoration of their human companions, goldendoodles are highly trainable, loving the mental stimulation and opportunity to please their people
Coat: Typically curly or wavy, goldendoodle coats with at least one copy of Furnishing gene offer low-shedding and allergy-friendly properties. Colors can vary, though they often will come in cream to apricot and may have white markings or parti, dependent upon bloodline.
Suitable For: Families seeking a naturally patient and loving pet, first-time pet parents, those seeking a people-oriented companion, those with children of all ages
Labradoodles
Type: Labrador Retriever crossed with Poodle
Personality: Independent, active, intelligent
Trainability: Similar to goldendoodles, labradoodles are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable compared to other breeds
Coat: Coats come in “fleece” or “wool”, similar to goldendoodles’ “curly” or “wavy”. They also boast the potential for low-shedding and general allergy-friendliness, so long as they have a copy of the Furnishing gene. Their coats often come in solid colors, but also have a variety.
Suitable For: Families seeking an eager-to-please, energetic, yet independent pet. Like goldendoodles, they enjoy making friends and may serve as more of a greeter than a guard dog
Bernedoodles
Type: Bernese Mountain Dog crossed with Poodle
Personality: Somewhat lower energy, slightly more cautious around new people
Trainability: Bernedoodles have the poodle intelligence, but may be best suited for owners experienced with training pets, due to potentially requiring more patience as they learn
Coat: Similar in required maintenance to other doodles, the bernedoodle coat may be a little flashier, with these fluffballs often boasting tricolor markings, or other interesting color combinations
Suitable For: Those willing to dedicate perhaps a little more time and energy to training, compared to goldendoodles or labradoodles. Coat colors may also be a primary priority for bernedoodle owners
Key Takeaways
Whatever breed you decide to go with, socialization as a puppy is crucial. Some experts refer to the first 12 weeks of a puppy’s life as the “critical socialization period” because their experiences at that age have such an impact on who they are as adult dogs. So, find a reputable breeder that handles their puppies frequently, intentionally exposes them to lots of sights and sounds, introduces them to people of all ages, and raises the puppies in their home – rather than risking a lack of socialization by banishing their dogs and puppies to “kennels” or barns where they will likely be exposed to much less of everyday life, posing a potential lack of socialization.
At Cozy Cove, our puppies are always raised with intentional socialization, plus get an enormous head-start from being in our home with our family, hearing the sounds of our infant playing, experiencing the excitement of friends knocking on the door, meeting neighbor children, and much more. These puppies come knowing what it is like to be loved by people!
If that interests you, reach out to savannah@cozycovegoldendoodles.com and find out more!
Regarding Goldendoodles
We’re just going to say it: we love goldendoodles! We’ll cheer you on as you select whatever breed is the best fit for you and your family, but of all the dogs we’ve owned or met, to us, mini English goldendoodles are a step above the rest!
Their temperaments often are just what owners and families seek in a companion dog, and their versatility allows them to fit right in to almost every setting – from joining you on long hikes, to snuggling next to you on the couch, goldendoodles are up for just about any adventure, whether grandiose or just everyday life. We adore their sweet dispositions, tendency to be great with kids (especially if they come from a breeder that takes the time to socialize them well!), eagerness to please, friendly attitudes, and – cherry on top – their adorable faces! Goldendoodles have stolen our hearts! If they have stolen yours too, reach out to savannah@cozycovegoldendoodles.com and find out how to bring one home!
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