Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and Poodles are good breeds to consider when you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family. These are bigger dogs that are known for being hypoallergenic. This is great if you’re an allergy sufferer, or you’re living with one and really want a dog. These are intelligent dogs with soft, curly fur. They make great exercise companions because they require activities to burn off extra energy. They also make loving companions that want to spend time with their people. With different breeds comes different physical features and personality traits. Knowing the characteristics of each breed makes selecting the perfect dog for your household easy.
General Appearance
Out of the three breeds, the Labradoodle is typically the largest. Labradoodles grow to be around 22-24 inches and weigh 50-65 pounds. Poodles and Goldendoodles are a bit closer in size. On average, they are about five inches shorter than the Labradoodle. However, Poodles tend to be about fifteen pounds heavier than Goldendoodles. There isn’t a huge difference in size, but if you prefer big dogs, you might want to go with a Labradoodle. If you prefer small dogs, there are miniature versions of these breeds.
Coat Type
Poodles have a curly, wiry coat. It is thick and dense. Poodles can be white, silver, black, black and tan, brown, blue, or red. Their coat doesn’t shed a lot, so this is a good breed for a dog that will spend lots of time inside. Labradoodles have longer, wavy hair that can be silky or wiry. This breed has the most color variations of the three breeds. This includes black, blue, brindle, red, golden, white, and silver, among other colors. Labradoodles also make good inside dogs because they don’t shed much. Goldendoodles have a coat that is similar to the coat of the Labradoodle, but it is shorter, silkier, and more water repellent. It comes in fewer colors than the Labradoodle. Its colors include white, yellow, red, brown, black, and grey. This breed doesn’t shed much, but it does shed a little more than the Poodle and Labradoodle. When it comes to grooming your dog, Poodles and Goldendoodles require rather frequent grooming. Labradoodles also require grooming, but not as often. When choosing a breed, think about if you will have the time or money for frequent grooming.
Health Concerns
All dog breeds have some associated health risks. With Poodles and Poodle crosses, like the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle, they are at a higher risk for hip and elbow dysplasia. This means that the bones don’t create a proper fit with the joints. With Poodles, you’ll want to watch out for inflammatory skin diseases, epilepsy, and adrenal gland dysfunction. With Labradoodles, hypothyroidism and bloat is a concern. Goldendoodles are especially prone to blood clotting disorders. Also, even though these dogs don’t typically cause an allergic response in humans, they are susceptible to food and environmental allergies. These conditions are more prevalent in these breeds, but proper breeding and care can prevent many diseases. Good breeders understand how pure bred dogs like Poodles, and cross breeds like Labradoodles and Goldendoodles need to be bred in order to eliminate fatal genetic conditions.