How to Choose Between a Goldendoodle and a Golden Retriever Puppy

It’s always exciting when your family decides to welcome a furry friend into your home! But then the question is: What kind of puppy? 

Choosing the right dog for your household is an exciting decision! Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles are two of the most popular family-friendly dog breeds today. They’re both well-known for their sweet personalities, loyalty, and affectionate nature. So which one do you choose? There are some key differences that can help you determine which pup is the best match for your lifestyle.

Below, we’ll compare these breeds and highlight the key factors you should consider before welcoming your new best friend home.

What’s the Difference Between Goldendoodle vs Golden Retriever Puppies?

Takeaways:

• Golden Retrievers are purebred, friendly, and consistent in temperament—great for families wanting a classic, reliable companion.

• Goldendoodles are a Golden Retriever–Poodle mix. They have more variation in coat, shedding, and size, plus potential for lower shedding.

Golden Retrievers are a purebred sporting breed originally developed to assist with retrieving game. They have friendly personalities, easygoing nature, and eagerness to please. These pups are a fantastic match for families, active households, and anyone looking for a loyal, trainable companion.

Goldendoodles, on the other hand, are a hybrid breed created by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle. The Poodle influence brings traits like increased intelligence, reduced shedding for some dogs, and a variety of size options.

Golden Retrievers have a consistent appearance and temperament, since they’re purebred. Goldendoodles, however, can vary when it comes to coat texture, shedding levels, and size. It all depends on their generation and parentage.

How are Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles Similar?

Despite their differences, these two breeds share a lot of similarities:

• Both are affectionate, social dogs who love spending time with their families.

• Both are intelligent and trainable, making them great for first-time dog owners or households with kids.

• Both enjoy being active, whether it’s hiking, playing fetch, or running around the yard.

• Both are excellent family dogs, known for patience, gentleness, and companionship.

If you’re looking for a loving, people-oriented dog, you truly can’t go wrong with either breed!

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Between a Goldendoodle and a Golden Retriever?

Key takeaways:

• Golden Retrievers are calm, steady, and classic family dogs; Goldendoodles tend to be more energetic, playful, and variable.

• Goldendoodles typically require more grooming, while Golden Retrievers shed more and need regular brushing.

• Both breeds are intelligent and trainable, but Goldendoodles may need extra mental stimulation due to high energy levels.

Let’s dive into the differences below!

Temperament

Golden Retrievers are famously friendly, stable, and eager to please. They tend to be predictable in their behavior, making them wonderful family companions and excellent dogs for kids.

Goldendoodles share many of these traits, but their Poodle genetics can add a slightly more energetic or “silly” edge. They are often playful, people-focused, and highly intelligent. Many families love the fun, goofy personality Goldendoodles bring to the home.

In short:

• Golden Retriever: calm, steady, classic family dog vibe

• Goldendoodle: energetic, playful, fun-loving personality with a bit more variation

Allergies 

Many families choose Goldendoodles for reduced shedding and reduced allergy risk. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, many Goldendoodles shed less than Golden Retrievers because of their Poodle lineage.

In a survey of Goldendoodle-owner parents, 18% said they chose the breed because of the allergy-friendly and non-shedding coat!

Golden Retrievers are moderate to heavy shedders year-round and may not be ideal for allergy-sensitive households.

Important reminder:

• Shedding levels vary between individual Goldendoodles, especially depending on their generation (F1, F1B, etc.) and coat type.

• Spending time with a Goldendoodle before bringing one home can help you understand how you react if you’re allergic to pets.

Grooming

Golden Retrievers have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes. They need regular brushing—often several times a week—to keep their coat healthy and reduce loose fur around the home.

Goldendoodles have more variety in coat types (wavy, curly, or straight).

• Curly coats tend to shed the least but require frequent grooming and professional trims every 6–8 weeks.

• Wavy coats shed lightly to moderately and need consistent brushing to prevent matting.

Quick comparison:

• Golden Retriever: more shedding, less trimming

• Goldendoodle: less shedding, more maintenance

Training

Both breeds are incredibly intelligent and respond well to training.

Golden Retrievers tend to be extremely eager to please, making them easy to train even for first-time dog owners.

Goldendoodles inherit intelligence from both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever, so they typically learn quickly as well. However, because their energy levels can be a bit higher, consistent training and mental stimulation are important.

Both thrive with positive reinforcement, early socialization, and daily interaction.

Size

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), adult male Golden Retrievers typically weigh 65–75 pounds. Adult females weigh 55–65 pounds.

Goldendoodles offer more variety:

• Standard Goldendoodle: ~45–80 pounds

• Mini Goldendoodle: ~20–35 pounds

• Toy Goldendoodle: ~10–20 pounds

This sizing flexibility is one of the reasons many families choose a Goldendoodle—they fit more lifestyles and living situations.

Exercise Needs

Both breeds are active and benefit from daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Golden Retrievers do best with regular walks, playtime, and activities like swimming or fetch.

Goldendoodles also need consistent activity to burn off energy. Some may require slightly more mental stimulation due to their Poodle genetics.

If you’re active, outdoorsy, or have a large yard, either breed will adapt well.

Bottom Line

Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles are both great family dogs with loving personalities and loyal temperaments. Ultimately, the best choice for your home depends on the traits that matter most to you—whether that’s reduced shedding, grooming preferences, size options, temperament, or activity level.

• Choose a Golden Retriever if you want a classic, gentle, easygoing companion with a predictable coat and temperament.

• Choose a Goldendoodle if you're looking for a playful, intelligent dog with potential for lower shedding and more size flexibility.

Either way, you’ll gain a loyal friend who brings joy, energy, and love into your home for years to come!

Ready to bring a puppy home? Check out our available puppies and find the perfect one!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic? 

A: No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but many Goldendoodles shed less than Golden Retrievers, which can be helpful for people with mild allergies. Coat type and generation (F1, F1B, etc.) affect shedding levels.

Q: Which breed is easier to train, Golden Retrievers or Goldendoodles? 

A: Both breeds are intelligent and trainable. Golden Retrievers are eager to please and very consistent, while Goldendoodles may need extra mental stimulation due to higher energy levels.

Q: How much grooming do these breeds need? 

A: Golden Retrievers require regular brushing to manage heavy shedding. Goldendoodles may need professional grooming every 6–8 weeks, depending on coat type.

Q: How much exercise do these dogs need? 

A: Both breeds are active and benefit from daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Goldendoodles, especially Standard sizes, may require slightly more activity to burn off energy.

Q: What size can I expect? 

A: Golden Retrievers are generally 55–75 pounds. Goldendoodles vary by type: Standard (~45–80 lbs), Mini (~20–35 lbs), Toy (~10–20 lbs).