Are you considering adding a furry friend to your family, but can't decide between getting a Poodle or a Goldendoodle?
While both are adorable, each breed has its own unique set of characteristics that may make one better suited for your individual lifestyle.
Here’s a look at some of the key differences between these two popular breeds.
Quick Summary: What are the main differences between Poodles and Goldendoodles?
- The main difference between poodles and goldendoodles is that Poodles are purebred dogs while Goldendoodles are a crossbreed of golden retriever and poodle.
- Poodles are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), while Goldendoodles are not.
- Poodles are more hypoallergenic than Goldendoodles, even though Goldendoodles are bred to be low-shedding.
- Poodles come in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy), while Goldendoodles only come in two (medium and mini). Poodles have a lifespan of 10-18 years, while Goldendoodles have a lifespan of 10-15 years. Poodle owners must be prepared to spend more time on
- Goldendoodles have a more laid-back personality, while poodles tend to be more energetic and excitable.
What is a Poodle?

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Their origin is quite disputed, with some believing they come from Germany and others from France.
Well, they do come from Germany, dating back almost 400 years and they were bred as water dogs to retrieve game and shot arrows and bolts for hunters.
There are four different varieties of Poodles, Standard Poodle, Medium Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle.
Their coat is one of the most distinct features of this dog breed. It is thick, and curly and comes in many colors.
Poodles are considered hypoallergenic. Their hair follicles are longer and their fur is thicker than other breeds which means they release less dander into the environment.
There are a ton of different coat clip styles for Poodles. One of the most popular and interesting ones is the Continental clip. This was used back in the day to make sure they don't get weighed down while retrieving game in water.
Poodles come in many colors including black, blue, silver, grey, cream, white, apricot and red.
They are very intelligent, energetic and sociable dogs that require regular physical activities.
Some common health problems include sebaceous adenitis (a skin disease) and Addison’s disease (an endocrine system disorder).
What is a Goldendoodle?

Goldendoodles are relatively new dog breeds, having only been around since the 1990s.
They are a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, two of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world.
They come in three size varieties: large, medium, and miniature. They also have three coat types: straight, wavy, or curly.
They are one of the brightest dog breeds, friendly dogs that make good family pets but can be prone to separation anxiety.
They typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years.
Some common health problems include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and von Willebrand disease.
They are referenced as a "designer breed" because they were bred for the specific purpose of being hypoallergenic companion dogs. They are frequently used as a therapy dog, but they often serve as search and rescue dogs,
Differences in History

The oldest photo to date of a poodle
Poodles are originally from Germany, while Goldendoodles are a crossbreed of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.
Goldendoodles were created in the 1990s, while Poodles have been around since the 17th century.
Poodles were bred specifically to be hunting dogs, while Goldendoodles were bred to be companion animals.
You can see the differences in history between these two dog breeds. Poodles have a long and storied history dating back to the 17th century, while Goldendoodles are relative newcomers, having only been around since the 1990s.
With that said, Poodles are of course not used as water dogs anymore, more often serving now as companion animals and show dogs.
Differences in Coat Types

Poodles have thick, curly coat that comes in many colors. They are considered hypoallergenic because their hair follicles are longer and their fur is thicker than other breeds, which means they release less dander into the environment.
Goldendoodles have three coat types: straight, wavy, or curly.
The type of coat a goldendoodles has depends on the genes inherited from its parent dogs. Most have a coat that is somewhere between straight and curly.
They are also considered hypoallergenic because they were bred for the specific purpose of being hypoallergenic companion and guide dogs.
Differences in Size
Poodles come in four different varieties: Standard, Medium , Miniature and Toy.
Poodle Sizes | Size | Weight |
---|---|---|
Standard | 18-24 Inches | 44-71 Pounds |
Medium | 14-18 Inches | 33-42 Pounds |
Miniature | 10-15 Inches | 26-31 Pounds |
Toy | Under 10 Inches | 14-17 Pounds |
The standard poodle is between 18 and 24 inches tall and weighs between 44 and 71 pounds.
The medium poodle is between 14 and 18 inches tall and weighs between 33 and 42 pounds.
The miniature poodle is between 10 and 15 inches tall and weighs between 26 and 31 pounds.
And the toy poodle is under 10 inches tall and weighs between 14 -17 pounds.
Goldendoodles come in three size varieties: large, medium, and miniature.
Goldendoodle Sizes | Size | Weight |
---|---|---|
Standard | 20-24 Inches | 50-80 Pounds |
Medium | 17-20 Inches | 40-50 Pounds |
Miniature | Under 20 Inches | 15-35 Pounds |
Large Goldendoodles are between 20 and 24 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds.
Medium Goldendoodles are between 17 and 20 inches tall and usually weigh between 40 and 50 pounds.
Miniature Goldendoodles are under 20 inches tall and usually weigh between 15 and 35 pounds.
As you can see, although both dog breeds come in a variety of sizes, they are both similar in height.
However, Goldendoodles generally weigh more than Poodles.
Depending on your lifestyle and living situation, you have plenty of options to choose from both breeds.
Differences in Temperament
Poodles are intelligent, energetic and sociable dogs that require regular physical activity. They are also considered to be one of the most trainable breeds of dogs.
Poodles are good with other dogs and children.
Goldendoodles are very similar in temperament to their golden retriever parent. They are friendly, eager to please and highly trainable.
Like golden retrievers, they need plenty of exercise and love being around people. Goldendoodles are also good with other dogs and children.
Poodles and Goldendoodles have very similar temperaments. Both breeds are intelligent, energetic, sociable, and trainable. They also both do well with other dogs and children.
The only difference is that goldendoodles are prone to separation anxiety and they can display a greater level of dog-directed fearfulness and aggression than poodles.
Differences in Health
Poodles are generally a healthy breed of dog.
However, they are more prone to certain health conditions such as Adenitis, which is a skin condition that causes inflammation of the glands in the skin. Poodles are also prone to Addison’s disease, which is a hormonal disorder.
The life expectancy of a Poodle is around 10-18 years.
Goldendoodles are crossbred, so they present a lower risk for developing genetic health problems that are common in purebred dogs as each parent dog brings a different set of genes to the litter.
They are prone to Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Von Willebrand Disease, Progressive Retinal Athropy, ear and skin infections.
The key here is to get your goldendoodle from a responsible breeder who health tests their breeding stock.
The life expectancy of a Goldendoodle is around 10-15 years.
Poodles and goldendoodles are similar in that they are both generally healthy breeds of dog.
However, there are some health conditions to be aware of if you own either breed.
Poodles are more prone to Adenitis and Addison's disease, while goldendoodles are more prone to hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand Disease, and progressive retinal atrophy.
When choosing between the two breeds, it is important to consider which health concerns you are willing to deal with.
If you are looking for a healthy breed of dog with no specific health concerns, then either breed would be a good choice.
In comparison, Poodles tend to live longer than goldendoodles with a lifespan of 10-18 years compared to goldendoodles whose lifespan is 10-15 years.
Differences in Lifespan
Poodles have a lifespan of 10-18 years.
Goldendoodles have a lifespan of 10-15 years.
Differences in Activity Levels
Poodles are energetic dogs with high energy levels that require regular mental and physical stimulation.
They love every kinds of activity from Frisbee to agility course, however, they were originally bred as water dogs so they especially love swimming.
Goldendoodles are also energetic dogs that require regular physical activity and mental stimulation as well.
They enjoy activities such as hiking, running, and playing fetch. However, they do not need as much exercise as their retriever parent and can be content with a couple of walks a day.
Poodles and goldendoodles have similar activity levels. Both breeds are energetic and require regular exercise. However, poodles tend to need more exercise than goldendoodles.
When choosing between the two breeds, it is important to consider your own activity level and how much time you are willing to devote to exercising your dog.
If you don't want to spend as much time exercising your dog, choose a Goldendoodle. If you like to be active and have a high energy dog to match your lifestyle, then choose a Poodle.
Differences in Costs
Poodle Puppies cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
A Goldendoodle puppy can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000.
As both breeds (Poodles and Goldendoodles) are fairly healthy and aren't prone to a lot of diseases, there aren't many differences in costs when it comes to their health.
Both breeds require frequent grooming, which can be expensive if you can't do it yourself.
Obviously, both need training if you want your dog to behave well, the usual cost of a trainer is around $30 to $50 per hour.
If you are looking for a cheaper dog, choose a Poodle. If price is not a concern, either breed would make a great choice.
Pros of Poodles
- They don't shed, which is great for people with allergies.
- They are very intelligent and easy to train. They excel in obedience and agility trials.
- They come in a variety of colors and sizes.
- They have a long lifespan
- They are friendly with children and other dogs
- They are not territorial and make great city dogs
Pros of Goldendoodles
- Goldendoodles are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, which is great for people with allergies.
- They are very intelligent thanks to the Poodle and Golden Retriever genes in them.
- They are great companion dogs and love being around people.
- They have a friendly personalities and are good with children and other dogs.
Which One Suits Your Lifestyle?
When choosing between a poodle and a goldendoodle, it is important to consider your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a dog.
If you are active and looking for a dog that will be able to keep up with you, then a poodle may be the better choice.
If you still like to walk your dog and play fetch, but would like to have a laid-back dog that doesn't require as much exercise, then a goldendoodle may be the better choice.
Conclusion
As you can see, both breeds are great choices for families or individuals. Both of them are very intelligent dogs, easily trainable, and make great family dogs.
The main difference between the two breeds is that Poodles need more exercise than Goldendoodles.
So, if you are looking for a relaxed dog that doesn't require a lot of exercises, go with a Goldendoodle. If you are active and want a dog that can keep up with you, choose a Poodle.
Both breeds make wonderful pets and it really comes down to personal preference. Whichever breed you choose, you are sure to have a loyal and loving companion by your side.