INTRODUCTION

“Bark, bark!” Do you want a dog? What would you rather have a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle? In this paper, I will compare and contrast the physical characteristics, history and origin, and temperament of each of these hybrid breeds. I will also share additional information about these two guide dogs.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Labradoodle has physical characteristics of both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. These dogs have an average height of 1 foot and 9 inches to 2 feet at the shoulder. Their typical weight ranges between 50 and 65 pounds. There are three different types of coats that the Labradoodle can have, “labradoodles' hair can be anywhere from wiry to soft, and may be straight, wavy, or curly.[2] Straight-coated labradoodles are said to have "hair" coats, wavy-coated dogs have "fleece" coats, and curly-coated dogs have "wool" coats.”

Some of the physical characteristics of a Labradoodle are not predictable. If you breed two Labradoodles (F2) then the physical characteristics will be more predictable than if you breed a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever (F1). However, if you are interested in breeding a dog with less genetic problem breed a F1.

There are many colors that Labradoodles can have. They are caramel, chocolate, cream, gold/apricot, parchment, red, blue, cafe, lavender, phantom, parti, chalk, black, and silver.

The Goldendoodle has physical characteristics of both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. These dogs have an average height of 1 foot and 8 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder. Their typical weight ranges between 50 and 90 pounds. So you can see, Goldendoodles can be one inch shorter but almost thirty pounds heavier than a Labradoodle. “The coat can be black, copper, white, cream, gray, golden, apricot, or red, although golden seems to be the common coat color. White can often be found on the feathering, and the Goldendoodle's coat tends to lighten with age.” There are five colors that Labradoodles can have that Goldendoodle don’t have.

Typically, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are hypoallergenic. This is good for people that allergic to dogs. Some of the dogs of these breeds shed more than others and they could make the people who are allergic have a reaction.

It is important to make a good choice about if you are going to get a dog that is an F1 and F2. If you are allergic to dogs the F2 dogs would be a better choice because their characteristics, such as shedding are more predictable.

HISTORY AND ORIGIN

Labradoodles were first breed in Australia, but Goldendoodles were first bred in North America and then Australia. Both of the hybrid breeds were first bred on purpose in the early 1990s. Wally Conron was the first breeder to make the Labradoodle. The Neelands Family was the first known breeder to breed a Goldendoodle. Breeders of both of these types of dogs are trying to make them recognized breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

TEMPERAMENT

The temperament of the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle are similar. Their temperament allows them to be good guide dogs and family dogs. These hybrid breeds are both energetic, friendly, intelligent, and trainable. Due to these characteristics, both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle are often used as guide dogs and make excellent family dogs. The characteristic of being energetic is good for guide dogs to have because they can stay with the person they work with and not get tired. Family dogs that are energetic like to play more than dogs that are lazy. Playing is something families want to do with their dog. These dogs are very friendly, this makes them both good guide dogs and family dogs because these dogs don’t bite or hurt anyone. Due to the fact that these breeds are intelligent they can be trained to do what you command them to do. These characteristics make Goldendoodles and Labradoodles excellent guide dogs and family dogs.

CONCLUSION

There really isn’t much difference between these two types of dogs. Goldendoodles could be heavier than Labradoodles, and they could also be shorter than Labradoodles. The colors of the Labradoodles have more variety than the colors of the Goldendoodles. “Bark, bark.” It’s up to you which one of these hybrid breeds you want, and which type of dog will be best for your family.