Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Comparing Temperament, Size, & Maintenance

Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle – which is the right pup for you? In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between these two Mini Doods. We’ll cover their size, temperament, appearance, health and lifespan, grooming, training, and much more. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• About Mini Goldendoodles: History & Key Characteristics
• About Mini Labradoodles: History & Key Characteristics
• Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Size
• Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Temperament
• Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Goldendoodle: Appearance
• Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Grooming & Maintenance
• Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Goldendoodle: Health & Wellness
• Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Goldendoodle: Lifespan
• Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Training & Environment 
• Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Cost
• Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Are They Family Friendly?
• Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Which Is The Puppy For You?

About Mini Goldendoodles: History & Key Characteristics

The Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and Poodle. More specifically, the Mini Goldendoodle uses a Miniature Poodle in the mix to achieve a smaller-sized Dood. 

Goldendoodles have been around since the 1960s. Today they’re one of the most popular hybrid breeds all across the globe. They were first bred as hypoallergenic family companions and guide dogs, as they combine the best traits of the Golden Retriever and Poodle. 

They’re just as outgoing and affectionate as the Golden Retriever parent while benefiting from the Poodle’s low-shedding coat. They’ve got the looks, the smarts, the personality, and they make friends everywhere they go. 

About Mini Labradoodles: History & Key Characteristics

The Labradoodle, on the other hand, is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle. Similarly to Mini Goldendoodles, the Mini Labradoodle mix uses a Miniature Poodle. 

Labradoodles have a similar background and much of the same characteristics as Goldendoodles. They were first bred in the 1950s with the same goal of creating a hypoallergenic guide and service dog. 

Along with Goldendoodles, the Labradoodle is one of the most well-known and popular Doodle breeds. They’re very intelligent dogs with a sweet and loving personality. They possess many of the same characteristics as the Labrador Retriever, but without the hairy mess that Labs tend to leave behind. 

Today, Labradoodles are praised for their great temperament and low-shedding coats. They make equally great family companions, service dogs, or therapy and emotional support dogs. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Size

Are standard Mini Labradoodles bigger than Mini Goldendoodles? Which one is smaller – Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle?

Mini Labradoodles and Mini Goldendoodles are rather similar in size. Both Mini Labradoodles and Goldendoodles mainly use the Miniature Poodle in the mix. However, the Mini Goldendoodle size range has a subcategory of the Toy Goldendoodle, which is the smallest of Mini Goldendoodles. 

Let’s take a closer look at the sizes of the Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle:

	Mini Goldendoodle	Mini Labradoodle
Toy	Weight: 10-25 pounds Height: Less than 15 inches	N/A
Mini	Weight: 25-35 pounds Height: 15-20 inches	Weight: 15-30 pounds Height: 13-20 inches

When comparing the Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Goldendoodle size, they’re both in a very similar weight and height range. However, as we mentioned before, Goldendoodles also come in the Toy range. But as we can learn from the size comparison chart above, the Mini Labradoodle size range does start from 15 pounds, which partly correlates to the Toy Goldendoodle size.

As there are no AKC breed standards set for either of those Doodles, there’s some debate how their sizes are categorized. All in all, it depends on what size of Poodle was used in the mix and how big the parents are.

Based on the information we have, we can say that Mini Goldendoodles weigh between 25 and 35 pounds with the smallest Toy Goldendoodles weighing around 10 to 25 pounds. Meanwhile, Mini Labradoodles tend to weigh between 15 to 30 pounds in general. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Temperament

What are the main similarities and differences in terms of their temperament? Are Mini Goldendoodles calmer than Mini Labradoodles?

When comparing the Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle personality traits, there isn’t much of a difference between these two Doods. They’re both very outgoing, friendly, energetic, and sweet-natured dogs that enjoy human company. They’re also very intelligent and loyal companions and they tend to become easily attached to their humans.

With that being said, due to their ability to bond well with their families, both Mini Labradoodles and Mini Goldendoodles are prone to separation anxiety. Because of this, neither of those Doodles would be suitable for people who have to leave them alone for long periods at a time. 

Although both of these Doods have very similar personality traits, Labradoodles are known to be slightly more reserved with strangers. Goldendoodles are instant friends with everyone they meet, whereas Labradoodles may take some time to warm up to new people. In contrast, Labradoodles may be slightly more excitable around their loved ones. 

Above all, it’s crucial that both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are socialized from an early age. Early socialization and training is the key to raising confident, well-rounded dogs that are comfortable with meeting new people and encountering new situations. 

Finally, it’s important to note that this is a generalized description of both breeds. In reality, you’ll want to take into account that each puppy is unique and has their own personality. Even puppies from the same litter can have completely opposite temperaments! For this reason, many breeders conduct temperament testing to ensure that each puppy goes to the most suitable home. 

Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Goldendoodle: Appearance

Mini Labradoodles and Goldendoodles look almost identical! They’re similar in size and they’ve both got the signature teddy bear looks. 

However, thanks to their Labrador Retriever heritage, Mini Labradoodles may tend to have shorter, wirier, and coarser hair compared to Goldendoodles. In contrast, Goldendoodles may inherit some feathering to their coat from the Golden Retriever parent.  

As both Doodles are hybrid breeds with Poodle being one of the parents, they can inherit either straight, wavy, or curly coats. Naturally, the straight coat resembles more of the Retriever parent, the curly coat takes after the Poodle, and the wavy coat is a combination of both. 

As for their coat colors, since both Doodles have Poodle in their genetic makeup, they both come in similar colors. Most common coat colors in Mini Goldendoodles include apricot, cream, champagne, black, gray, blue, silver, silver beige, tan, and white. They can also sport a variety of color combinations and patterns, such as bi-color and tri-color, sable, merle, phantom, brindle, abstract, and parti.

Similarly, Labradoodles can inherit solid colors like apricot, red, black, chocolate, cream, blue, gray, and silver. Possible coat patterns in Mini Labradoodles include tuxedo, parti, sable, merle, phantom, abstract, and brindle.

As for their other physical traits, Mini Goldendoodles tend to have longer and slimmer snouts compared to Labradoodles. However, you likely won’t be able to notice the difference as they’re both covered in that fluffy Doodle fur.

Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Grooming & Maintenance

Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Labradoodles are both great dogs for people who suffer from dog dander allergy. Or who just prefer a pup that doesn’t shed much hair. On the flip side of the coin, they’re also equally high-maintenance when it comes to their grooming requirements. 

In addition to that, not all of those three coat types are as allergy-friendly and each of them has specific grooming requirements. Let’s take a closer look…

Curly Coat

Curly coat Doodles are praised as hypoallergenic. The curly coat is the best choice for people who suffer from severe dog dander allergy. However, it’s important we mention that there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. These pups just shed very minimally, if any at all. 

Curly coat Doodles take more after the Poodle parent with their thick, textured curls. And even though these pups don’t leave a trail of hair behind them, their coat is the hardest to manage. As the curly coat is the most prone to matting, you should brush a curly-coated Doodle on a daily basis. 

Wavy Coat

The wavy coat combines the best of both worlds. It’s not curly nor straight, it doesn’t shed much, and it’s also the easiest to manage. But, as wavy coats may come with an undercoat, these pups may shed a little bit of hair. 

Compared to the curly coat, wavy coats are much less prone to matting. On the other hand, the wavy coat might not be the best choice for people with allergies. 

All in all, wavy coats might get away with less frequent brushing sessions, as their hair doesn’t become as easily tangled. However, if you don’t keep those knots and tangles at bay, you’ll soon have a matted Dood that you might have to shave. 

Straight Coat

Straight coat Doodles, as you might guess, take more after the Retriever parent. They usually come with a shedding undercoat, which means that these pups are not the best choice for people who have dog dander allergy. Nonetheless, thanks to the Poodle genes in their genetic makeup, they don’t shed nearly as much as the Retriever parents. 

Straight coats are also easier to maintain than curly coats. However, they still require regular brushing to rid the thick coat from loose hair. Otherwise, the hair can easily become knotted, which will ultimately result in matted hair. What’s more, regular brushing is also a great way to combat shedding, as you’ll be getting rid of the dead hair before it manages to slip on your furniture and floors. 

Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Goldendoodle: Health & Wellness

When comparing the Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle health, both of them benefit from hybrid vigor. In other words, crossbreeds like Doodles are said to have superior health compared to their purebred parents thanks to their more diverse genetic pool. 

But having said that, there’s no way to ever guarantee that a Doodle will be 100% healthy at all times. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles can still inherit certain genetic conditions that are common in their Retriever parents and Poodles. 

Both of these Doods are prone to joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Other common health issues in Goldendoodles and Labradoodles include eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and retinal dysplasia. They’re also at risk of thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and conditions like Addison’s disease.

Some of the less serious conditions that are common in Doodles include skin problems, sensitivities, food allergies, and digestive problems. And as they both come with those cute, floppy ears, they’re also prone to various types of ear infections. 

Additionally, Mini Goldendoodles tend to be at a higher risk of a heart disorder called subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) that’s common in Golden Retrievers. On the other hand, Labradoodles are at a risk of exercise-induced collapse (EIC), which is more prevalent in Labrador Retrievers. 

Understandably, all of these health issues can sound very scary and many of them can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. The key here is to choose a reputable, ethical breeder who does extensive health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs to rule out any genetic deformities that may be passed onto the offspring. 

Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Goldendoodle: Lifespan

Both Mini Labradoodles and Mini Goldendoodles have a similar lifespan. Goldendoodles tend to live around 10 to 15 years, whereas Labradoodles have an average life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years.

However, as we’re talking about Mini Doodles, you’ll be glad to hear that smaller dogs tend to live longer lives. Therefore, we can expect Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Labradoodles to have pretty much the same life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years. 

But still, keep in mind that your Dood’s quality of life and lifespan are tied to their lifestyle. So, be sure to feed your pup a healthy and balanced diet, provide them plenty of exercise, and keep their stress levels to a minimum. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Training & Environment

In terms of the Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle trainability, both of them have been blessed with wits and smarts. They’re also eager to please their owners, making them very easy to train. 

But with their high levels of intelligence also comes the pressure of keeping your pup entertained. If these Doods aren’t mentally and physically stimulated enough, they will get bored and might soon become destructive. 

Naturally, the key here is to provide your dog plenty of opportunities to exercise. As both Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Labradoodles are active breeds, they’ll gladly join you on your walkies, hikes, daily jogs, and much more. Likewise, you’ll also want to stimulate their mind with interactive games and enrichment toys. 

Even though these Doodles are praised for being generally very well-behaved, it all boils down to their early development and training. From the moment you bring your new puppy home, make sure to set a routine and stick to it. Start socializing them with people and other animals, teach them good manners, and stay consistent with potty training and crate training. Generally, ethical breeders introduce the puppies to all of that. So, it’s your responsibility to continue the training once your puppy arrives home. 

And finally, as Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Labradoodles are smaller than their standard-sized counterparts, they don’t require as much exercise either. Typically, these Mini Doods do well on an hour of exercise each day, followed by some playtime in the backyard or in your local dog park.  

Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Cost

When comparing the Mini Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle cost, they both come in a very similar price range. On average, you can expect to pay between $2000 and $5000 for a Mini Doodle puppy, depending on your location. Here you’ll find detailed price breakdowns for Goldendoodles, and here for Labradoodles.

Of course, you might come across breeders who claim to sell Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Labradoodles at much lower price points. Unfortunately, oftentimes these breeding facilities don’t follow responsible breeding practices nor do they take proper care of their dogs and puppies.

Always do your research and only support ethical breeding facilities that conduct all the necessary health testing, follow responsible breeding practices, provide health guarantees, and are educated on all things related to breeding. 

In addition to the initial cost of adopting a Mini Doodle, you’ll also want to consider ongoing expenses, such as food, regular trips to the groomers (or investing in your own grooming tools), veterinary care, in-person training classes or an online program, treats and toys, and other supplies like dog beds, food and water bowls, and so on. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Are They Family Friendly?

The short answer is, yes! Both Mini Labradoodles and Mini Goldendoodles are praised as wonderful family companions. They’re generally non-aggressive and get along with everyone in the family – children, adults, and elderly. They’re affectionate, sweet-natured, and social Doods who enjoy spending time with their favorite humans. 

These Mini Doodles also get along well with other dogs and even cats, provided that your puppy has been properly socialized from an early age. 

Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle: Which Is The Puppy For You?

As we’ve learned by the end of this article, Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Labradoodles share more similarities than differences. They’re both equally great companions for singles and families alike. And thanks to their smaller size, they make great pets for people who live in smaller houses and apartments. 

Nevertheless, as both of them come from a hunting background, they’re high energy and intelligent dogs that require plenty of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. 

However, based on our survey results, we can assume that Mini Goldendoodles are a little bit more hyper compared to Mini Labradoodles. So, if you’re looking for a slightly more laid-back pup, you might want to opt for a Mini Labradoodle. But if you have a busy and lively household, a Mini Goldendoodle will fit in just perfectly. 

We hope this article managed to shed some light on the key similarities and differences between the Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle breeds. After all, you want to make sure you’ve made the right choice before bringing home your new puppy. But regardless which one you choose, you’ll have the most adorable, bubbly little four-legged companion that will bring a smile to anyone’s face around them.