Premier Pups > Breed Compare > Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Comparison
Published Wednesday, October 20, 2021 by PremierPups
Cute fur-babies that will melt your heart on sight – that is what the Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle are. Two bundles of joy that were created for companionship, love, and fun, these perfect little dogs impress with their loving personalities and adorable looks. The Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle are two immensely popular and well-loved small dog breeds. Choosing between them can be quite difficult as they are both easy to train, non-aggressive, friendly, and very affectionate. If your choice does come down between the two, read on to learn more about what they are like, how they are different, and which one is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
A puppy’s love is a pure thing and, here at Premier Pups, we aim to give our loving puppies the forever homes they deserve. Our specialized team of Puppy Agents is here to help you with the choosing process to make sure your new pup fits right in with your family.
Table of Contents
Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Overview
Mini Goldendoodle Overview
An energetic and happy dog, the Mini Goldendoodle is a fan-favorite dog breed at Premier Pups. Mini Goldendoodle puppies are a mix of a Golden retriever and a Mini Poodle. Small, fluffy, and fans of zooms and cuddles, these puppies are a joy to have around. They first appeared in 1969 in the United States and have been highly popular ever since.
The little Golden doodles merit their fame to their fun-loving personalities, strong loyal tendencies, friendliness towards everyone, and hypoallergenic qualities. Other names the Mini Goldendoodle goes by are Mini Goldiepoo, Mini Groodle, Mini Goldenpoo, and Golden retriever Poodle mix. The Mini Goldendoodle breed is recognized by the Continental Kennel Club.
Mini Labradoodle Overview
“The world’s most loving dog” – is how the Mini Labradoodle is known around the world. Well-mannered and a lover of dog games and cuddles on the couch, the Mini Labradoodle is a fantastic dog for companionship.
A mix between a Labrador retriever and a Miniature Poodle, the Mini Labradoodle puppies are amongst the most popular doodle dogs in the United States. These puppies are speedy, playful, and very loving of their humans. They originate from Australia where they were created as new hypoallergenic guide dogs soon after their standard Labradoodle cousins were born in 1970.
The Mini Labradoodle is also commonly known as Labrador Poodle mix and is recognized by the Australian Labradoodle Association of America.
Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Overview Comparison
Although they are two distinct dog breeds that originate from different continents, the Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle share quite a few similarities. Both of these dogs have a Miniature Poodle parent and were created for their unique guide dog skills, therapy work qualities, and hypoallergenic properties. Poodles were chosen for these crossbreeds for the breed’s keen intelligence, loyal nature, and hypoallergenic coat qualities. The Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle are both known for their three generations:
- F1 Mini Goldendoodle – which is known as a first-generation crossbreed between a Miniature Poodle and a Golden retriever is when a puppy is half Golden retriever and half Mini Poodle
- F1b Mini Goldendoodle – which is a second-generation crossbreed is when an F1 Mini Goldendoodle is back-crossed with a Miniature Poodle
- F2 Mini Goldendoodle – which is a third-generation crossbreed is when a puppy has two Mini Goldendoodle parents
And
- F1 Mini Labradoodle – a first-generation Mini Labradoodle – when a puppy is half Labrador and half Mini Poodle
- F1b Mini Labradoodle – a second-generation Mini Labradoodle – when a puppy has an F1 Mini Goldendoodle parent and a Miniature Poodle parent
- F2 Mini Labradoodle – a third-generation Mini Labradoodle – when a puppy has two Mini Labradoodle parents
Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Overview Key Points
Comparison Table
| Breed | Mini Goldendoodle | Mini Labradoodle |
| Parent breeds | Golden Retriever, Mini Poodle | Labrador Retriever, Mini Poodle |
| Place of origin | US | Australia |
| Date of origin | 1969 | 1970 |
| Purpose | Hypoallergenic pet, companionship | Companionship, hypoallergenic pet |
| Breed type | Poodle mix, doodle breed | Poodle mix, doodle breed |
| Other names | Mini Goldiepoo, Groodle, Goldenpoo | Mini Labrapoo, Labrador Poodle mix |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years | 12-15 years |
Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Temperament
Mini Goldendoodle Temperament
Mini Goldendoodles are even-tempered, sweet, and friendly dogs that love everyone in sight. They are non-aggressive, highly affectionate, neither jumpy nor shy. As dogs designed for companionship, Mini Goldendoodles want nothing more than to love and be loved. They are very loyal to their pet parents and very fond of children whether they are family or visitors.
Energetic, playful, and at-the-ready for a game of fetch, the Mini Goldendoodle is a dog breed that loves to be active. These fun dogs are enthusiastic about getting together with their four-legged friends at the dog park and enticing each other in a friendly dog chase. They also love dog games and sports like Frisbee, dog football, and tracking, and activities like hiking, swimming, and playing in the snow.
Mini Goldendoodle puppies are as perfect as puppies get. They are bouncy, full of life, cheerful, and always up for cuddles. They are also highly intelligent, easy to train, independent, and quite good at performing cute dog tricks.
Mini Labradoodle Temperament
Calm, affectionate, and with an adoring behavior, the Mini Labradoodle is a perfect little companion pet that any family would be lucky to have. These adorable dogs are friendly, social, great with children, and very generous with love. They are entirely devoted to their humans and quite fond of spreading joy to everyone around them.
Dogs that would never refuse a cuddle or an opportunity to make a new friend or go on an adventure, the Mini Labradoodles are ideal companion pets for those leading an active lifestyle. These dogs are eager to join their pet parents on hiking trips, jogging routines, and camping adventures. They also enjoy dog games like fetching, chasing their chew toys, and solving treat puzzles.
Bouncy, cuddly, playful, and as cute as can be, Mini Labradoodle puppies are what happiness is made of. These little puppies exude joy and are very keen on pleasing their owners. They train easily, are attentive, independent, focused, and very smart.
Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Temperament Comparison
When comparing their temperaments, you will find that both the Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle are gentle, kind, and patient dogs that lack aggression and are quick to make friends with other dogs and people alike. Both of these breeds are highly trainable dogs with people-pleasing personalities and an abundance of skills. As Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Poodles can all be trained for therapy work, guide dog duty, and service jobs, so can the Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle.
Both of these dogs are energetic and eager to participate in all family activities. They enjoy outdoor dog games, sports, trips, and adventures. They are also very adaptable to any living situation including small city apartments and large homes with a generous backyard. Despite the fact that they are generally bigger than most small dog breeds, neither the Mini Goldendoodle nor the Mini Labradoodle should be kept outside. Although they are fond of attention and love being included in all of their family’s activities, the Mini Goldendoodle and the Mini Labradoodle are not particularly clingy dogs. They are of a more independent nature and each deals well with being left alone.
As for their differences, one aspect that stands out between the two is their energy levels. The Mini Labradoodle and Mini Goldendoodle are both considered active dogs. That being said, the Mini Labradoodle is a bit more energetic than the Mini Goldendoodle and requires up to an hour of daily exercise to keep happy and in shape, whereas the Mini Goldendoodle needs up to 30 minutes of daily exercise.
As far as popularity goes, both the Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle are perhaps the most popular doodle dogs around. They are highly sought-after and loved in the United States as well as Europe and Australia.
Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Temperament Key Points
Comparison Table
| Breed | Mini Goldendoodle | Mini Labradoodle |
| Good with kids | Yes | Yes |
| Training | Easy | Easy |
| Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Separation anxiety | Independent | Independent |
| Energy levels | Moderate to high energy | Moderate to high energy |
| Good for | Families with children, active seniors | Active owners, Families with children, active seniors |
| Barking | Occasionally | Occasionally |
Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Appearance
Mini Goldendoodle Appearance
Small to medium in size, with a friendly demeanor and an inquisitive expression, the Mini Goldendoodle is a true living piece of jewelry. The Mini Goldendoodle size can differ from one puppy to the next depending on which parent breed they take after. An adult Mini Goldendoodle height is between 12 to 22 inches with a weight of 20 to 40 pounds. The F1b Mini Goldendoodle and F2 Mini Goldendoodle are generally smaller.
Completely adorable, with round soulful eyes, long and cute floppy ears, and a slightly curled tail, the Mini Goldendoodles display delightful features from both parent breeds. Their coats can be straight like the Golden retriever’s coat, curly like the Poodle’s coat, or a wavy combination of both. The Mini Goldendoodle colors are golden, copper, apricot, cream, yellow, white, black, and grey – solid-colored or combinations of 2 or more of these colors. The Mini Goldendoodle is a low-shedding dog and a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Mini Labradoodle Appearance
Cute, cuddly, and always appearing to be happy, the Mini Labradoodle is an adorable little pooch. With gorgeous features from both the Labrador and the Miniature Poodle parent, the Mini Labradoodle look is that of a warm, friendly, and confident dog. The Mini Labradoodle size can differ from one puppy to the next, the same as with their Mini Goldendoodle cousins, as they can take after either parent breed. An adult Mini Labradoodle height is 14 to 17 inches with a weight of 16 to 25 pounds. The F1b Mini Labradoodle and F2 Mini Labradoodle are generally smaller.
Stunning, with dark expressive eyes, endearing hanging ears, and a beautiful long tail, the Mini Labradoodle displays a most wonderful blend of physical traits from both parent breeds. They can sport a curly, wavy, or straight coat that is low shedding with hypoallergenic qualities. The Mini Labradoodle colors are brown, chocolate, cream, silver, golden, grey, tan, red, apricot, black, and white; solid-colored or various combinations of two or more of these colors.
Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Appearance Comparison
When comparing their appearance, you will find that the Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle sport quite similar features and coat colors. Because they are a mix of one dog breed that does shed and one that does not, their coat qualities can vary a bit. As such, if the Mini Goldendoodle inherits the Golden Retriever’s shaggy coat, chances are he or she will have less hypoallergenic qualities than a Mini Goldendoodle that inherits the Poodle’s curly coat. The same criteria apply to Mini Labradoodles. F1b Mini Goldendoodles, F2 Mini Goldendoodles, F1b Mini Labradoodles, and F2 Mini Labradoodles are smaller than their F1 counterparts and have more hypoallergenic qualities.
Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Appearance Key Points
Comparison Table
| Breed | Mini Goldendoodle | Mini Labradoodle |
| Adult weight | 20-40 pounds | 16-25 pounds |
| Adult height | 12-22 inches | 14-17 inches |
| Coat type | Straight, wavy, curly | Straight, wavy, curly |
| Colors | Golden, copper, apricot, cream, yellow, white, black, gray | Chocolate, cream, brown, golden, silver, gray, red, apricot, tan, black |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
| Shedding | Minimal | Minimal |
Mini Goldendoodle vs Mini Labradoodle Comparison Conclusion
The Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle are kind-hearted dogs that possess the most desirable qualities a dog lover looks for in a pet. Both of these amazing dogs are friendly, loyal, kind-hearted, and cuddly. They both train easily and are exceedingly bright, and both are quite fond of learning tricks and participating in dog sports. Because they are considered active dog breeds, both the Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle fit best with an owner that can keep up with their energy and exercise requirements.
With that in mind, we recommend the Mini Goldendoodle to families with children, active seniors, and couples looking for a loyal and energetic family dog, and the Mini Labradoodle to active singles and families looking for an adventure companion.
Elena R.
About The Author
Elena is a leading expert in the field of dog behavior, care, and training, with over a decade of experience in writing about dogs. As a published writer and lifelong dog enthusiast, Elena currently shares her home with three beloved canine companions. She is dedicated to staying up to date on the latest advancements in dog care and training, ensuring that her articles provide readers with accurate and valuable insights. With her extensive knowledge and passion for all things canine, Elena's contributions to the Premier Pups community offer both expertise and authority on a wide range of dog-related topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more energetic, Mini Goldendoodle or Mini Labradoodle? Both the Mini Goldendoodle and the Mini Labradoodle are energetic breeds, inheriting this trait from their respective parent breeds: the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. The Mini Goldendoodle, given the Golden Retriever’s energetic nature, might be slightly more active and may require a tad more exercise.
Mini Goldendoodle or Mini Labradoodle, which barks more? Both breeds can be vocal, especially if they sense something out of the ordinary or if they're seeking attention. However, the individual barking tendency will vary from dog to dog. Proper training and early socialization can help manage excessive barking.
Do Mini Goldendoodles have more separation anxiety than Mini Labradoodles? Both breeds can exhibit signs of separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods due to their strong attachment to their families. Proper training, early socialization, and interactive toys can alleviate such behaviors.
Should I get a Mini Goldendoodle or a Mini Labradoodle? Both breeds are known for their friendly disposition and compatibility with families. The choice depends on personal preferences, living conditions, and the kind of temperament you desire in a dog.
Which is better, a Mini Goldendoodle or a Mini Labradoodle? "Better" is subjective. Both breeds have their distinct attributes and appeals. Your specific needs, lifestyle, and desired pet traits will help determine which is more suitable for you.
What is the lifespan of a Mini Goldendoodle vs. Mini Labradoodle? Both breeds have an average lifespan ranging between 10-15 years. Proper care, good nutrition, and regular vet visits can positively influence their longevity.
Are Mini Goldendoodles easier to train than Mini Labradoodles? Both breeds are intelligent and relatively easy to train due to their Poodle lineage. They are responsive to positive reinforcement techniques.
Do Mini Goldendoodles shed more than Mini Labradoodles? Both the Mini Goldendoodle and Mini Labradoodle have low to moderate shedding tendencies due to their Poodle genetics. Regular grooming can help manage and reduce the amount of shedding.
Which is calmer, a Mini Goldendoodle or a Mini Labradoodle? While both breeds can be calm, especially after their exercise needs are met, the Mini Labradoodle might be slightly more laid-back, reflecting the temperament of the Labrador Retriever.