Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix Breed Traits and Care (2024)

Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix History

The Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix takes the popular trend of mixed breeding a step further by combining a purebred dog with a hybrid dog. The Labradoodle is the result of mixing a purebred Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle.

All three parent breeds were originally developed to work in the water, hunting and retrieving waterfowl.

Today, each of these dogs makes excellent service dogs. Considering the consistency in their background and working dog roots, you can bet that a Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix will be an energetic dog who loves the water.

Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix Appearance

The appearance of a mixed breed can be less predictable as puppies can inherit any combination of traits from their parents.

Size

Golden Retrievers and the Labradoodles are typically about the same height and weight. Both breeds tend to be in the 21-to-24-inch height range. Weight for both dogs is typically between 50 and 75 pounds.

Coat Type

The type of coat you can expect in a Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix is a little more complicated. The Golden Retriever is famous for their lustrous golden coat from which they get their name. It consists of a soft, top layer that can be long and wavy or nearly flat and a dense water-resistant undercoat.

Grooming and Shedding

Labradoodles are prized for the low-shedding coats that come in one of three types: hair, fleece, and wool. Hair-coated Labradoodles take after the Labrador. The fur is straight with a coarse or wiry texture that will shed. Fleece coats are softer, with loose curls that are mild to non-shedding. The wool coat is closest to the Poodle’s, with tightly curled fur that has a wiry feel.

The wool coat has a slightly coarse feel and is non-shedding. It has a tighter curl similar to that of a poodle. Although these dogs are often called non-shedding, the truth is they do shed, but the fur gets stuck in their curly coat, and that’s why you don’t see it on your furniture and clothing.

Coat Colors

When it comes to coat color, there’s even more variance in what the Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix could look like. Although there is a standard Golden Retriever color, they also come in shades of light cream, dark gold, and red.

Labradors typically come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. But the Poodle comes in a range of colors, from blue and silver to apricot and red. To make things even more ambiguous, the Labradoodle’s coat will often change or fade as they grow into adult dogs.

Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix Temperament

Each of these parent breeds comes from a lineage of working dogs. You can expect the Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix to be an energetic and intelligent dog that’s happiest when they have regular activities to participate in.

Golden Retrievers and Labradoodles share other exceptional traits, like being friendly, loyal, and playful. They’re also known for being good with children and getting along with other dogs and pets. Although rarely aggressive, any dog has the potential to react when they feel threatened, which is why socialization and training are important.

Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix Training and Exercise

The Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix is intelligent, eager to please, and typically bonds quickly with family members, excellent qualities for success in training. You still want to keep training sessions short and use only positive reinforcement methods. Despite being naturally friendly, early socialization will reduce the risk of aggressive behavior and could diminish their natural urge to hunt and chase.

This high-energy dog requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Their working background will allow them to excel at running, retrieving, swimming, and playing games. The Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix will need a minimum of 60 minutes of daily exercise to burn off some of that seemingly endless energy.

Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix Health

Mixing dog breeds can reduce the risk of inherited health issues due to genetic diversity. However, dogs can still be at risk for health issues that affect the parent breeds. A responsible breeder will always prescreen their breeding dogs for health issues and be able to show health certificates upon request. Even so, not all health problems are inherited. Diet, exercise, and general care, also play a role. Golden Retrievers are prone to and should be tested for the following health problems:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Eye issues including PRA blindness
• Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS)
• Cancer

Labradoodles are prone to genetic health issues that affect both Labradors and Poodles and include the following problems:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Heart problems
• Exercise-induced collapse
• Eye issues
• Centronuclear myopathy
• Thyroid problems
• Addison’s disease
• Sebaceous adenitis
• Von Willebrand’s disease
• Skin allergies

Labradoodle Golden Retriever Mix Lifespan

Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers generally live 10 to 12 years. Standard Poodles live anywhere from 10 to 18 years. You can expect a Labradoodle Golden Retriever mix to live approximately 12 to 14 years.

There’s no way to know for sure, but choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder and giving your dog the care he deserves is the best way to ensure he has a long and healthy life.

Is The Golden Retriever Labradoodle Mix Right for You?

This high-energy Golden Retriever Labradoodle mix is a great companion for active people who can ensure this playful, intelligent, and affectionate dog gets enough exercise and attention. They do best in active environments and make a good addition to families with children and other dogs.

Find Out More

• Giant Labradoodles
• Beagle Labradoodle mix
• Big Labradoodles
• Border Collie Labradoodle mix
• Husky Labradoodle mix
• Labradoodle Lab Mix

References

• Vredegoor, DW, et al. “Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: Lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2012
• Wilsson, E. “Nature and nurture—How different conditions affect the behavior of dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2016
• Howell, TJ, et al. “Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior.” Vet Med (Auckl), 2015
• “What Genetic Diseases and/or Conditions Should my Breed be Screened For?” Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, 2020
• Glickman, L., et al. “The Golden Retriever Club of American National Health Survey1998-1999.” Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1998
• Randolph, JF, et al. “Factor XII deficiency and von Willebrand’s disease in a family of miniature poodle dogs.” The Cornell Veterinarian, 1986.