Poodles and Goldendoodles are similar-looking but different dogs. The Standard Poodle is a purebred dog, whereas the Goldendoodle is a mixture of the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. Therefore, they look slightly different and their temperaments and personalities vary. Are you interested to learn about all the differences between the Poodle and the Goldendoodle? You’ve come to the right place! We put together all the information that you need to know here. Read on!

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Standard Poodles weigh between 45 and 70 pounds when fully grown. They have long, thin muzzles and sturdy bodies. Their frames are square and their tails are short. These dogs come in a variety of different colors, including white, black, grey, cream, and even apricot. Goldendoodles are larger than most Poodles and typically weigh between 50 and 80 pounds as adults. They are usually cream or golden in color, just like their Golden Retriever parent. Their bodies are rounder than that of the Poodle, their eyes are usually darker and bigger, and their tails are longer.

Poodle Overview

Standard Poodles are intelligent, friendly, and sociable dogs. They move elegantly, are eager to please, and love adventures. A bored Poodle can be destructive, so a day filled with toys, activities, exercise, and human interaction will help keep them happy and healthy. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Poodles have a high natural prey drive, so they should always be on leashes during walks, and they should always be supervised when spending time in the same room as smaller pets, like hamsters and rabbits.

Training

Poodles are highly intelligent, so they are easier to train than many other dog breeds. However, they do have a stubborn side, so practice and patience are necessary during training sessions. Training is best done in short spurts compared to long lessons, to ensure that the dog’s attention stays on the task at hand. Basic obedience training should be started soon after bringing a Poodle puppy home for the first time.

Health Conditions

Poodles are generally healthy animals, but there are a few health conditions that they are prone to that current and potential owners should be aware of. These include:

Regular veterinarian checkups, a healthy diet, daily exercise, and plenty of human interaction can help keep this dog stay healthy and strong for a lifetime.

Suitable For:

Standard Poodles do well in a variety of household settings. They are best in homes with fenced yards, but they can get along well in apartments if they can get outside multiple times a day to exercise and play. They get along with kids but should be supervised when around young children who are not well-versed in dealing with dogs.

Goldendoodle Overview

The Goldendoodle is a mixed breed that tends to take on the best aspects of their Poodle and Golden Retriever parents. Intelligent, loyal, sociable, confident, and playful are just a few ways to accurately describe this dog. Goldendoodles tend to act like puppies throughout their lives, so obedience and patience are necessary when dealing with them. They are friendly with children, and they tend to get along well with other animals if well-socialized. These are extremely affectionate dogs that do not like spending time alone at home.

Training

Goldendoodles are as smart as Poodles, so they usually don’t have a hard time learning obedience, tricks, and retrieval skills. Like the Poodle, every Goldendoodle should start training while still a young puppy and continue training throughout their life. They can do well with agility and service training after obedience training is perfected.

Health Conditions

Goldendoodles are known for being robust, healthy dogs, but they can be prone to the same health conditions as their Poodle parents. They are also prone to other conditions due to their Golden Retriever parents. These include:

It is important to schedule regular checkups starting from the time that this mixed breed is a puppy, to ensure that health problems can be caught before they become too serious. Vet guidance should be sought out if any signs or symptoms of a problem arise between checkups.

Suitable For:

These dogs are most suitable for active families with older children. They prefer houses with fenced yards for plenty of opportunities to exercise. These big dogs may feel cramped while living in an apartment setting, though they might be fine if they have access to free play and walks outdoors multiple times a day. They don’t like living in households where nobody is home for most of the day.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing a Standard Poodle or a Goldendoodle, it comes down to your family’s personal preferences. This decision can be tough because both breeds are similar and make enjoyable pets. If possible, spend one-on-one time with each breed to see how you get along with them and to get a sense of their true nature before making a final decision.

Summing Up

Both Poodles and Goldendoodles are awesome dogs that deserve loving, protective homes. They are roughly the same size, they have similar personalities and temperaments, and they (usually) have the same curly hair. It can be hard to choose between the two, but learning all you can about both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever can help make the decision easier.

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Featured Image Credit: Top – chili71, Pixabay | Bottom – Jeff Land Photography, Shutterstock