The Double Doodle and Goldendoodle are both wonderful, friendly dogs, though there are a few differences between them. If you are having trouble deciding which one to have in your home, keep reading as we look at each one and discuss their personality, grooming needs, and trainability so you can see which one is right for you and your family.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Double Doodle Overview

A Double Doodle is technically any dog that has been bred from parents that are Poodle mixes. Typically, a Double Doodle is a mix between a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle, though this is not always the case. Since there is no strict definition of what these dogs are, you can get almost anything when you adopt a Double Doodle. The only guarantee is that they will have Poodle genetics.

Aside from the many possible breeds that can go into a Double Doodle, there is another reason that these hybrids can look so different from one another. It comes down to genetics. When you cross two purebred dogs, their puppies receive one gene from each parent. This is called the F1 generation. F1 dogs all look similar because their genetics are similar.

However, when you breed two F1 dogs together, each puppy can get more genetics from one original breed than the other. Littermates can therefore look different from each other depending on their genetic makeup. This is called the F2 generation. By definition, all Double Doodles are at least an F2 generation or later.

In the same way, genetics can impact a pup’s personality, which can be closer to that of one of the parent breeds or a mix of both. The takeaway here is to talk to the breeder about the traits that their dogs’ specific lines usually have.

Appearance

The appearance of a Double Doodle can vary significantly. They can inherit traits from both mixed parent breeds, leading to a wide range of physical characteristics. That said, most of these dogs have a soft, wavy, or curly coat that can vary in color, including shades of gold, cream, black, chocolate, apricot, or a combination of these. They also typically have a long, flowing tail and almond-shaped eyes that can be brown or hazel.

Health & Care

Mixed breeds like the Double Doodle tend to be healthier than their purebred parents. However, there are still a few health problems that you should watch out for when you own one of these pets. For instance, both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers can be prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop correctly, leading to discomfort and mobility issues. Other possible conditions include elbow dysplasia, ear infections, and bloat, a serious condition where the stomach twists and traps gas and food, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Suitable For:

Double Doodles are suitable for various families and individuals due to their friendly, affectionate, and pleasant nature. They are especially well suited to families with children and other pets. While they are marketed as hypoallergenic, allergy sufferers should be cautious. All dogs produce dander and saliva, which contain allergens. So-called “hypoallergenic” dogs, such as Poodles, tend to receive this title due to their low-shedding coats, which means they will spread less hair and dander around the house. However, even with their Poodle heritage, a Double Doodle can inherit shedding traits from the heavy-shedding breeds in their parentage.

Goldendoodle Overview

The Goldendoodle is a friendly breed, making them popular for families and individuals. They enjoy making friends and being a part of family activities. They also enjoy outdoor activities and make great companions for children. They are eager to please and intelligent and can learn complex tasks quickly.

Appearance

The Goldendoodle is a popular hybrid breed resulting from the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Their appearance can vary depending on the traits inherited from each parent. However, they usually have a wavy, dense, and non-shedding coat that can range in color, including shades of cream, gold, apricot, red, black, chocolate, or a combination of these.

Health & Care

The Goldendoodle is generally a healthy and robust breed. However, there are still a few health problems to look out for, including hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, and eye problems. Obesity is also a major concern, with more than half of the dogs in the United States being overweight, and dental disease affects more than 80% of dogs over the age of 3.

Suitable For:

Goldendoodles make fun companions for large and small families. They get along well with children and other pets and don’t typically shed much, so they can be suitable for people who suffer from allergies. They also make great therapy or emotional-support animals, and their high intelligence makes them ideal for older people.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Double Doodles and Goldendoodles have many of the same traits, including high intelligence and friendly personalities that pair well with children and other pets. They have intensive grooming requirements, though, and they’ll need daily brushing to prevent mats, ear cleaning to prevent ear infections, and teeth brushing to prevent dental disease. These pups will be regulars at the groomer if you don’t want to do clipping yourself. One difference is that Double Doodles can range in size and other traits more than Goldendoodles.

Since neither breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club, you won’t find any breeders held to any specific standards. This is why you should at least ensure that your breeder is performing health testing on their parent dogs and selecting for good temperaments. You should also discuss the expected traits of the puppies with your chosen breeder, as these can vary greatly, especially with Double Doodles.

Related reads:

• Australian Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle: The Differences (with Pictures)
• Mini vs Medium Goldendoodle: The Differences (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: (T) Ann Lillie, Shutterstock | (B) Rena Schild, Shutterstock