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Standard Poodles and Golden Retrievers are standard breeds of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club.
When you mix the two breeds, you get a Goldendoodle!
In this article, I will look at the six key differences between Standard Poodles vs. Goldendoodles.
Goldendoodles share many of their Standard Poodle parent’s heritage, but they do differ in certain key ways.
For starters, Goldendoodles and Standard Poodles are different sizes, have different kinds of coats, have temperament differences, and cost different amounts.
Below, I will focus mainly on the differences between the Standard Poodle and Goldendoodle.
However, by breeding a medium or miniature Poodle with a Golden Retriever, you can also produce medium and miniature/toy Goldendoodles. Read on to find out the details about these differences, too!
Main Differences Between Poodles vs. Goldendoodles
The main differences between Standard Poodles and Goldendoodles are:
- Standard Poodles were originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs, whereas Goldendoodles were bred as designer dogs to blend the traits of Standard Poodles and Golden Retrievers.
- Standard Poodles weigh on average 40 to 70 pounds, whereas Goldendoodles typically weigh 50 to 90 pounds.
- Standard Poodles come in a wide variety of colors, whereas Goldendoodles come in a much smaller creamy to golden-toned range.
- Standard Poodles have a hypoallergenic coat that does not shed, whereas Goldendoodles have a longer coat that does shed occasionally.
- Standard Poodles are usually fairly aloof, proud, and independent dogs, whereas Goldendoodles tend to be more goofy, needy, and very dependent on their humans.
- Standard Poodles are expensive and will typically cost between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on breeding, whereas Goldendoodles are a bit cheaper and will usually cost between $500 and $2,000.
Poodles vs. Goldendoodles: Introduction
Standard Poodles are one of the most well-loved dog breeds in the US.
They were originally bred as hunting and sporting dogs but became fashionable over time and are now often kept as the companions of people who want an intelligent, elegant-looking dog that has very distinguished behavior.
Goldendoodles are a combination of the Standard Poodle and the Golden Retriever dog breeds. They are known as a hybrid or designer breed.
The Goldendoodle became quite popular in the 1990s and 2000s, as people wanted the look of a Standard Poodle but the behavior of a Golden Retriever with the added benefit of the dog being hypoallergenic.
1. Poodles vs. Goldendoodles: Origins
Where a dog comes from and why it was originally developed has an impact on how it looks and behaves today. Let’s take a closer look at where Standard Poodles and Goldendoodles come from!
Poodle
The Standard Poodle breed was first developed in Germany in the 19th century, where it was primarily bred to be a hunting dog.
Poodles would accompany their owners on hunts and flush game such as hares and birds out of the underbrush for their owners to shoot down. Often, the dogs would be used to retrieve the prey items as well
Goldendoodle
As the combination of a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever, the Goldendoodle is a very popular breed of dog.
These unique dogs are popular because the Standard Poodle’s genes for their coat seems to come through quite strongly.
This means the Doodle sheds less and produces less dander, which is beneficial for people with allergies.
Goldendoodles first became popular in the 1990s and 2000s when people wanted a medium-to-large dog that was hypoallergenic like the Standard Poodle but had a more fun-loving and goofy nature like that of the Golden Retriever.
2. Poodles vs. Goldendoodles: Size
Standard Poodles are generally very tall dogs; however, they’re rather slim.
Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, are more heavy-bodied, which results in the Goldendoodle being larger than both parent dog breeds.
Poodle
Standard Poodles average at 18 to 20 inches in height and weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. They are very tall dogs with slim bodies.
Their shoulders generally stand a little taller than their rear haunches, which gives them a slightly sloped look.
Female Standard Poodles will weigh less and be shorter than the males of the breed.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles combine their Standard Poodle heritage with the heavier body of the Golden Retriever and weigh between 50 and 90 pounds on average.
They are also slightly taller than Standard Poodles and stand at 23 to 24 inches high on average.
They have a heavier body that is thicker than the slimmer one of the Standard Poodle. Female Goldendoodles are smaller and weigh less than the males of the crossbreed.
3. Poodles vs. Goldendoodles: Coat Color
Standard Poodles have quite a range of colors in their standard appearance for their coats.
Golden Retrievers have a much smaller range of colors of creams to auburn. When Goldendoodles are bred, their coat color can come as a surprise!
Poodle
There are many standard colors that a Standard Poodle can come in:
- Apricot
- Black
- Blue/Dark Gray
- Brown/Chocolate
- Cafe Au Lait
- Cream
- Gray
- Red/Auburn
- Silver
- Silver Beige
- White
While purebred poodles come in a variety of shades, multicolored poodles, or entries who aren’t solid-colored, aren’t permitted in American Kennel Club conformation classes
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles can take after their Standard Poodle parents or their Golden Retriever parents.
Golden Retriever’s coats come in a small variety of colors from a light cream through to golden and then fox-red or auburn.
In a litter, the Goldendoodle will either take after its Standard Poodle or Golden Retriever parent.
Therefore, a chocolate Standard Poodle and a cream Golden Retriever can produce a Goldendoodle that is either chocolate, cream, or somewhere in between the two colors.
It is more common for the Goldendoodle to take after their Golden Retriever parent in terms of color, unless they’re bred back with a Standard Poodle to strengthen the Standard Poodle genes.
4. Poodles vs. Goldendoodles: Coat Type
As I mentioned previously, Standard Poodles are so highly valued today for their hypoallergenic coats, and this is why so many Doodle designer breeds are available today.
Poodle
Standard Poodles have a very curly coat that is almost human-coarse hair-like in its texture.
The coat needs to be brushed at least three times a week to prevent the coarse curls from matting and becoming compacted, which is incredibly painful for the dog.
Standard Poodles will always have a coarse, curly coat.
Poodles are considered the most hypoallergenic dog. This is because their coats barely shed at all, so they catch any of the dander that they produce.
Dander is typically the main cause for most humans’ dog allergies. Incidentally, Poodles also produce much less dander than other dog breeds.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles can have a tight curl in their coat, but it will never be as tight at the Standard Poodle’s curl.
A Goldendoodle’s coat can vary from curly to wavy to almost straight depending on how dominant the Golden Retriever genes for coat texture are.
Like Poodles, Goldendoodles need to be brushed at least three times a week because their fur can mat and become compacted in the same way.
Their coats are also generally longer than a Poodle’s to resemble their Golden Retriever parent’s coat more closely.
Unlike Poodles, Goldendoodles shed lightly seasonally. Therefore, their coat does not catch all of the dander they produce and isn’t as hypoallergenic as Poodles are.
However, the shedding is very manageable with frequent brushing and bathing.
5. Poodles vs. Goldendoodles: Overall Temperament
The overall temperament of a dog is very important to consider when you’re trying to decide what breed to bring home.
Your dog’s temperament should be a good match for yours and for your lifestyle.
An overall temperament and lifestyle match between human and dog means the relationship between the two will be more solid, and there will be less cause for headaches and less of a chance that the dog will be surrendered to the authorities or abandoned.
Poodle
The Standard Poodle is fairly aloof and prideful. They like their alone time and do not do well with a family that is constantly looking for affection.
They can become tired of small children or other animals that constantly seek their companionship throughout the day.
Although they’re very independent, they do love cuddles and time with their families. They aren’t the best dog breed to have when you have a lot of other animals, though, as they see the other animals as competition and often suffer from anxiety.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles combine the grandeur of the Standard Poodle with the goofiness of the Golden Retriever, and what results is a personality like no other!
The Goldendoodle is fun-loving, always up for cuddles, and a huge people pleaser who has almost endless patience for other animals and children.
The Goldendoodle is very dependent on its owner and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of the day.
They are rather large and very intelligent, and if not stimulated properly, they’ll become very destructive.
6. Poodles vs. Goldendoodles: Price
Poodles and Goldendoodles will share similar costs during their lifetimes in terms of grooming, feeding, vet bills, and general upkeep.
However, they do differ in initial purchase price for a few reasons.
Poodle
Buying a Standard Poodle puppy is an expensive endeavor, and you can expect the price to range between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on pedigree and bloodlines.
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles aren’t as expensive as Standard Poodles, or even Golden Retrievers, as they aren’t purebred dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club.
However, they’re still not a cheap dog breed to purchase.
A Goldendoodle puppy will set you back between $500 and $2,000.
If you’re in the market for a medium or toy Goldendoodle, then you can expect to pay several thousand dollars over and above the $2,000 for the additional specialized breeding.
FAQs About Poodles vs. Goldendoodles
Are Standard Poodles or Goldendoodles easier to train?
Standard Poodles and Goldendoodles are both highly intelligent dogs. They’re both very trainable and pick up on their training quickly.
Untrained Standard Poodles are large dogs that can become very destructive and aggressive towards other animals as a fear reaction.
If a Goldendoodle isn’t stimulated both physically and mentally and they go through life untrained, then you could end up with a dog that is a constant ball of nervous energy that ruins your belongings and becomes ill if they’re left alone.
Training and socialization for Standard Poodles and Goldendoodles is essential in maintaining their relationship with you and the world.
Do Standard Poodles or Goldendoodles need more exercise?
Standard Poodles and Goldendoodles need to have a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise a day.
If they’re not allowed to exercise and maintain healthy and strong muscles, then they may develop painful joint issues.
Are Poodles really hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. This is because all dogs produce dander.
When humans are allergic to dogs, or animals in general, most of the time, they’re allergic to the dander that animals produce.
Dander is essentially old skin cells that come off the skin as new cells are formed underneath and dirt.
Poodles happen to produce a very little amount of dander. Additionally, Poodles don’t shed a lot, which means dander that is trapped in the hair does not get deposited all around your living space.
In short, Poodles aren’t 100%, completely, totally, definitely hypoallergenic. However, they’re the closest you’ll get to having a dog that you’re not allergic to!
Rolling Over On Poodles vs. Goldendoodles…
In reviewing Poodles vs. Goldendoodles, we can see that the main differences that will impact your life are the different temperaments of the two dog breeds and their price.
The other differences between the two are superficial ones to do with looks and will ultimately come down to your personal preference.
Let’s recap the differences this article has discussed. To sum up, Poodles and Goldendoodles differ in their:
- Origin
- Size
- Coat color
- Coat type
- Overall Temperament
- Price
When you’re choosing the dog to take into your heart and home, make sure their personality and needs match up with your lifestyle.
Good luck in finding the perfect pup for you!
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