Should I Choose a Goldendoodle or an Australian Labradoodle?
You're standing in my living room, watching puppies tumble over each other. "So what's the difference?" you ask. "They both look like fluffy teddy bears."
I'm Elizabeth, and I get this question at least three times a week. Last Saturday, a couple from Noblesville spent two hours here trying to decide. The husband wanted a Goldendoodle because his coworker has one. The wife wanted an Australian Labradoodle because her sister has allergies and needs predictability.
Here's what I told them, and here's what I'll tell you: if you have allergies or want consistency, Australian Labradoodles win. If allergies aren't a concern and you want a slightly higher-energy dog, Goldendoodles are wonderful. But there's more to it than that.
This guide explains the real differences between these breeds so you can make the right choice for your family. We'll talk about coats, personalities, health, and what you can actually expect when you bring your puppy home.
Should I choose a Goldendoodle or an Australian Labradoodle?
Australian Labradoodles offer more predictable hypoallergenic coats and temperaments due to multi-generational breeding. Goldendoodles are first-generation crosses with variable shedding and personality traits. If anyone in your house has allergies, Australian Labradoodles provide better consistency. Their fleece or wool coats rarely shed, while Goldendoodles can vary wildly—some shed very little, others shed like crazy. For families without allergies who want a playful, outgoing dog, Goldendoodles are excellent pets.
See our available Australian Labradoodle puppies in Anderson.
The Real Difference: Multi-Generation vs. First-Generation Breeding
Here's the thing nobody tells you upfront. Australian Labradoodles and Goldendoodles aren't the same kind of mix.
Goldendoodles are a Golden Retriever plus a Poodle. First generation. That's it. You're mixing two purebreds and hoping for the best. Sometimes you get a low-shedding puppy. Sometimes you get one that sheds everywhere. It's a coin toss.
Australian Labradoodles are multi-generational. We've been breeding Australian Labradoodle to Australian Labradoodle for many generations. We also have Cocker Spaniel in the bloodlines, not just Lab and Poodle. This creates predictable, truly hypoallergenic coats that almost never shed.
Two months ago, a family from Pendleton called me in tears. They'd bought a "Goldendoodle" for their daughter who has asthma. The breeder promised it wouldn't shed. At three months old, the puppy was leaving hair tumbleweeds everywhere. Their daughter couldn't breathe. They had to rehome the dog. She cried for weeks.
They came to visit our Australian Labradoodles. Spent three hours here. Rubbed their faces in the dogs' fur. No reaction. They picked up their puppy last month and sent me a video yesterday—their daughter sleeping with the dog on her bed, breathing perfectly fine.
That's the difference between a first-generation cross and a multi-generational breed. Predictability.
Ready to apply for a predictable, hypoallergenic puppy? Apply now.
Coat Differences: What "Hypoallergenic" Actually Means
Let me be straight with you. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. But some are way better than others.
People aren't allergic to dog hair. They're allergic to dander—dead skin cells—and proteins in saliva. Dogs that shed spread dander all over your house. Dogs that don't shed keep most of that dander on their bodies until you groom them.¹
Goldendoodle coats: Can be straight, wavy, or curly. Some shed a lot. Some shed a little. You won't know until the puppy is about six months old and the adult coat comes in. I've seen Goldendoodles that barely shed and I've seen ones that look like Golden Retrievers in disguise.
Australian Labradoodle coats: Fleece or wool texture. Consistent across the breed. They don't shed. Period. Their hair grows continuously like human hair. You need to groom them every 6-8 weeks, but you're not vacuuming fur daily.
Jason's mom is allergic to dogs. Has been her whole life. She can't visit houses with Golden Retrievers or Labs without getting itchy eyes and a runny nose. But she comes to our house every Sunday for dinner and sits on the couch with our Australian Labradoodles sleeping on her lap. No reaction.
That's what multi-generational breeding does. It removes the variability that makes first-generation crosses risky for allergies.
If you have allergies—even mild ones—don't gamble with a Goldendoodle. I've talked to too many heartbroken families who had to rehome dogs because they couldn't stop sneezing. Go straight for an Australian Labradoodle from a breeder who understands coat genetics.
Temperament: The Personality Differences You Need to Know
Both breeds are wonderful dogs. But they're different.
Goldendoodles: Think Golden Retriever energy with Poodle smarts. They're enthusiastic, outgoing, and love everyone. They're like the kid in class who's friends with everybody. High energy. They want to play all the time. Great for active families who want a dog for hiking, running, or dog parks.
I have a friend in Fishers with a Goldendoodle. Beautiful dog. Super friendly. But it's go-go-go from morning till night. She runs him three miles every morning and he's still bouncing off walls by lunchtime.
Australian Labradoodles: Calm, intuitive, and sensitive to emotions. They're playful when you want to play, but they're also content to chill. They seem to know when you're sad or stressed and they'll just sit with you. That's why they're bred for therapy work.
Last Tuesday, one of our puppy families stopped by with their 18-month-old Australian Labradoodle. Their teenage son is going through a rough time. The dog has started sleeping outside his bedroom door every night. When the boy comes home from school upset, the dog immediately goes to him. Nobody trained that. It's just in their nature.
Our Australian Labradoodles play with our daughters in the yard every afternoon. But when it's homework time, they settle down and sleep under the table. When Jason's working from home, they sleep in his office. When I'm cooking dinner, they lay in the kitchen. They're present without being demanding.
Goldendoodles are more "in your face" energetic. Australian Labradoodles are more "velcro dog" companionable. Both are great. Just different.
If you have young kids who want a super playful dog, Goldendoodles are awesome. If you want a dog who adapts to your mood and energy level, Australian Labradoodles are better.
Training and Intelligence: Both Smart, Different Learning Styles
Here's something interesting. Both breeds are incredibly smart. But they learn differently.
Goldendoodles: Quick learners who love to please. But they can be easily distracted by... everything. A squirrel. A leaf blowing by. Another dog three blocks away. Training requires patience because their attention wanders.
My neighbor has a Goldendoodle who knows 30 commands. But getting him to actually do them depends on whether something more interesting is happening.
Australian Labradoodles: Focused learners who want a job. They lock in during training. Jason worked with our breeding dogs for weeks before we ever bred them. He said training Australian Labradoodles is like training a student who actually wants to learn—they pay attention, they remember, and they apply what they learned.
We use Puppy Culture with our litters. By eight weeks, our puppies are already crate-training, exposure to different sounds, surfaces, and people. Families tell me their Australian Labradoodles were fully house-trained within two weeks of coming home.
One family from Anderson texted me last month: "She's 10 weeks old and already knows sit, down, stay, and come. Is this normal?" Yes. Australian Labradoodles are that trainable.
Both breeds work as therapy dogs. Both can learn complex tasks. Goldendoodles just need a bit more patience and redirection. Australian Labradoodles are naturally calmer and more focused.
Grooming: What You're Actually Signing Up For
Let's talk about the reality of grooming because nobody warns you about this enough.
Both breeds need regular grooming. Neither is "low maintenance." If you're not willing to brush your dog several times a week and pay for professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, don't get either breed.
Goldendoodles: Their coats mat easily, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and on the chest. If you skip brushing for a week, you'll have tangles. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks costs $60-80 in Anderson. Some Goldendoodles have that shaggy Golden Retriever look that needs more frequent grooming.
Australian Labradoodles: Their fleece coats are softer and easier to maintain than Goldendoodle coats. They still need brushing 2-3 times a week, but they don't mat as easily. Professional grooming every 8-12 weeks. Same $60-80 cost.
I brush our dogs every other day while watching TV. Takes maybe 15 minutes per dog. It's actually relaxing. But if you're not willing to do that, you'll end up with a matted mess that's painful for the dog.
Here's the honest truth: if you think you're getting a "no maintenance" dog because it doesn't shed, you're wrong. You're trading vacuuming for brushing. Pick your maintenance chore.
Health: Why Breeding Practices Matter More Than Breed
Both Goldendoodles and Australian Labradoodles can be healthy dogs. But here's what matters: whether the breeder tests the parents.
Goldendoodles come from breeders who range from excellent to horrible. Some test hips, elbows, eyes, and genetics. Many don't test anything. If you buy a Goldendoodle from someone who skipped health testing, you're rolling the dice on hip dysplasia, eye problems, and genetic conditions.
Australian Labradoodles from WALA-registered breeders come with mandatory health testing. We test every breeding dog through OFA and Orivet. It's required. You can look up our dogs' test results online.
Three years ago, someone contacted me about a Goldendoodle they'd bought for $1,500. At 14 months, the dog needed $6,000 hip surgery. The breeder never did OFA testing. They didn't know if the parents had good hips.
We test because we don't want families to go through that heartbreak. Our puppies' parents have documented OFA Good or Excellent hips. Genetic testing clear for hereditary conditions. It costs us more money, but it protects you.
If you're considering a Goldendoodle, ask the breeder for OFA numbers. If they don't have them, walk away. Find a Goldendoodle breeder who tests as rigorously as good Australian Labradoodle breeders do.
Health isn't about the breed. It's about the breeder's commitment to testing.
Size Options: Finding the Right Fit
Both breeds come in multiple sizes. This is actually one area where they're pretty similar.
Australian Labradoodles: Miniature (15-25 lbs), Medium (25-45 lbs), Standard (45-65 lbs)
Goldendoodles: Mini (15-30 lbs), Medium (30-45 lbs), Standard (45-90 lbs)
Standard Goldendoodles can get bigger than Standard Australian Labradoodles. If you want a really large dog, Goldendoodles give you more size options.
We focus on Standard Australian Labradoodles because that's what most families want—a medium-large dog that's sturdy enough for kids but not so big they knock toddlers over.
Our breeding dogs weigh 50-60 pounds. Perfect size for family life. Big enough to hike with you, small enough to curl up on the couch.
Exercise Needs: How Much Energy Are You Ready For?
This is huge and people underestimate it.
Goldendoodles: High energy. Need 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. If they don't get it, they'll chew your furniture, bark excessively, and drive you crazy. They need running, hiking, or intense play. A walk around the block isn't enough.
Australian Labradoodles: Moderate energy. Need 30-60 minutes of exercise daily. A couple of good walks, some fetch in the backyard, and they're content. They'll happily go on a long hike with you, but they don't require it.
Our dogs spend the morning playing with our daughters in the yard. Then they sleep most of the afternoon. Evening, they want another play session or walk. That's it. They're not bouncing off walls if they miss a walk due to rain.
If you work long hours and don't have time for multiple daily exercise sessions, Australian Labradoodles adapt better. Goldendoodles need families with active lifestyles who want a dog to join them for everything.
Cost: What to Expect from Ethical Breeders
Both breeds cost similar amounts from good breeders.
Goldendoodles: $2,000-3,500 from reputable breeders Australian Labradoodles: $2,500-4,000 from reputable WALA breeders
We charge $3,000. That includes health testing, Puppy Culture socialization, WALA registration, vaccinations, microchip, health guarantee, and lifetime support.
Goldendoodle breeders who charge similar prices should offer the same level of testing and care. If someone's selling Goldendoodles for $1,500, they're cutting corners somewhere—probably health testing.
Don't choose based on price. Choose based on what the breeder provides. A $1,500 puppy that needs $6,000 in hip surgery isn't cheaper than a $3,000 puppy with tested parents.
Which One Is Right for Your Family?
Let me make this simple based on real families I've worked with.
Choose a Goldendoodle if:
Nobody in your household has allergies
You want a high-energy, super outgoing dog
You're an active family who wants a dog for hiking, running, and adventures
You don't mind higher grooming maintenance
You can commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise
You find a breeder who does comprehensive health testing
Choose an Australian Labradoodle if:
Anyone has allergies (even mild)
You want predictability in coat and temperament
You want a moderate-energy dog who adapts to your lifestyle
You value a calm, intuitive companion
You want 30-60 minutes of daily exercise to be enough
You want the reliability of multi-generational breeding
Last month, the couple from Noblesville who spent two hours here made their decision. They chose an Australian Labradoodle. The wife's sister has severe allergies and visits often. They needed certainty, not a gamble.
They picked up their puppy two weeks ago. Yesterday, the sister visited. She buried her face in the puppy's fur. No reaction. She cried happy tears. "I can finally be around a dog," she said.
That's why we breed Australian Labradoodles. That's why predictability matters.
Questions about which breed is right for you? Text us at 317-608-9260 or see our available puppies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australian Labradoodles make great pets?
Find out the answer in our article on Australian Labradoodles as great pets.
References
Diffin, Elizabeth, and Tiffany Glick. "Fido Fact or Fiction: The Truth About Hypoallergenic Pets." Helix Magazine, Northwestern University, 19 May 2009, www.helix.northwestern.edu/2009/05/19/fido-fact-or-fiction-the-truth-about-hypoallergenic-pets/.