When choosing the breed of your next four-legged companion, you will need to take certain considerations into account. Getting your first pup is quite challenging.
So, you will need to research the various aspects of dogs’ predispositions, temperament, appearance, grooming, exercise, and nutrition that will play a role in how they would act as pets.
Can’t decide between a full-spirited Poodle or adorable Goldendoodle to tug at your heartstrings?
Discussed below are the necessary details regarding both dog breeds to help you choose what breed is right for your lifestyle.
Breed History
What image do you usually envision when you think of a Poodle? What depiction comes first into your mind when you hear the word Goldendoodle?
Like any other person, you probably have preconceived notions regarding different dog breeds. Unknowingly, these negative breed stereotypes imply negative connotations that can be detrimental to both dogs and people.
Knowing a dog’s breed history is essential to avoid making pessimistic assumptions. Research has found the connection between dog genes and traits. Meaning, dogs have the tendencies to behave in certain behaviors following what they have been bred for.
To prevent unfair profiling, you will need to take a broader look at their long history.
Poodle
Considered one of the oldest and most popular purebred dog breeds, Poodles have a rich and vague history. It is believed that Poodles originally came from Germany. Over 400 years ago, they were bred as hunting dogs and water retrievers.
Their name came from the German word “pudel” or “pudelin” which means “to splash water.” Poodles’ curly coats were being shaved by the hunters to freely move in the water while making sure that the puffy haircut would still protect Poodles from the cold weather.
Their curly, low-shedding coat and their classic poofy haircut are believed to give free range of motion and buoyancy to help them stay afloat while hunting in the water.
Over time, Poodles’ intelligent and pleasing traits became popular, especially among the aristocrats in Europe. The noble population then kept Standard Miniature Poodles as their pets.
Poodles have gained popularity over the years. At present, they are ranked number 7 on the American Kennel Club’s breed popularity scale and appointed as France’s national dog.
Through the centuries, this friendly pup has been an adorable companion to a lot of people.
Goldendoodle
Inspired by the success of the crossbreed of a Labrador and a Poodle or fondly known us Labradoodle, Goldendoodle is now a popularly desired hybrid. The breeding was intended to design a dog that has a friendly trait of a Golden retriever and has the intelligence of a Poodle.
Well-received by the public, Goldendoodles now serve as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Moreover, Goldendoodles are known to be great companions and wonderful family pets.
Appearance
Poodle and Goldendoodle have unique physical attributes, which make them both remarkable.
Whether you prefer a small, mixed-color coat Poodle or a medium-sized Goldendoodle, there is an option for you!
Poodle
Having an elegant build, weepy eyes, and curly fur, a Poodle’s stunning feature makes it a head-turner.
Typically pictured as a prim and feminine dog, a Poodle is a pretty adventurous dog that comes in various sizes and colors.
Poodles enjoy swimming, hiking, and running. They are commonly described as athletic, energetic, and playful dogs.
Moreover, Poodles vary from a toy, miniature, medium, and standard sizes. Poodles weigh about 6-70 pounds and can stand between 10-22 inches, depending on their size.
Their curly fur and non-shedding coats are commonly seen in beautiful colors like white, blue, apricot, gray, cream, black, brown, and more.
Goldendoodle
As a product of two different breeds, the appearance of a Goldendoodle varies greatly depending on which genes are more dominant.
Usually, Goldendoodle coats are shaggy and wavy but still differ from which gene is more dominant. If the Poodle parent offered the dominant gene, coats could be curly, while if the dominant gene comes from the Golden Retriever, their coats appear straight.
This friendly little creature has straight to curly coats in shades of white, golden, black, cream, gray, apricot, and copper.
Generally, a Goldendoodle is an athletically built pup that can also come in miniature and toy sizes. It can stand between 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 50-90 pounds.
Grooming
Both Poodles and Goldendoodles need a great deal of grooming due to their furry coat. It is necessary for both breeds to receive a thorough and regular bath, haircut, and toothbrush.
Both of the dog breeds shed. However, Goldendoodles shed a bit more than Poodles because of their Golden Retriever traits.
Compared to Goldendoodles, Poodles have more hypoallergenic hair, which requires high maintenance. Also, to keep their curly hair manageable, professional grooming should be performed every 3-6 weeks. They need to be brushed at least once every day because their hair can turn into mats if not properly groomed.
With Goldendoodles, the frequency of grooming depends on their type of coat. For straight coats, grooming once a year is enough, while the wavy and curly type of coat needs to be groomed every day to prevent hair tangles or mats.
Moreover, both Poodles and Goldendoodles need proper dental care to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Brushing their teeth should be done daily or at least three times per week.
As part of the grooming process, clipping their nails is also done once or twice per month.
Finally, regular checking of their ears is also important to prevent infection.
Temperament
To choose your next four-pawed friend that would be a great addition to your household, it is important to know their dispositions and behavior tendencies.
It is undeniable that temperament in dogs is greatly influenced by their predispositions, environment, and socialization. Dogs’ personalities may differ from each other, but there are certain traits common in specific dog breeds.
Without making stereotypical assumptions, you can delve more into the typical behaviors and traits of a Poodle and a Goldendoodle.
Poodles
Having a gentle disposition, a Poodle is a great family dog. Poodles are incredibly intelligent, highly trainable, and faithful to their families.
Contrary to its stuffy image, Poodles are highly active and enjoy running, swimming, hiking, and doing physical activities.
Furthermore, Poodles have an increased tendency of being alert and instinctual, which their hunting instincts may influence.
Goldendoodle
Unlike Poodles, Goldendoodles are a calmer breed with a less pleasant personality. They do not require much social interaction with other people, but they love getting attention from their owners.
Generally, they are gentle and friendly dogs that are neither shy nor aggressive.
They are also trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement. Goldendoodles are known to be playful with children and gentle with babies.
Exercises
Between Goldendoodles and Poodles, the latter requires more physical activities because of its higher energy level. But both of them can become destructive when left alone for too long, as they can get bored.
So, it is important for both breeds to exercise for 30 minutes to one hour at least twice per day. This can help them to stay fit and burn their excess energy.
It is highly recommended to provide intense exercises to help them tire out easily to have a good and uninterrupted sleep at night.
Because of their active nature, they are excellent running and hiking companions. They both enjoy running, swimming, and hiking.
Being said, these kinds of breeds are more suitable for families with active lifestyles.
Moreover, interactive toys can be given to them as indoor activities to keep their brains active and healthy. Ensuring they have chew toys can help them avoid chewing your shoes, socks, or other furniture at home.
Training
Known for their high intelligence, both Poodle and Goldendoodle are easy to train. They have this desire to seek their owner’s approval. However, between the two dog breeds, Poodles are more obedient and smart.
To prevent any issues regarding their behavior and dispositions, they should be trained at an early age. Having a dog entails a lot of patience, especially in training them.
Crate training in their early years can be done. Since they vary in size, dog crates also have different sizes. For toy versions of both breeds, a small to the medium-sized crate is enough. While for large Poodles and Goldendoodles, you should have a 42-inch crate.
Health: Poodle vs Goldendoodle
Owning a Poodle or a Goldendoodle provides a fun and wonderful experience. But like any other individual, they are not exempted from acquiring certain health issues.
As a responsible fur parent, it is your duty to keep your four-pawed friend happy and healthy. So, you need to be aware of some medical conditions that may occur.
As a purebred, Poodles may be more prone to diseases. These include:
- Thyroid Problems
- Hip Dysplasia
- Addison’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Bloating
- Skin diseases
Just as Poodles, Goldendoodles are healthy dog breeds. They may have hybrid vigor, which is an advantage of being crossbred. But still, they are predisposed to various health conditions such as:
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Epilepsy
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
With proper care and love, you can also be a good companion to your fur baby for quite a long time.
The average life expectancy of a Poodle is around 12-15 years, while a healthy Goldendoodle can live up to 15 years.
Nutrition: Poodle vs Goldendoodle
Like humans, dogs also need delicious and nutritious meals to keep them happy and healthy. In serving them the right amount of meals, always consider the dog’s size, energy level, and age to ensure they are given the appropriate nutrition they need.
Having a high energy level, both breeds need a well-balanced diet with a fair amount of vegetables and protein for energy. They must be given nutritious and high-quality dry food at least twice a day.
Generally, standard-sized poodles can eat 2 to 2 and a half cups of dry food every day. Standard-sized Goldendoodles also eat the same amount.
For small ones, they will require much fewer meals. Remember, regardless of your intention, do not overfeed your dogs to avoid any health concerns.
Knowing that both breeds are energetic, playful, and high-spirited, always make sure to keep them hydrated by providing constant fresh and cool water.
Prices: Poodle vs Goldendoodle
After going through the details regarding the comparison between a Poodle and Goldendoodle, perhaps, you have a clearer perspective about the two breeds.
Knowing their breed history, behavior tendencies, temperaments, and dispositions, you probably now have a choice in mind for your next four-legged companion.
Whether you decide to buy a Poodle or a Goldendoodle, make sure to buy from a reputable and trusted breeder. Do not support unsafe practices being done by unlicensed breeders.
Both breeds have the same average price range, which costs around $1000 and up. Remember, the price may vary depending on the puppy’s coat color, breed, size, and breeder.
If you are not that interested in having a puppy, you can always ask your local rescue centers to adopt the breed of your choice. It will always be better to give those adorable dogs a new home and family.
Conclusion
Through centuries, Poodles and Goldendoodles have brought so much joy to many people. These friendly, loyal, and energetic creatures get along with all ages, making them wonderful friends and even a great addition to your family.
Whatever your choice is, they are equally beautiful, faithful, and affectionate dogs are waiting to be a part of your family.
There is no best breed out there; it will be up to you if you can take the role of a responsible owner and a great companion to your next adorable four-pawed friend.
