There are a lot of dogs in the world to choose from, among the most popular are the Labradoodle and the Standard Poodle. Both make great family pets, but some differences may determine if they will be a good fit for your home. Aside from their variations, their overall maintenance and base cost will also play a part in your final decision. If you are looking for more information on which breed is best for your family, you have come to the right place.
The Labradoodle comes from Australia while the Standard Poodle origins hail from Germany. In terms of size, the Standard Poodle is about 9 inches shorter despite growing to have the same general weight. If you are looking for a smaller dog, then the Standard Poodle will be worth considering. However, those who have more space to offer and don’t mind larger dogs may prefer a Labradoodle.
If you are looking to adopt a new dog that only needs a moderate about of care, both the Labradoodle and the Standard Poodle fit the bill. However, Standard Poodle’s are purebred animals and will have a higher upfront cost than a mixed hybrid Labradoodle. Regardless of the price, it makes sense to choose a dog that fits your needs and your lifestyle. Keep reading to find out more about the differences and similarities between both breeds.
What Does a Standard Poodle Look Like?
A standard poodle is a heavyset, medium-sized dog with a coat of thick, but soft and curly hair. Their eyes are deep brown which is often covered by a bushy bang. The snot is long and narrow with a blunted, yet refined nose. The hair on the mouth and snout is very short unlike the rest of their body hair.
The Standard Poodle was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1887.
What Does a Labradoodle Dog Look Like?
A labradoodle is a heavyset, rather large dog with wavy hair. The eyes are generally light brown or deep brown in color with a small, round shape. The snout is hair and short with a very wet nose. Their ears are also floppy however instead of having a bang of hair on their head, they have bushy brows.
Since it’s a cross between two dog breeds the Labradoodle is not recognized as a breed by any major kennel club.
What is the Difference between a Standard Poodle and a Labradoodle?
The easiest way to spot the difference between the breeds is by looking at their hair and the same of their head. Though both breeds come in regular and miniature sizes, the Standard poodle has a distinctly shaped head with a long, refined snout. The hair on a Standard Poodle is also wiry and very dense. Labradoodles on the other hand have soft wavy hair this is often flat. Their heads are also smaller and more rounded than Poodles.
Standard Key Facts
Labradoodle Key Facts
Standard Poodle vs Labradoodle: Similarities and Differences
Let’s take a closer look at the details of each breed. Understanding why or how a breed came to exist will help you to decide if it’s going to be a good fit for your family.
History
Poodles originated in Germany, but are viewed as the national dog of France. The Standard Poodle is considered one of the highest class of dogs due to their intelligence and their stunning appearance. They also happen to be one of the most popular dog breeds chosen for competition in addition to being among the smartest dogs on the planet.
Labradoodle is a mix between a poodle and a Labrador retriever. The breed was first created in 1989 in Australia. The purpose of the breed was to create a companion guide dog for a blind person whose companion suffered from allergies. Because Poodles have hypoallergenic coats, and Labs are used most often as guide dogs, the crossbreed went to serve a unique purpose. This breed is loyal, kind, defensive, and makes excellent companions.
Temperaments
The Standard Poodle is a very friendly dog and loves to play. However, their intelligence makes them stubborn, so they will need to be trained at an early age to get rid of natural stubbornness. Although poodles are not aggressive, they can serve as a guard for your home.
Labradoodle dogs were bred to be companions, they are highly amicable and very docile. Like most dogs they need to be trained if they will live inside, however, they are very affectionate and love to spend time with their owners.
Cost
Standard Poodle and Labradoodle breeds are both great dogs. Puppies require a moderate investment when purchasing from a legitimate source.
Standard Poodle pricing starts at $1,000 and can go as high as $10,000 for a documented puppy. Labradoodle pricing starts off at $1,000 and can go as high as $1,500 for a healthy puppy.
Grooming
Labradoodles’ are allergy-friendly dogs having been bred specifically to service a blind person who had pet allergies. Their coat has moderate to light shedding with generally low maintenance needs. Their puppy coat sheds around the six to seven-month mark.
You should groom your Labradoodles hair at least once every 6 – 12 weeks to prevent mattes and tangles.
Standard poodles have a higher need for grooming and hair care due to their dense, coarse hair. They shed very little and are considered hypoallergenic despite their thick coat.
Average Lifespan
The general lifespan of a Standard poodle is 12 – 15 years with proper care. A Labradoodle has a general lifespan of 10 – 14 years with proper care and a healthy diet.
Trainability
Both the Standard Poodle and the Labradoodle are highly intelligent dog breeds. As such they are very easy to train even for novice dog owners.
Barking Habits
The Standard Poodle and the Labradoodle are social and typically well-behaved breeds. All dogs bark, however, with proper training both breeds can be taught to only bark when there is an emergency. In most cases, they only bark when they are lonely, sick, or agitated.
Exercise
The Standard Poodle and the Labradoodle are both active breeds. Although they are docile, they need plenty of exercises. Daily walks are important as is playing with your pet to keep them calm and also healthy.
Behavior with Small Children and Other Pets
The Standard Poodle and the Labradoodle are social dogs that have a calm temperament. They are great for families with children of any age and tend to be highly protective, yet gentle. They are both territorial but will get along with other family pets.
Health Problems
Both breeds are generally healthy but can commonly fall prey to most common canine ailments such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. It is important to also keep their floppy ears clean to prevent ear infections.
Dietary Needs
Poodles and Labradoodle dogs have similar dietary needs. It is important to feed them a diet balanced with a blend of nutrients that come from both fruit and vegetables. Make sure they also get ample protein in their diet.
Find out the best dog foods for Poodles here.
Labradoodle vs Standard Poodle: Which Is Better?
Poodles are versatile pets that can live in the city as easily as they live in the country. Although they are naturally stubborn, they are easy to train and make great family pets. Their coats are hypoallergenic, however, they need a moderate to a high level of maintenance. This breed is best for families who have the time to spend giving them attention and maintaining their appearance.
Labradoodles are ideal as first pets for families with or without children. They are hypoallergenic and only need a small amount of grooming each week. They are easy to train and very social with people and other pets that may be in the home.