Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Double Doodle vs Labradoodle: The Differences (With Pictures)

Rachel Giordano

By Rachel Giordano

Double Doodle vs Labradoodle

Hybrid breeds, also known as designer breeds, have become the craze in recent years. Hybrid breeds are crossbreeds of two purebred dogs to create one magnificent dog with amazing characteristics and traits. In this article, we’ll examine the Double Doodle and the Labradoodle.

Labradoodles are bred using a combination of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, both of which have remarkable characteristics. On the other hand, the Double Doodle, also known as the Double Doodlepoo, North American Retriever, or Golden Labradoodle, is unique in that they are bred mixing other hybrid breeds: the Golden Doodle and the Labradoodle, which means their ancestors consist of the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and the Poodle. Are you still with us?

This trifecta of a hybrid breed makes for fascinating dogs, but Labradoodles are pretty amazing too. So, how do you choose which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll compare the two side-by-side to help you pick the one you feel is right for your family. Let’s go!

Divider 8

Visual Differences

Double Doodle vs Labradoodle - Visual Differences
Image Credit: Left – Double Doodle (yhelfman, Shutterstock) | Right – Labradoodle (Janosch Diggelmann, Unsplash)

At a Glance

Double Doodle
  • Average height (adult): 10–29 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 10–80 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Exercise: 1+ hours a day
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Yes
  • Trainability: Intelligent, loyal, eager to please
Labradoodle
  • Average height (adult): 14–23 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 15–95 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Exercise: 2+ hours a day
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Yes
  • Trainability: Intelligent, loyal, eager to please

Divider 2

Double Doodle Overview

double doodle dog lying in the grass
Image Credit: Juli V, Shutterstock

You may be wondering why there is such a vast difference in the average height and weight of the Double Doodle. Simply, with the Poodle being in the mix, the size of a Double Doodle may vary depending on the size of the parent Poodle. For example, the types of Poodle sizes vary from toy, mini, medium, and standard. However, the most common size is from breeding standard Poodle, which will give the Double Doodle an average height of 20 to 29 inches, with an average weight of 50 to 80 pounds. They can also come in any coat color with straight, curly, or wavy hair that should be groomed every 4 to 6 weeks and brushed regularly to keep the coat from matting.

It’s believed that the Double Doodle has been bred since the 1970s; however, they did not gain popularity until roughly within the last 10 years.

Personality / Character

Considering the parent breeds that consist of the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever, and the Poodle, the Double Doodle has an easygoing, affectionate, and gentle nature. They make exceptional family companions and get along very well with children and other pets in the household due to their calm and patient demeanor. They thrive on spending time with their humans and are social doggies. The Double Doodle is high-energy, making apartment living not ideal for these dogs. However, they love to play, and having a fenced yard is recommended.

Double Doodle (Goldendoodle and Labradoodle Mix) Dog Breed Info
Image Credit: SamWilliamsPhoto, Pixabay

Training

Given their intelligence, the Double Doodle is fairly easy to train. They are eager to please and enjoy learning new tricks and commands. Like with any dog, the earlier you socialize them, the better—although they are such gentle and good-natured dogs with a naturally sweet temperament, you will have no problem training them. They do well with mental exercise such as solving puzzles and keeping these types of toys on-hand is a must.

Health & Care

The Double Doodle is a relatively healthy dog, but as with any dog, they can be prone to certain medical conditions they may inherit from one of the three ancestor breeds. Conditions to watch out for with these dogs are hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, von Willebrands disease (blood disorder), and cataracts.

The Double Doodle is high-energy and requires at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily physical activity. They love to go on walks, play fetch, or even play with other dogs. They tend to get into mischief if not exercised both physically and mentally, but as long as you provide adequate exercise, you will not have any behavioral problems with this breed.

Suitable For:

The Double Doodle is suitable for active families with or without children, with or without other pets, and those not seeking a guard dog. These dogs are friendly with strangers and are extremely affectionate, so keep this in mind if you’re looking for a watchdog or a guard dog. They are unsuitable for apartment living and require space to run and play to exert their high energy.

divider 9

Labradoodle Overview

labradoodle puppy
Image Credit: Carina Svardal, Shutterstock

Similar to the Double Doodle in size variations, the Labradoodle can come in small to large sizes, but the standard Poodle is the most common breed used to create the Labradoodle, meaning they more commonly average 21 to 23 inches tall and weigh between 40 to 60 pounds. Their coat can be hair-coated, fleece-coated, or wool coated. The coat can also be straight, shaggy, or curly. The Labradoodle should be groomed every 4 to 6 weeks and often brushed to prevent matting, similar to the Double Doodle.

Surprisingly, Labradoodles have been around since the 50s but did not gain popularity until 1989. Originating from Australia, Wally Conron, breeding manager of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, was in charge of crossbreeding a hypoallergenic dog for the purpose of being used as a guide dog. The rest, as they say, is history.

Personality / Character

Labradoodles are intelligent and active dogs with an affectionate disposition. They love to play and are high-energy, much like the Double Doodle. These dogs love to be with their owners but do not do well being left alone for long periods, which can lead to separation anxiety. They are loving and loyal and do well with children and other pets, although early socialization is recommended to deter unwanted behaviors later on. These dogs have a zest for life and can become overly excited, but with proper training, certain unwanted behaviors, such as jumping on people or lunging at strange dogs, can be corrected.

labradoodle
Image Credit: Lopolo, Shutterstock

Training

Labradoodles are considered easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They need to know you are the pack leader and are comfortable when they know their place. Teaching basic commands, such as sit, down, shake, or stay, are easy for the intelligent Labradoodle to comprehend, and they do best with positive reinforcement-style training.

Health & Care

The average lifespan of the Labradoodle is 12 to 15 years. They have similar possible genetic health concerns as the Double Doodle, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. They may be prone to skin allergies and eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). They are an overall healthy breed, but like any dog, they can develop congenital conditions, but this doesn’t mean they always do.

As we’ve stated, the Labradoodle is high-energy, and you must be committed to exercising them at least 60 minutes once or twice a day. Exercise can consist of walking, jogging, swimming, playing fetch, hiking, or even participating in an obstacle course. Much like the Double Doodle, they need adequate space for running and playing, making them not ideal for apartment living. These dogs require both physical and mental stimulation, and their intelligence makes them good at solving games and puzzles. They can get bored if not exercised, which can lead to destructive behavior.

White labradoodle running in the field
Image Credit: Chedko, Shutterstock

Suitable For:

The Labradoodle is suitable for active families with or without children and with or without other pets. These dogs require adequate exercise, so an owner must be willing to exercise them for at least 60 minutes once or twice daily. If you’re a couch potato, this designer breed will not be suitable for you. They also need space to run, which does not make them ideal for apartment living.

Divider 8

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Given the similarities and close ancestry, you can’t go wrong with either breed. Both are fun, easy to train, and loyal to their human families. They both get along well with children and other pets, but one difference is the Double Doodle tends to like other pets with no questions asked, whereas the Labradoodle may benefit from early socialization.

In short, there is not much difference between the two breeds; they both have the same grooming requirements, the same lifespan, and require the same amount of daily exercise. If you’re considering either one, the conclusion is both breeds make excellent family companions.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: (L) Ann Lillie, Shutterstock | (R) Justin Sienkiewicz, Shutterstock

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database