Golden Retriever vs Poodle: Which One Should I Choose?

Google “most popular dog breeds,” and it’s practically guaranteed you’ll find the Golden Retriever there. In fact, they made the AKC’s popular dog breed list every single year, starting from 2013. That’s quite the star power! It’s not surprising either. Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being goofy, friendly, and all-around great family dogs. Add their golden fur and smooshable faces, and you’ve got one irresistible pet.

Then, you have the Poodle, known for their fashion accessory fame. While they’ve been unfairly typecast as aloof and high-maintenance pets with fabulous haircuts, the truth is that Poodles are actually highly intelligent, trainable, and loyal companions. They come in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, and Toy), so there’s bound to be a Poodle that’s just the right fit for you. Also, have you seen a poodle with a teddy bear cut? Try not to melt!

While they’re both amazing dogs, there are key differences between Poodles and Golden Retrievers in terms of personality, grooming requirements, trainability, and other factors you need to consider before bringing either home.

Let’s dive into the world of Poodles and Golden Retrievers and help you figure out which breed is best for you.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Golden Retriever Dog Breed Overview

The Golden Retriever’s origins date back to the early 1800s in Scotland. They were originally bred as gun dogs to help hunters retrieve waterfowl and other game birds.

Today, Golden Retrievers are trained for a variety of roles such as service dogs, therapy dogs, and even search-and-rescue dogs.

Appearance

In terms of appearance, Golden Retrievers are large dogs with a thick, double coat of golden-colored fur. They have wide heads, long muzzles, and floppy ears.

The breed standard can range from solid dark to light gold, without any markings. Some Golden Retrievers do have white markings on their chest and toes, but this is considered a fault by some breeders.

Personality

Most Golden Retrievers are gentle, friendly, and easygoing. They’re known for being great with children and other animals, making them an ideal family pet or addition to a multi-pet household.

Grooming Needs

Due to their double coat, Golden Retrievers shed lightly throughout the year. However, they do blow their coats twice a year (usually in the spring and fall), during which time they’ll shed heavily.

You can let their coat grow long or keep it trimmed short, but regardless of length, you’ll need to brush them regularly to prevent mats and tangles.

Trainability

Golden Retrievers are highly trainable given their origins as working dogs. Because of their desire to please, they’re typically very responsive to training. They excel in obedience and agility trials and make excellent therapy dogs.

Activity Level

Golden Retrievers are an active breed that requires regular exercise. A daily walk or play session is a must, and they’ll also enjoy having a large yard to run and explore in.

Breed-Related Health Issues

Golden Retrievers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they’re susceptible to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiac disease, and cancer.

Suitable for:

Golden Retrievers are suitable for a wide range of homes and families. They’re an excellent choice for first-time dog owners, as well as families with children and other pets. They’re also a good choice for active people who enjoy hiking, swimming, or other outdoor activities.

Poodle Dog Breed Overview

Poodles are probably one of the most misunderstood dog breeds ever. When most people think of poodles, an image of a spoiled dog with a ridiculously coiffed hairdo probably comes to mind.

The truth is that similar to Golden Retrievers, Poodles are actually working dogs. Since the 17th century, they were used in the military as battlefield gun dogs because they could be easily trained to ignore the sounds of gunfire.

They were also bred for waterfowl hunting. Don’t be surprised if your poodle loves to swim!

And that distinct haircut where their hair is cut close to the skin except for around their legs, hips, and rear end? That’s not just for show. That cut actually serves a practical purpose. It helps the dog swim faster by reducing drag in the water and protecting their joints and vital organs from cold water.

Appearance

As we mentioned earlier, Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. All three sizes share the same general body type which is long, lean, and muscular. They have distinctively shaped heads with long, straight muzzles. They also have floppy ears.

Poodles come in a wide variety of colors including black, white, brown, cream, apricot, red, silver, and gray.

Personality

Poodles are generally active dogs who love attention. They’re also affectionate and love being around people.

However, these traits can also work against them. Lack of attention can lead to nuisance barking and other bad habits. They’re also prone to separation anxiety, especially the smaller toy and miniature varieties.

Grooming Needs

Poodles have a unique coat type. They have a dense, curly coat with minimal shedding, which is why they’re often recommended as a hypoallergenic breed.

The downside of their coat is that it requires regular grooming. Brushing them daily is a must, or that beautiful curly coat can quickly turn into a tangled, matted mess. They also require regular trips to the groomer for a trim because their coat is much closer to human hair than regular dog fur. As a result, it never stops growing.

Trainability

If Golden Retrievers routinely appear in lists of popular dog breeds, you’ll almost find Poodles lists of the smartest breeds. They’re incredibly receptive to training and can pick up new tricks and commands easily.

They’re often used in obedience, agility, and other dog sports because of their intelligence and trainability.

On the flip side, this can be a very stubborn breed. They can be willful and single-minded, so you’ll need to be patient and consistent when training them.

Activity Level

Poodles, especially the standard size, are quite an active breed. They love going on walks, playing fetch, and generally being outdoors. However, they can be just as content relaxing indoors with their family.

Aside from physical activity, potential poodle owners also need to dedicate serious time to mental stimulation. Bored poodles spell trouble. Keep them occupied with dog puzzles, Kongs stuffed with treats and other mentally stimulating games.

Breed-Related Health Issues

The poodle breed is typically healthy, but there are a few health problems you need to watch out for.

They’re prone to skin problems, thyroid issues, ear infections, epilepsy, and eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Hip dysplasia is also a concern, as is cancer.

Suitable for:

Poodles are suitable for families who can give them plenty of attention and meet their active lifestyle. While they can also be good for first-time dog owners, they do require significant commitment in terms of training and grooming.

 

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Of the two, poodles can pose more of a challenge. Despite their reputation, these are not lap dogs. They need an owner who can provide the mental and physical stimulation required by such a smart breed. And since they do better with lots of human interaction, they’re not the best breed for someone who works long hours or is gone all day.

Their low-shedding coat also comes with a caveat: it requires a lot of grooming. If you’re not willing to put in the time to brush them daily and take them to the groomer regularly, you may want to skip this breed.

Compared to poodles, Golden Retrievers are more versatile. Due to their size and energy levels, however, they’re not the best breed for those with sedentary lifestyles or who live in small apartments. They also require some space to run and play, so a backyard is ideal. Goldens also tend to love company, so if you’re looking for a family pet, you may have found your match.

As long as you manage your expectations, do your research, and get your pup from a reputable breeder, it’s hard to go wrong with Poodles and Golden Retrievers.  They’re both popular for a reason – it just depends on what you’re looking for in a dog.

See also:

• Portuguese Water Dog vs. Poodle: What’s the Difference?
• Golden Retriever vs. Border Collie: How Are They Different?

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Caleb Fisher, Unsplash | (R) Daniel Savill, Unsplash