The study aimed to understand the behavioral traits of Goldendoodles and Labradoodles compared to their parent breeds: Standard or Miniature Poodles, and Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers. Data from 5141 dog owners via the C-BARQ online survey was analyzed for fourteen different behavioral traits.
Key Findings:
- Goldendoodles: Displayed more problematic behaviors compared to their parent breeds, notably in dog-directed aggression, dog-directed fear, and stranger-directed fear.
- Labradoodles: Showed fewer behavioral issues, differing significantly only from Miniature Poodles in dog rivalry.
Overview
The study indicates that while crossbred dogs tend to exhibit intermediate behaviors between their parent breeds, Goldendoodles may have more behavioral issues compared to Labradoodles. These findings can guide potential dog owners in understanding and selecting breeds based on behavioral tendencies.
Based on the study's findings, the temperament of Labradoodles and Goldendoodles can be quite varied due to their hybrid nature, which combines traits from both parent breeds.
Key Considerations:
1. Labradoodles:
- Generally exhibited fewer behavioral issues compared to Goldendoodles.
- Intermediate scores in most traits, with only one significant difference in dog rivalry compared to Miniature Poodles.
- Less prone to dog-directed aggression and fear compared to Goldendoodles.
2. Goldendoodles:
- Showed more significant behavioral differences, including higher levels of dog-directed aggression, dog-directed fear, stranger-directed fear, and dog rivalry.
- Exhibited higher average scores for these behaviors compared to their parent breeds.
3. Miniature Poodles:
- Displayed higher levels of behavioral issues such as dog rivalry, separation-related problems, touch sensitivity, and non-social fear.
- These traits influenced the crossbreeds, leading to higher scores in these areas.
Desirable Temperament:
- Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, tolerant, and easy-going nature, making them highly desirable for families and as companion animals.
- Standard Poodles also tend to have a balanced temperament, known for their intelligence and trainability without the pronounced behavioral issues seen in Miniature Poodles.
Conclusion:
Given the study's findings, Labradoodles may have a more desirable temperament overall due to fewer significant behavioral issues compared to Goldendoodles. However, individual temperament can vary, and both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles can make excellent pets depending on their specific behavioral traits and the environment they are raised in. For families looking for a balanced, friendly, and trainable dog, focusing on Labradoodles or considering the temperaments of the specific parent breeds involved can be beneficial.
Further research and attention to individual dog training and environment will play a significant role in achieving the desired temperament in any breed or crossbreed. I would love to see a study that included Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles have been bred since the 80's. Breeders have carfully chosen their breeding stock based on temporment, health and coat type. If you are looking for a doodle then look no further than the Australian Labradoodle.
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