Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever: Which is the best one for you?


Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the US. It’s easy to see why this is the case, both breeds are adorable! Both dogs make excellent family pets as they are loving and gentle dogs. These dogs are also extremely loyal and great with children.

Labrador vs Golden Retriever, an age-old question for people who want a Retriever in their home: Labradors are better suited for outgoing families with small kids. Golden Retrievers are better suited for a more tranquil and calm environment,

Many people want a Retriever in their lives, the thing is that Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are very similar. Therefore, it’s very difficult to compare them and decide which one is the best match for your family.

That’s why we researched the similarities and differences between both breeds to help you choose the right retriever for you and your family.

Why Labradors and Golden Retrievers are so similar?

To find the answer, we must take a quick look at both breeds’ history. According to some breed historians, the reason Labs and Golden Retrievers are so similar is that they share a common ancestor: The now extinct Saint John’s Water Dog. This old breed from Newfoundland Island in Canada is the direct ancestor of modern-day Labrador Retrievers. It’s thought that Saint John’s Water dogs are the direct or indirect ancestor of almost all modern retriever breeds.

So how does this old breed relate to Golden Retrievers? Turns out that the Saint John’s Water Dog was the direct ancestor of the also extinct Wavy-Coated Retriever, which in turn is the ancestor of two modern Retriever breeds: The Golden Retriever and the Flat-Coated Retriever. So, the main reason why Labradors and Golden Retrievers are so similar is that they both have inherited many of their physical traits and character from Saint John’s Water Dog. Read more about the history of Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Vs Golden Retriever

What are the differences and similarities between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are very similar breeds. However, there are some significant differences between these dogs in personality, appearance, health traits, and grooming requirements.

Let’s see what those differences are so you can make the difficult decision of choosing one of these Retrievers for your family.

Physical traits of Labradors vs Golden Retrievers

Both Labs and Golden Retrievers share many physical characteristics. For starters, they have incredibly cute faces, with happy and enthusiastic expressions.

They both have similar body structures, and they are roughly the same size and weight. The most obvious difference between these breeds is their hair. Golden Retrievers have longer hair than Labradors. But there are other small differences besides this.

Golden Retriever

The appearance of Labs and Goldens

Other similarities are the long tails, folding ears, and of course the webbed feet and double-layered coats, with an outer water-repellant layer and a soft insulating inner layer. These breeds love water and their bodies are made for swimming.

Some features that distinguish Golden Retrievers from Labradors are their longer and wavy coats, which come in colors from creamy gold to reddish gold. Another difference is their longer snouts that give them a smiling expression.

Labradors can be distinguished by their shorter denser coat that comes in three colors: Yellow, black, and chocolate. Labs also have shorter snouts and broader heads with pronounced eyebrows. Labs also have a more muscular build that makes them look more rugged than Golden Retrievers.

Height and weight: Which one is bigger?

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the standard height for Labrador Retrievers is between 22 ½ to 24 ½ inches, while the weight is from 65 to 80 pounds for male Labs. For female Labs the standard height is from 21 ½ to 23 ½ inches., and the weight is between 55 to 70 pounds.

In the case of Golden Retrievers, the AKC states that the standard height is 23 to 24 inches for males, and the weight is between 65 to 70 pounds. In the case of females, the height is from 21 ½ to 22 ½ inches, and the weight is 55 to 65 pounds.

Remember that not all dogs fit in the breed standard, some individuals might be larger or smaller. But in general, Labs are slightly larger and heavier than Goldens.

Labradors Playing

Retriever vs Retriever: Personality traits

Both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are among the most intelligent dog breeds.

These dogs are very easy to train, that’s why these Retrievers are often used as work dogs in a variety of jobs.

Some of these jobs include police dogs, search and rescue dogs, service dogs for people with disabilities, and therapy dogs, and they are even used by the military to sniff out explosives.

Labradors and Golden Retrievers are also very gentle and affectionate dogs, they love pleasing their humans, and they are also very sociable and outgoing.

Both breeds are great with children, they are very patient, attentive, and love to play with kids. This is why both Labs and Goldens are excellent family dogs.

Don’t expect either one of these dogs to be an effective guard dog. Labradors and Golden Retrievers will bark at strange sounds or strangers that get near the house. But that’s as far as their guarding abilities go. Related Post: Are Labradors Good Guard Dogs?

Labradors are a high-energy breed, they require a lot of exercise and playtime when they are young. A Labrador that doesn’t get enough daily activity can be very destructive at home.

Golden Retrievers are a medium-energy breed. They also require a daily dose of exercise but are calmer than Labradors.

Health Traits and common health problems

Labradors and Golden Retrievers have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years on average, some Retrievers can live up to 14 years, although this is uncommon. Labs and Goldens have similar health issues and are susceptible to many of the same illnesses.

One common health problem in these breeds is Hip and elbow dysplasia. This problem is caused by malformed joints, this is due to genetic and environmental factors. Older Retrievers are also known to suffer from osteoarthritis.

Golden Retrievers and Labradors are prone to develop eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Glaucoma, and Cataracts. Golden Retrievers are also prone to suffer Pigmentary Uveitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the uvea.

Both breeds are prone to develop cancer, although this disease is more common in Golden Retrievers than Labradors. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine, 38% of Golden Retrievers die from cancer.

These Retrievers are also known to suffer from allergies, especially skin allergies, heart conditions, and obesity (especially Labradors). These dogs are also susceptible to bloat, which affects deep-chested breeds and is a very deadly condition. More information about Labradors Health and Care is available here. 

Golden Retriever Puppy

Shedding and Grooming needs

Labradors are known for shedding and Golden Retrievers are no different. Both Retriever breeds have double coats that shed constantly and go through a molting period twice a year. This means that they need to be groomed frequently.

Labradors will require a grooming session once a week to deal with shedding. Because of their long hair, Golden Retrievers will require more frequent grooming to keep their coats shiny and tangle-free, as well as deal with shedding. Find more tips on how to deal with Labradors shedding here.

Which Retriever is the best match for you?

Both Labradors and Golden Retrievers are great family dogs. The two main differences between Labs and Goldens are their appearance and energy levels. Labradors are better suited for outgoing families with small kids. Goldens are better suited for a more tranquil and calm environment, they are perfect for suburban families with grown kids.

Goldador: Labrador-Golden Retriever mix

The Golden Retriever and Labrador mix, or Goldador as it’s commonly known, might be the perfect combination of cuteness and friendliness, and a perfect compromise for those who can’t choose between a Labrador or a Golden Retriever.

It’s very hard to predict the characteristics and temperaments of mixed-breed dogs. In the case of Goldadors, they normally take after one of the parents. This means it will be very similar to a standard Labrador with some Golden Retriever characteristics, or the other way around.

Goldadors that take after Labradors will come in the same colors as Labradors (Black, Yellow, and Chocolate) and will probably have slightly longer hair than normal Labs. On the other hand, If the mixed dog takes after Golden Retriever, its color will vary from light golden to dark golden, and probably will be more muscular than purebred Golden Retrievers.

Either way, Goldadors are awesome dogs just like Labradors and Golden Retrievers. These two breeds look very similar and have similar temperaments. So, is safe to assume that Goldadors will be very cute and will have a great character.

One of the benefits of a mixed breed dog is that you won’t have to pay much for them. You might not even have to buy one from a breeder. You might get one for free from someone who has a liter of Goldadors, and it’s looking for a good home for the puppies.

Whether you decide on a Labrador a Golden Retriever or a Goldador, you can’t go wrong. These are amazing family dogs. Incredibly loyal and caring, and with cuteness to spare.

RELATED POST: LABRADOR RETRIEVER SHEDDING PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

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