In choosing a breed that you want to buy and have a dog of your own, the best on the list of your choices are the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. But you’ll have to choose between the two and you should know every details between Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever.
Well, actually, it’s one of the hardest thing to do, especially for first time dog owners. Choosing between Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever takes time to understand everything about these two breeds.
To add up to their dilemma is the innate friendliness and loveliness of these well-known breeds. However, it is very difficult to made the right choice.
Moreover, the Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever have lots in common. And, they also have some distinctness to distinguish them.
These breeds are both extravagant in their own ways. The facts and details about these breeds should be identified to guide you in your decision making.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever – What’s Unique About Them
Both the Goldies and the Labs can touch anyone’s heart. However, any dog lover can still pick their fave doggy.
If this is your first time to encounter these breeds then here are some of the pointers that you should know. These facts will guide you to decide the appropriate breed for you.
Moving along, you will discover amazing details of these well-known canines. What do you choose between the Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever.
The Goldies
Way back the 1800’s in Scotland, Lord Tweedmouth came to encounter a Retriever that is in a Wavy Coated type with Water Spaniel. He had to breed the two doggy and it gave birth to a well-known breed – the Golden Retriever.
Goldies are very popular for their loyalty, kind attitude, and coat that is in solid gold. Moreover, the Goldies belong to the sporting dog category.
Being a sporting type of dog, they can able to look after and recover birds. They are also capable of other hunting games.
The Goldies are kind of Retriever with a gentle heart, obedient and being able to train easily. Most of the time, they are responsible in recovering waterfowls.
More so, they are water loving as well. However, the Golden Retrievers have different appearance based on their type.
Professionals reveal that Goldies of the British, Canadian, and the American type have appearance distinctness. These appearance details distinguish them from the other.
Among the three types, the Golden Retriever with a British kind is the bigger and has firmed muscles. Moreover, the differences in their coat can also be noticed.
The Labs
From the group of St. John’s Water Dog in Newfoundland Canada, the Labrador Retriever was discovered. Generally, they belong under the dog category of the working water dog for the purpose of recovering fishermen’s nets and other gears.
In contrast with the Goldies, the Labrador Retrievers are also listed in the top of the list. This is due to the frequency of their sheers.
Moreover, like the Goldies, they are also water loving dogs. Because of this characteristic, they are the perfect breed for recovering waterfowls for those people who hunt.
Furthermore, the hunters are the ones who introduced the Labs to US and UK. According to dog enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever have two different types.
These Lab types include the American Labrador and the British Labrador. Both of them varies in their appearance and in their personalities.
Basically, the American Labrador or the Working Lab is the sensitive, smart, and the attentive type. On the other hand, the British Labrador or the Show Lab is the type that is bigger, more gentle, and less alert.
Generally, these two Labs are both sociable, witty, and explore the environment. The Labs are also used as pet and also as service dog.
With the details above, you will notice that the Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever have commonalities in the services that they offer. Going on, let us explore their personalities and built profiles.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever – In Terms of Their Size
When you are looking for a dog with a medium or large built, the Golden Retriever and the Labrador are your most greatest selection.
What makes Goldies and the Labs differ in size?
In size consideration, keep in mind that the male dogs seem bigger compare to their female counterpart. The height measurement is the highest point of the dog’s body which is their withers.
The following are the statistics of the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever based on the American Kennel Club (AKC).
| Dog Gender | Breed | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| MALE | Golden Retriever | 23 – 24 inches | 65 – 75 pounds |
| Labrador Retriever | 22 1/2 – 24 1/2 inches | 65 – 80 pounds | |
| FEMALE | Golden Retriever | 21 1/2 – 22 1/2 inches | 55 – 65 pounds |
| Labrador Retriever | 21 1/2 – 23 1/2 inches | 55 – 70 pounds |
The data above reveals the differences between the two popular breeds. Through it, it is very noticeable that the Labrador Retriever is somehow bigger compare to Golden Retriever.
Moreover, the body measurements of the Goldies are pretty much proportionate. Whereas the Labs body are sturdier and broader.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever – Grooming Requirements
There some key areas that one must take into account when deciding what breed to buy. You should check for their coat, grooming needs, and shedding frequency. How true that Labrador Retrievers demand for a low maintenance compare to Golden Retrievers?
Well, let’s find out!
Grooming Requirement of Goldies
The coat of the Goldies is in medium length and double coated. It has an outer coat that repels water and an undercoat that has foamy-like texture.
Moreover, their neck, leg areas, and tail have fur that looks like feathers. Their coats grow longer and smoother.
Their foamy coats are very much loved by most dog owners. However, some attest that their coat should be in a moderate length as they are hunting dogs.
The Goldies demand for grooming on a regular basis. Further, during a cold temperature, the Goldies undercoat are denser, while under warm temperature, they shed.
In addition, you must include a high-quality brush in your Goldies essentials for their top coat maintenance. However, combs with steel tooth may also do.
The recommended brushing schedule if a Golden Retriever is more than one session per week. Basically, trimming of fur by the use of scissors or shear thinners is also a grooming requirement.
Moreover, their coat do not require any shaving. In addition to their grooming requirements include bathing, nail cuttings, cleaning of the ear and teeth.
This is very important especially ear cleaning for dogs with dropped ear. They are more likely to acquire infections.
Grooming Requirement of Labs
The Labrador Retriever also has a coat that is double layered. Their coat also has undercoat that is soft which warms the Labs during cold temperature.
Also, their undercoat also shed during warm weather like the Golden Retriever. However, the top coat of Labs is comparably shorter unlike to that of the Goldies.
The Labrador Retriever do not need trimmings on their neck, ear areas, and tails due to absence of feathering fur on those areas. But, their coat of double layered demands for a regular maintenance.
Their grooming essentials include a rake for the undercoat. This is for the purpose of dead hair removal from that part. Also included is a slicker brush and sometimes a simple dog comb for the final grooming touches.
The coat of the Labrador Retriever do not also needs any shaving. Their basic grooming habit must includes nail cutting and cleaning of ears.
Compared to the Goldies, the Labs demand for lesser bath. Moreover, their coats are also lesser maintaining during non shedding season.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever – Shedding Frequency
Both the Goldies and Labs have undercoat that shed during the warm season. However, one of these breeds sheds greater amount of coat.
Goldies Shedding Concerns
When it comes to shedding, the Goldies shed a little bit often in an annual basis. Shedding most of the time is a norm for this breed.
As discussed, they usually shed during the warm season. Their seasonal shedding process is known as blowing the coat.
A brushing habit in for every some other day is an ideal way to adopt to this shedding concerns of the Goldies. However, once a week brushing is not sufficient.
It is pretty much advisable to brush your Goldies outside in order to limit the number of dog hair inside your house.
Labs Shedding Concerns
Even though this breed have shorter hair compare to Golden Retrievers, they still shed a lot. It is also their undercoat that shed during the warm weather.
Basically, to adopt with this shedding process, they also demand for a brushing schedule in a regular basis. So, a brush and a rake is a must for this doggy.
Further, the Labrador Retriever shedding schedule is on a year-round basis. However, keep in mind to give additional focus to them as they shed more seasonally.
Just like the Goldies, outdoor brushing is good to eliminate hair inside the house.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever – In Terms of the Color of Their Coat
In order to identify the differences of the coat color of these two breeds, let us check the data shown below.
| DOG BREED | COAT COLOR (Recognize by breed standards) |
|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | solid colors of black, chocolate, and yellow |
| Golden Retriever | golden color |
According to the breed standard, the Labrador Retriever of high quality has no other acceptable color shades. The shades of yellow and chocolate may depend from light shades to dark shades.
Moreover, the golden color of the Goldies as defined by the breed standard is glistering gold that is very rich which depends from the shades of dark to light. In the contrary, a high quality Goldies do not reflect those with a very light coat and a very dark one.
In addition, there are a few Golden Retrievers with fur that are light in colors. This is very much prone on areas with feathery fur like the neck, leg parts, and tail.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever – Their Personalities
The personalities and behaviors of both breeds very similar with each other. They are both sociable, dependable, calm, trustworthy, and loving.
However, please keep in mind that every dog have unique personalities. In choosing the appropriate dog for you, you must not depend on their breed alone as it may not assure their certainty in their behaviors.
Moreover, proper training is one of a great way to make sure that you select the right dog for you. Both the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever can be trained easily and are able to follow instructions so this won’t post any issues.
Professionals that are good in identifying dog’s temperament reveal the slight variations among the Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever. In comparison, the Goldies are more calm and sensitive unlike the Labs.
Furthermore, the two of them can mingle well with children. They can cope and relate well to families that have playful and active kids.
On the other hand, Golden Retrievers are more fond on a gentler and a little bit silent surroundings. With this details, a lively household selects a Lab to run inside the house, while an old couple may go after a Goldie on their side.
So, always consider your needs and your way of living before purchasing a furry buddy.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever – Their Health Issues
Even this dog breeds may encounter some medical issues. Moving ahead, we will discuss some concerns of the Goldies and the Labs in terms of their overall wellness.
Goldies and Labs Hereditary Diseases
Dysplasia of the hip and elbow and also issues with the eye and heart are the most common health issues encountered by the Goldies.
Moreover, Labrador can also encounter dysplasia of the hip and elbow. They are also prone to eye diseases and to exercise induced collapse.
1. Cancer
Like in humans, cancer is one of the most prevailing hereditary issues that a dog parent may attend to. Among the Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever, the Goldies have a higher tendency to acquire cancer.
Based on studies, an estimated value of 60% of the Golden Retrievers can have cancer. Moreover, there are two types of cancer that are commonly seen in Golden Retrievers.
One of which is the hemangiosarcoma which is known to be a type of cancer that affects the walls of the blood vessels. Among the other organs, it also targets the spleen and also heart.
The second type of cancer that attacks the Goldies is the lymphoma. This affects the cells of the immune system, lymph nodes, the liver and the spleen.
2. Obesity
The most latest study about genetic mutation in dogs reveals that it generally affects the appetite and factors that trigger obesity in canines. This genetic condition is more likely to be higher on Labrador Retrievers in comparison with other dog breeds.
The Labs carry the so-called POMC gene. Two copies of this gene present on dogs seem to be heavier about 4 kilograms than those who don’t have it.
For every type of canine, managing their weight is very crucial. However, this should be taken much attention for dogs that are more prone to become obese.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever – Their Overall Wellness
Considering the health data of the Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever, it is obvious that the Labs are typically healthier. The health concerns that a Lab may encounter can be avoided through some medical tests.
Tests like recent eye test, test for the PRA clear DNA, and the hip and elbow scores may be a guide to identify a Lab that is healthy. But, with the Golden Retriever, the said tests are yet to be started, however, the chance of having cancer may be considered.
Choosing between Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
There is no wonder how these breeds become the most well-known breed of canines.
Better select a Labrador Retriever if you are after an alert and smart dog that may perfectly suite your lifestyle that is active as well. Moreover, the Labs are also applicable with kids around. But, be very observing with their weight.
On the other hand, you may go after a Golden Retriever if you want to have an affectionate and calm dog. However, you have to be aware of its higher risk for cancer.
Still in doubt what breed would you select between the two? Then, a Labrador and Golden Retriever mix will be your best match.
Labrador and Golden Retriever Mix
Here’s the good news for those who love the Labs and the Goldies. For those who can’t get enough of them, the Goldador mix breed might be your solution.
Goldador?
Goldador or should I say the Golden Labrador, is a breed combination of Labrador and Golden Retriever mix. Breeders came up with this breed combination by considering the Goldies’ sensitivity and Labs tolerance.
This amazing breed combination produces a great, funny, and adorable Goldador puppy. Want to explore more on the Labrador and Golden Retriever mix, then let’s discuss them one-by-one.
5 Amazing Facts About Labrador and Golden Retriever Mix
Can’t wait to learn more about the Labrador and Golden Retriever mix? Well, listed below are the amazing facts about this mix breed.
1. Aside from innate sensitivity and tolerance, the Goldadors are very smart and outgoing.
2. Goldadors really love to engage in extreme activities like swimming and hiking, even playing.
3. The Goldadors can mingle and socialize very well with children, other dogs, and with other pets inside the house.
4. Goldadors can perform various functions and responsibilities such as being a guide dogs, a service dog, a dog for search and rescue, emotional support dogs and dogs that can detect bombs.
5. This Labrador and Golden Retriever mix is extremely smart and highly trainable.
Labrador and Golden Retriever Mix Appearance and Temperament
The Goldador may have the looks of either the Golden Retriever or the Labrador Retriever. Typically, this Labrador and Golden Retriever mix has a head that is square in shape with broad and flat muzzle.
They have ears that are floppy and lay over their cheeks. Moreover, the eyes of the Goldador are oval in shape and has different shades of brown or blue.
The puppies of the Goldador come only in gold hue as thought by many. However, some dog lovers acquire a Goldador puppy in brown, white, black, and even red in color.
Goldador is a loving and devoted dog. This Labrador and Golden Retriever mix is also an attentive type of dog that makes them to be an ideal watchdog.
Moreover, this breed combination also loves to socialize with kids like its mother breed. They are also good in socializing with other dogs and animals.
Further, they acquire the best traits and behaviors of both the Goldies and the Labs. They are compassionate, dependable, witty, smart, and very alert dog.
The Goldador Combination
Goldador is an amazing breed of the Labrador and Golden Retriever mix. They possess an equal characters from both of the two dog breeds.
The Goldies are widely known to have a cheerful heart and a very smart dog. Being confident, light-hearted and dependable, those can be attributed to the Goldies.
In addition, the Golden Retrievers are very friendly even with new faces. They mostly greet everyone they meet with a smile and a hug.
The attitudes of the Goldador that can be attributed to the Labrador Retriever are their gentleness, temperamental, and very loyal dog. The Labs are very amazing dog full of intelligence, light-hearted and outgoing.
Goldador Exercise Routines
Both the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are an active dog breeds. Combination of the two produces a Goldador puppy that has a great potential of being an athlete.
Since the Goldador has an innate characteristics of being active, they demand for more time to exercise routine like walking or jogging. Be mindful of this regular routine as they have a higher chance to become obese.
Goldadors Relationship with Their Owners
The Labrador and Golden Retriever mix creates a trustworthy puppy that can’t help to accept and love their owners easily. This simply means that the Goldador may tend to be dependent in their owner.
Training is the key for this Goldador’s behavior. You won’t experience any problem with this as this mix breed is very smart and able to learn and train easily.
Goldador Life Expectancy
This Labrador and Golden Retriever mix has a lifespan of 10 up to 15 years.
So, whether you choose the Goldies or the Labs, or even the Goldador, you will definitely enjoy any of them as they are extremely amazing in their own ways.