Golden vs. Labrador retriever – 10 main differences

Updated: January 9, 2023

Reading Time: 10 mins

golden and labrador retriever comparison

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Are you having a hard time deciding between different retriever breeds? You should know that these two races have many similarities and differences. It will be easier to choose when you know what you expect from a pet dog. These two beautiful dogs differ in energy level, behavior, price, health status, and calmness. By examining the differences between these two breeds and comparing golden vs. Labrador retrievers, you can decide which breed is more suitable for you.

History of the retriever breed

Despite their similarities, these dogs have different histories, each being born in other parts of the world. However, their growth and breeding conditions are similar and classified as pets. The Golden Retriever was first born in the 19th century in Scotland. One of Scotland’s rich and noble lords wanted a dog different from other dogs. His experience in dog breeding led to the birth of today’s golden retriever. This dog was trained to collect healthy prey. After 50 years, the dog of the Scottish noble lord was transported across the Atlantic Ocean to America. The Labrador retriever was also born in the 19th century in Newfoundland, Canada. This dog mainly worked on the water, and fishermen were fond of Labradors. Labradors were famous for collecting ducks, fish, and small aquatic creatures. The breed was then shipped back to England and became trendy worldwide.

pictures: AKC

Common things between Labradors and Goldens

Before comparing golden vs. Labrador retrievers, let’s consider what they have in common. The main similarity between Golden and Labrador breeds is that they both belong to retrievers. Simply put, these two breeds were bred to retrieve prey. They are also known as gun dogs or flying dogs. They were used to assist hunters who hunted birds with guns. In the past, retrievers were used to retrieve chased or dying waterfowl and upland birds after being shot.

Birds of prey were to be served on the dinner table later. So the dogs’ teeth needed not to pierce their flesh. Retrievers were bred for their suggestibility and natural aptitude for following the commands of hunters. Since these two breeds are used for retrieving waterfowl, the bodies of both breeds have a waterproof coating. Both breeds are very energetic and need mental stimulation and training. Without adequate training, retrievers will exhibit undesirable behaviors such as excessive digging, jumping, and barking.

The Labrador and Golden breeds belong to the group of sports dogs. Both have a history of breeding for retrieving soft-mouthed game birds. These two breeds love to follow orders and are very intelligent.

Other similarities include the following:

Fenced solitude is not the best environment for Labrador and Golden breeds.
The best pet for families with children at a young age.
Both breeds get along well with other pets.
Both breeds can live between 10 and 12 years.

Ten differences between Golden and Labrador retriever

By comparing golden vs. Labrador retrievers, you will notice significant differences between these breeds. The origin is the first difference between the different breeds of retrievers. As we mentioned, these two breeds were born in the 19th century. But the origin of the Golden Retriever is Scotland. Then it was transported to America and other countries by ship. But, the Labrador retriever breed was first born in Canada. Then it was taken to England and other countries by ship. The difference in origin has caused these two races to differ from each other in terms of appearance and behavioral characteristics. These breeds differ in color, makeup, appearance, behavior, health, etc. Here are their top 10 differences.

Appearance, height, and weight

Although the Labrador and Golden breeds are medium in size, the Golden Retriever is more beautiful due to its slenderness. But the Labrador retriever looks more handsome because of its coat. Golden retriever’s body coat is wavy, long, and soft, which makes its appearance more delicate. Labrador’s outer coat is shorter and denser. Both of their bodies are resistant to cold, but the body coat of the Labrador has increased its resistance to frozen waters.

The color variety of the Labrador is greater than that of the Pug, but yellow, chocolate, and black colors are more popular. The golden breed has only one color spectrum. Labrador’s tail is similar to an otter’s tail. In terms of appearance, the Labrador’s tail is long, bushy, and has short hair. The Labrador’s thick tail helps guide the dog while swimming. But the tail of the Golden breed is long and has long hairs that shake while walking.

There is no apparent difference between these breeds regarding height and weight. We should mention that Labrador and Golden male dogs are slightly larger than Moon dogs in size and weight.

Exercise

Both golden vs. Labrador retrievers require a significant amount of exercise for hunting or activity. You should practice them for 60 minutes a day. Fetching objects is enjoyable for both races. Using balls, Frisbees and running are the best exercises to maintain their agility. Labradors are very fond of swimming, and playing with a ball in a small lake will be fun for the Labrador breed.

A Labrador’s high energy will make him a restless dog. Restless dogs can be very destructive. He gets very nervous if he stays at home for long hours. Labrador suffers from separation anxiety; it is better to entertain him with puzzle toys when you are away. golden is the same way but less!

Temperament and Moods

Both breeds have many similarities in temperament. For example, most people know the Golden and Labrador breed as social, friendly, kind, and obedient dogs. For this reason, both are very fond of communicating with poodles. However, several differences distinguish their temperaments. Families should choose the right dog based on these characteristics.

Golden retriever loves to play, have fun, exercise, nap, and sleep. Travelling, exploring, and relaxing are equally attractive to him. If you leave Golden alone at home, he can entertain himself or prepare for an afternoon nap.

Labrador is very boisterous and energetic. It needs more fun. His exercise hours should be longer and more intense. He needs more mental stimulation and petting. He rarely gets tired and loves to be with his family. The great energy of the Labrador makes this breed suitable for families with older children.

Health

Retrievers are very healthy. But like any other dog, some diseases and conditions threaten their health. Despite the differences between golden and Labrador retrievers, they may suffer from the following diseases:

Advanced Retinal Atrophy: Atrophy or degeneration of the retina eventually causes the loss of sight in dogs. This disease is a severe risk that endangers the health of different breeds of retrievers.

Joint dysplasia: Dysplasia is one of the common problems in the hip and elbow joints of medium and large dogs. In this disease, an abnormal mass is formed in the joint, accompanied by severe and paralyzing pain.

Exercise-induced collapse: Golden and Labrador retrievers suffer from this rare disorder. After a period of excessive exercise, the animal loses its muscle control. In severe cases, the dog may die after 25 minutes.

The big difference between these two breeds is that golden retrievers are more prone to cancer. In contrast, Labradors are more prone to laryngeal paralysis.

Training

Golden and Labrador dogs are brilliant and enjoy their master’s satisfaction. Both breeds are very easy to train. Their trainability has caused Golden and Labrador retrievers to be used as dogs for the blind or searchers in different countries. To achieve the desired result, you must be consistent in training them. Education should start at an early age. Teach them how to cope with their surroundings. Don’t forget that socialization is the only way to make them part of the family.

Grooming

Golden and Labrador breeds have two coats to protect themselves from the cold of Scotland and Canada. You should brush their coat once or twice a week. The body hair of dogs falls twice a year; during this period, you should increase the frequency of brushing. Another difference between golden and Labrador retrievers is that the golden breed requires more grooming. Because his body has longer fur, longer fur means the Golden Retriever sheds more hair during shedding season and requires more grooming.

Long hairs around both breeds’ ears, neck, tail, and legs must be trimmed monthly. Labrador retriever is easier to clean and does not require additional trimming. But Golden also needs more grooming because of his long and cloudy fur; he also needs to bathe the mackerel. Golden retrievers need baths every two to four weeks, but Labradors need baths every six weeks or longer. If your dog gets dirty between two baths, you should clean his body using wet wipes and dry dog shampoo. Never over-bath dogs, as this will strip their natural body oils and dry out their skin.

Nutrition

Both breeds need three bowls of food daily. The use of quality food is essential in maintaining the health of the dog. Golden Retrievers need food containing EGA3 to keep their coat healthy. But, for Labrador retrievers, you should use active dog food. Always try to choose food according to the dog’s age. For example, puppies need high-calorie food. As a result, their food contains many calories. If your dog is not a puppy, do not give him high-calorie food.

Another difference between golden and Labrador retrievers is that Labrador needs more food than Goldens. Neglecting this point will cause the Labrador retriever to lose weight and get sick. Food is the best reward for good behavior in retrievers. But be careful not to overdo the number of snacks.

Price

The price of these two breeds is different from each other. Labrador is in the lower range in terms of price. Reviews show that the price of a Golden Retriever is between 1000 and 3500 dollars. But a healthy and robust Labrador costs between 1000 and 2500 dollars. Remember never to buy a dog from an untrusted or illegal breeder. In these cases, the probability of buying unhealthy dogs increases. Be sure to purchase puppies with certificates guaranteeing their health. This issue is more critical for golden retrievers because statistics show that most golden retriever puppies raised in unhealthy environments have cancer.

Conclusion

By comparing golden vs. Labrador retrievers, you realize these two breeds are very popular worldwide. The main reason is their temperament, kindness, and obedience. They are entertaining and social. They enjoy exploring and playing in the lake or the garden. Both races are brilliant and enjoy their master’s satisfaction. Despite these similarities, there are fundamental differences between the two races.

For example, the Golden Retriever has a much calmer temperament, needs more rest, has a thicker coat, needs to be bathed every two to four weeks, and needs a diet rich in omega-3s. In addition, the probability of developing cancer in the golden breed is higher than that of the Labrador. But on the other hand, the Labrador retriever needs less grooming, is very lively and active, and his tail is like an otter and helps him when swimming in the water; the probability of the first paralyzing disease in this breed is higher. Using the Labrador breed is more suitable for active families. The golden breed is more convenient for you if you are more conveniently active because this breed is very calm.

Finally, you should know that the Golden and Labrador breeds are lovely for hunting, fishing, or as pets. If it is difficult for you to decide between these two breeds, we hope this article has helped you choose more wisely.

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