Labrador vs Golden Retriever – can you tell these close cousins apart? The Labrador and the Golden Retriever are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. In some ways they are very similar, and in others, very different. Their temperament, personality and energy levels are similar, but their coat types, size and build are different. In Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever we look at the key differences between these two lovely breeds.
Contents
- Is a Golden Retriever a Lab?
- What is a Golden Labrador?
- Difference between Labrador and Golden Retriever
- Golden Retriever vs Labrador size and weight
- Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever colors
- Coat length, shedding & grooming
- Labrador Retriever / Golden Retriever temperament
- Lab vs Golden Retriever health
- Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever – which is better?
If you are undecided between buying a Golden Retriever or Labrador, we’ll help you make up your mind. We’ll also clear up some confusion over the Golden Labrador along the way! Let’s dive straight in!
Golden Retriever puppies are gold coated, with longer fur and wavy tails:
When you compare them to Labrador Retriever puppies with their short coated and otter tail, you can see how someone might mix up the two breeds!
Is a Golden Retriever a type of Labrador?
A Golden Retriever is not just a long haired Labrador. Golden retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are two separate dog breeds but they both belong to the same group of dogs, known as ‘sporting dogs’. And they both share a similar original purpose as hunting companions.
Sporting dogs are further divided into sub groups depending on their role, and Golden Retriever and Labs are both members of the Retriever sub group. These are dogs that have been bred for generations to retrieve dead and wounded animals that have been shot by their human hunting companion. Retriever breeds are affectionate and friendly dogs that love human company.
Confusion about the relationship between these two breeds is common. Not only because some Labradors are very similar in color to some Golden Retrievers, but also because of the common use of the name Golden Labrador.
Golden Labrador
Golden Retrievers come in only one official color – gold, though the shade of their coat can vary from very pale to very dark. Labradors on the other hand come in three different colors: black, chocolate and yellow.
Yellow labs are sometimes referred to as Golden Labradors, but strictly speaking this is incorrect. The Kennel Clubs, and dog breeders, tend to avoid the term Golden Lab when they are talking about the Labrador Retriever
Many pet parents are not interested in ‘official colors’ and are very happy to call their gold colored lab a ‘Golden Labrador’. And that’s where the confusion arises.
Golden Retriever Lab Mix
You’ll also find the term Golden Lab used to describe the Golden Retriever Lab mix. This is a first cross between a (usually yellow) Labrador Retriever, and a Golden Retriever. A first generation Labrador Golden Retriever cross is also a popular mix for work as a guide dog for the blind.
The Lab and Golden Retriever mix can also be found in black. First generation crosses have the Labrador short coat, but these mixes crossed back to a Golden Retriever can account for stories of black Golden Retrievers and chocolate Golden Retrievers.
So what is the difference between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever? Let’s take a look.
Golden Retriever Vs Labrador
You don’t have to look far to find a lovely Lab dog, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular pet dog in the nation for the 26th year in a row. Golden Retrievers often affectionately known as Goldies, currently hold the number three spot in that same survey. Golden lab puppies (officially yellow labs) can look very similar to Golden Retriever pups. Both sets of puppies are equally cute but if you are not sure whether you are looking at a Golden Retriever pup or a Golden Labrador puppy, check for fluffiness. Goldie pups have a fluffier coat.
When it come to full grown size, again the adults of each breed are similar but their coats are now quite obviously different. We’ll look at various aspects of these two breeds now, and compare each one in turn.
Golden Retriever Vs Lab size
It won’t take you long to notice that both breeds are quite similar in this respect! However, there is one important caveat to make here: there are actually two different types of Labrador Retriever: the American and the English.
While both are medium to large breed dogs, their builds can differ more than a little.
How big is a Lab? – Difference between types
English Labs tend to be from show stock. They are stockier, with broader heads and chests. American Labs are slimmer, from working stock, and can be less barrel-chested.
You can read more about that difference in this informative article.
There are similar differences between working and show bred Golden Retrievers, although they aren’t as distinct. So how big do Golden Retrievers get? Let’s compare the two breeds.
Golden Retriever size
In every respect, adult male dogs will be slightly larger than adult female dogs. The average Golden Retriever weight comes in at slightly less than a Labrador but other than that they are very similar sizes.
• Weight: 55 to 75 pounds.
• Height: 21 to 24 inches.
• Length: 22 to 25 inches.
Labrador Retriever size
• Weight: 55 to 80 pounds.
• Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches.
• Length: 22.5 to 25.5 inches.
As you can see, there’s not much to choose between them. It’s also important, if you are comparing your own dog, to recognize the wide variation in adult Labrador weight. And to remember that a Lab from working lines will likely be at the lower and of that range.
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Colors
The Golden Retriever’s official breed name pretty much speaks for itself. But coloration at maturity can range from almost white to a rich dark golden red shade. Preference for color tends to lean towards one end of the color spectrum for a while, then swing back the other way.
At the time of writing darker shades of coat are coming back into fashion after a long time period where pale cream was in vogue.
Labrador Retrievers have three main coat colors: black, yellow or chocolate (brown). Just like Goldens, the shade of fur in a Yellow Lab can very widely from palest cream to a deep rusty red. The darkest Yellow Labs are often called Fox Red Labs by their fans. Just as with Golden Retrievers the darker coats are becoming more popular, especially within the hunting community.
Labrador vs Golden coat type
When we compare a Golden Retriever vs yellow Lab, the differences in coat are clear. The Golden’s coat is water repellant with a thick, wavy outer coat and a soft, insulating under-coat.
The Labrador’s coat is also water repellant has two layers. Bu they have a short but dense outer layer and a soft, insulating inner layer.
This shorter coat may look less warm than the Golden Retrievers, but the dense short fur functions a lot like a diver’s wetsuit to trap body heat for self-warming, and the Labrador is able to cope with extremely cold water.
But what do these coat differences mean in terms of shedding?
Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever: Shedding!
Ask any Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever owner “does your dog shed?” and prepare for a good, long and thorough answer! That’s because there is little difference between the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever when it comes to shedding.
Do Labradors shed?
They really do. In fact they are famous for it! But they are in good company here because Goldens shed too. Both dog breeds shed year-round, and both can shed great amounts of hair.
Both will shed even more twice per year in the spring and fall during the seasonal coat changes.
Do golden retrievers shed more than labs?
It’s debatable whether Goldens shed more than Labradors. Golden Retriever hairs are longer and often paler, so can be more problematic for owners who don’t like shed hairs stuck to their clothes. And if you wear a lot of dark clothes, the hair from a Golden Retriever is going to stand out much more than the hair from a black Lab.
Either way, unless you have an incredibly high tolerance for dog hair during the molting season, you will likely need to commit to daily brushing, and weekly undercoat rake combing.
However, for some of the year Labs require less grooming than Golden Retrievers. And that’s more to do with your dog’s health than your furniture
Labrador Retriever vs Golden grooming
While Labs need a once weekly brush down unless they are grubby, Golden Retrievers will benefit from at least three times a week to keep that coat glossy and tangle free.
Both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers love running, playing, swimming and rolling in mud, leaves, or anything new and interesting they may find on the lawn.
Let even a few days of this activity go by unaddressed, and it can add up to a pretty stinky, dirty dog! But the main reason that Goldens need more grooming is that longer hair can become matted if not combed out regularly.
Luckily, both breeds love the water, which can make bathing them much less of a challenge than it can be with other dog breeds!
One thing that can make grooming time easier on you: both Labs and Goldens are very social and eager to please, which means you will likely find you have an enthusiastic canine partner for your grooming sessions.
But the fact still remains that grooming will be a regular (and perhaps daily) part of your life starting the moment you bring a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever into your life.
You may also need to budget for professional grooming and hair trims to keep your dog’s coat manageable seasonally, as this can be a bigger job to tackle on your own.
Finally, even with regular at-home brushing and grooming, you will need to be the type of person who is fairly tolerant of dog hair all over your carpet, flooring, car, and anywhere else you and your dog go together.
There is a nice guide to grooming your Golden Retriever here.
Labrador and Golden Retriever temperament
One of the most common questions dog “shoppers” ask is which dog breed is the best choice for families with young children.
While some dog breeds may be too high strung or fragile to make for good family dogs, this certainly doesn’t apply to either the Labrador or the Golden Retriever!
Both dog breeds often make WONDERFUL family dogs, as long as they are well chosen and well raised.
Both are normally great with children, with their affectionate, sociable, outgoing and eager-to-please personalities.
Labrador Retrievers and Goldens are also top choices for service dogs, search and rescue dogs, detection dogs, hunting dogs, and field work dogs.
Beyond this, however, there are some important temperament differences that can indicate which dog breed might be the better choice for your household.
Golden Retriever temperament
The Golden Retriever has a medium energy level, which means this is a dog that can roll with the daily ebb and flow of home life.
Daily walks and play time are a must, but in between these activities, the Golden will happily enjoy a restful nap or few!
Golden Retrievers in general are amongst the most intelligent dog breeds.
They are easy to train, quick to learn, and eager for praise and affection. They also tend to be patient and attentive, which makes training a joy.
Goldens also get along well with other dogs and with cats, which makes them a good choice for multi-pet households.
One thing you need to know up front is that Golden Retrievers are NOT the dog breed for you if you are looking for a guard dog!
While Goldens are intensely loyal to and protective of their family, they are simply too friendly to be counted on to guard your home or belongings well.
Labrador Retriever temperament
The Labrador Retriever is considered a high energy dog breed, which will be especially obvious during the puppy and young adult dog years.
While this energy is typically expended as exuberance and enthusiasm for activity, play, work, and anything that is chewable, it can become a problem if you don’t have sufficient time to spend with your Lab.
Labs simply cannot tolerate being left alone for very long.
Labrador Retrievers, like Golden Retrievers, are also considered one of the smartest dog breeds around.
They learn quickly and are eager for the interaction that training provides. But their high energy level may interfere with their ability to focus and concentrate on training.
Labradors are great family dogs, provided you are fine with adding a canine child to your household.
Most Labs won’t begin to really mature in their behavior and focus until they have turned three years old – and for some Labs, it will be later than that.
Labs can be good with other household pets, but they will need supervision at first to be sure.
A Labrador is not a good choice if you want a guard dog. They are too friendly and eager for human interaction, and are more likely to wriggle up to an intruder asking for a pat than to sound the alarm.
Golden Retriever or Labrador as a family dog
Labs and Goldens make great family dogs, when you choose a puppy from a good breeder and socialize and train them well.
Labs might however be bouncier and clingier than Golden Retrievers.
This said, neither breed is ideal if you are away from home during the week and can’t bring them with you.
Golden vs Labrador Health Problems
Because both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are insanely popular as pets, working field dogs and show dogs.
However, these two purebred dog breeds are each associated with certain known breed-specific health issues.
Debatably the Golden Retriever has more concerning health issues than the Labrador, so let’s take a closer look at what they are and how we can prevent them, if at all.
So now, let’s take a look at the major health problems associated with each dog breed.
Golden Retriever health problems
Here are some common health problems in Golden Retrievers. You will find a few of these on the Lab list as well.
Cancer
Hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors and osteosarcoma are the four most deadly cancers that affect Golden Retrievers.
One study even found that a staggering 38% of Golden Retrievers will die from cancer.
As there is no health test to let you know whether your dog might develop it, this is a big consideration for most potential Golden Retriever owners.
Neutering female Golden Retrievers also dramatically increases their chance of getting some forms of cancer.
Heart disease
Goldens can inherit a serious condition called subvalvular aortic stenosis, a congenital defect that affects blood outflow from the heart.
Allergies
They tend to be more prone to allergies than many other dog breeds, and suffer especially from skin allergies such as infections and rashes.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Both are inherited conditions that cause malformation of major joints, leading to lameness or inability to walk.
Early neutering doubles the risk of hip dysplasia occurring in Golden Retrievers.
For this reason it is important for this and the cancer risk that you do not neuter your Golden before 12 months of age, if at all.
Eye problems
Firstly there is PRA. A progressive degeneration of the retina of the eye that can cause blindness.
Then there is pigmentary uveitis. Nearly exclusive to Goldens, this inherited eye condition causes inflammation in the uvea, where the blood vessels are located. It can lead to blindness.
Cataracts, both inherited (juvenile) and non-inherited cataracts can also plague Goldens.
You can find out more about Golden Retriever health here.
Labrador Retriever health problems
There are also several health problems that can affect Labradors, some of which you will have seen in the Golden Retriever list.
Cancer
Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma) is known to happen more often in Labs than in most other dog breeds. Labs can also develop cancer of the liver, lungs, spleen, bone and mast cell (bone marrow blood cell) tumors.
However, the prevalence of cancer in Labs is far less than in Golden Retrievers, and neutering female Labs only slightly increases the cancer risk , although it still increases it, when compared with the increase in Golden Retrievers who were neutered.
Joint diseases
Hip and elbow dysplasia. Both are inherited conditions that cause malformation of major joints, leading to lameness or inability to walk.
Overfeeding during the puppy stage of life can cause problems with cartilage and bone attachment as young dogs grow up.
Exercise induced collapse
This inherited condition affects primarily young adult Labs when they get over-excited during periods of intense activity or exercise.
Eye problems
Labs are also prone to PRA and need to be tested for it before they are bred from.
They can suffer from cataracts too, either as a result of PRA or through an inherited gene.
Glaucoma is another issue, a very painful, progressive eye disorder that culminates in blindness.
You can find out more about Labrador Retriever health here.
Labs Vs Goldens: health tests
Both Labrador and Golden Retriever parents should have good hip and elbow scores, be PRA clear and have eye tests of less than a year old.
But Golden Retrievers can also suffer from higher rates of cancer, for which there are no health tests.
However when considering Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever puppies, you can search for older Golden Retriever parents, and find a breeder who can provide veterinary proof of a lack of family history of cancer.
You will also want to check for family history of heart problems with the Golden Retriever parents.
Difference Between Labrador And Golden Retriever Lifespan
Health is of course inextricably entwined with life expectancy.
How long do Labs live?
For both these breeds the average life expectancy is generally accepted to be around 10-12 years. Though one study found that black Lab lifespan and that of yellow labs, was greater than for chocolate Labs. This wasn’t by a small amount either, chocolate Labs had shorter lives by almost a year and a half
A study in England in 2013 looked at around 400 Labs and 100 Goldens and put the median age at death of both breeds as 12.5 years. So what about the prevalence of cancer that we know is an issue in Goldens?
How long do Golden Retrievers live?
With Golden Retrievers there seems to be a division with some dying far too young from cancer, and those escaping the cancer gene surviving much longer. So it really is worth looking carefully at the ancestors of your puppy with regard to longevity. You won’t be able to tell much from the mother as she will still be a young dog. But having long-lived grandparents and an older father might give your puppy a better chance of a long life.
Choosing a Golden vs Lab puppy
What about once the Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever puppy decision is made?
Whether you decide on a Golden Retriever or a Lab Retriever puppy, choosing a single puppy out of a litter of cute puppies is never an easy task!
Plus, how do you decide which dog breeder to work with?
Or, if you are rescuing a Golden or Lab puppy, what kind of questions should you ask to learn as much as possible about your new puppy’s background and overall health?
While both dog breeds evolved to work, hunt and herd, both can also inherit serious health problems, as the previous section here explained.
These tips will help you choose the healthiest puppy of either breed!
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever breeders
Whether you are choosing a Lab or Golden Retriever breeder, your criteria should be very similar.
A reputable breeder should willingly provide you with health information about both parent dogs.
Including results of health screenings, vet checks, and evidence of them.
The breeder should also readily provide you with past references, an initial health guarantee (usually lasting 6 to 12 months), as well as a take-back guarantee if the new puppy isn’t a good fit.
They should also have a record of required immunizations and a willingness to stay in contact to answer any questions you may have.
Meet the parent dogs and the puppies
Whether you are searching for a baby Labrador Retriever or a cute Golden fluffball, the same advice applies. Meet the parents!
If you have watched the hit movie “Marley & Me,” you already know why it is so important to meet both parent dogs before you choose a pup!
You want to observe their temperament, overall health and individual personalities, because these are the two dogs your puppy is mostly likely to resemble when he or she grows up!
Choose a puppy that readily meets your eye, lets you hold him or her without making a fuss, wants to engage in interactive floor play, interacts easily and good-naturedly with littermates and other humans, and has clear eyes and ears and a healthy coat.
Remember, some breeders choose the pup they think best matches the new home.
If your breeder operates this policy, that is there choice. Remember, they know their puppies best!
So what information can you use to make the impossible choice between a Golden Retriever or Labrador for your next pet dog?
Well, you’ve come to the right place to find out!
Read on to learn about the difference between a black, brown and Yellow Lab vs Golden Retriever dog breed so you can choose the best next pet dog for you!
Because although Labradors and Golden Retrievers do have a lot of things in common, there are also some significant differences.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador – which is better?
It is likely safe to say this debate has raged ever since homo sapiens chose formal breed names for each of these two dog breeds.
But you are unlikely to find your answer in any kind of generalized assessment, because each of these amazing dog breeds has different traits and skills to offer.
The right dog breed for you might look very different than the right dog breed for your sister, your neighbor or your colleague.
Your hobbies and pastimes, family life, level of dog training skills, available time to spend with your pup, tolerance for dog hair and dander and similar factors will all point the way to your personal right choice in the Golden vs Lab debate.
The most important fact to remember here is this: you truly can’t go wrong with either of these two dog breeds. A Labrador Golden Retriever puppy from mixed litter could also be a great choice provided both Labrador and Golden Retriever parent have been health tested.
As long as you buy a puppy from a good breeder, you should be fine. Choose one with health tested, friendly parents with excellent medical family histories.
After all, the Lab and the Golden are numbers one and three, respectively, on the nation’s most popular pet dog list!
When all is said and done, both dog breeds can make for incredible canine companions.
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever – which did you choose
We hope you have enjoyed reading through this comprehensive side-by-side comparison of Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever dog breed similarities and differences!
Remember, there is no “right” or “wrong” choice – only the right choice for you!
Golden Retriever owners will have to consider the risks of cancer, the potential health problems of early neutering or neutering at all, and that additional coat care.
Labrador Retriever owners will need to think about that increased bounciness and pushiness with strangers, and the possibility of separation anxiety or chewing problems.
There is no easy answer to the Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever debate.
But what you can be confident in is, as long as you choose your pup carefully, train and socialize them well, either dog is a great bet for a family pet.
When you do decide, we would love to hear your story of which breed you chose and how you and your new canine bestie met one another and knew you had found “the one!”
Related Articles
Resources
- Deehr and Dubielzig. 1998. A histopathological study of iridociliary cysts and glaucoma in Golden Retrievers. Veterinary Ophthalmology.
- Sapienza et al. 2000. Golden Retriever uvetitis:75 cases (1994 – 1999) Veterinary Ophthalmology.
- Kraijer-Huver et al. 2008. Characterization and prevalence of cataracts in Labrador Retrievers in The Netherlands. American Journal of Veterinary Research.
- Torres de la Riva et al. 2013. Neutering dogs: Effects on joint disorders and cancers in Golden Retrievers.
- Hart et al. 2014. Long term health effects of neutering dogs: comparison of Labrador Retrievers with Golden Retrievers. PLOS.
- Dobson, J.M., “Breed-Predispositions to Cancer in Pedigree Dogs,” National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2013.
- Albright, S., DVM, CCRT, “Understanding Hemangiocarcoma in Golden Retrievers,” Morris Animal Foundation/Canine Lifetime Health Project, 2017.
- Vet Compass – Chocolate Labs Have Shorter Lives – Royal Veterinary College, University Of London
Ruby R says
Yes l like these and l want this dog
surinder singh says
hello, i am searching for “service dog” for my 5 year old autistic child, but cant afford it’s price/donation sites/trainers ask for it. can somebody suggest me a way to get it affordably ?. i lives nearby Chandigarh/Mohali India.
after some research i just found these breeds (Labrador/Golden Retriever) is much suitable for this purpose. please correct me if i am not right.
thanks in advance.
Charlene says
I have an autistic son and have owned a black lab for 13 years. This dog has been amazing with my son. Never has the dog nipped or became upset with my son even when he throws his tantrums and screams for an hour at a time. A puppy would be best to bring into the home as a puppy will grow up knowing your child’s behaviors as part of their normal life.
Jane-Marie says
I grew up with labs most my life. I ended up getting a goldador (golden/ lab retriever mix) and she is amazing!!! I love goldens, but never wanted the long hair. My pup has more of the lab coat, she is perfect!! I just got an 8 week old yellow lab so it will be fun to see her compared to my one year old goldador.
Deeksha💗 says
I wanted a Lab but quiz got me confused.😅 but I still want Lab.
Stephen Schmidt says
We have a yellow Lab Lola. She will be 13 in February 2021. Lola ia my 3rd yellow female. An unbelievable dog. Smart as a whip. Never made a mistake in the house never. Trained hee to pheasant hunt. After one session the owner of the pheasant ranch wanted me to guide wirh her. She was only 18 months old. Swimming fool. We have a cottage 200 feet from Lake Huron in Michigans thumb. Everyday she picks up her duck walks to the beach drops it for us to throw retrieves until she is done. When she has had enough she carrys her duck back to the porch. We open the door she walks to the mud room for her toweling. Tomorrow repeat! Best
Sara says
I’m not sure cause im also stick with those 2 breeds . I’m thinking about a dog who needs less gtooming but is smaller and lighter Cause labs need less frooming but the goldens are much lighter plus anyone help, e choose what is better for me 😀🥰🥰😘😅
shashank says
i thnk both are good when u see for less hair u can go with lab and thinking wht u way u want
Rudra says
Yes I also think labs are best
Toby says
Am I the only one who had a black lab that didn’t like water? He jumped off a dock as a pup and panicked. I had to lead him to the boat ramp. He could swim but hated it.The vet wanted a photo of him by the water because he liked his features. Good luck with that. He had hip surgery and again they said take him swimming lol. I would go in first and he would only go belly deep. He was my boy and stuck by my side everywhere. He was overbred I found out later so had some health problems but I wouldn’t trade our time together for anything. He traveled to 21 states with me and even had to sneak him into a few motels on the way. Any dog that loves you that much is the best dog in the world, even if he was a destructive puppy lol. I miss him but with my current work schedule it wouldn’t be fair to get another. All dogs are good dogs if you have the patience and time for them.
Dhb says
Thanks 😌 😊
Lisa K. says
No you’re not! I currently have a two year old Dudley Lab that HATES water! Bath time is a fight. She won’t go swimming, getting her out in the rain is a huge battle. I have never experienced anything like this. Every other Lab we have owned, we couldn’t get them out of the water. She’s a rescue, so I think somehow she was traumatized by water. We are working on it with a behavioral therapist (I know, for a dog right?!? But she’s my baby!).
Charlene says
My black lab would not swim either but we did not have anyplace to teach him. I think they need early pleasant experiences to love water just like anyone else.
Chris Williams says
The question is never “which breed is best.” It’s “which kind of pet is most suitable for you?”
Goldens have American and English variants as well as Labradors. The stocker and blockier English types are generally more docile and less energetic than their American cousins. The “white gold” variant of English Golden Retriever has become especially popular recently.
Golden Retrievers are rated the fourth most intelligent breed, and Labradors seventh.
The difference in shedding with retriever types is less how much they shed, and more what kind of fur they shed. If having to spend as much as 5 minutes vacuuming hair on a daily basis is too much trouble for you, you probably should not contemplate getting a dog, much less a retriever.
You cannot go wrong with either of these breeds, and will not regret your experience owning a retriever.
If you are able to train and enjoy your retriever fetching for you in the water, whether live game or not, your pet’s pleasure and yours will be multiplied. It’s in a retriever’s genes, so barring some initial traumatic incident involving water, it should be possible.
Gadiel says
I am interested in adopting a Lab puppy and would like to know everything their is to know about them. I certainly want to have as much knowledge as I can and avoid being deceived and going through heartbreak.
Mae says
I have had both three the golden retriever that I had constantly stuck by my side no matter where I was my two Labrador Retrievers stayed in the same room or area but not right against me like a golden this is my labs died of cancer my golden retriever had a stroke my black lab has skin issues and the female lab has Yuri through cancer the black lab had a large cancer tumor on his shoulder they are lovely dogs I don’t think I would have any other breed mine just passed two months ago the female lab I miss her so very much and my black lab also I have ever had animals cats and dogs throughout my life I am 61 years old I want another puppy but at this age I’m afraid if something happens to me it would not find a very nice home not the person I would approve that would take care of my animals like I do I’m very protective and have a passion for animals I miss my baby I wish everyone good luck with her choice and I beg of you to please treat them like they are your children they deserve it they are such wonderful creatures
Charlene says
I am 61 years old also and recently lost my black lab. He was my shadow. He never let me out of his sight. When I left home without him my husband said he would howl and watch for my return. The evidence would be a pool of drool under the window facing the driveway. He was very protective of me and I always felt safe when he was with me. He had a cancerous tumor on his spleen. I loved him do much my heart still aches and he is irreplaceable.
Lorna Lawrence says
We have two ‘Goldadors’, mother was a Lab and father a Golden Retriever. Though the genes split very symmetrically and instead of a hybrid mix of the two breeds, one looks like a Lab and the other a Golden Retriever!
Dani says
I have a black lab. She was my guide dog, now she’s retired as my house pet. I love her to death. As far as a working dog, she’s my first, so when that scary time comes, it’s definitely going to be difficult. Not my first animal though, growing up my family had a cat.
Sofia says
cool!
Brian says
I am the owner of an 11 year old yellow Labrador retriever. What a great experience it’s been! This breed has many great qualities about it, especially love and dedication to it’s owner. It breaks my heart to think about her passing away in the next couple of years but what memories!
Sofia says
That’s so amazing!!! AWESOME!
Bill says
I have the ultimate solution. I have one of each.♥️ I have a 3 year old male Golden Retriever. He is a BIG BOY at 107. Vet recently said, “He’s not overweight, he is just BIG !!!!” The Lab is a female and she is 2 years old and weighs 69 pounds. They are best friends. ♥️
Jing Huang says
That’s so cute💕😂💕👌👍❤️
Tami says
I am looking for a pup to be trained as my service dog. I am stuck between these 2 breeds.
Ralph Livingston says
I’m 60 years old and I have Parkinson’s. I love both breeds but I think labs are just a little better. Which is surprising because they are definitely more immature and for longer than goldens. Common sense would seem to indicate that goldens would be better but labradors far out number goldens in service dogs.Ralph Livingston
Having said that, I don’t think you can go wrong with either breed!
Pam says
What did you choose?
Tina says
I have a 2 (almost 3) year old female chocolate lab and will be getting a golden male in 2 weeks. Our chocolate is a love with HIGH energy. We thought getting a baby brother will he just the thing for additional companionship. I’m glad to hear they are bffs because that is our goal. Thanks for sharing.
Summer Lotus says
I’ve been lucky enough to grow up around several breeds of gun dogs. I’ve had both field labs and field goldens and love them both. I’d say that on average, my goldens tend to be more clingier than labs and are the ones that do less well in situations where they have to be kenneled for long periods of time.
Personally, I think that the biggest difference is in attitude. The best way I think I can describe it is when you take a lab upland bird hunting, it’s a machine–it smells every blade of grass, leaves no stone unturned. You need to tell a lab when you want it to go far out or come back in, and it happily will take the commands, even when it knows you’re wrong.
A golden on the other hand is going to check the place it knows birds like to sit from its past experience. It knows where the bird has gone and it isn’t going to waste time checking every stick. While it will happily take commands when it hasn’t found a bird, it knows when it’s right and is going to override you when your wrong.
This is how they behave in most aspects of everyday life.
It’s kinda a matter of what you think is right vs wrong–if always doing a command is right, then your a lab person. If doing an action correct in a given situation (even when it is contrary to a command) then your a golden person.
Srija Chatterjee says
I am a lab person
Deeksha💗 says
Me too.
youngporkbun says
I have a beautiful golden-lab boy with two different eye colors, who is only 11 months old but is 80.2 lbs. I started him with kibbles and switched him over to a raw food diet then back to kibbles with raw bones. He is not neutered. I can attest, he has so much energy … more so than my bf’s Golden retriever (who is 4 years and 1 month older) but if he receives his play time and walks, he gets exhausted and calms down. What I do with mine is play fetch for at least 10 minutes before heading out for a walk so there is less pulling. My dog also enjoys walking off-leash on trails. It took a few practices until I know I can trust him to return to my call. But I find, taking him off-leash walking in trails to be the best form of exercise for him. I just make sure I bring his portable water bowl and give him generous water breaks (yup, I’m his water butler). I put him in my car and he sheds a lot. I would brush him thrice and would still fill up the brush completely. I do trim his fur every now and then— especially in-between his paw pads and his butt area. Since he is a cross-breed, he has more fur than a pure-bred Labrador retriever. He likes to jump into our pool but does not like cold baths. He has tried running away when I give him baths and is very stubborn when he gets an inkling of getting a bath. Other than that, he is extremely smart. I would corral him and he still finds ways to get through the barriers. He knows commands that I started repeating since he was a puppy, like “go to bed” and “go to your cage.” He does get antsy when I leave him in his cage alone but, fortunately enough, I have a chow mix girl who keeps him company every time he cries. I do go to work during the week but have someone to let him out mid-afternoon and my other dog is always there to keep him calm. I just have to make sure to let him out 20-30 minutes after he drinks so much water or after his meals. If I don’t let him out, he will pee and/ or poop in the house. So it’s not the pup’s fault but mine. My pup has pooped 2-4 times in a day. And when it comes to training, success hinges on you not your dog. Training = persistent consistency. If you slack off, expect your dog to slack off and not learn anything = more mess and stress for you. I would have to say: don’t get a dog if you don’t have patience, extremely selfish with your time, cannot commit to another living being, or don’t have the money to support a pup throughout his/ her entire lifetime. My pup has chewed 3 large beds, broken pots and anything he can find in the yard (including solar lights), uproots plants, and stomps on our flowerbeds. However, he is a very sweet boy and a joy to have in my life. When he was younger, he used to wake me up when it’s time for me to wake-up because he also needs to pee (by whimpering to barking and putting his head on your bed near your head). If you set a schedule, he will remember it and hold you accountable. But now that he is older, he can hold his pee for 8 hours or a little longer and will stay patient until you wake but he will need to pee immediately. My golden-lab also loves his toys so if you want him to stay busy and not chew your things, make sure you provide him with plenty of toys to choose from. Treats are also the highlight of his day so he receives them when he does somethings right. I find raw beef marrow bones to be his favorites and helps clean his teeth. As for vaccines, he only received rabies and the lyme vaccine. It’s all personal preference but after watching him go from energetic to lethargic after a vet visit in a matter of 1 hour, I got extremely scared and I decided to stop injecting him foreign objects. To this day, he is one very healthy boy but I researched so much to give him what he needs. I would urge anyone to research endlessly so you are educated well. I hope my extensive comment will help you decide whether a golden-lab is the right fit for you and open your horizons to the various ways to take great care of your new pup.
Charles Fletcher says
Thank you, very good……
Mrs Regain says
To potential puppy owners,
I’m getting a golden retriever puppy soon and I know that it is the right choice for our family. Make sure you have done lots of research if you are looking to get one: we researched for literately years.
Make sure you pick the right bundle of joy and we will make sure we do too.
Good luck x
Marie Miller says
Years ago we got a puppy-1/2 golden & 1/2 black lab. She looked more like a Lab- short black coat with golden hairs sprinkled in. She was an awesome girl–the best traits from both breeds. After we lost her to cancer we have had a parade of labs with a few American cockers thrown in for good measure. Currently a male yellow & his black sister,5 years old & a 5 year old cocker. Love my pups!!
Sofia says
WOW!
Maria says
The first dog I remember as a child was a golden retriever called Shumba, so I always had a soft spot for them. My husband and I adopted a border collie cross, Kim, from a rescue centre and when she died 14 years later, the search was on for our new canine friend! As it happened, the lady who kennelled Kim was having a litter from her Lab and for us it was crucial that we trusted our breeder and she was brilliant. We now have Izzy the lab who is nearly 3 – I would say if you the breeder right, then you’re onto a winner, be it Lab or Golden!! It’s so important, so please do your research and be prepared to walk away if you aren’t happy, much better to wait longer for your 4 legged friend than have endless problems for years to come x
Mrs Regain says
Lovely story. God bless you.