The Golden Retriever Lab Mix is a combination of two of America’s most loved family pets!
Also known as the Golden Labrador, this is a fun-loving pet, is a crossbreed of the 1st and 3rd most popular breeds in America.
It is no surprise the Labrador Golden Retriever Mix is an extremely popular crossbreed. Despite this, not a lot is known about their history.
Loving and loyal, they make the perfect dog for those families who are torn between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador.
Let’s take a look at them in a little more detail; from health and feeding to exercising and grooming, this is your comprehensive overview of this dog.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Is A Golden Retriever Lab Mix?
This dog is a designer crossbreed, first seen in the 1990s.
A delightful crossbreed, the Golden Retriever Lab Mix was first bred to be a guide dog.
They have also been used in other professions, such as a search and rescue or drug detection dogs.
Over the years, the Golden Retriever Lab Mix has gained popularity as a family pet.
Kennel Club Recognition
As the Labrador Golden Retriever Mix is a crossbreed, they are not recognized by any kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Both of the parent breeds are recognized individually by the AKC and FCI.
Breed Origin
Although not a lot is known about this mix, lots is known about the origin and history of both parent breeds. This will help us to learn more about this hybrid dog.
Golden Retriever
First seen in Scotland in the early 19th Century, the Golden Retriever has been a loyal companion ever since its first breeding.
This delightful breed has been seen in many roles over the years, originally bred to be a gun dog but is now more commonly seen as a family pet or service animal.
Labrador
The earliest recorded Labrador Retrievers were documented in Canada in the early 19th Century.
Like the Golden Retriever, these dogs have had many roles through the years.
Originally used as assistants to fishermen, through the years these dogs have also found work as gun dogs, service dogs and family companions.
| Size | 22-24″ (males) and 20-22″ (females) |
| Weight | 60 to 80lb |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Breed Type | Mixes and More |
| Purpose | Companion |
| Suitable For | Everyone |
| Color Variations | Yellow (Most common), Golden, Black, Red, Or Brown |
| Temperament | Friendly, Happy, Obedient, Loyal, Playful |
| Other Names | Goldador |
Golden Retriever Lab Mix Puppies
As puppies, this dog breed is known to be very clumsy!
It is often said their big paws and long legs are always getting them into trouble.
In most cases they will grow out of this by the time they are 18 months old and have reached maturity, but this is not always true and they may retain their puppy like nature.
Depending on the parent there can be anywhere between four and twelve puppies in a litter.
A Golden Retriever Lab Mix is often sold as a premium puppy and because of this they cost between $1,200 and $3,000 USD.
However, for dogs that have pedigree parents, or show ring parents, prices can be as high as $5,000 USD.
Below is an approximate growth chart for a Golden Retriever x Lab Mix puppy.
| 3 | 20 | 30 |
| 6 | 50 | 62 |
| 9 | 55 | 68 |
| 12 | 60 | 80 |
Although the chart is an approximation, and it is healthy for your dog to be slightly larger or smaller than estimated, a large variation in weight may warrant a trip to the vet.
Golden Retriever Lab Mix Temperament
As loyal as they come, the Golden Retriever Lab Mix is not a guard dog.
They are more likely to kill you with kisses than any kind of violence!
This being said, they can be incredibly vocal when bored; howling and barking to pass the time.
In some cases, they have been known to be noisy when excited too, this may be something to consider if you have neighbors in close proximity.
They are known to be massive attention seekers, and are often at their happiest when receiving affection.; otherwise they are known to throw something of a temper tantrum if they aren’t receiving enough fuss.
Compatibility with Families
The Golden Retriever Lab Mix is the perfect family dog.
They have the patience of an angel, and love the company of children; who else could they convince to throw a ball and play games for hours?
Known for being incredibly good natured around young children, and will put up a good deal of rough play, they never lose their patience.
This same patience is often extended to other household pets too.
Like their parents, Golden Labradors are incredibly affectionate with other animals, especially when socialized from puppyhood (Cats, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits and other dogs… this dog does not care)!
Personality
This dog is often noted to have endless enthusiasm and energy, they are always up for a game or two, and do not do well with long periods of inactivity.
Family dogs through and through, it isn’t a good idea for them to be left in the garden or in the house by themselves.
When left they may become destructive due to boredom… these dogs can make mean work of your slippers or carpet!
These fun, bubbly dogs have an infectious optimism in life.
Everything is an adventure to the Golden Retriever Lab Mix, from a trip to the store or a walk to the mailbox. They are friendly, there is no such thing as a stranger to this dog… only to-be-friends.
Golden Retriever Lab Mix Full Grown and Appearance
Golden Retriever Lab Mix Size
This mix is classified as a medium to large sized dog.
A Golden Retriever Lab Mix stands between 20 and 24 inches in height, with females being slightly smaller than males. They weigh between 60 and 80 pounds, with females again being slightly lighter than males.
Appearance
Mixed breed dogs are something of a genetic lottery, each one is totally unique!
Some Golden Retriever Lab Mixes will be the perfect hybrid with a 50/50 mix, whereas others will appear to take after one parental breed more than the other.
The one thing they all have in common is their cute faces and sunny disposition.
In most cases, this dog has a large square head with floppy ears, athletic looking bodies and long legs.
They have large brown Golden Retriever eyes, that are often described very loving. However, on very rare occasions they may have blue eyes.
It is often noted that a Golden Retriever Lab Mix will have a “racing stripe” along their back. This is a darker stripe along their spine from the base of their neck to the tip of their tail.
Color and Coat
Golden Retriever Lab Mixes are most often yellow, but, they can also be seen in: gold, black, red or even brown.
Like their appearance, it is difficult to say what texture their coat will have, so it can vary massively between litters.
In general, this dog will have a short, dense coat, that is often straight but can be wavy on occasion.
Unlike other Golden Retriever Mix Breeds, in most cases this dog will have a single coat as opposed to double.
Grooming
Their coat can shed moderately so a consistent grooming schedule is required.
They are mild to moderate shedders all year-round, and as a result weekly brushing is required. Being an affectionate dog, you shouldn’t have any problems convincing them it is time for grooming.
When grooming be sure to check your dogs ears, making sure they are clean to prevent ear infections and promote good hygiene.
Teeth should be brushed as frequently as your dog will allow! Ideally, this should be daily and nails should be clipped every six to eight weeks by a groomer or veterinarian.
Clipping is unlikely to be necessary due to the Golden Retriever Lab Mixes short coat.
As these dogs love water, they may enjoy bath time. They are not known to have sensitive skin and so you can bath as often as you would like, using dog shampoo.
Golden Retriever Lab Mix Care Guide
Due to the friendly and affectionate nature of the breed, they are suitable for people from all walks of life.
It is not advisable to keep this dog in a small space like an apartment, especially if you are going to be away from home a lot.
Beyond this, they are very adaptable to their owners, provided they get the right amount of exercise and cuddles.
Food and Dietary Requirements
| Daily Food Consumption | |
|---|---|
| Guide | 1,200 calories |
| Cups of Kibble |  |
You may find, that like other Labradors, your dog is extremely food oriented, and will often attempt to charm scraps of food out of your hands or off the table – these delightful dogs will do anything for a tasty reward.
Ideally, your Golden Retriever Lab Mix needs to eat three cups of kibble (or equivalent) each day.
This should be split into two meals to avoid the possibility of gastric torsion developing, as this is common in Labradors.
Dry, wet or raw, it is all just as tasty for this dog breed (generally, they are not noted as fussy eaters).
Labradors are known to have sensitive stomachs; so it is best to try to feed one type of food consistently.
Exercise Requirements
| Daily Exercise Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 90 minutes |
| Activity Level |  |
The Golden Retriever Lab Mix is easy enough to exercise.
They will happily lollop along by your side and are not fussy about where you go as long as you’re together.
These active dogs are known to be a little lazy, especially in their old age. Consequently, motivation is key with these dogs, getting them excited will get them up and moving.
Both of the parent breeds enjoy swimming so you may wish to take your dog to a local lake.
It is important to ensure your Labrador Golden Retriever Mix gets enough exercise, both physical and mental. If not, they can become destructive, developing habits such as barking, digging and even chewing on furniture and clothes.
Labrador Golden Retriever Mix Training
Both the Golden Retriever and the Labrador are known to be very obedient, people pleasing dogs.
These two breeds are highly intelligent and love to learn, resulting in a mix that loves to learn too. Here are some puppy training tips for your Labrador golden retriever mix.
Labradors are very food oriented and so you may find that food-based training works best.
However, Golden Retrievers also enjoy physical contact, such as pats or cuddles.
When starting training, it may be best to play around with different rewards to see what best motivates your dog.
Known Health Problems
Unlike many other designer crossbreeds, the Golden Retriever Lab Mix is known to be a relatively healthy dog.
However, there is always the potential for them to develop health problems seen in their purebred parent breeds, some of the most common include:
- Hip and Elbow arthritis. This is common in both Golden Retrievers and Labradors, Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes the degradation of cartilage in joints.
- Eye conditions, including cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy are common in Labradors. This will vary from dog to dog and in most cases the conditions will be manageable.
- Canine Obesity is a growing issue, it is estimated that 56% of American Dogs are obese. Unlike other health issues, obesity can be preventable with correct diet and exercise.
Despite these potential health concerns, the Golden Retriever Lab Mix lifespan is between 10 to 15 years; often living long and healthy lives.
Summary
The Golden Retriever Lab Mix is a perfect match for anyone who wants an active family dog.
Renowned for their patience with young children, this dog gets on well with both old and young families.
They are friendly and playful dogs, always up for an adventure, ball game or both!
At their happiest around their family members or receiving any kind of physical affection; belly rubs and ear scratches are a favorite for this dog.
This desire for attention and love of the outdoors can lead to barking and destructive behavior if not met. This means the condition of getting a Golden Retriever Lab Mix is having as much time to dedicate to them as they dedicate to you.
Do you have this glorious dog at home? Leave us a comment about them in the comments below.
Other Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever Mixes
If you’re interested in learning about other Lab mixes or Golden Retriever mixes, check out the hybrid dog breeds below.
Lab Mixes
- German Shepherd Lab Mix
- Pitbull Lab Mix
- Blue Heeler Lab Mix
- Rottweiler Lab Mix
- Beagle Lab Mix
- Border Collie Lab Mix
- Husky Lab Mix
- Australian Shepherd Lab Mix
- Labrabull
- Labradoodle Dog
- Boxador
- Mini Labradoodle
- Australian Labradoodle
I am interested in the golden retriever/lab mix, Female. I had one for years and she was the best dog.
We adopted a “Golden Labrador” rescue three months ago at age 8 months. He is turning out to be just what you describe, however, he was never socialized around people. He’s getting much better at not barking at strangers, but he’s still very excitable around children. Hope it will pass! He’s in his third week of beginner obedience.
I have a golden retriever/lab mix. She has been brilliant with our, now adult, children and their other pets. She virtually trained herself, with the aid of cooked chicken. As a youngster she would walk three hours plus in a morning; now eleven it is half that split into two sessions. She sheds freely, loves water, tennis balls, sticks, her family and anyone with food in their pocket. couldn’t think of a better choice for families with children.