Golden Retrievers and Labradors are both extremely loving dogs who share many similarities. Both are great with children, have a sweet nature and are extremely loyal family pets.
It is no wonder why many people have a difficult time choosing between the breeds.
Generally when comparing a Golden Retriever to a Labrador, Goldens are more adaptable to a sedentary lifestyle and Labradors have high energy reserves. Golden Retrievers also have a long coat, which means more grooming whereas a Labrador’s bouncy nature makes them more boisterous.
However there are many subtle differences that may sway your final decision.
Keep reading to discover ten differences you should know about the Golden vs Lab debate…
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Golden Retriever vs Labrador - What Is The Difference?
- 1. Golden Retrievers Are Smaller
- 2. Golden Retrievers Are From Scotland vs. Labs From Canada
- 3. Labradors Are More Popular
- 4. They Were Bred For Different Jobs
- 5. Labs Can Be Yellow, Black and Chocolate. Goldens Can Only Be Gold!
- 6. Golden Retrievers Are Long Haired
- 7. Labrador Retrievers Do Not Need Regular Grooming
- 8. Golden Retrievers Are More Patient
- 9. Labs Have More Energy
- 10. Labrador Retrievers Live Longer
- Summary
Golden Retriever vs Labrador – What Is The Difference?
- Golden Retrievers Are Smaller
- Labradors Are More Popular
- Labs Can Be Yellow, Black and Chocolate
- Goldens Can Only Be Gold
- Golden Retrievers Are Long Haired
- Goldens Have Furry Feather-like Fur
- Labradors Have Fewer Grooming Needs
- Golden Retrievers Are More Patient
- Labs Have More Energy
- Labrador Retrievers live longer
1. Golden Retrievers Are Smaller
When comparing the size difference of a Golden Retriever vs Labrador you will notice Goldens are slightly smaller on average.
Both breeds are recognized as being medium sized, however if you measure a Golden vs Lab you will notice the Golden Retriever is an inch shorter.
You can see the slight size variation in the table below which shows the average height and weight of both breeds:
| Golden Retriever | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (inches at the withers) | 21 to 24 | 21.5 to 24.5 |
| Weight (pounds) | 55 to 75 | 55 to 80 |
Female Golden Retrievers stand at 21 to 22 inches compared to female Labradors with a height of 21.5 to 23.5 inches.
Male Goldens are slightly larger and stands at 22 to 24 inches in height compared to a male Lab standing at 22.5 to 24.5 inches.
Female Goldens weigh between 55 to 70 pounds and female Labs weigh about the same as between 55 to 70 pounds.
Male Golden Retrievers are slightly lighter at 66 to 75 pounds vs the male Labrador Retriever at 64 pounds to 80 pounds.
The Labrador Retriever is larger than the Golden. However, the Golden Retriever is known to be slightly longer and has a longer snout too.
Labradors have a more robust looking head shape.
This is especially true for the English Labrador who are stockier and less athletic than the American Lab.
2. Golden Retrievers Are From Scotland vs. Labs From Canada
Golden Retrievers were bred from wavy (or flat) coated Retrievers and Tweed Water Spaniels. Labradors were selectively bred from St. Johns Water Dogs.
The Golden Retriever originated in Glen Affric, Scotland in the 1800s. Lord Tweedmouth mated a wavy coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel.
The Labrador Retriever originated 4,000 miles away from Scotland in Newfoundland, Canada.
Canadians selectively bred the Newfoundland dog breed with smaller water dogs to create a St. Johns Water Dogs. The St. Johns Water Dog was then imported to England and used as retrievers in shooting sports. After arriving in England the breed officially became known as a Labrador Retriever.
Goldens were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925, 8 years after the Labrador was officially recognized in 1917.
3. Labradors Are More Popular
The Golden Retriever and Labrador are among the most popular dog breeds listed by the American Kennel Club.
Goldens are ranked the 3rd most popular breed and Labs are first.
The Golden Retrievers popularity sky rocketed to 3rd after the movie Air Bud.
Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dog breed in America for over 20 years.
Both retrievers are loved for their gentle nature which is why they are used as therapy and working dogs.
4. They Were Bred For Different Jobs
The differences between the purpose of the Golden Retriever vs Labrador are subtle now because they both have similar jobs, however, historically they had very different jobs!
Golden Retrievers were actually a gentleman’s dog, bred to retrieve waterfowl. Labradors were a fisherman’s dog, bred to retrieve fish nets and fish.
Both breeds were bred for their loyalty, intelligence, swimming abilities, and soft-mouths:
- Their loyalty makes them excellent companions.
- Their intelligence makes them easy-to-train.
- Their swimming ability helps them excel in their jobs.
- Their soft-mouths helping them fetch water-fowl without harm.
Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve shot waterfowl (such as ducks) during a gentleman’s hunt. They were the perfect sporting companion for wealthy owners who enjoyed game hunting.
Unlike the Golden, the Labrador Retriever’s first job was to retrieve nets, ropes and fish for fishermen.
It wasn’t until after the St. Johns Water Dog was imported to England that aristocrats admired their loyalty, work ethic and love of water. After they arrived in England, Labradors were then bred to be sporting companions whose duty was to retrieve shot waterfowl (just like the Golden’s original job).
At this point, both breeds became popular companions for shooting sports.
5. Labs Can Be Yellow, Black and Chocolate. Goldens Can Only Be Gold!
It is a common misconception that Labradors can be golden in color. In fact, if you ever do cross paths with a golden colored Retriever then it is probably a Goldador (Golden Retriever Labrador Mix).
The color of Golden Retriever vs Labrador dogs is one of the major differences.
Golden Retrievers and Labradors have differences coat colors.
Their breed standards state:
- A Golden Retriever’s coat is gold. This color may range anywhere from a creamy off-white to shades of gold to darker shades with reddish hues.
- The Labrador Retriever has three different official coat colors: yellow, black and chocolate.
Labrador Retrievers can be a red lab or silver lab. However, these two colors are not officially recognized.
6. Golden Retrievers Are Long Haired
The Golden Retriever has a very long coat that can be either wavy or straight. The Labrador has a short, smooth and straight coat.
Goldens have a very long coat when compared to the Labrador Retriever.
A Golden Retriever is best suited to a family who have plenty of time for grooming! The Golden also has furry feather-like fur around their body. These areas are extra fluffy and include their ears, neck, paws and tail.
They both have a dense, double coat that makes their coat specialized for swimming.
Their outer coat is water-repellent and they have a thick undercoat to protect them from debris.
Both dogs are not a good choice for anyone looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
7. Labrador Retrievers Do Not Need Regular Grooming
When comparing a Golden Retriever vs Labrador the Golden is known to have significantly higher grooming requirements.
Due to their double coats, both dogs will need brushing but Goldens should be brushed daily and Labs every few days.
Regular brushing helps keep your dog’s coat soft and removes dead fur. Golden Retrievers require more brushing to prevent any matting of their long coat.
However, the Labrador sheds just as much fur as a Golden.
This is especially true during late autumn and spring when their coats are preparing for either cooler or warmer temperatures.
Owners often trim the Golden Retriever’s longer fur near the ears, neck, paws and tail. Labradors do not have any areas with longer sections of fur that require trimming.
Both breeds are similar with their teeth, nail and ear grooming requirements.
With both dogs, it is important to begin grooming from a young age so that they grow accustomed to it.
The Labrador Retriever is a lower maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.
8. Golden Retrievers Are More Patient
Both breeds are friendly, affectionate and loyal dogs. They are both very sociable and have wonderful temperaments.
It is not by chance that they are America’s most popular family pets.
When comparing a Golden Retriever vs Labrador, the Golden is a gentler, more patient and sensitive dog.
Golden Retrievers have a gentle nature that shines throughout their interaction with young children. They are very careful and soft.
Labrador Retrievers are also great with children but they are typically more excitable and bouncy.
The Golden Retriever enjoys a calm and quiet environment. Whereas Labradors do not tire out easily and are always ready to play as soon as you are!
Labradors are not known to be sensitive.
9. Labs Have More Energy
If you are looking for a dog that loves to get outside and join you for a run, walk or adventure then both breeds are perfect.
Both dogs are active and love to have a job to do.
However, the energy levels of a Labrador vs Golden Retriever are very different.
Golden Retrievers are an active breed, but they do enjoy a calm and quiet environment. Their tranquil nature allows them to fit into a large variety of homes easily.
Unlike a Golden, the Lab is not suited for a sedentary lifestyle.
Their high energy levels may be a bit too much for seniors to keep up.
Labradors are a bundle of energy. From puppy to adulthood Labs have high energy levels and are very playful. Once they reach maturity, at approximately 18 months of age, they settle down a bit more. However, when comparing them to Golden Retrievers, Labradors are still very high energy!
The Labrador fits well into a lively and busy home. They love having children, a family to play with, and joining all of their adventures.
10. Labrador Retrievers Live Longer
The Golden Retriever and the Labrador are both healthy dogs.
Goldens have an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years compared with a Labrador’s life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
Both dogs are genetically predisposed to health issues that can be discovered with routine elbow and hip scoring and eye tests.
But Golden Retrievers and Labradors suffer from different diseases…
Golden Retrievers and Cancer
Unfortunately, this breed is at risk of developing cancer.
Statistically, 61% of Golden Retrievers experience cancer. This is one of the highest percentages of any dog breed.
It is not yet fully understood which specific genes are leading to the inheritance of cancer-risk genes.
This makes it a disease that neither the breeder nor owner can control.
It is not guaranteed that they will develop cancer over their lifetime. They are just genetically predisposed to receiving genes that may mutate.
Labrador Retriever And Obesity
Any Lab owner will tell you just how food orientated this breed is.
They LOVE to eat.
Unfortunately, their love of food can cause many health issues.
The Labrador Retriever is genetically prone to obesity.
Genetic factors (due to a POMC gene mutation) leaves the Labrador genetically predisposed to excessive weight gain, increased appetite and obesity.
This genetic mutation is only common in Labradors and is not found in other dog breeds.
Which Breed Is Healthier?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthier breed because of genetic testing.
Most health issues can be avoided in Labs through genetic testing, weight management and exercise.
However, there is currently no genetic testing available to assess a Golden Retriever’s predisposition to cancer.
Summary
Both of these retrievers are fantastic dogs.
Golden Retrievers are ranked 3rd and Labradors have been the most popular dog breed for the last 20 years. They are admired worldwide due to their sweet temperament, good-nature and wonderful companionship.
The Golden Retriever and Labrador are both very similar, but they also share a few differences.
Labradors are more active with plenty of energy and thrive in a fast-paced, busy family home; they make the perfect addition to any active family.
However, if you are looking for a loving, loyal, and super gentle breed who loves a more sedentary lifestyle, then perhaps the down-to-earth Golden Retriever is the choice for you?
Or perhaps you still can’t decide?
Let us know what you think below.
I have a golden retriever. He took his shots yesterday and yearly examination . The Vet tested him for heart worms and the test came back positive. I am so sad for Nolan, because I don’t know what to do to save his life. Financially I cannot afford to give him the treatment that he need. Please advise me what to do.
I have owned every colour of Labrador and have just bought a male yellow lab to supplement our 5 year old fox red lab.I love labradors they have the best temperment of all dogs which is lovely when out walking with them off the lead.Freddy our fox red was named after both my partner’s and my dads both named Fred,our new puppy is being called Nigel after Monty Dons dog as we were so upset when he died as we used to love watching him on Gardeners World on the BBC.Nigel is a yellow lab only 4 week old now and we have just been to visit him and he was all over us like a rash what an happy dog.
I rescued a Chocolate Lab she’s going too be 14 next week and we love her so much she is super smart and still loves too chase her duck or ball
She is over weight but she’s living a good life
Her name is Ivy Gucci
This article was excellent. Thank you!
Just adopted a puppy whose mom is lab and dad is golden retriever. Hoping for the best of both!
From my experiences (one Golden, on my third yellow Lab), this article is right on. My three Labs were all males, acquired at 8 weeks, as close to identical conditions as can be. The typical traits described in this article are all there, without exception. But individual personalities are amazingly unique. The current one just turned one year this week, so we’re still settling into boundaries, rules and developing relationships. I’m looking forward to all the fun and adventure this critter will provide— probably the last one before my “Lab phase” of life is over.
Labrador Wins