Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Golden Flat Coat or Lab?

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Golden Retriever	Labrador Retriever
Origins	Scotland	England Canada
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	3	1
Reviews	16	11
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by?	Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever	Lab Labrador
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Large	Large
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is heavier?	Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Is a Golden Retriever taller than a Labrador Retriever?	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed costs more?	$1000-$2000	$1000-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare training requirements.	Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare alertness levels.	Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors.	Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?	Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare living space needs.	It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare adaptability levels.	Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare biting tendencies.	Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare average lifespans.	10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare climate tolerances.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is healthier?	Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.	The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	Rare The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Hemangiosarcoma Osteosarcoma Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare activity levels.	Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare obesity risks.	High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare daily food needs.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever? Compare breed colors.	Golden Light	Black Yellow Chocolate
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.	The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever? Compare fur types.	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight	Dense Waterproof Hard Short
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.	2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Do Golden Retriever dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?	Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare kid-friendliness.	Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?	Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Can a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever be friends? Do Golden Retriever dogs get along with Labrador Retriever dogs?	Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	Yes Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	Yes Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment	No Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare service capabilities.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare therapy capabilities.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare scenting abilities.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Which is better for search and rescue: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare SAR abilities.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever? Compare draft work capabilities.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military history between Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Which has stronger military background?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Which has larger litters?	5-10 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Which groups are they in?	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Which is more widely recognized?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry

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Rate This Comparsion - Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever

Reviews

Laura Chaparro
Sep 13, 2019, 1:20:29 PM:
This helped a lot choosing a good dog for our family!!! We are choosing a golden!!! ?☀️
Stacey
Apr 25, 2020, 1:59:23 PM:
This list is extremely contradicting. And I’ve never met a Labrador retriever that was unfriendly but requires socialization.
Charmaine
Jun 23, 2020, 9:24:20 PM:
Extremely helpful. Thanks!
Danis
Nov 3, 2020, 3:02:30 PM:
labrador
Hater
Nov 9, 2020, 11:38:12 AM:
Terrible
rhonda
Dec 16, 2020, 5:59:18 PM:
after always having german sepherds this helped me chose a lab very very helpfuj
Bill r
Jan 29, 2021, 7:53:23 PM:
Mostly as expected based on having had perfect Golden; & from having black Lab years ago. Data helpful- am in preliminary search for dog; mine died. My Golden died of a heart issue before she was 8; This was/still hurts.
Colleen Anderson
Mar 3, 2021, 5:59:18 PM:
Excellent information
golden retervier
Sep 10, 2021, 6:51:27 AM:
Steven Wang
Sep 18, 2021, 9:40:16 AM:
This helped a lot because I was stuck on getting a lab or a golden? And the finale answer is GOLDEN!!!
Golden
Dec 26, 2023, 8:44:47 PM:
We are getting a golden!