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?

Price and Availability Size Grooming, Hair and Care Personality / Temperament Good With Health 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	13	6
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever	Lab Labrador
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever?	$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 Size Comparison

Size Which dog is bigger, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Is the Golden Retriever bigger than the Labrador Retriever breed? Is a Golden Retriever smaller than a Labrador Retriever?	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever weight comparison:	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 Grooming, Hair and Care Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever coat comparison:	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight	Dense Waterproof Hard Short
Colors What are the original Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever color? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever color comparison:	Golden Light	Black Yellow Chocolate
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever grooming comparison:	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
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
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Personality / Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful
Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever smarter? Which is best? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever intelligence:	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
Trainability Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever trainability comparison. What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	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
Playfulness Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever playfulness comparison:	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
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.
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	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
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List
Biting Potential Is a Golden Retriever more dangerous than a Labrador Retriever?	Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Bite Force Which bite is stronger: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	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
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever mouthiness comparison:	Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. 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
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	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
Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone 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 Good With Comparison

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
Pet Friendly 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.
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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 Health Comparison

Health Issues Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	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
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
Veterinarian Visits 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
Life Expectancy Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever?	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
Hypoallergenic Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Energy Level Who has more energy a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever energy level comparison:	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
Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Does the Golden Retriever breed eat more than the Labrador Retriever breed?	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
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever weight gain potential comparison:	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
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	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.
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever?	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	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

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever have? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever litter size comparison:	5-10 puppies	5-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	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.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

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!!!