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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?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Labrador Retriever
OriginsScotland flagScotland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank31
Reviews149
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 Size and Weight 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 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 Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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.
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.
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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Personality and 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
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.
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.
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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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.
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.
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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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 Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
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.
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.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever mouthiness comparison:
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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan 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.
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.
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
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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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.
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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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.
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.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming 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.
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.
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.
Hypoallergenic
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No 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 Good With Comparison

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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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

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

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!