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

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever" Compare Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank13
Reviews1116
User Ratings

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Golden 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 Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
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 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 vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare biting tendencies.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Golden 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 Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever? Compare breed colors.
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever? Compare fur types.
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Do Labrador Retriever dogs shed more than Golden Retriever dogs?
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden 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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden 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 Labrador Retriever or a Golden 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 Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Labrador Retriever or a Golden 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 Labrador Retriever and Golden 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. Which has larger litters?
5-10 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Labrador Retriever and Golden 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Labrador Retriever and Golden 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 Labrador Retriever and Golden 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
Canadian Canine Registry
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

Rate This Comparsion - Labrador Retriever vs Golden 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!