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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
Reviews914
User Ratings

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Is the Labrador Retriever bigger than the Golden Retriever breed? Is a Labrador Retriever smaller than a Golden Retriever?
Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever weight comparison:
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
Which is cheaper, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever?
$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

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever smarter? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever intelligence:
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Trainability
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever trainability comparison. What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
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

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:
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

Playfulness
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever playfulness comparison:
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
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

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Labrador Retriever more dangerous than a Golden Retriever?

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever mouthiness comparison:
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?
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.
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
Veterinarian Visits
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).
Life Expectancy
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs Golden 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever energy level comparison:
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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Does the Labrador Retriever breed eat more than the Golden Retriever breed?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever weight gain potential comparison:
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-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
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: Labrador Retriever or Golden 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: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever?

Yes

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

Yes

Golden 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden 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 Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever have? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever litter size comparison:
5-10 puppies 5-10 puppies

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 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
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!