Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Golden Flat Coat or Australian Cattle Dog? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Labrador Retriever	Golden Retriever	Blue Heeler
Origins	England Canada	Scotland	Australia
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Gun Dog	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	1	3	518
Reviews	9	14	2
User Ratings

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

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	Large	Large	Medium
Weight Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler 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)	30-62 pounds (13-28 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)	46 pounds (20.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler height comparison:	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)	Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 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)	Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? Which is more expensive?	$1000-$2000	$1000-$2000	$400-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler 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.	Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler trainability comparison.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? 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.	Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy	Active Protective Alert Intelligent Hard working Resourceful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler?	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.	Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler 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.	Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.	Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler playfulness comparison:	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler?	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	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.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler 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.	Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	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.	Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler 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.	Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler?	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.	Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler 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	No data available
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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).	Rare The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and Blue Heeler breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler?	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.	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 vs Blue Heeler Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler energy level comparison:	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? 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.	Blue Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Blue Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	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.	1.5 to 2.5 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? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler 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.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler coat comparison:	Dense Waterproof Hard Short	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight	Dense
Colors What are the original Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and Blue Heeler color?	Black Yellow Chocolate	Golden Light	Blue Red speckled Blue speckled Blue Mottled Red Mottled
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler grooming comparison:	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Blue Heeler 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: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	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.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Hypoallergenic Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler?	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	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.	The Blue Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler 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.	Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? Which dog is more friendly?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler?	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.	Yes Blue Heeler 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	No Blue Heeler is not the best dog breed 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.	Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler 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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever or Blue Heeler? 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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a 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.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler?	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like 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.	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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	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.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever and Blue Heeler have?	5-10 puppies	5-10 puppies	1-7 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler 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.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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.	Not recognized by FCI.
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	No data available

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