• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever Blue Heeler
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Scotland flagScotland Australia flagAustralia
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank13518
Reviews11162
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler breeds.
Lab
Labrador
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle Dog
Queensland Heeler
Red Heeler
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

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

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler? Compare adult weight ranges.
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 Range
Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Find price differences between these breeds.
$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

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which breed ranks highest?
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.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which is easiest to train?
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.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most alert?
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.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most protective?
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.

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler? Compare temperaments.
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.
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.
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.

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

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most vocal?
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.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most playful?
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.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which has lowest bite risk?

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.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which uses mouth most during play?
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.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which has the strongest bite?

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.

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

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which breed lives longest?
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
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which has fewer health issues?
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.
Vet Care Frequency
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).
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

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

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most active?
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.
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.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which is most prone to obesity?
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.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which needs most food?
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.

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

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. What colors are available?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Golden
Light
Blue
Red speckled
Blue speckled
Blue Mottled
Red Mottled
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which requires most maintenance?
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.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which drools 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which has least natural smell?

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.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which is best with kids?
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.
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.
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.
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 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 Capability
Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which is best suited for service work?

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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which excels in therapy work?

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which is best suited for water work?

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.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which is best for draft work?

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which has most military use?

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

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 5-10 puppies 1-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. What's recommended?

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.

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. How are they classified?
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 Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. How are they classified internationally?
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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Blue Heeler. Which has most recognition?
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

Rate This Comparsion - Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Blue Heeler

Reviews