You can’t go wrong if you’re choosing between a golden retriever vs. a Labrador retriever. These are arguably the two best dog breeds all-around.
They are incredibly similar, too – an inexperienced person may struggle to distinguish between a golden retriever vs. a yellow Lab.
Both breeds will make best friends for you, your children, other dogs, and cats. They are some of the friendliest and cuddliest dogs in existence.
However, goldens and Labs have several distinctions that may affect your choice, including grooming needs, health conditions, and subtle differences in temperament.
When choosing a breed, consider which traits you value the most in a dog. There’s no right or wrong answer because the best dog is one that fits your personality and lifestyle.
Size & Weight
When it comes to golden retriever vs. Labrador size, the difference isn’t significant.
Golden retriever males reach 24 inches in height and weigh 65-75 pounds, while females are 21-22.5 inches tall and weigh 55-65 pounds. English goldens are shorter and stockier than American goldens.
Labrador retrievers are only a little larger, ranging from 22 to 25 inches in height and weighing 55 to 80 pounds. The overall appearance is athletic and powerful.
Shedding
In golden retriever vs. Labrador shedding, the winner is obvious. Golden retrievers have a double coat with a long overcoat and dense, fluffy undercoat that makes them practically water-repellent.
Unfortunately, a double coat means intense seasonal shedding phases when fur lies all around the house. Labrador retrievers, too, have seasonal shedding phases, but their hair is significantly shorter and isn’t as noticeable on surfaces.
Personality
Temperament is what makes golden retrievers and Labs so popular among American families. Both breeds are outgoing, confident, courageous, and exuberant. They love meeting new people, exploring new environments, and are always up to play.
Goldens and Labs are very attached to their owners and eager to please. They are affectionate and can cuddle all day long with breaks for exercise.
The only difference in golden retriever vs. Lab temperament is that the latter is a little tumbler and rougher.
Child-Friendliness
Because golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers have similar temperament traits, they are equally suitable for families with kids. Both breeds are affectionate, patient, and rarely aggressive, so they will tolerate kids of all ages.
However, Labs aren’t as gentle as goldens. They won’t hurt a kid but may play too rough, so they are better companions for older children. Supervision is always necessary when a child interacts with a large dog.
Pet-Friendliness
Golden retrievers get along with most animals, including other dogs, cats, rodents, and birds. They don’t typically chase smaller pets and have soft bites, so they are unlikely to hurt their playmates.
However, goldens may be a bit jealous of the owner’s attention. The same can be said about Labrador retrievers. They are perfect for households with multiple pets but may be too energetic for old and calm animals.
Goldens and Labs also make perfect companions for each other, so if you struggle to choose one dog, safely get two!
Barking Level
Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers don’t bark a lot. They only vocalize when necessary – for example, when someone attempts to harm their owner or when they are overly excited.
However, the barking level may vary from dog to dog. Some goldens and Labs are naturally more vocal, while others are calm. Some dogs may bark excessively because of separation anxiety or under-stimulation.
Intelligence & Trainability
Goldens and Labs are in the top ten of the most intelligent dog breeds, according to canine researcher Stanley Coren who studied the intelligence of 138 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Both breeds are eager to please, have a fantastic memory, and have a high obedience rate. They are empathetic and excellent at communicating with people.
The difference between Labrador and golden retriever intelligence is insignificant – goldens are ranked fourth and Labs seventh. Labs need more repetitions to memorize a command but still have above-average intelligence.
Common Behavior Problems
Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers share the same behavior problems, including separation anxiety, phobias, destructive chewing, digging, resource guarding, pulling on the leash, and jumping on people.
These dogs are rarely aggressive but may growl or bark at people or other dogs because of anxiety. The good news is that all these problems can be resolved with proper training, socialization, and sufficient physical activity.
Exercise Needs
Goldens and Labs are hunting dog breeds that have bundles of energy. They need at least an hour of walking daily or 40-45 minutes of vigorous exercise. The exercise time should be split into multiple sessions.
Both dogs will appreciate playing fetch, tug of war, swimming, hiking, and other fun activities. Labs have slightly higher energy levels and can run up to two hours without tiring.
Grooming Needs
Golden retriever grooming is straightforward but time-consuming. These dogs need daily brushing to prevent tangling and matting and spot parasites that may be hiding in the dense coat.
Goldens need to be bathed about every four weeks, but dogs that swim in stagnant water or love rolling on the ground may need a bath more frequently. Labradors will suffice with weekly brushing, but they also need monthly bathing.
Shaving can damage a golden’s or Lab’s coat, but golden retrievers benefit from feather trimming.
Lifespan
Golden retriever and Labrador retriever life expectancy are 10-12 years, which is standard for dogs of this size.
Health Issues
The most common golden retriever health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, mast cell tumors, seizures, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, sub-aortic stenosis, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism.
Labrador retrievers are susceptible to patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia, diabetes, distichiasis, exercise-induced collapse, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism, hot spots, cataracts, and muscular dystrophy.
Both breeds are prone to ear infections because of their anatomy and love for swimming. Obesity is common among under-exercised Labs and goldens because they are highly food-motivated.
Responsible breeders conduct genetic tests for puppies and their parents to rule out inherited conditions, but many of these diseases occur because of an unhealthy lifestyle.
Price
Both breeds have wide price ranges. Some puppies are available for $800, while show-quality puppies from reputable breeders may cost over $4,000. On average, expect to pay $1,500 for a decent pup.
The annual cost of owning a golden retriever or Labrador retriever is approximately the same, $2,000-$2,500.
Suitability for Inexperienced Dog Owners
Despite their high energy levels and grooming needs, golden retrievers are among the best dogs for first-time owners. They are intelligent, easy to train, and friendly, so they are unlikely to cause problems.
Labrador retrievers are equally suitable for inexperienced owners. Furthermore, they don’t need as frequent grooming. The primary challenge for first-time owners would be to provide the dog with enough exercise.
Suitability for Apartments
Many people wonder – can a golden retriever or Labrador retriever live in an apartment? Not everyone has ideal living conditions for a large dog, but that doesn’t mean that they have to give up the dream of owning a golden or Lab.
Both breeds can live happy lives in apartments as long as the owners provide them with enough exercise outdoors. They aren’t barky and are unlikely to bother the neighbors.
Suitability as Service Dogs
According to American Kennel Club, Labrador retrievers are the most popular service dog breed in the U.S., and golden retrievers are second. These breeds have deserved such high ranks with their intelligence, obedience, and loyalty.
Goldens and Labs are physically capable of walking miles around the town and assisting people with mobility issues. They are smart enough to perform complex tasks and are very sociable, so they don’t pose a threat to strangers.
Like any service or therapy dog, they require training, but teaching a Lab or golden to perform tasks is easier than an average dog.
Goldens and Labs also make excellent emotional support and therapy dogs because of their empathetic, affectionate personalities.
Suitability as Guard or Protection Dogs
Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are loyal and protective of their owners. They won’t let anyone hurt their favorite human on a walk and may alert bark if someone enters their territory.
However, they generally make poor guard dogs. Goldens and Labs are too lovely with strangers. Because of their credulous nature, they are more likely to make friends with an intruder than attack them.
One can train a golden or Lab to be a guard dog, but they are very sociable and attached to their owners. These dogs were born to live with people, surrounded by love and affection, rather than sit outdoors.
Suitability as Hunting Dogs
Golden retrievers and Labs are born to hunt. They make wonderful all-around gundogs but excel in retrieving and tracking.
Work ethics and obedience are rooted in their genes.
Rarity
Labrador retrievers top the list of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. for over three decades in a row. Golden retrievers never go below the third position, so they are equally widespread.
Red golden retrievers are more challenging to find than cream and gold dogs, and chocolate is the rarest Lab color.