Golden Retrievers and Labradors are two of the most lovable dog breeds of all time. They are the most family-friendly dog and are of average medium build making them perfect to be kept in any kind of household, preferably with a balcony to the very least. These two dogs are very similar in certain aspects and at the same time very different in some other aspects. They are both very similar in their size and their high energy and physical activity needs but also differ in very obvious physical traits like their colour and coats.
If you are down to these two breeds to choose for yourself then you have to make a very difficult choice, as both, the breeds have very specific traits that would make them favourable in their own ways. So below we will talk about the two dogs in detail, to help make it easier for you to decide on a dog that is more suitable to your requirements.
History of Golden Retrievers and Labradors
Originally established in Scotland in the late 1800s, the Golden Retriever is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. A nobleman named Lord Tweedmouth requested for a gun dog unlike any other. Thanks to his knowledge in dog breeding, he helped create the current Golden Retriever. To create it, breeders combined Tweed Water Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, and Bloodhounds. The Golden Retriever gained a household name in the United States when Lord Tweedmouth’s sons brought him over the Atlantic.
The Americans’ adoration for him was sparked by more than just his professional prowess. The Golden Retriever gained popularity in the United States when Gerald Ford bought Liberty, a Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are often shown as a role model of domesticity and good humour.
The Labrador was bred in Newfoundland, Canada, as a working dog for fishermen.
The Labrador, a 19th-century breed, is from Canada, not the United States. His skill at catching ducks, fish, and other aquatic creatures won him a devoted following. When the Labrador was brought back to England by English nobles, his popularity soared. . As a result, they’ve become a global favourite among families of all sizes throughout the globe.
Size of Golden Retrievers and Labradors
The Labrador breed is somewhat taller than the Golden Retriever, yet both are massive canines. In both species, males are noticeably taller than females.
The weight and height of Labradors and Golden Retrievers are almost identical, with the exception of the fact that the labradors tend to be somewhat larger.
Weight of Labrador Retriever
Male: 25-36 Kg (55-79 lbs)
Female: 25-32 Kg (55-70 lbs)
Height of Labrador Retriever
Male: 57–62 cm
Female: 55–60 cm
At the shoulders, Females are typically shorter than males.
Also Read:- Best Winter Dog Accessories For Golden Retriever
Weight of Golden Retriever
Male: 25-34 Kg (55-75 lbs)
Female: 25-29 Kg (55-64 lbs)
Height of Golden Retriever
Male: 56–61 cm
Female: 51–56 cm
Overall, the size difference would not help you much as they are almost on the same level.
Energy Level
Golden retrievers and labradors are both known for their high energy level which is difficult to calm down. The energy of Labradors is sometimes seen as more aggressive whereas Golden Retrievers always come across as friendly and social, very easy to make friends and mix with all new people and animals they see in their environment.
Both breeds need to be trained properly and they need to exercise for about an hour every day. This is very beneficial and essential, if I may say, for their physical fitness, so you must not be careless in this regard. In an overview, it has been observed that Labradors are more physically active than Golden Retrievers, which can be attributed to their genes and not to their nurturing.
Companions
Both make excellent companions and family dogs and are great around family and children. Golden Retrievers being slightly smaller in size than the Labradors, are much better around the children as Labrador often end up knocking children down out of excitement which you have to be careful about.
Training
Both breeds are very similar in this aspect wherein both are intelligent and observant breeds and like to do everything to please their masters. Because of their desire to please, both breeds are extremely easy to train, so you can rest assured about this factor.
The dogs can be well engaged in very similar playful activities like “fetch” and playing with frisbees. Try indulging them in exercises that will help them increase their agility.
Labradors are very hard to get tired of and thus ends them being restless. Their restlessness is not going to be something you would like to have around as they can turn very destructive.
Temperament of Golden Retrievers and Labradors
- Golden Retrievers and Labradors are both goofy and playful but unlike the gentle demeanour of the Golden Retrievers, Labradors can be a little rough to handle.
- If you have little kids running around your house, and you would not be able to pay as much attention then try going for a Golden Retriever instead of a Labrador.
- Unlike most other breeds of dogs, Labradors are recognised for their enthusiasm and boisterous demeanour.
- They need more care than the Golden Retriever. Additionally, labradors need longer and more intensive training sessions. They also need greater mental stimulation. Despite the fact that he appreciates a nice cuddle, the Labrador is often too busy playing to notice.
They also need greater mental stimulation.
Despite the fact that he appreciates a nice cuddle, the Labrador is often too busy playing to notice. When they’ve calmed down, Labradors are happy to laze about the home like couch potatoes and spend as much time with their family as possible.
Despite their varied degrees of energy, they are both loving and sweet-natured as a family pet. The two of them get along well with the rest of the family, including youngsters. Because of the Golden Retriever’s greater level of activity, a household with older children may choose a Labrador over a Golden Retriever. Young children may be unable to manage his vivacity and bulky height. As a matter of fact, this is a personal choice.
Coats
- There are numerous physical similarities between the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Labrador Retrievers are 24.5 inches taller than Golden Retrievers at the withers (paw to shoulder).
- The thick coat of the Labrador makes him look bulkier, whilst the thinner build of the Golden Retriever gives him a more sophisticated appearance.
- Because of the Golden Retriever’s longer outer coat and thicker undercoat, it helps make him more comfortable and attractive.
- The Labrador Retriever has a greater range of coat colours than the Golden Retriever.
- Yellow is the most frequent Labrador coat colour, followed by chocolate, and finally black. Many breeders do not consider red labradors to be purebreds.
When it comes to colours, there’s only one Golden: golden, of course. As a result, unlike the Golden Retriever, the Labrador’s coat does not become white or dark red with age. As he walks, his long and hairy tail vibrates like a human arm. The unusual look of a Labrador’s tail is one of its most distinguishing features. In addition to being a huge hairy monster, it has an otter-like tail. With his long tail, he had an advantage swimming.
Grooming
The undercoats of both animals get thicker and denser before being shed in the spring and summer. If their shedding cycle lasts up to three weeks, you can expect to groom them three to four times every week. The Golden Retriever is more difficult to care for than a Labrador since he needs more than just brushing.
About Golden Retriever:
For a Golden Retriever with longer feathering hair, grooming takes longer and demands more time and effort on his side. When it’s time to shed, the Golden Retriever sheds more than the Labrador Retriever. His ears, neck, leg/foot/tail hair should be trimmed every two months or so to avoid it from becoming too long.
About Labrador Retriever:
Labrador doesn’t require this extra trimming, he’s a bit less time-consuming to groom than other dogs.
When it comes to grooming, the Golden Retriever is a little more demanding than other breeds. Dogs should be washed every four to six weeks, depending on their breed. Both the Golden Retriever and the Labrador needed baths every four and six weeks, respectively.
Health Problems
All dog breeds come with their own set of problems. Some with more, some with less but mostly all of them are prone to one or many diseases and thus need a regular check up with the vet.
Some of the common health problems related to Golden Retrievers are
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia,
- Hypothyroidism,
- Skin Disorders,
- Seizures,
- Cell Tumours,
- Lymphoma.
These are some of the most common problems pertaining to this specific breed. Golden Retrievers are known to be more prone to cancer than Labradors.
Let Us Look at Some of These Diseases Specifically
- HIP AND ELBOW DYSPLASIA
This disease is common to many dogs. It is the malfunctioning or weakening of the hip and elbow joints. This is something that can make even walking extremely painful for dogs.
- EXERCISE INDUCED COLLAPSE
This, in common terms, means losing muscular abilities or strength. With this, they might end up losing control of their muscular function while running or during some physical activity and might cause them pain for about half an hour or so. But this is a long term disease and would not just cure on its own.
- CANCER
As mentioned above as well, Golden Retrievers are more prone to cancers than other breeds. According to statistics, each year more Golden Retrievers are dying of cancer than the year before. There is no way of knowing this from before so you can only give your Golden immense love for as long as you have them.
Next, I will list down some of the diseases that are very commonly found in Labradors like:
- Diabetes,
- Muscular Dystrophy,
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Shoulder Dysplasia,
- Cataracts,
- Retinal Dysplasia,
- Retinal Atrophy,
- Hypothyroidism.
Labradors are more commonly known to be easy prey for obesity.
These are some of the more common diseases that I have mentioned above, obviously, there could be more diseases your dog might be prone to but in some cases, it also depends on the genetic conditions or the environment he was born into or was kept in, in the initial stages of his birth. Both breeds are areas prone to diseases as any other dog breeds, except cross-breeds, who have to generally be looked after more. It is always advised to be careful with your dogs and be constantly updated with the veterinary checkups.
- OBESITY
Labradors are very easy prey to Obesity than most of the other dog breeds. Therefore, in their case, it is very important to learn about weight management to apply it in their meal and diet chart.
- JOINT DISEASES
This can be found in the dogs if they are affected in their puppy or infant stages with something more strenuous than they can take.
- EYE DISEASES
Cataract is something that can be very easily found in dogs. It is a very painful disease which causes itch in the eyes of the dogs making them restless and fatigued.
- LIFE EXPECTANCY
If it all comes down to life expectancy, then you will be in a real tuft, as both Golden Retrievers and Labradors have almost the same life expectancy of 10-12 years. Now, no vet can guarantee you the age of your dog as this is something that is solely dependent on their future environment, diet, health and exercise.
Puppies Easy to Handle
So the expectancy of the two breeds are tentatively set and what happens in the future depends on the care and nurture that you shower over your pet.
All the same principles apply whether you’re hunting for a puppy Labrador or a Golden Retriever. Meet our parents, who were delighted to share with you. Your puppy will most likely appear like one of these two dogs, so you should pay attention to their temperament and overall health, as well as their individual personalities.
Puppies who are easy to handle, love floor play with their littermates and other people, and have clean eyes and ears as well as a healthy coat should be on your search list. Remember that some breeders choose a dog that they feel will best match the family’s lifestyle. That’s their choice, regardless of whether or not you agree. Remember that they are the ones who know their dogs best.
No matter which dog you choose to take, they both would need the same amount of attention and care. If you have decided to take a dog, you have to be aware of the responsibilities that they bring along and you have to be mentally prepared for it otherwise your dog might have to face the consequences for that.
Both labrador and golden Retrievers are very cute friendly dogs that are going to bring immense love in your life and deserve nothing less from you. Be sure to give them timely food and checkups.
If you keep your dog happy, your life would be a hundred times happier. Eye Diseases
Cataract is something that can be very easily found in dogs. It is a very painful disease which causes itch in the eyes of the dogs making them restless and fatigued.
Life Expectancy of Golden Retrievers and Labradors
If it all comes down to life expectancy, then you will be in a real tuft, as both Golden Retrievers and Labradors have almost the same life expectancy of 10-12 years. Now, no vet can guarantee you the age of your dog as this is something that is solely dependent on their future environment, diet, health and exercise. So the expectancy of the two breeds are tentatively set and what happens in the future depends on the care and nurture that you shower over your pet.
All the same principles apply whether you’re hunting for a puppy Lab or a Golden Retriever. Meet our parents, who were delighted to share with you. Your puppy will most likely appear like one of these two dogs, so you should pay attention to their temperament and overall health, as well as their individual personalities.
Family Friendly Dog
Puppies who are easy to handle, love floor play with their littermates and other people, and have clean eyes and ears as well as a healthy coat should be on your search list. Remember that some breeders choose a dog that they feel will best match the family’s lifestyle. That’s their choice, regardless of whether or not you agree. Remember that they are the ones who know their dogs best.
No matter which dog you choose to take, they both would need the same amount of attention and care. If you have decided to take a dog, you have to be aware of the responsibilities that they bring along and you have to be mentally prepared for it otherwise your dog might have to face the consequences for that.
Both Labrador and Golden Retrievers are very cute friendly dogs that are going to bring immense love in your life and deserve nothing less from you. Be sure to give them timely food and checkups.
If you keep your dog happy, your life would be a hundred times happier.
Also Read:- Labrador Puppy Complete Diet Chart
