The labrador retriever and the golden retriever have topped the list of favourite family dogs for years. At first glance they look alike: both are large, friendly, clever and mad about water. Yet there are clear differences in coat, build, energy and temperament. In this article we put them side by side, so you know which breed fits your life best.
The differences at a glance
| Labrador retriever | Golden retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Coat | Short, dense and water-repellent | Medium to long, wavy, with feathering |
| Colours | Black, chocolate and yellow | Cream to deep gold |
| Height at the shoulder | About 54 to 57 cm (21 to 22.5 in) | About 51 to 61 cm (20 to 24 in) |
| Weight | About 25 to 36 kg (55 to 80 lb) | About 25 to 34 kg (55 to 75 lb) |
| Build | Sturdy, broad head, 'otter tail' | Slightly leaner, feathered tail |
| Energy | High, stays playful for a long time | High, a little calmer indoors |
| Life expectancy | On average 10 to 13 years | On average 10 to 12 years |
Both breeds come from Great Britain and were bred as gundogs: they retrieve shot game, often from water, and bring it back gently. That is where their 'soft mouth', their love of water and their huge willingness to work with people come from.
Appearance: coat and colour
The most visible difference is the coat. A labrador has a short, dense double coat that repels water. A golden retriever has a longer, wavy coat with 'feathers' on the legs, chest and tail.
Good to know: a 'golden labrador' is not a separate breed. It is simply a common name for a yellow or blonde labrador. A cross between the two breeds is called a goldador, which can inherit traits from either parent and is less predictable in coat and temperament.
Both breeds shed a lot, especially in spring and autumn. With a labrador you find short hairs everywhere; with a golden you get tufts, and the coat needs more brushing, particularly behind the ears and on the 'trousers'.
Temperament: which one suits you?
Both are friendly, sociable and great with children. The nuances:
- Labrador: robust, exuberant and tireless. A labrador throws himself enthusiastically at everything that moves and is often obsessed with food. That makes him easy to train with treats, but also prone to putting on weight.
- Golden retriever: gentle, patient and more sensitive to mood and tone of voice. Goldens are eager to please and are often trained as therapy or assistance dogs. They mature a little later and stay a 'puppy' at heart for a long time.
For a busy, outdoorsy family with young children, a labrador is often a wonderful match. If you are looking for a slightly calmer companion who is strongly focused on his people, a golden often fits better. There are plenty of exceptions: the breeder, the upbringing and the line (working or show) matter more than the breed alone.
Exercise and training
Both breeds need at least one and a half to two hours of exercise a day, with room to run, swim and fetch. Mental work matters too: scent games, dummy training and obedience keep them content. A bored retriever will find his own jobs, like rearranging your shoes.
Working-line labradors are often even more active than show-line labradors, so always ask the breeder about the parents' background.
Health and life expectancy
Hip and elbow dysplasia occur in both breeds, so choose a breeder who has the parents screened. Many labradors carry a genetic tendency towards a big appetite, so keep an eye on their weight. In golden retrievers, cancer is relatively common. On average, labradors live 10 to 13 years and golden retrievers 10 to 12 years.
Which is better: labrador or golden retriever?
Neither breed is better; they are different. Choose a labrador if you want an easy-care coat and a sturdy, playful dog who joins in with everything. Choose a golden if you do not mind brushing and would love a soft, affectionate shadow. The costs of food and vet care are roughly the same; the difference lies in grooming, since a golden needs brushing several times a week and the occasional trip to the groomer.
A labrador or golden at home? Make him immortal
Whichever retriever is curled up on your sofa, he deserves a place of honour on the wall. At Get Your Print Together you turn an ordinary photo into a portrait in styles such as Renaissance, Van Gogh or a clean studio portrait. You first see a free preview and then choose a poster or digital download from our products. Also read which photo works best for a pet portrait.
