A rather difficult decision, isn’t it?
Both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers (also nicknamed Goldens and Labs) are amazing breeds. They are both good-natured dogs with a calm temperament. They are energetic, love their family, socializing, and also meeting other dogs. That’s why they are such great family dog breeds. They are both easy to train and love to please their owners. Both Goldens and Labs love people. They enjoy meeting new people eagerly, thus making terrible guard dogs. They both have a fun, goofy personality you can’t help but fall in love with. So, if you’re thinking of getting a dog, how would you decide between the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever? There are several distinguishing features between both breeds. Let’s consider these further.
Different Origins
Even though both Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers look similar, they have very different origins. The Golden Retriever originated in Scotland in the 1800s. A nobleman Lord Tweedmouth desired a gun dog and ended up creating this breed with his vast dog breeding experience. The Golden retriever was created out of the Irish Settler, the Bloodhound, the Tweed Water Spaniel, and the then-existing golden retriever. This dog was also known as the ‘soft mouth’ as it could collect game without damaging it. After perfecting the breed for 50 years, Tweedmouth sailed across the Atlantic to America, where the breed’s popularity rose.
The Labrador Retriever also originated in the 1800s but in Canada. Like Golden Retrievers, labs were also bred as working dogs, but they were needed to retrieve in water rather than on land. They worked with fishermen and could easily swim large distances to collect fish, ducks, and other water creatures. Visiting British nobility took a liking to the breed and sailed it back to Britain, where it gained popularity. The origin of this breed traces back to Newfoundland rather than Labrador. It is still unknown why the British ended up naming the dog ‘Labrador Retriever.’
Physical Appearance
Both Goldens and Labs look quite similar. They both have folded ears, long tails, and webbed feet. Both these retrieving breeds also love water. Golden Retrievers have a longer coat compared to Labrador Retrievers and require more frequent grooming. Goldens come in different blonde hues, whereas Labs come in Black, Blonde, and Brown. Both these breeds are similar in size and weight, and a Labrador may be a little bigger than a Golden. A Golden may weigh about 55-75lbs, whereas a Labrador may weigh about 55-80lbs.
Goldens range from 21 to 24 inches in height, whereas labs may range from 22.5 to 25.5 inches in height. Labs and Goldens also have different types of muzzles. Labs have a broader and shorter muzzle. That’s why it looks as if they are constantly smiling! Goldens have a narrower and longer muzzle, thus giving the golden a slenderer appearance. Another major difference between the Golden and the lab is in their tail. Labs have a short and pointy tail that’s is covered in wiry, short hair. Goldens have a longer and more feathery tail that is rather fluffy.
Temperament
Both Goldens and labs are intelligent breeds that people in general. They are loyal to their families and great with children as well as other dogs. They are both sporting dogs and require plenty of mental stimulation. You have to keep both of them busy with engaging tasks and give them plenty of room to run around and play. They enjoy games of fetch as a good swim. Both these breeds require at least one hour of exercise every day.
You can easily train both these breeds to help out in chores such as fetching the newspaper and other tasks. It’s also not advisable to leave them alone for long periods of time. If you are the type who works a lot and is absent from home for larger periods of time, both these breeds are probably not for you. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has described Labrador Retrievers as kind dogs that are pleasant and outgoing by nature. If you were to compare both breeds, labs would be slightly more boisterous and energetic.
Energy Levels
Both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have high energy levels as they were both bred as gun dogs. Both breeds need to be exercised daily. Some breeders say Labradors are slightly higher energy dogs compared to Goldens; thus, it is advised to exercise your lab for an hour daily. Both these breeds are medium-to-high energy dogs.
Health Factors
Both Goldens and Labs can go through similar health concerns. Both these breeds have a tendency for eyes related disorders and hip dysplasia. Specifically, labradors have a tendency for obesity and hereditary myopathy. Goldens’ common health concerns include elbow dysplasia, skin Issues, cancer, and seizures. Goldens are actually considered extremely susceptible to cancer. Nearly 60% of the Golden retrievers develop cancer at some point in their life.
Takeaway
So when it comes to choosing between the Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever, both are among the best dog breeds. Both Goldens and Labs were among the top dog breeds in the US, as rated by the American Kennel Club. There are slight differences between both breeds and discussed above. Labs are a little more energetic and slightly boisterous. Goldens are a little calmer and love pleasing their owners. Whichever dog breed you decide to adopt from either of the two, get ready to love and receive love 100x more!