Golden Retrievers and Labs Look Alike, But These Key Traits Set Them Apart!
Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers have topped the dog popularity charts for decades with Labs holding the top spot record with 31 years as the nation’s most popular dog breed. Both beloved family dogs are known for gentle, playful, affectionate personalities. They are often praised for being easy to train and excellent for first-time dog owners despite their hunting dog origins. It’s no mystery why Labs and Goldens are so deeply beloved, but do you know the difference between these breeds?
Physical Differences: Labrador vs Golden Retriever
Many people struggle to tell Labs and Goldens apart, especially when comparing a yellow Lab vs Golden Retriever—those gleaming gold coats can look mighty similar. But don’t be fooled, these two breeds are far from interchangeable, and while they have traits in common, there are plenty of differences you need to know if you’re trying to choose which is right for you.
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Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever Size
Labrador Retrievers are slightly larger than Goldens with deeper chests and heavier proportions.
| Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever Size Comparison | ||
| Labrador Retriever | Golden Retriever | |
| Height | 21.5–24.5 inches | 21.5–24 inches |
| Weight | 55–80 pounds | 55–75 pounds |
Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever Head Shape
Golden Retrievers have longer, more narrow heads and snouts than Golden Retrievers who have shorter snouts and broader heads.
Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever Coat Type & Color
Golden Retrievers have long double coats that come in three variations of the same hue: dark golden, golden, and light golden.
Labrador Retrievers have short double coats that come in solid black, solid tan/yellow, and solid chocolate brown. Black Labs, Yellow Labs, and Chocolate Labs are all the same breed in different colors.
Both breeds shed moderately/heavily, though Golden Retrievers require more coat maintenance like brushing and trims.
Temperament & Personality of Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
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Both cheerful, friendly, and social, Golden Retrievers and Labradors might seem like they wouldn’t differ much in terms of temperament, but anyone who has spent time with both breeds knows the truth. While both breeds are playful and adventurous, Golden Retrievers may be more cautious and reserved than Labrador Retrievers. While a Lab might rush into an exciting situation, a Golden would likely wait a moment to assess before joining the party.
Some people say that Labs never grow up, and stay puppylike well into their senior years. Goldens, on the other hand, mature to become stately, confident dogs who are happiest to be with their humans. “The ideal Golden is a beautiful animal—confident and intelligent. He is easily trained and cared for, with a strong desire to please,” says a description of dogs from Gaylans Golden Retrievers, breeders of more than 150 champion Goldens over 40 years of breeding. “[A Golden Retriever] is very social and requires companionship, especially human; he is happiest as an integral part of a family.”
Labs also make wonderful family pets, but while they are eager to please, they may cause more antics than Golden Retrievers. “Adult Labs are known for their balanced temperament, combining playfulness with a more settled demeanor. They remain active and enjoy regular exercise, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being,” says a descriptor of Labrador Retriever temperament from Moose & Mary, a premier Lab breeder. “Adult Labradors are highly trainable, responsive to commands, and eager to please their owners. They thrive on companionship and may exhibit signs of separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.”
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Origins & History
Labrador Retrievers descend from St. John’s Water Dogs, a now extinct breed of Retriever hailing from Canada and the ancestors of both the Lab and the much larger Newfoundland. Used by Canadian fishermen to haul nets and retrieve fish and other items from the water, these prolific water dogs eventually dwindled to extinction as the Canadian government invested heavily in sheep herding breeds.
Thankfully, a number of St. John’s Water Dog had found their way to England where they had become popular among hunters and British nobility. In the late 1800s, the British government reduced the number of dogs permitted into the country to address rabies cases, forcing breeders of what would eventually become Labrador Retrievers to preserve bloodlines and reduce interbreeding. Thanks to the commitment of several noble families, today’s modern Labrador Retriever was officially standardized by the early 20th century.
Golden Retrievers originate in Scotland and hail from a singular line of dogs bred by Scottish businessman and politician Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks. In 1865, legend has it that Marjoribanks purchased his first dogs—identified as “yellow Retrievers”—from either a band of traveling circus performers, or a local cobbler in. Either way, Marjoribanks saw a dog with golden fur, which was then considered undesirable in sporting dogs (black was preferred), and was charmed.
The first ancestors of modern Golden Retrievers were these yellow dogs and another extinct breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Slowly, over decades, the breed became standardized with new breeds added here and there to refine, correct, or shift the breed in the desired direction. Nearly 40 years after Marjoribanks purchased his first breeding dogs, the Golden Retriever was recognized by the British Kennel Club in the same category as the Flat-Coated Retriever. Finally, in 1913, the Golden Retriever was given individual breed recognition.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever FAQ
Round out your knowledge of the Golden Retrievers vs Labs by reading answers to the internet’s most pressing questions about these two breeds.
What is a “Golden Lab”?
“Golden Lab” is a misnomer used to describe both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers by people who don’t know the difference. If you look up “Golden Lab vs Golden Retriever” you’ll likely find images of “Golden Retriever vs Yellow Lab” since there is no breed called a “Golden Lab.” So if you hear someone use Golden Retriever/Golden Lab interchangeably, just know they are confusing names.
What is the average lifespan of Golden Retrievers vs. Labrador Retrievers?
Golden Retrievers have an average lifespan of 10–12 years, while Labs are slightly longer lived at 11–13 years.
Golden Retriever puppies vs Yellow Lab puppies: which are better for first-time dog owners?
Golden and Labrador Retrievers both make good first time dog breeds, but many breeders and trainers slightly favor Golden Retrievers for their more laid back personalities. In the grand scheme, it’s hard to compare Lab vs Golden Retriever puppies in terms of difficulty, since both pose plenty of challenges. In the end, it will ultimately come down to the individual personality of your pup.
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