General

Golden Retriever vs Labrador: Which Breed Should You Get?

blog feature image

Garima Kaushal

Updated on: Wed, 18 Dec, 2024

5 min read

blog image

Golden retrievers and Labrador are the most admired dogs. They are medium-large size, friendly dogs. But, which breed is better?

Golden Retrievers and Labradors are loyal, gentle, and outgoing. Both are intelligent and like to please their parents. Thus, both are easy to train. They have different energy levels and grooming requirements. Let us see more facts in the following article.

Golden Retriever: Friendly, Affectionate, and Trainable

Image: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/14073817576955560/

Golden retrievers are affectionate and trainable. They have a golden coat, a broad head, friendly and kind eyes, and short ears. Golden Retrievers are sleek while Labradors have a strong and sturdy body.

Friendly and Affectionate

Golden retrievers show affection to family members, especially children, and are patient and tolerant. They also get well along with other dogs. Their sound sense of empathy helps them respond well to human emotions.

Their calm and loyal nature creates a comfortable presence, and thus people use them as therapy dogs. They are a perfect choice for those searching for a patient, easygoing companion.

Intelligent and Trainable

Golden Retrievers are always eager to please, which makes their training easy. Starting training at an early age, socialisation, exploring different places, individuals, and situations helps their growth and turns them into well-behaved adults.

A Golden Retriever is ideal for an active family. Regular exercise is important for the growth and development of the pet. They misbehave if they don't get enough exercise. They like to run, swim and also like adventurous activities like hiking or long rides.

Labrador: Energetic, Playful, and Loyal

Image: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/966233295038566696/

Labradors are stronger and sturdy. These dogs were earlier known as hunting, retrieving dogs. Labradors like to swim, fetch, and jog. They are excellent service dogs having exceptional training skills, and even used as search and rescue dogs.

Energetic and Playful

Labradors are full of energy, and like to do different activities like fetching, running or walking. They also like to swim. They are suitable for active families.

Labradors are intelligent, ready to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. They are adaptable, quick learners and perfect for working as service dogs, therapy dogs, and provide great help in search and rescue operations.

Loyal and Friendly

Labradors are loyal, protective and create strong bonds with family. Everybody is safe with Labrador around. Labradors are social and friendly. Like to meet people and are thus great family companions.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador: Key Differences

Labradors

  • Appearance - Labradors are athletic dogs. Their weight is 25-36 kg and height is 21.5- 24.5 inches.
  • Temperament - Labradors are energetic dogs and enjoy playing with children and other pets and also work as service and guide dogs.
  • Coat Care - Short but thick water repellent double coats need to be brushed once or twice a week.
  • Exercise Needs -Daily 60 minutes of exercise is required.
  • Health Issues - Common health issues in Labrador are ear infections, Acute Moist Dermatitis, Myopathy and Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia.

Golden Retrievers

  • Appearance -They have broad head, beautiful eyes and feathered tail.They have 25 to 34 kg weight and 21 to 24 inches height.
  • Temperament - They are gentle and friendly with everyone around, which makes them an ideal family pet.
  • Coat Care - They have a dense water-repellent double coat but shed a lot. They need 2-3 times brushing and occasional baths.
  • Exercise Needs- 60 minutes of exercise keeps them healthy and active.
  • Health Issues - Common diseases found in Golden Retrievers are Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Subaortic Stenosis, Von Willebrand's disease, Osteosarcoma, Hypothyroidism, and Subvalvular Aortic stenosis.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador: A Detailed Comparison

Golden Retriever vs Labrador: Which Breed Should You Choose?

Factors to consider-

  • How busy is your lifestyle?
  • How much time and effort can you put into grooming and upkeep?
  • Which breed's activity level and workout requirements best suit your home environment?
  • Are you searching for a particular colour or appearance?

Labrador and Golden Retriever are both friendly dogs. Thus, deciding which is better, a golden retriever or a labrador is difficult. Considering their advantages will help you make the right decision which breed to choose.

Advantages of Labradors

If you are an active family who enjoy outdoor activities, a Labrador is a better choice. Labradors are pretty active, love physical activities, and perform well in tasks that require agility. They mix up well with family members.

Advantages of Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers have calm temperaments and are good for families looking for a more laid-back, loving dog. They are affectionate with children and family members.

Workplace Health and Safety

Labradors are often seen in service jobs, as they are highly agile and trainable. They commonly serve in search and rescue operations, guide dogs and therapy dogs. Golden Retrievers are also highly trainable but get therapy roles for their calm and kind attitudes.

Impact on Mood and Productivity

Both breeds are excellent for improving well-being. However, Labradors have immense stamina and are more engaging and encouraging in physical activities. Golden retrievers are usually calming and are ideal for people looking for a calm, loving, and peaceful dog.

Join the Sploot Community

Join the growing sploot community, with over 50,000 dog owners and dog exp. Here, you will learn how to be an even better dog parent and get answers to your questions.

You can also get the best pet services and fresh food information here.  For AMAs, Pup Talks, events, and more, get in touch with sploot today. You can also follow us on Instagram.

FAQs on Golden Retriever vs Labrador

1. Golden Retriever vs Labrador, which is better?

If you're looking for less active dogs with moderate exercise needs, a Golden Retriever is best. But, if you enjoy spending time outside, consider getting a Labrador retriever. Consider getting the dog suitable for your lifestyle.

2. Which breed is smarter, a Golden Retriever or a Labrador?

Both Labradors and Golden Retrievers are clever. Labradors are quick learners and flexible to training, while Golden Retrievers typically succeed in jobs requiring patience and complicated problem-solving.

3. Which dog breed should a first-time dog parent get, a Golden Retriever or a Labrador?

Both are ideal for a first-time dog parent. Both are easy to train, friendly, and get well attached to families. Labradors are energetic, and Golden Retrievers are calm. Consider your lifestyle and then decide.

4. What is the key difference between Labrador and Golden Retriever?

Labradors are active and need more exercise. Golden retrievers are pleased with moderate activity levels and are slightly less active.

app
phone frame with home page

Download thelogo app

We help you make dog parenting easier with the help of a supportive community, answers from canine experts, dog services & products - all in one place.