Golden Retriever vs Labrador: Breed Comparison
Finding a dog is easy but finding a dog that satisfies your intent and desire is a difficult task. Golden Retrievers, one of the most lovable family dogs, and Labrador, the number 1 dog for around 25 years, are among the world’s top leading dogs, especially in the United States. Which dog is the best in terms of intelligence, obedience, appearance, and health aspects?
There are many trait changes in debate of Golden Retriever vs Labrador. Both dogs have their pros and cons. So, if you are looking for a perfect family dog that maintains a small-to-medium size then a Golden Retriever is the best for you. Labrador shows intelligence and maintains an amazing legacy. It’s a completely subjective matter. Still, we have compared both dogs in multiple sections so that you can make a good decision. Let’s compare them!
Common Traits of the Golden Retriever and Labrador
Here is a list of some common traits that both dogs possess:
Unique Traits of Golden Retrievers
Unique Traits of Labradors
Height and Weight of Labrador and Golden Retriever
A male Golden Retriever maintains a weight from 65 to 75 pounds and a Labrador from 65 to 80 pounds. The predecessor’s female weighs from 55 to 65 pounds and the ancestor’s female weighs from 55 to 70 pounds. Both dogs maintain almost an equal height from 21 to 24 or 24.5 inches.
Color
The Golden usually has a Golden or dark Red color, sometimes it can be found in Black color as well. The Lab mostly has a color from the three coats which are yellow, black, and chocolate.
Face
The lab has a bit heavier and broader face structure than its counterpart. Overall, the body structure of the lab is quite strong and heavy as compared to the Retriever.
Smarter Breed in Golden Retriever vs Labrador
Both dogs uniquely have intelligence factors. A Labrador is best suited for placement at sensitive areas like police stations and important installations. On the other hand, the Retriever is best suited for therapy and providing services to its owner and family members.
Shedding Differences of the Two
Both dogs maintain a thick coat and set a routine. The Retriever sheds once or twice a year. The lab sheds twice a year. So, we can that they are somewhat similar in shedding. Regular grooming sessions, bathing, and trimming can help cope with the shedding effects.
Which Breed is calmer and Cool?
Both dogs are affectionate and loyal to human beings, especially their owners. But the Golden Retriever’s loyalty, calmness, and stable temperament can’t be compared with any other dog including the Labrador.
Life Expectancy
The Retrievers usually have an average life of 10-12 years but the Lab lives an average life of 10-13 years. A Healthy diet, living environment, and inheritance impact a lot on the health issues and ultimately on the life expectancy of both dogs.
Energy and Activity Level
The Lab wins in this field as it shows more energy and enthusiasm in the yard or at any other place. The Retriever isn’t a dull dog; rather it will keep you busy in the home. But still, it doesn’t possess so much energy as a lab.
Easier to Train
A dog loves training and our competitive dogs are no exception to this. The lab learns things easily and it can perform almost every rescue task that has been taught. But the Golden Retriever is quite easy to train. It takes training sessions more willingly and applies lessons very soon in real life.
Health Issues for Both Dogs
Cancer is considered the most dangerous disease for the Retriever. It may also suffer from joint problems in the middle years of its age. The lab suffers from some allergies and ear infections.
Here are some recommended tests for Golden Retriever vs Labrador:
Health Tests for the Golden Retriever
Health Tests for the Labrador
Conclusion
The Golden Retriever is considered the perfect family dog that becomes a long-term companion. The Labrador is mostly suited for police stations and other similar sensitive installations for performing search and rescue operations. Both dogs have different color coats so can you choose the one according to your color aesthetics? Overall, both are friendly and can be adopted!
