Which dog is calmer Labrador or Golden Retriever

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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Golden Retriever vs. Labrador Retriever: Similarities & Differences

They are two of the most well-known and beloved breeds the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. In fact, the active Labrador is the most popular breed based on AKC registration statistics, an honor theyve held since 1991. And devoted Goldens arent far behind, ranking number four in 2020. You might be familiar with these friendly dogs, but do you really know what sets them apart from each other? One is not simply a furrier version of the other. Read on to dig into the difference between these two members of the Sporting Group.

Trainable and Sociable

Nancy Talbott got her first Golden in 1977 and her first Labrador ten years later. As an AKC judge and former education director and breed mentor for the Golden Retriever Club of America, shes been breeding, showing, and participating in dog sports for over 40 years. According to Talbott, a main similarity between the two breeds, along with their structure and size, is their shedding. Both breeds shed all year, and profusely in the springtime! The shorter coat of the Labrador is not a non-shedding coat.

She also explains the breeds share their history as hunting retrievers, their trainability, and their sociable temperament. The hallmarks of both breeds are their kind nature with all humans, from infants in a stroller to seniors in a long-term care environment, and everyone in between. Both breeds also get along well in groups of other dogs an aggressive Labrador or Golden is a rare occurrence and not acceptable. A proper Labrador or Golden temperament is tolerant, loving, gentle, and unusually empathic.

Dr. Fran Smith, vice president and health chair of the Labrador Retriever Club, has been breeding Labradors under the kennel name Danikk since 1970. A judge of both hunt tests and field trials, as a veterinarian she is also president of the OFA, the largest companion animal health database in the world. Smith agrees that the Golden and Labrador are both sociable, personable, and very trainable. Not to mention, both breeds shed a lot.

: Labrador Retriever

: Golden Retriever

Shedding in Different Colors

There are physical differences between the breeds. Some are obvious while others take a more discerning eye. First, Labradors tend to be heavier in appearance due to denser bone, a deeper chest, and a rounder ribcage. Second, there are subtle distinctions in the shape of the head, although both are designed for carrying game birds. And finally, the coats vary as they serve different purposes. Talbott explains, Goldens were developed as primarily upland game dogs, so they require a firm jacket and moderate feathering over a dense undercoat that protects the body from brambles and other hazards, as well as harsh weather. Labradors were developed as primarily water dogs, and their coats insulate them against cold and icy water with dense undercoats and a slightly oily, short outer coat.

Smith points out there are differences in the coat color as well. Labradors can shed hair in three colors yellow (ranging from pale cream to fox red), black, and chocolate. The Golden coat varies from very pale cream to nearly fox red. So, an owner can match the shedding to their decorating and wardrobe preferences.

: Labrador Retriever puppies

: Golden Retriever puppies

Peter Pan vs. Emotional Support

The personalities have some subtle differences as well. Smith finds Goldens to be clingy compared to Labradors. And when it comes to training the breeds, Smith explains that Goldens love repetition whereas Labradors dont. Plus, she adds, I can tell you that it is easier for the public to deal with an untrained Golden Retriever than an untrained Labrador Retriever.

Talbott believes, although its a generalization, that the two breeds have differences in sensitivity as well. She labels the resilient, confident, and joyful Labrador as the Peter Pan of retrievers because they see the fun in every situation and never grow up. On the other hand, while Goldens love the fun too, they consider all the angles before they burst into a new situation with gusto. She says field trainers have told her Goldens think too much, figuring out their own way of doing a task. But Labradors just go for it.

Shes developed her own metaphor for this difference in personality. If an explosion happens in your backyard, a Golden will call 911, check to be sure everyone is ok, and then give you emotional support. A Labrador will grab a stick and a hot dog and charge outside to be the first one at the BBQ!

: Labrador Retriever

: Golden Retriever

Common Misconceptions

Talbott explains that people can confuse the two breeds, asking if they should get a Lab or a retriever, or thinking a yellow Labrador is a Golden. But in many cases, its really about terminology. There is no such thing as a Golden Labrador, and a Black Lab is not a separate breed she says. An English Cream is not a different or more valuable breed than a Golden Retriever, and there are no Labradors in any other color than black, yellow, or chocolate.

Smith hears people say they want/have a Golden Lab, which is of course a misnomer created from blending the names of both breeds. Another misconception she wants to clear up is based on the Labradors historical purpose. I wish people knew that this is a retrieving breed and if they do not want objects in their home picked up and moved and sometimes destroyed, they need to do appropriate training and appropriate confinement.

Talbott has a similar concern, saying, I wish more people understood that while they are great companion dogs, both are active breeds, primarily hunting dogs, and as such they need a job to do from puppyhood on. A Golden or Labrador left alone, not trained, and not socialized well becomes a destructive dog. They dig, they chew, they love mud and water, and they shed. All those traits can be channeled through adequate mental and physical exercise, proper grooming, and a safe, secure living situation (crate training and a fenced yard). Goldens and Labradors are family dogs and need to be indoors as part of the pack, not left alone outdoors.

Now you know the differences between these two wonderful breeds. Their names are similar, theyre both retrievers, and they can both be yellow, but theres so much more to them than that. Whether you choose to have one join your family, or you simply meet one on the street, you can be confident you understand exactly what sets them apart.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Breed Traits and Personality

Golden Retriever vs Labrador breed traits are surprisingly similar. Both dogs are family friendly, active, intelligent and affectionate. But there are some ways to tell the two sweet natured, floppy eared, webbed pawed dogs apart.

Golden Retriever grooming is a bigger deal, with their longer coats, though both breeds are high shedders, and neither is hypoallergenic. Goldens are all shades of gold, from cream to red, but the Lab comes in black, chocolate and yellow, as well as some dilute hues. The Lab is also a bit more lively and has higher prey drive than the Golden Retriever, but there are some Golden Retriever health problems that trump Labrador issues!

Finding the right breed for your family can be tough, even when youve narrowed it down to a pretty great shortlist of two very similar dogs. Golden Retriever vs Labrador? Labrador vs Golden Retriever? Its a conundrum! But we are here to help you choose between these similarly wonderful breeds. Because although its hard to go wrong with either breed, there are differences between the two that can help you decide.

Historical Differences

The Golden Retriever can trace its ancestry back to the 1800s, when the founder of the breed, Lord Tweedmouth, crossed a Wavy Coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel in Scotland. The result of this original cross breeding (and later modifications) is the Golden Retriever, a dog famous for its devoted, big-hearted personality and rich golden coat.

The Golden was bred to be a sporting dog. This means that it is adept at finding and retrieving birds and other game brought down by hunters. As a Retriever, the Golden is bred for a soft, gentle mouth and an obedient, highly trainable temperament. Like other Retriever breeds, they were often used to retrieve waterfowl, and still retain their love of water.

Golden Retrievers can vary in appearance depending on where they were bred. There are differences in British, American, and Canadian Goldens. The British type is generally larger and more muscular than the other two. There are also some coat variations among the three types too.

The Labrador Retriever

When it comes to sheer numbers, the Lab has ranked #1 in popularity among all dog breeds for many years. The Labrador was first developed in Newfoundland Canada from other local dogs like the St. Johns Water Dog. The Lab was used as a working water dog, to help fishermen retrieve nets and haul gear.

Their love of water and expert retrieving ability made them ideal waterfowl retrievers for hunters who brought the breed to the U.S. and U.K. But these days there are two different types of Labrador Retriever. They are the American (or Working) Lab and the English (or Show) Lab. They differ in both looks and temperament.

The American type Labrador Retriever is sensitive, intelligent, and active. The English type is generally larger, calmer, and less energetic than its American counterpart. Although it can also be a little sillier! Both types of Lab are famously friendly, playful, and outgoing.

Besides being a popular family pet, they are also frequently trained as service dogs. As are Golden Retrievers, and Golden Lab mixes too! So as you can see the Golden Retriever vs Labrador histories are fairly similar in terms of their working purpose. But although they have quite similar histories, what about their stature?

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Size

Both Golden Retrieverss and Labs are popular choices for people interested in medium to large sized dogs. Males tend to be larger than females, and height is measured at the tallest point on the bodythe shoulder blades or withersand not the head.

Generally, at an average of 24 inches tall and 75lbs, the Lab is a slightly larger dog than the Golden, who istypically just half an inch and 5lbs lighter.

While breed standards are exacting for show quality dogs, remember that a pet quality dog can be larger or smaller than the breed standard, depending on the individual animal. The overall body type of Golden vs Lab reflects the size difference between the two breeds. The proportions of the Golden tend to be elegant and symmetrical. Labs are generally more solid and sturdy than overly refined.

Labrador vs Golden Grooming

Coat type, grooming requirements, and amount of shedding often play a large role in the Golden Retriever vs Labrador decision making process. Many people think Labs require less maintenance. Is this true? Lets look at the coat types and grooming needs of both breeds.

The Golden Retriever has a medium length double coat, consisting of a water repellant top coat and a soft undercoat. They have longer feathering fur on the neck, legs, and tail. They are sometimes bred for longer, silkier coats than what is described in the breed standard. Many owners like soft, flowing coats while breed purists say that as hunting dogs, should have more moderate coats.

All Golden Retrievers, regardless of coat length and texture, require regular grooming. The undercoat grows denser in cold weather and sheds in warm weather. Use of an undercoat rake can help remove loose fur from the undercoat. For the top coat a good quality slicker brush is a must-have. Some also like steel tooth combs.

I recommend brushing these long haired lovelies at least twice a week. This also involves trimming some of the longer fur with scissors, specifically thinning shears. Areas that require regular trimming with scissors include the ears, feet, neck, and tail. The coat of a Golden Retriever should never be shaved.

Besides maintaining the coat, basic grooming needs for a Golden also include baths, nail trimmings, and ear and teeth cleaning. Remember that drop eared dogs are prone to ear infections. So how does Golden Retriever grooming compare with Labrador Retriever grooming?

Grooming a Labrador Retriever

Like the Golden, the Labrador also has a double coat. It consists of a soft undercoat that protects the dog in cold weather, and a top coat that is shorter in length than the Goldens. Also like the Golden Retriever, the Lab does shed its undercoat in warm weather.

Labs dont have the feathery furnishings and dont ever need trimming. However, while their coat length is short, they do have a double coat that needs maintenance.

Labs require an undercoat rake to remove the dead hair from the undercoat. You can then use a slicker brush for an overall grooming.

Nail trimming and ear cleaning should also be a regular part of your grooming routine. Labs generally need to be bathed less frequently than Goldens, although if they are a fan of rolling in muck this can ramp up. In non shedding season Labs coats are less maintenance than Goldies.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Shedding

Both Labs and Goldens have double coats consisting of a top coat and an undercoat. The undercoat will shed in warmer weather in both breeds, but does one dog shed more than the other?

Golden Retrievers can shed quite a bit all year round. If youve ever petted a golden retriever while wearing black trousers, you will be able to attest to this. Besides normal, everyday shedding, their undercoat grows thicker in the winter and sheds in the spring. This warm weather shedding is often called blowing the coat a very descriptive term for the extensive seasonal Golden shedding!

The best way cope with shedding in a Golden is with a good brushing every few days; once weekly brushing may not be adequate. Besides regular brushing, your dog will need regular grooming sessions with an undercoat rake, especially during shedding season.

When you first start using an undercoat rake, you may be surprised at the huge amount of dead fur that will be removed from your dogs coat. Dont panic! This will only be at the beginning. Once you start doing it regularly, a once weekly raking should be fine. Grooming your Golden outdoors can be a good way to reduce the amount of hair in the house. And remember to never shave a Golden Retrievers coat. How does Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding compare?

Labrador Retriever shedding

Labs shed as much as, if not more than, the average dog. While the outer coat is short, its the undercoat that experiences a big seasonal shedding in warm weather. You will often hear Lab owners refer to this as blowing the coat, just like in Golden Retrievers.

Fur in the house can be controlled by outdoor grooming sessions. So Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding is similar, but Goldens usually require more day to day grooming. Their long hairs also show up more when they do shed than the black or chocolate Lab, due to their light color. Neither of them are low shedding dogs.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Colors

The Labrador Retriever breed standard recognizes three solid coat colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. No other color variations are acceptable in show quality Labs. The yellow and chocolate colors can both vary in shading from light to dark.

Golden Retrievers are, of course, golden in color. The breed standard describes it as a rich, lustrous golden that can vary from dark to light, although very light and very dark are not accepted in show quality dogs. Some have lighter colored fur on the areas where the coat is long and feathery, such as the tail, neck, and legs.

Yellow Labs and Goldens can have very similar coat coloring, but their coat types will be true to breed.

Comparing Temperament Traits

The words commonly used to describe the temperaments of both Goldens and Labs are the words we use to describe very good dogs! Both breeds are friendly, reliable, affectionate, gentle, trusting, and kind. But many potential owners wonder about the differences between Lab and Golden Retriever personalities.

Before talking about temperament, its always a good idea to remind new dog owners that all dogs are individuals, and breed alone does not guarantee any specific personality traits or behaviors. Meeting the parents, good training and socialization practices from puppyhood into adulthood are the best ways to ensure that you get the kind of dog you want.

Labs and Golden Retrievers are both very trainable and obedient, which is good news for novice owners. Canine behavior experts explain the minor temperament differences between Goldens and Labs in terms of degrees. Generally, Golden Retrievers are said to be a bit softer, gentler, and more sensitive than Labs.

While both do well in families with children, Labs tend to have the advantage in adapting to households with boisterous, lively, and loud young children. Many Golden Retrievers prefer a slightly more calm and tranquil home environment.

Its always important to take your lifestyle into account when choosing a dogboth the breed and the individual animal. An active family with young children may prefer an energetic Lab, while a retired couple may welcome a gentle Golden instead.

Health Problems in Golden Retrievers and Labradors

Like most purebred dogs, both breeds can suffer from inherited health problems. What are the main health issues potential owners should know about in both breeds? Heres the rundown on Golden Retriever vs Labrador health problems.

Genetic Diseases

Golden Retrievers can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye and heart problems. Labs also can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease, and a condition known as exercise induced collapse.

Cancer

One important genetic health issue potential Golden owners need to know about is the breeds increased risk for cancer. Approximately 60% of them will develop cancer at some point in their lives. The cancer incidence rate in US jumped in the 1990s, suggesting a recent genetic mutation.

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is an important long-term project that studies cancer in Goldens. Researchers have made great progress in understanding the genetic and environmental risk factors for cancer.

Two types of cancer are especially common in Golden Retrievrs: hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the blood vessel walls, affecting the spleen and heart) and lymphoma (cancer of immune system cells, affecting lymph nodes, liver, and spleen).

Obesity

Labrador Retrievers are at an increased risk for obesity compared to other dog breeds. Recent genetic research, led by the GOdogs project at Cambridge University, has found a genetic mutation that affects appetite and obesity in Labradors and Flat-Coated Retrievers.

A variant of this gene, called POMC, is present in one quarter of all U.K. Labradors. Dogs with 2 copies of the gene are on average 4 kg heavier than non-carriers. The affected dogs also score higher on food motivation tests. Weight management is important for all dogs, but especially for breeds at higher risk for obesity.

Is One Healthier Than The Other?

When looking at Golden Retriever vs Labrador health as an overall picture, the Labrador probably comes out on top. The high risk problems in Labs are often avoidable through health testing.

Good hip and elbow scores, PRA clear DNA test and a recent eye test will help you to find a health puppy. With Goldies these tests still need to be carried out, but there is the added life limiting risk of cancer.

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Golden Retriever vs Labrador As Pets

Both Labradors and Goldens rank high on most peoples lists of the ideal dog to add to their family. Its no accident that the Lab has been the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for the past 26 years, and the Golden is not far behind.

If you are looking for an energetic, intelligent, and outgoing dog to keep up with your active lifestyle, particularly if you have children, the Lab might be the perfect dog for you. You will have to watch their weight, and make sure that you get your puppy from fully health tested parents.

If a loving, kind, and gentle dog is more your speed, be sure to consider the Golden. Golden Retrievers also need fully health tested parents, but there is the added risk of cancer in Golden Retrievers to consider.

This is something you cant avoid through health testing, but might be helped by choosing puppies with older parents and no family history of cancer.

Cant decide? Then maybe a Goldador is what you are really looking for!

References

Simpson, M., Searfoss, E., Albright, S., et al. Population Characteristics of Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Enrollees. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2017.
Raffan, E., Dennis, R.J., ODonovan, C.J., et al. A Deletion in the Canine POMC Gene Is Associated with Weight and Appetite in Obesity-Prone Labrador Retriever Dogs. Cell Metabolism, 2016.
The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, Morris Animal Foundation
GOdogs, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories
Labrador Retriever Health