The debate between Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers has been going on for decades. Some people don’t even know the differences between these two breeds. But, which is better for you and your household?
In this guide, we will look at the major differences between the Golden retriever and Labrador retriever.
When considering the breed of dog to match your lifestyle, there are a number of aspects that you should evaluate.
The differences that are bound to make a difference in everyday life include the size, life span, health, coat, temperament and trainability of the dog.
Let’s first take a look at the Golden retriever and everything encompassing this lovable breed. This will help to differentiate the two different breeds of retrievers before you can make a final decision.
The History of the Golden Retriever
According to the Golden Retriever Club of America, this breed originated in the Highlands of Scotland during the late 1800s. They were used as gundogs, providing tracking and retrieving for hunters. Soon, they became a great companion and a luxurious show dog.
The Size and Lifespan of a Golden Retriever
Absolutely Golden reveals that the average size of a Golden Retriever is 65 to 80 pounds for males, and 50 to 60 pounds for females.
The average life span for this breed is approximately 10 to 12 years. Previously, in the 1990s to the early 2000s, a Golden Retriever would live around 15 years.
Some Health Concerns with Golden Retrievers
A few health considerations involved with this breed are provided by Your Purebred Puppy.
- Cancer in this breed is unfortunately very common, affecting about 50 percent of individuals over the course of their lifespan.
- Skin problems such as cysts and tumors.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hereditary eye diseases
The Maintenance of a Golden Retriever Coat
This breed requires regular maintenance. Animal Wised recommends brushing their coat daily with the occasional bath once a month. They only shed twice a year, though their fur can be found throughout the house.
The Temperament of the Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers make great family dogs as they are playful, well-mannered and welcome both strangers and kids. They also make great watchdogs, though are not the best at guarding due to their affectionate nature.
The Trainability of a Golden Retriever
Dr. Becker from Healthy Pets claims that Golden retrievers are easily trained. This is due to their loyalty and dedication.
Activity Requirements of a Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers were bred to be more energetic, working alongside hunters and fishers. For this reason, it is important to let your dog out for about an hour per day.
This can be through walking, throwing the ball, or even going back to their roots and retrieving items from the pool.
A Golden retriever that does not have these needs met will likely become anxious or overweight.
Now that you are more familiar with the Golden retriever, how about the Labrador retriever. They have a similar name, though differ in a lot of areas.
The History of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Site reveals that this breed originally came from the island of Newfoundland, not Labrador. They were bred by early settlers in the 16th century to work alongside hunters in retrieving game.
The Size and Life Span of a Labrador Retriever
The AKC has made the standard size of this breed to be around 65 to 80 pounds for males and roughly 55 to 70 pounds in females. The average life expectancy for a Labrador retriever is about 10 to 12 years of age.
Some Health Concerns with Labrador Retrievers
When it comes to buying a dog, the potential health problems that may arise down the road are an important factor to consider. Below are the most common health conditions found by Labrador Training HQ.
- Hip or elbow dysplasia.
- Obesity and “bloating” where food is ingested too quickly, causing the stomach to turn over and become twisted.
- Ear infections.
- Heart diseases.
- Skin problems including hot spots and dryness.
The Coat Maintenance of a Labrador Retriever
Unlike the Golden retriever, labs shed throughout the year. Play Bark Run recommends that Labrador retriever owners groom their dogs once a week.
But since they are prone to skin allergies and dryness, you should only bathe this breed every few months.
The Temperament of a Labrador Retriever
This dog breed is known for its willingness to go wherever you want. They are happiest when surrounded by their humans.
Just as with the Golden retriever, they are friendly towards strangers and make a loving family member. Overall, they are energetic and loyal.
The Trainability of the Labrador Retriever
With their origins, they were bred to work closely alongside humans throughout the long hunting expeditions. This trait has remained in the bloodlines, making these dogs easy to train with a willing attitude.
Activity Requirements of a Labrador Retriever
Labradors are a high-energy breed, requiring a fair amount of exercise to remain healthy and happy. An average-sized dog of this breed will need about an hour per day of physical exertion. If they are not active, a Labrador can resort to destructive behavior.
Retrievers, whether it be a Golden retriever or a Labrador retriever are among the most popular breeds in the United States. They are often chosen for their loving, loyal nature that makes exceptional family dogs.
One of the key differences between these two breeds is that Golden retrievers do require more maintenance when it comes to their coat.
They are also prone to health concerns while the Labrador retriever can develop obesity more commonly.
If you’re set on a retriever for your next canine, hopefully, this guide helped to narrow down which one you would like to have in your household.
Be sure to consider health concerns, grooming, activity level, and overall disposition. Both are family-oriented, loyal dogs.