Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever

Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever

Friendly, Active, Outgoing

Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever

Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted

Breed Compatibility

100% Compatible

Energy Level

Labrador Retriever: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Golden Retriever: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Very Compatible

Trainability

Labrador Retriever: Eager to Please1.0
Golden Retriever: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible

Grooming Needs

Labrador Retriever: Weekly Brushing0.4
Golden Retriever: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible

Cost Category

Premium
Premium
Very Compatible

Compatibility with Others

Good with Children
Labrador Retriever5/5
Golden Retriever5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Labrador Retriever5/5
Golden Retriever5/5
Good with Strangers
Labrador Retriever5/5
Golden Retriever5/5

Living Requirements

Health & Care Comparison

Labrador Retriever

Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
PRA: Progressive eye deterioration
Exercise-Induced Collapse: Activity limit
Bloat: Digestive emergency risk
Heart Issues: Cardiac health concerns

Golden Retriever

Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Heart Issues: Cardiac health concerns
Cancer: Higher than average risk
Skin Allergies: Common in breed

Pros & Cons Comparison

Labrador Retriever

Pros
Excellent family dog
Highly trainable
Great with children
Versatile working ability
Cons
Heavy shedding
High exercise needs
Prone to weight gain
Chewing tendency in puppyhood

Golden Retriever

Pros
Excellent family dog
Highly trainable
Great with children
Friendly disposition
Versatile working ability
Cons
Heavy shedding
High exercise needs
Prone to health issues
Can be mouthy
Requires regular grooming

Labrador Retriever Fun Fact

Labrador Retrievers have a special gene that makes them obsessed with food, contributing to their trainability!

Golden Retriever Fun Fact

Golden Retrievers have such soft mouths they can carry an egg without breaking it, a trait from their hunting heritage.

Heritage & Purpose

Labrador Retriever

Origin:

Developed in Newfoundland during the 1800s, these dogs worked alongside fishermen retrieving nets and fish, later refined in England as sporting and hunting companions.

Golden Retriever

Origin:

Developed in Scotland during the 1800s by Lord Tweedmouth to retrieve waterfowl in challenging terrains. Combined existing retrievers with water spaniels for the perfect hunting companion.

Special Considerations

Labrador Retriever

Regular grooming needed during heavy shedding seasons. Exercise requirements must be met daily. Weight management crucial to prevent obesity-related health issues.

Golden Retriever

Regular grooming needed to manage shedding. High exercise requirements must be met daily. Joint health should be monitored, especially in growing puppies.

Shedding

Regularly

Shedding

Seasonal

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