Why Does A Lab Shed More Than A Golden Retriever
Labs shed as much as, if not more than, the average dog. Like Goldens, Labs have a double coat. 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.
Labrador Vs Golden Retriever Coat Color
Weve talked about coat type, but what about coat color? Many potential owners wonder about coat color choices in both Labs and Goldens. Heres a quick look at coat color.
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 Goldens have lighter colored fur on the areas where the coat is long and feathery, such as the tail, neck, and legs.
What about the yellow Lab vs Golden Retriever? Potential owners often narrow their choices down to yellow Labs and Goldens because of their physical appearance. Yellow Labs and Goldens can have very similar coat coloring, but their coat types will be true to breed. Breed also matters much more than color in terms of temperament.
There Are A Few Variations Of Goldens And Labs
You might find that some Labs dont look the same. Goldens arent all identical either. This is because they both have a show and working variety.
For both breeds, the field class is much more intelligent and active. The show quality pup is usually showier, larger, calmer, and more loving.
The AKC recognized the Labrador in 1917, and the Golden in 1925.
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Labs Can Be Yellow Black And Chocolate Goldens Can Only Be Gold
It is a common misconception that Labradors can be golden in color. In fact, if you ever do cross paths with a golden colored Retriever then it is probably a Goldador .
The color of Golden Retriever vs Labrador dogs is one of the major differences.
Golden Retrievers and Labradors have differences coat colors.
Their breed standards state:
Labrador Retrievers can also come in a red or silver. However, these two colors are not officially recognized.
Differences Between Golden Retrievers And Labrador Retrievers
To many people, Golden Retrievers and Labradors look the same.
When theyre young, the differences between the two breeds arent too noticeable. Both the breeds are affectionate, sweet, and friendly. They both thrive on attention. However, as the puppies grow old, you start observing certain differences.
But what are they!?
In this blog post, we will help you determine the differences between Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.
Lets get started.
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Golden Vs Labrador Health Problems
Because both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are insanely popular as pets, working field dogs and show dogs.
However, these two purebred dog breeds are each associated with certain known breed-specific health issues.
Debatably the Golden Retriever has more concerning health issues than the Labrador, so lets take a closer look at what they are and how we can prevent them, if at all.
So now, lets take a look at the major health problems associated with each dog breed.
Labrador Retriever Vs Golden Retriever Size
When comparing Golden Retriever vs Lab size, it wont take you long to notice that both breeds are quite similar in this respect!
However, there is one important caveat to make here: there are actually two different breeds of Labrador Retriever: the American and the English.
While both are medium to large breed dogs, their builds can differ more than a little.
English Labs tend to be from show stock. They are stockier, with broader heads and chests. American Labs are slimmer, from working stock, and can be less barrel-chested.
There are similar differences between working and show bred Golden Retrievers, although they arent as distinct.
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Physical Traits: How Are Golden Retrievers And Labs Different
- Appearance & Face
The Golden Retriever and Labrador both have the same basic head and face shape, which seems to carry a perpetually friendly expression. Yet despite their similar appearances, you can learn to distinguish between the two pretty easily with practice.
Among other differences, Labs often have wider, blunter faces than Goldens do, and Goldens typically have smaller, narrower eyes than labs.
Labs also possess very prominent eyebrow ridges, while Goldens have rather subtle eyebrow ridges. Some people think that this makes Labs more expressive, but Golden Retrievers certainly make plenty of adorable facial expressions that are just as easy to note and decipher.
- Golden Retriever vs Lab Size & Build
Both breeds have a relatively similar athletic build, although some individuals are heavier or thinner than others.
There is plenty of variation in size among both breeds, but most Labrador and Golden Retrievers are big dogs, who weigh between about 50 and 80 pounds or so.
Nevertheless, Labs are a bit larger than Goldens on average exceptionally large or overweight individuals may approach 90 pounds or more in weight.
Both breeds reach similar heights, but the largest Labs may grow about 1 inch taller than the largest Goldens do.
- Colors & Coats
Labrador Retrievers come in three color variations:black, chocolate and yellow. By contrast, golden labs are, well, gold.
- Paws, Claws, Teeth & Ears
How To Groom Them Properly
Both dogs will need regular brushing with an undercoat rake to remove dead hair.
The Golden will benefit from daily brushings. Special attention should be given to the Goldens feathery areas. Watch how to do that here:
The Lab doesnt need any trimming. It only requires a weekly brush.
Due to the Labradors shorter coat, they need fewer baths than Goldens. The Golden Retrievers long flowy coat picks up on dirt much easier when going outdoors. Neither should be shaved for the weather.
Recommended Reading: Golden 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.
Is grooming a Lab easier than grooming a Golden? Labs dont have the feathery furnishings on the ears, neck, and tail like Goldens, so those areas will need virtually no 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, and some Lab owners like to use a comb on their dogs as a final step in the grooming process. Like Goldens, the coat of a Lab should never be shaved.
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, which reduces the number of regular grooming tasks for potential owners concerned about overall maintenance time. In non shedding season Labs coats are less maintenance than Goldies, but what about moulting?
Golden Retriever Vs Labrador: Training
Both Labs and Goldens are known to be very intelligent and eager to please their owners. This implies that training will be easy with either breed.
Therefore, you can expect housetraining, obedience training and other aspects of training to take a short time with these super smart dogs.
No matter whether you opt for a golden Retriever or a Labrador, obedience training is a must. This will help prevent your dog from jumping up on people or unintentionally hurting children in their haste to greet friends.
It will also make it much easier to take your Lab or Golden on daily walks. Both breeds can be easily distracted by birds and other small animals due to their natural hunting instincts.
Keep in mind that not all Golden Retrievers or all Labradors will conform to their respective breed standards. Each dog is different and may show some atypical traits.
Is your dog driving you crazy? to solve all dog problems the kind and gentle way.
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Labrador Retrievers Vs Golden Retrievers: A Side By Side Comparison
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Labrador Retrievers have closer cropped coats and a different body shape than Golden Retrievers. Their coats also come in different colors outside of yellow, such as brown or black. Both breeds are friendly, intelligent dogs that love exercise and train easily. Expect seasonal shedding from both.
This resource will be your ultimate guide to the differences between Labs and Goldens. Ahead, well compare the two breeds side by side in areas such as appearance, size, temperament, intelligence, grooming, training, and the cost to own. Youll easily be able to decide whether a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever is the right dog for you by the time youve finished reading.
Aside From That Goldens Branched Out Into American British And Canadian
Each of these variations have their own set of characteristics. Americans are the leanest with long and wavy coats. They usually come in the standard Golden color.
British Goldens have blocky heads and a bit more muscle definition. Their coats are also beautifully thick. Their coats are generally a lighter gold, and some are so pale they almost look white.
Canadians are slightly bigger than the two, but their coats are less feathery. Their thin coats are the darkest amongst the three.
Despite cosmetic differences, their temperaments and personalities are supposed to be the same.
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Golden Retriever Vs Labrador Health
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.
Training Your Adult Golden To Be Around Cats
Unlike the old wifes tale, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Dogs can learn to be around cats, even if they havent even lived with one before. Some dogs need a little bit more time and patience to learn that living with a cat doesnt mean they will get any less attention and snuggles .
Older dogs that have been in the household are more accustomed to the routine and flow with everyone already living in the house. Changing that up will take some time for them to get used to but Goldens have an amazing temperament that is sure to make adjustments over time.
One good thing about older dogs is they have less energy and curiosity than a younger puppy may have. This is good because the calmer both the dog and cat can be during the meeting process, the smoother it can go.
Read Also: Are Golden Retrievers Easy To Potty Train
Golden Retriever Labrador Mix Health Problems
While mixed-breed dogs are generally healthier than their purebred counterparts, the Goldador is prone to certain health problems that affect Goldens and Labradors.
The most common health problems seen in this mix are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Diabetes
- Progressive retinal atrophy
The best way to avoid these issues from arising is to get your Goldador puppy from a reputable breeder. Make sure to check if both parents have clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, elbows, heart, and thyroid. Additionally, ask the breeder to show you clearances from Canine Eye Registry Foundation showing that the eyes are healthy and normal.
This mix has an average life span of 10 to 15 years, so dont get one if you arent ready for a long-term commitment.
Labrador Retriever Health Issues
- Cancer: Canine cancers common of Labradors are mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and/or osteosarcoma, which affects the bones. The symptoms could include lumps, vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
- Seizures: Cancer is one cause of seizures in dogs, as are head injuries, kidney disease, liver disease, and blood pressure changes. Your Lab may foam at the mouth, chew their tongue, drool, or twitch during a seizure.
- Elbow dysplasia: When the bones in a Labs front legs grow unnaturally, such as in elbow dysplasia, pain can follow.
- Arthritis: Canine arthritis can occur from dysplasia as well as joint trauma, nagging injuries, osteochondrosis, and aging. The stiff joints limit a Labs mobility.
- Laryngeal paralysis: In a case of laryngeal paralysis, your Labs airway may be blocked, preventing deep breathing. Vets and experts are not sure what causes this condition, but its definitely a serious one.
- Hip dysplasia: A dogs hip socket and ball socket are supposed to fit naturally. When these areas misalign, it can lead to friction and rubbing whenever your Lab moves their body.
I recommend using the Embark Vet DNA test for all owners, including purebred owners to give you the best information possible to understand your dog. This eliminates guessing!
Its super simple and can be done right at home. You simply swab the inside of their mouths and mail it off. Results come back QUICK!
and actually know your dogs genetic makeup!
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Labs Vs Goldens Health
All purebred breeds like the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever can have inherited health problems. Here are a few you need to look out for.
Both dogs have high cancer risk, can suffer from obesity, have hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease or ear infections. The cancer risk is higher in Goldens than Labs with over 60% of the dogs developing cancer during their lifetime. Labs are more prone to obesity than Goldens so its important that they get a lot of exercise and their weight is managed. Comparing the two dogs, Labs may be the healthier breed as much of their health problems can be avoided by testing.
Do you prefer a Golden to a Lab? Share your favourite breed with us on or , or in the comments section below.
Golden Retrievers Are More Patient
Both breeds are friendly, affectionate and loyal dogs. They are both very sociable and have wonderful temperaments.
It is not by chance that they are Americas most popular family pets.
When comparing a Golden Retriever vs Labrador, the Golden is a gentler, more patient and sensitive dog.
Golden Retrievers have a gentle nature that shines throughout their interaction with young children. They are very careful and soft.
Labrador Retrievers are also great with children but they are typically more excitable and bouncy.
The Golden Retriever enjoys a calm and quiet environment. Whereas Labradors do not tire out easily and are always ready to play as soon as you are!
Labradors are not known to be sensitive.
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Which Is Better Golden Retriever Or Labrador
While Labradors do have shorter hair than Goldens, dont believe anyone who says Labs dont shed. Labs shed as much as, if not more than, the average dog. Like Goldens, Labs have a double coat. So Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding is similar, but Goldens usually require more day to day grooming.
Differences Between Labrador Retrievers And Golden Retrievers
Adrienne is a certified dog trainer and former veterinarian assistant who partners with some of the best veterinarians worldwide.
Labrador Retrievers versus Golden Retrievers: Which dog breed is better? Just like picking tasty chocolates from a variety box, it can be challenging to decide which breed you prefer as both dog breeds are equally appealing and share attractive traits, which makes them both potentially great companions.
If you are debating between these two dog breeds, you can be assured that you are not alone. Countless prospective dog owners across the globe often wonder which dog breed to introduce into their homes and often debate between these two. Not surprisingly, when it comes to popularity, both dog breeds rank very closely.
According to the American Kennel Club, Labradors ranked number one as the most popular dogs in 2017 with goldens lagging just a bit behind and ranking third place. For those wondering, German Shepherds ranked second place.
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Labrador Retriever Vs Golden Retriever Which Did You Choose
We hope you have enjoyed reading through this comprehensive side-by-side comparison of Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever dog breed similarities and differences!
Remember, there is no right or wrong choice only the right choice for you!
Golden Retriever owners will have to consider the risks of cancer, the potential health problems of early neutering or neutering at all, and that additional coat care.
Labrador Retriever owners will need to think about that increased bounciness and pushiness with strangers, and the possibility of separation anxiety or chewing problems.
There is no easy answer to the Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever debate.
But what you can be confident in is, as long as you choose your pup carefully, train and socialize them well, either dog is a great bet for a family pet.
When you do decide, we would love to hear your story of which breed you chose and how you and your new canine bestie met one another and knew you had found the one!