Golden Retriever Vs Lab
- By Tom Massey
- May 05, 2020
For many prospective owners, its not uncommon to question the difference between a golden retriever versus a labrador retriever. After all, theyre both wonderful dogsand even have similar names.
Ultimately, the differences between a golden retriever and a labrador are small. Both breeds have the potential to make the best type of companions for years to come in any family.
But like most, its a big decision to make when selecting the right dog for you and your family. So if youre shopping around for a new addition to the household, then its best to take the time to know which breed is right for you.
Health Issues Specific To Golden Retrievers
Goldens are genetically predisposed to cancer. According to studies, 60% of Goldens will develop cancer. The most common types are hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma.
Epilepsy, which causes seizures. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Not only will it be passed down, but it also complicates pregnancy.
Heart problems such as cardiomyopathy and subvalvular aortic stenosis. These can be managed through treatment. Dogs with heart conditions should not be bred.
Other less serious health issues include OCD, Von Willebrands Disease, Hot spots, and distichiasis.
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- Goldadors like to eat and can easily become overweight if they don’t get enough exercise.
- Goldadors are good family dogs and generally do well with children of all ages.
- The Goldador sheds moderately and requires weekly brushing.
- Goldadors usually get along well with other dogs and pets, especially when they’re raised with them or socialized to them at an early age.
- Goldadors require about 30 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy being outdoors and can make excellent jogging companions.
- Although a house with a fenced yard is the ideal home for a Goldador, he can do well in an apartment or condo with proper exercise.
- Goldadors can be a good choice for first-time dog owners.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from a puppy mill, a pet store, or a breeder who doesn’t provide health clearances or guarantees. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they’re free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies and who breeds for sound temperaments.
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Golden Retriever Puppies And Labrador Puppies
Via Flickr User Paul David
Via Flickr User RD_Elsie
Both are too cute for words! When youre ready to meet with lab or golden breeders, keep this checklist handy to make sure you get all the information you need.
- ask about the health history of both dog parents, including health screenings and vet checkups
- ask for a record of immunizations
- observe the dog parents temperaments and personalities
- choose a puppy that appears healthy
- choose a puppy who plays good-naturedly and isnt timid or anxious
The Difference: Golden Retrievers Vs Labs
When comparing golden retrievers and labrador retrievers, you might not know the differences right off the bat. Its easy to see that goldens are long-haired dogs while labs have shorter coats, but what goes beyond that?
Both goldens and labs are amazing dogs and would make a perfect companion for any size family, but if youve ever wondered the difference between the two breeds, then take a look at this quick guide on these two popular dogs.
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The Labrador Retriever: A True Water Dog
golden retriever image by goldenjago from Fotolia.com
It turns out that Labs aren’t from Labrador at all. These reliable retrievers originated from the neighboring region of Newfoundland. Once also known as St. John’s water dogs, they were renamed Labrador retrievers to help distinguish them from the Newfoundland breed. Crossed with other retrievers, setters and spaniels during the mid-1800s, Labs were bred to swim in chilly waters, tolerate frosty climates and help fishermen as they pulled in their catches.
Labrador Retriever Vs Golden Retriever
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!
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What Is The Best Time To Introduce Dogs With Cats
When they both are young, freshly separated from their litters, the chances of their mutual bonding are high. Another benefit of introducing them during their early childhood is that the chances of innocent accidents causing major harm are minimal because both the kitten and the puppy would be about the same weight and strength.
In case that the puppy and the kitten do not form a loving bond, and merely tolerate each other, there is still something to be happy about. There are not going to be territorial wars if they were introduced to each other in young age. Both, the kitten and the puppy would grow up with and underlying understanding of each others presence in the home and thus, no possessive behaviour.
Bringing home a new puppy is a major decision and one must consider several things before going for one. Our love for few certain breeds is apparent, however, any dog can be your loyal companion. At Drwaggers, we believe in adopting, which is the only weapon against illegal breeders.
Happy pet parenting to you!
I am practicing as a veterinarian since 2016 in small animal. I working as physician as well as surgeon. I have specilization in Neutering of dogs and cats and their anesthesia. I had performed more than 9K neutering and their post-operative care yet. My goal is to practice as a vet worldwide.
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Golden Retrievers Are From Scotland Vs Labs From Canada
Golden Retrievers were bred from wavy coated Retrievers and Tweed Water Spaniels. Labradors were selectively bred from St. Johns Water Dogs.
The Golden Retriever originated in Glen Affric, Scotland in the 1800s. Lord Tweedmouth mated a wavy coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel.
The Labrador Retriever originated 4,000 miles away from Scotland in Newfoundland, Canada.
Canadians selectively bred the Newfoundland breed with smaller water dogs to create a St. Johns Water Dogs. The St. Johns Water Dog was then imported to England and used as retrievers in shooting sports. After arriving in England the breed officially became known as a Labrador Retriever.
Goldens were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925, 8 years after the Labrador was officially recognized in 1917.
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The Appearance Of Labs And Goldens
Other similarities are the long tails, folding ears, and of course the webbed feet and double-layered coats, with an outer water repellant layer and a soft insulating inner layer. These breeds love water and their bodies are made for swimming.
Some features that distinguish Golden Retrievers from Labradors are their longer and wavy coats, which come in colors from creamy gold to reddish gold. Another difference is their longer snouts that give them a smiling expression.
Labradors can be distinguished by their shorter denser coat that comes in three colors: Yellow, black, and chocolate. Labs also have shorter snouts and a broader head with pronounced eyebrows. Labs also have a more muscular build that makes them look more rugged than Golden Retrievers.
How Active Are Labradors
If youre looking to own a dog with little commitment, a Labrador may not be for you as they require vigorous exercise every day. A Labrador has an athletic nature, which means it loves to run and swim.
Because this breed has lots of energy, Labradors require around 2 hours a day to keep them physically and mentally fit. You can exercise Labradors by playing fetch games, taking them swimming, or taking them on a brisk walk.
If you fail to give a Labrador an ample amount of exercise, they may put on lots of weight and develop behavioral issues such as excessive chewing and digging.
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Grooming A Golden Retriever
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. Goldens 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 Goldens, as hunting dogs, should have more moderate coats.
All Goldens, 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.
More than one brushing per week is recommended for Goldens. Grooming a Golden also requires 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?
Which Labs Are The Smartest
If you spend more time with therapy and service dogs, you might think that yellow Labs are the highest intelligence of any other color Lab. However, when it comes to chocolates, many tend to think that they are less intelligent than Labrador Retrievers of other colorsand theres actually a legitimate reason for that.
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Are Golden Retrievers Easy To Train
Golden Retrievers are truly unique dogs they can double up as therapy dogs, guide dogs, best friends, and pets. They are relatively great dogs who learn quickly and can be trained easily because they have a loving and obedient temperament.
This goes for potty training if you start at a young age. Great ways of training golden retrievers are through positive reinforcement by rewarding them with treats for their good behavior and using the crate training method.
Physical Traits Of Labradors Vs Golden Retrievers
Both Labs and Golden Retrievers share many physical characteristics. For starters, they have incredibly cute faces, with happy and enthusiastic expressions.
They both have similar body structures, and they are roughly the same size and weight. The most obvious difference between these breeds is their hair. Golden Retrievers have longer hair than Labradors. But there are other small differences besides this.
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Retriever Vs Retriever: Personality Traits
Both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are among the most intelligent dog breeds.
These dogs are very easy to train, thatâs why these Retrievers are often used as work dogs in a variety of jobs.
Some of these jobs include: police dogs, search and rescue dogs, service dogs for people with disabilities, therapy dogs, and they are even used by the military to sniff out explosives.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers are also very gentle and affectionate dogs, they love pleasing their humans, they are also very sociable and outgoing.
Both breeds are great with children, they are very patient, attentive, and love to play with kids. This is why both Labs and Goldens are excellent family dogs.
Donât expect either one of these dogs to be an effective guard dog. Labradors and Golden Retrievers will bark at strange sounds or strangers that get near the house. But thatâs as far as their guarding abilities go. Related Post: Are Labradors Good Guard Dogs?
Labradors are a high-energy breed, they require a lot of exercise and playtime when they are young. A Labrador that doesnât get enough daily activity can be very destructive at home.
Golden Retrievers are a medium energy breed. They also require a daily dose of exercise but are calmer than Labradors.
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.
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Can American And English Labs Breed
Lets be clear, there is no official distinction between these two dogs. There is only one Labrador Retriever breed. Both the English and the American types are lovable Labs through and through. But that doesnt mean there arent some distinctions in their appearance, size, temperament, and energy levels.
Are They Good With Other Dogs
Golden retrievers:
Their good-naturedness doesnt end with people.
Golden retrievers are great with other dogs.
We did a study and found that 31.6% of golden retriever owners currently have more than one dog, and 57% of those people have a golden plus another breed.
Labradors:
Like golden retrievers, labradors are known for being great with both people and dogs.
If you have or want a home with multiple dogs, labs and goldens are great candidates to be one of those dogs.
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Why Do They Make Great Assistance Dogs
The result of cross-breeding a Labrador with a golden retriever is a dog that is willing to retrieve and do task work for its owner yet, at the same time, has a loving nature. Calmer than a pure Labrador but more confident than a typical golden retriever.
Because Labrador cross golden retrievers are even-tempered and enjoy work, it makes them a fantastic companion for anyone, but especially our clients who must have a reliable canine partner to help them day to day.
In training, these dogs willingly do anything for a treat, which makes them all the more easy to motivate. Although the golden retriever can be motivated by different things to its distant cousin, the Labrador.
Since these dogs are also incredibly loyal, their owners get every benefit of having this mix of breeds support them and stay with them. They get a good working life from a Labrador cross golden retriever and a good retirement from them too.
Golden Retriever Vs Labrador Which Is Better
It is likely safe to say this debate has raged ever since homo sapiens chose formal breed names for each of these two dog breeds.
But you are unlikely to find your answer in any kind of generalized assessment, because each of these amazing dog breeds has different traits and skills to offer.
The right dog breed for you might look very different than the right dog breed for your sister, your neighbor or your colleague.
Your hobbies and pastimes, family life, level of dog training skills, available time to spend with your pup, tolerance for dog hair and dander and similar factors will all point the way to your personal right choice in the Golden vs Lab debate.
The most important fact to remember here is this: you truly cant go wrong with either of these two dog breeds.
As long as you buy a puppy from a good breeder, you should be fine. Choose one with health tested, friendly parents with excellent medical family histories.
After all, the Lab and the Golden are numbers one and three, respectively, on the nations most popular pet dog list!
When all is said and done, both dog breeds can make for incredible canine companions.
So without further ado, lets dive into an exploration of the difference between Lab and Golden Retriever dog breeds so you can choose the dog breed that is the best fit for you!
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About Labs And Golden Retrievers
The Lab comes from the New World working water dogs. This breed has a stubborn streak, work ethic, and a bomb-proof nature that makes them work for hours long in harsh weather conditions.
On the other hand, the Golden retriever comes from UK gentlemans hunting setters and spaniels. This breed was trained to be a gentlemans hunt when he wanted to hunt and also to be the calm and sweet house pet other times.
When these breeds are young, you will notice little difference because both breeds are friendly and sweet, and they also like attention and playful activities. But when they start growing older, you will find that the Lab is a bit chubbier but not as high-strung as the Golden retriever.
Golden Retriever And Labrador Retriever: Physical Traits
black lab image by NorthShoreSurfPhotos from Fotolia.com
Although Labradors and golden retrievers are of medium height and should weigh between 55 pounds and 75 pounds, a golden’s physique is sleek and graceful, while the Labrador is generally more stocky and muscular. The golden retriever’s featherlike tail is an eye-catcher, versus the Labrador retriever’s practical, short-haired, flat-shaped otter tail. Goldens are often thought to have softer facial features compared with Labs, which have a strong, solid jawline. In spite of their physical differences, the trait these cuddly canines both share is a gentle disposition that makes either a precious pet.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion.
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