Do Golden Retrievers Shed Much
If youre looking to get a low maintenance dog for your home, then you may wish to reconsider when it comes to a Golden Retriever. Even though they have gorgeous glossy golden coats, this breed is terrible when it comes to shedding.
If you want a Golden for your home, expect to find hair everywhere on your furniture and clothes. It tends to shed moderately all year round and increases during spring and fall.
Part of their shedding is because they have a double coat, and when new hair needs to grow in place, they start shedding. The only way to get on top of its excess hair is by grooming it regularly or having a dog vacuum.
Origins Of The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever comes from an old breed called St. Johns Water Dog, a Canadian breed from Newfoundland that went extinct in the late 1980s. We assume that Labrador got his love for water from this breed.
Like its ancestor both Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever fulfill the same purpose, they were developed to participate in hunting games, and if we look back, Labrador was extremely popular among hunters of waterfowl.
In 1814 this breed was first produced in northeastern Canada, where the Labrador name came from, and according to a book titled instructions to young sportsmen written by Peter Hawker, it proves that the Labrador Retriever has been a hunters dog right from the beginning.
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?
You May Like: Golden Retriever Sketch
Character Of The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is considered a very intelligent, loyal, sociable and proactive dog. This breed of dog also distinguishes itself by its affable and even docile treatment towards people. They are dogs with a well-balanced character, which can grow to maturity. They love water, olfactory exercises and are extremely agile.
The Height Comparison Between The Golden Retriever And The Labrador Retriever
The Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever have similar height, according to AKCs website, to be certified as a pure-blooded dog, they must fall within a certain height.
· Labradors Retrievers
21.5 inches-23.5 inches for females and; 22.5 inches-24.5 inches for males.
·; Golden Retrievers
21.5 inches-22.5 inches for females and 23 inches-24 inches for males
As we can see, both breeds have almost the same height, the difference is only one inch between the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever, however, the females have the same height, keep in mind that AKC is allowing any breed that is 0,5 inches less.
Recommended Reading: How To Groom A Golden Retriever For Show
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.
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.
Recommended Reading: House Training Golden Retriever Puppies
Labs Have More Energy
If you are looking for a dog that loves to get outside and join you for a run, walk or adventure then both breeds are perfect.
Both dogs are active and love to have a job to do.
However, the energy levels of a Labrador vs Golden Retriever are very different.
Golden Retrievers are an active breed, but they do enjoy a calm and quiet environment. Their tranquil nature allows them to fit into a large variety of homes easily.
Unlike a Golden, the Lab is not suited for a sedentary lifestyle.
Their high energy levels may be a bit too much for seniors to keep up.
Labradors are a bundle of energy. From puppy to adulthood Labs have high energy levels and are very playful. Once they reach maturity, at approximately 18 months of age, they settle down a bit more. However, when comparing them to Golden Retrievers, Labradors are still very high energy!
The Labrador fits well into a lively and busy home. They love having children, a family to play with, and joining all of their adventures.
Is There A Difference In Weight And Height Between The Golden Retriever And Flat Coat Retriever
Yes, there is a size difference between the Golden Retriever and the Flat Coat Retriever, with the Flat Coat Retriever coming in just slightly bigger.
The Flat Coat Retriever is between twenty-two to twenty-four and a half inches to the withers.; The Golden Retriever is twenty to twenty-four inches.; When it comes to weight, the Flat Coated Retriever is fifty-five to seventy-nine pounds, and the Golden Retriever is fifty-five to seventy-five pounds.
Females will tend to be slightly smaller in both breeds, but many factors play a part in the size of any dog, especially when it comes to weight.
Some more active dogs will be leaner and more muscular, with less active weighing more.; Dogs that are unhealthy or have an inferior diet and overeat or little will also suffer one way or another.
This is true for any dog breed and not respective to either the Golden Retriever or the Flat Coat Retriever.
You May Like: How To Cut A Golden Retriever’s Hair
Origins Of The Golden Retriever
Back in the mid-19th century, the golden retriever was founded in Scotland, at that time Scottish hunters were looking for a new breed for hunting
In those days the Retrievers breeds were famous in Scotland because of how they can easily adapt to their harsh environment that consists of marshy ponds and highland forests, therefore, they needed a dog that could hunt on land and water. So they began breeding retriever breed with Tweed Water Spaniels to achieve their ultimate hunting dog, so they mixed a land retriever with a water retriever, to create a dog that both can hunt In water areas and land areas, as result, they created golden retriever, an excellent hunter dog for all kind of environment.
According to some false rumors concerning the origins of the Golden Retriever, some people are saying that Golden Retrievers resulted in the creation of three breeds, not two like it was proven.
Those three are The bloodhound, the Irish setter, and the st. Johns Water dog, that last one is what made that rumor false, because the Scottish hunting game created the Golden Retriever in the 18th century, and Johns Water Dog existed at least since the 17th century.
Health Golden Retriever Vs Labrador Retriever
Both the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever have similar life spans, with a life expectancy between 10 to 12 years although the Golden is known to live slightly longer than the Labrador.
The two breeds are also generally healthy dogs but are both prone to a few health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia. That makes it important to make sure that the breeders you speak to can show you evidence of both the mum and dad of the pups having had their joints x-rayed and examined. These two breeds are also at risk for various eye health problems, like corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy which can result in vision loss. Then there can also be problems with renal dysplasia, and cataracts. That might all sound very doom and gloom but look for healthy parents free of these issues through testing, such as that done for eye disease and youre dramatically reducing the chances of your puppy having a problem.
The Golden Retriever, unfortunately, is more susceptible to getting cancer compared to Labradors, and should thus be screened regularly for various kinds of cancer. The Golden is also more prone to developing skin problems, like heat spots, as well as heart issues like cardiomyopathy.
So, in terms of Golden Retriever vs Labrador for health, its a draw!
Read Also: What Is The Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
It Is Important To Spend Time Searching For The Right Breeder
Backyard or unethical breeders might sell their puppies at a low price.;
Reputable breeders might ask for a higher price as they put more effort into their puppies care. Quality food, accessories, training classes, and regular checkups all add up.
You can find Goldens at:;
You can find Labradors at:
Temperament Golden Retriever Vs Labrador Retriever
According to the AKC, Goldies are generally outgoing, trustworthy, and eager-to-please. Labrador Retrievers, in contrast, are friendly, highly sociable, and naturally curious dogs. These are the characteristics that ensure the huge popularity of either choice. While both breeds will tell you if there is a stranger at the gate, neither would be a good fit as guard dogs.
These arent breeds which are prone to behavior problems as long as they get enough mental and physical stimulation. Get in touch with a dog trainer while your lab or golden is a pup for training tips and advice on living with retriever breeds
Golden Retrievers could be said to be attention-seekers and want to be around people all the time. They are said to be easier to train compared to Labs, because of their willingness to please their owners. Labradors are a lot more independent compared to Golden Retrievers, which doesnt make them dogs which are hard to train but perhaps just a little more challenging. That said, both breeds have a great work ethic and so make exceptional guide dogs, assistance dogs and service dogs not to mention their role as search and rescue dogs, so that tells you lots about how good their temperaments are.
While these are dogs that could live in a kennel, both you and they will miss out on so much opportunity to spend time together, these are people dogs who thrive on being with you.
When it comes to temperament and the Lab vs Golden Retriever, its a draw!
Read Also: The Best Puppy Food For Golden Retrievers
Choosing The Flat Coated Retriever
There are many dogs that you can choose to add to your home, but none are as fun as working with the flat coated retriever.
They have lots of energy to run around and are great with kids and families, as long as you take the time to train them well. With just a bit of work and lots of exercise during the day, you will be able to enjoy the flat coated retriever in your family.
Difference Between Labrador And Golden Retriever Temperament
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 Goldens 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, Goldens 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 Goldens 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.
You May Like: How To Make My Golden Retriever Gain Weight
What Are The Differences Between Golden Retrievers And Labrador Retrievers
Although they’re retriever cousins, Labs and goldens are from separate parts of the world. Labrador retrievers originated on the island of Newfoundland in the most eastern province of Canada, Labrador. Interestingly, there are actually three different types of golden retrievers, hailing from Britain, the United States, and Canada, respectively.;
When you see these dogs cozied up by one other, especially a yellow or golden Lab and a golden retriever, there’s a slight sporting dog family resemblance, but also key points to help tell them apart.
One difference between golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers is their muzzle shape: goldens’ are more narrow with a lean jaw, while Labs’ are broader and a bit more jowly. Noses are still boopable on both!
Both retrievers are double-coated breeds, so they’ll ‘blow coat’ at least twice a year. But if there was a medal given for shedding, Myers says there’s a clear winner. “A golden is for humans who love to vacuum…and whose favorite fashion accessory is dog hair!” Labs’ smoother coats help them glide through the water more easily.
Is a golden retriever the same as yellow Lab? Nope! But if you’ve read this far, you already know that. However, there is a mixed breed known as a Goldador that has golden and Labrador retriever parents, so a pretty yellow color might come from both of them.
Do Golden Retrievers Smell More Than Labradors
No one likes a stinky dog, thats for sure. Even if you bathe your Retriever regularly, is one breed prone to smelling more than another?
No, a Golden Retriever shouldnt smell more than a Labrador. Labs may have seborrhea if their sebaceous glands are overactive. This condition is common in Labs. Having seborrhea can lead to an oily, slick coat that might get stinky.
Then again, an oily coat can just as easily be a sign of hypothyroidism, which will cause dandruff, pimples, puffiness, and lethargy. Keep reading for more on the health issues that affect Labs vs. Goldens.
We will say this: if youve recently bathed your dog, they havent done any hard playing, and they still smell like sweaty gym socks at the bottom of a clothes hamper, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. The stink is indicative of a health issue.
You May Like: Why Do Golden Retrievers Eat So Fast
Labrador Retriever Vs Golden Retriever: Which Is The Right Dog For You
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular pet dog in the world for nearly 30 years. The Golden Retriever usually ranks third on the list of popular breeds. Both make great pets. But whats the difference when you compare Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever?
If you are thinking about bringing a retriever home but arent sure which breed is right for you, check out this handy Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever guide.
Once youve made your choice, you can find lots of helpful information for bringing your puppy home at Paws Plus one.
Which Is Better A Golden Retriever Or Labrador
So, after all that, Golden Retriever vs Labrador, which is the best option? Well, both of these dogs are incredibly loyal, and both can get along with basically anyone. Adults, children, other dogs, and even cats! If youre looking for great family dogs, then dog lovers worldwide will tell you that either retriever, Labrador or Golden which are actually very similar other than their different coat, would be a perfect choice.
Don’t Miss: How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Dog