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.
The Golden Retriever: At Home In The Highlands
golden retriever running image by Wildcat from Fotolia.com
The Golden retriever was developed in Scotland during the mid-1860s to work as a highly skilled hunting dog. But it didn’t take long for this breed to gain a reputation as an affectionate and devoted companion. According to the American Kennel Club, the Baron of Tweedmouth mated a yellow-colored retriever and a Tweed water spaniel to develop the first golden retriever. Through selective mating with Irish setters and bloodhounds, Tweedmouth fine-tuned the Golden retriever’s keen sense of smell for locating and returning hunted fowl over long distances.
Goldies Vs Labs Colourings
Labs come in three colours chocolate, yellow and black, whilst Goldens come in a variety of shades from creamy blonde to a near red.
Both breeds have soft mouths which means they can carry items in their mouth without damaging them, which is what made them ideal canine candidates for hunting and retrieving throughout their history!
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.
Labrador Retriever Vs Golden Retriever Exercise
One thing that Labradors and Golden Retrievers share is their love for physical activity of all kinds.
Labs were originally working dogs, revered for their detection abilities, tracking, hunting, therapy assistance, and carting. If they dont get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, then their urge to do something physical can manifest in misbehavior. For example, your Lab might chew up household objects.
Golden Retrievers, being retriever dogs on land and in sea, were also bred to be active. A half-hour of activity might not cut it for the Golden, so try to give the dog an hour of exercise per day. Some Goldens can even romp around for upwards of two hours, but that depends on your dogs age, health, and personality.
If youre bringing home a Retriever puppy, you cant expect to exercise it that much right away. Youll overexert the poor thing and put its health at risk. Instead, for each month of life the puppy has had, tack on five additional minutes of exercise.
For example, if you adopt a five-month-old Lab or Golden, youd multiply 5 x 5 for a max of 25 minutes. This shouldnt be overly vigorous exercise either, but playing fetch or going for a walk with your puppy. Playtime generally does not count towards a dogs overall daily exercise requirements.
Golden Retrievers And Cancer
Unfortunately, this breed is at risk of developing cancer.
Statistically, 61% of Golden Retrievers experience cancer. This is one of the highest percentages of any dog breed.
It is not yet fully understood which specific genes are leading to the inheritance of cancer-risk genes.
This makes it a disease that neither the breeder nor owner can control.
It is not guaranteed that they will develop cancer over their lifetime. They are just genetically predisposed to receiving genes that may mutate.
Golden Retriever Facts Characteristics And Behaviour
Golden Retrievers are quite expensive breeds and well known for their enthusiastic, affectionate and intelligent behavior. Moreover, these breeds are highly energetic, agile and powerful dogs. Golden Retrievers have a charming look due to their golden color shiny coats with long fur. An adult breed can measure between 20.5-25 inches height and weight between 25-34 kgs. These dogs always like to be with their owners and make very strong bonds with them. Hence, Golden Retrievers are not used as guard dogs, but watchdogs. Unlike their close companion Labrador, these breeds can be easily trained.
Main Difference Labrador Vs Golden Retriever
Labrador and Golden Retriever are very lovable, beautiful and popular family dog breeds in most of the countries and the main difference between them is that the Golden Retriever has a golden color long, shaggy coat while the Labrador has a short, dense, interwoven coat that can be white, brown or black. Also, the Golden Retriever has a bushy tail while the Labrador has a strong and broad tail.
Both, Labrador and Golden Retriever are easily trainable and very popular as assistance dogs. They are commonly referred to as retriever dogs because they were originally bred to escort hunters and retrieve fallen fowls during hunting activities. These two breeds look quite similar due to their similar body size, but there exist some differences between them that distinguish one from the other. In this article, more facts about the Labrador and Golden Retriever and the differences between them will be discussed further.
Labrador Vs Golden Retriever
Whats the difference between a Labrador and a Golden Retriever? There are actually a few notable differences between the two that may mean better companionship for you and your family.
- Maintenance and cost A Labrador may seem to be a bit cheaper than a Golden Retriever; maintenance however, is much the same as regards food necessities and medical care. Grooming, on the other hand, may mean more responsibility for Golden Retrievers since they have longer coats and often shed hair. Maintenance costs for both will depend on where you live, but likely will be much the same.
- Temperament While both have the qualities of being a good family pet, their slight differences may mean a better environment for the dog and the family. With a Labrador, aside from their pleasant traits, they are curious, making them more independent and actively roaming. Golden Retrievers on the other hand are friendly, making them a poor guard dog.
- Appearance They are quite similar, except that Golden Retrievers appear furrier. Both have folded ears, medium eye shape, same nose length, and are the same size.
So to summarize, both have wonderful temperaments and both will likely cost you the same; the key difference lies in Labradors being more energetic and active, while Golden Retrievers are more likely to be relaxed and calm.
Labrador Retriever Vs Golden Retriever: Which Breed Is Best For You
Retrievers were originally gun dogs bred for outstanding obedience and sense of duty. They spent the first portion of their existence recovering ducks and other small prey for hunters. But eventually, because of their overall gentle dispositions, they moved to the household to become beloved family pets.
Both Labradors and Golden Retrievers offer such fantastic companionship for owners. Each of them ranks in the top 3 most popular breeds in many countries across the world. While you cant go wrong with either, there may be one that is more compatible with you and your lifestyle or preferences. Lets find out.
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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.
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.
Labrador Retriever Vs Golden Retriever Grooming
We hope you dont mind cleaning mountains of dog fur off your couch, your clothes, and just about any surface, as both Labradors and Golden Retrievers are shedders.
We wrote about a Labs shedding habits here. Per that article, Labradors shed twice per year during molting season. The first time theyll shed is in the spring, as the Lab will remove their heavy winter coat to prepare for warmer weather. Expect another round of shedding in the fall as your Lab develops a thicker coat. Each shedding period lasts about three weeks.
Golden Retrievers follow the same shedding schedule. However, as we mentioned earlier, the Golden has longer fur, so when the dog sheds, theres a lot more fur to go around.
To maintain your Golden Retrievers coat, brush your dog once per week when theyre not shedding and then about daily during shedding season. You can also bathe your Golden ahead of their grooming to dislodge all those dead hairs that keep attaching to your clothes.
Labs need bathing slightly more seldom, but then again, that depends on how dirty your dog gets. Youll brush them about weekly and nearly daily when they shed.
Temperament Of The Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is also a highly intelligent dog. It has a friendly, familiar and friendly temperament. This good character means that, like the Labrador, it cannot be considered as an effective guard dog.
However, its docility, superlative intelligence and quiet character make it an extraordinary family pet. It is ranked fourth on Stanley Coren’s intelligence scale. This dog is trained to learn many jobs: Golden Retrievers make excellent assistance, service and therapy dogs, for instance for autistic children. Here you can discover our favorite names for Golden Retrievers.
If you’re interested in adopting one, here you can learn how to care for a Golden Retriever, from puppy to adulthood.
Are Labradors Easy To Train
If you own a labrador, then youll know they love companionship. Because of this, theyre often a breed that is easy to train. However, they are strong and have lots of energy, and need to exercise frequently.
If they dont, they may become distracted, and training a Labrador could be difficult. Having a lot of energy is even more of a reason why Labradors require training because if they dont, they can grow into becoming large, rowdy, and unruly dogs.
One of the best ways of training a Labrador is through positive reinforcement, rewarding them with a treat and praising them when theyve done good behavior.
Choosing A Golden Vs Lab Puppy
What about once the Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever puppy decision is made?
Whether you decide on a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever choosing a single puppy out of a litter of cute puppies is never an easy task!
Plus, how do you decide which dog breeder to work with?
Or, if you are rescuing a Golden or Lab puppy, what kind of questions should you ask to learn as much as possible about your new puppys background and overall health?
While both dog breeds evolved to work, hunt and herd, both can also inherit serious health problems, as the previous section here explained.
These tips will help you choose the healthiest puppy of either breed!
Labs Vs Goldens Shedding
Goldens and Labs shed a similar amount but Goldens usually require more day-to-day grooming. Although Goldens have a longer top coat than a Labrador, both dogs shed quite a bit.
Goldens shed the most during the spring when their undercoat grows thick and moults. The term blowing the coat was coined to describe their extensive shedding. Whilst a Labradors hair is shorter, they still shed a lot, particularly their undercoat during warmer weather, too.
A few tips for these heavy shedders. Dont wear black, as their light hair will be more visible on dark clothing, and groom your dog outside to avoid excess hair in your home. Both dogs would benefit from almost daily brushing with a slick brush and groomed with an undercoat rake. The undercoat rake is the best way to deal their shedding during warmer months.
Are They Good For Families & Children
Golden retrievers:
Golden retrievers make excellent family dogs.
They absolutely love spending time with people and are great with kids.
Labradors:
Labradors are excellent family dogs as well.
They love people and kids, but given that they are a little more boisterous than retrievers, and often dont know how big they are, they can get overexcited and knock small children down.
If you have a family, a lab or golden retriever would make a great addition to it.
Theyll love spending time with you and bring endless joy to everyone.
However, if you have small children and you decide to get a lab, youll need to watch out because labs sometimes dont know how big they are and can get overexcited and knock small children down .
What Is The Origin Of The Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a breed that comes from Scotland. Around 1850, this breed was created as a dog with a flair for hunting. It was fairly common during this era for the upper classes to go on hunting trips, where they hunted all sorts of birds but especially waterfowl. It was necessary to recover the pieces which had been shot down, often falling into lakes or rivers or between rocks and crags in the rugged Scottish landscape.
The crossing between the best water dogs and retriever types gave rise to the Golden Retriever. Over the years this breed has split into three phenotypes: English, American and Canadian.
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.
The Difference Between A Golden Retriever And A Labrador And Which One To Choose
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between a Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever? Both breeds of dogs have common characteristics.Their morphology, although different, may have some similarities. Their constitution is quite similar in its structure. For this reason, and the retriever that both have associated with their name, many people do not know exactly what the difference is between them.
In this article on the differences between the Labrador and the Golden Retriever, we will tell you about two extraordinarily intelligent and affectionate breeds of dogs. They are undoubtedly considered the most suitable for children and proactive families. Do you want to know if a Labrador or a Golden Retriever is better for an apartment? If you are having trouble distinguishing between these two breeds or if you are thinking about adopting one, this article will give you all the answers you are looking for. golden retriever vs Labrador: who will win?
The Differences Between Golden Retrievers And Labrador Retrievers Are Subtle
At a glance, it might seem that the only difference between Goldens and Labs is their coat. The Golden has a dense and glamorous coat of gold. The Lab has a much shorter coat, and he has no plumage on his tail.
Upon closer look, you might notice that their build is quite different. While their height and weight dont vary much, their body shapes are distinct. Goldens have a sleek body and have a narrow snout.
The Lab is muscular, with thick and short snouts and blocky heads.
Labs are also known for their expressiveness due to those prominent eyebrow ridges.
Take a look at the expressive eyes of a Lab
But, Goldens have them too. Its not that obvious, but its there.
The chart below shows a comparison between the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever.
| Hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, gastric torsion | Hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, gastric torsion |
What Is The Difference Between Labrador Retriever And Golden Retriever
For their similarity with Golden Retrievers, many people wonder, are Labrador and Golden Retriever the same dogs. On comparing the two breeds basis their interaction with families, involvement in sports, and intelligence, they could be called as distant relatives. But the fact is that these breeds originate from different places and have a few points of differences.
Then, what is the difference between Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever?
While the goldens have a longer snout, Labradors have a winder muzzle; both the breeds are excellent in sniffing and searching.
Goldens have a furry and soft coat while Labradors have a more sleek coat that makes them a natural swimmer.
Golden retrievers may be of any one red, beige or honey colors. Labradors are found in brown, black, and beige colors.
Another difference to note is the shape of the tail. A golden has a fluffy tail while a Labrador has a sleek and pointy tail.
History Of The Labrador Retriever
Many experts place the true origin of the Labrador Retriever on the coast of Newfoundland, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. This is where specimens very similar to the Labrador Retriever we know today have been observed, performing and collecting functions in the water. Some theories state that the Labrador retriever was founded in the 16th century. He is the result of the St. Johns water dog and the English, Portuguese and Irish working dogs. However, other theories include Newfoundland in its ancestry.
The Labrador Retriever began to make its mark in early 19th century England, particularly in field trials, when it was first exhibited by Col. Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury. The specimen described by Lorna, Countess de Howe, was called Malmesbury Tramp. He is considered to be one of the first Labrador Retriever dogs. In 1916 was founded The Labrador Retriever Club. Later, in 1925 the Yellow Labrador Club, so we could say that we are dealing with a relatively modern breed.
It is also called Labrador collector and Labrador perdiguero.
Labrador Retriever Vs Golden Retriever Training
Training your dog at the basics is a must, but what kind of training experience can you expect with a Labrador versus a Golden?
As we wrote about here, Labs are considered quite easy to train. They love the exercise, they want to make you happy, and theyre highly intelligent. With some treats and lots of verbal and physical praise, you can encourage a Lab to learn just about anything, even guarding.
Golden Retrievers also train with little difficulty provided you put the time and work in. These dogs are smart, ready to learn, and happy to work with you to nail down basic commands such as sit, stay, and lie down.
I highly recommend using an online training program to train your dog yourself, but with the guidance of a professional. This alternative to traditional training is both convenient as well as cost-effective.
Working And Service Dogs
Both retriever breeds are intelligent enough to be used as guide dogs, explosive or drug detectors and search and rescue dogs. Labrador and Golden Retrievers are extraordinary work and service breeds.
However, they are not the only kinds of retriever breeds. Read on to discover the different types of retriever dogs and the differences between them!
If you want to read similar articles to Differences Between Labrador and Golden Retrievers, we recommend you visit our Comparisons category.
Which Dog Is Bigger Labs Or Goldens
Theres a barely imperceptible difference between the size of Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Male and female Labs are 22 to 24 inches tall. Thats also the size of male Goldens. Females are slightly smaller, 20 to 22 inches in adulthood.
As for which dog weighs more, its practically a tie. Female Labs are 55 to 71 pounds, as are female Goldens. Male Golden Retrievers may weigh 65 to 75 pounds whereas male Labradors are 64 to 79 pounds.
Height And Weight: Which One Is Bigger
According to the American Kennel Club , the standard height for Labrador Retrievers is between 22 ½ to 24 ½ inches, while the weight is from 65 to 80 pounds for males Labs. For female Labs the standard height is from 21 ½ to 23 ½ inches., and the weight is between 55 to 70 pounds.
In the case of Golden Retrievers, the AKC states that the standard height is 23 to 24 inches for males, and the weight is between 65 to 70 pounds. In the case of females, the height is from 21 ½ to 22 ½ inches, and the weight is 55 to 65 pounds.
Remember that not all dogs fit in the breed standard, some individuals might be larger or smaller. But in general, Labs are slightly larger and heavier than Goldens.
How Active Are Golden Retrievers
Did you know Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed? Because of this, they require regular daily exercise. Were not talking about a light stroll either. As per PDSA, Golden Retrievers require a minimum of 2 hours of exercise per day.
Such exercise could include swimming, playing fetch, running, or brisk walks. Golden Retrievers also need to be exercised frequently to stimulate their brains and sharpen their intelligence.
Method 3 Of 3:temperament Differences