Golden retrievers are fluffier with a longer coat and gentle temperament, while Labs have short coats and high energy.
Golden retriever
- 55 to 75 lb.
- Long, feathered golden coat, sheds heavily.
- Gentle and eager to please.
- Lifespan 10 to 12 years.
Labrador retriever
- 55 to 80 lb.
- Short, dense, water resistant coat.
- Energetic, friendly and a bit more athletic.
- Lifespan 10 to 12 years.
Both
Great family dogs. Both need exercise and are prone to hip dysplasia.
Popularity
The Labrador is the most popular breed in the US by AKC registration.
Origins
Golden retrievers were developed in Scotland in the mid-1800s by Lord Tweedmouth to retrieve waterfowl. Labrador retrievers originated in Newfoundland, Canada, and were developed in England from St. John’s water dogs in the 1800s.
Size
Male Labs weigh 65 to 80 pounds, females 55 to 70, and stand 21.5 to 24.5 inches. Male golden retrievers weigh 65 to 75 pounds, females 55 to 65, and stand 21.5 to 24 inches.
Coat
- Golden: medium to long, feathered double coat, in shades of gold, sheds heavily and needs brushing a few times a week.
- Lab: short, dense, water-resistant double coat, in black, yellow or chocolate, sheds year-round but needs less grooming.
Temperament
Both are friendly, loyal, eager to please and good with children. Goldens tend to be gentler, while Labs are more energetic.
Trainability
Both rank among the most trainable breeds. Labs and goldens are widely used as guide dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs.
Exercise
Both need an hour or more of daily exercise and enjoy swimming and fetch.
Lifespan
About 10 to 12 years for both breeds.
Health issues
- Labs: hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, exercise induced collapse.
- Goldens: hip dysplasia, certain cancers (a 2019 study estimated that around 60% die from cancer), heart disease and skin allergies.
Popularity
The Labrador retriever was the most popular breed in the US for 31 years according to AKC rankings until 2022, when the French bulldog became number one. Golden retrievers ranked 4th or 5th in recent years.
Cost
Puppies from reputable breeders typically cost 1,000 to 3,000 dollars. Adoption from shelters and breed rescues is another option.
Temperament and care differences
Both breeds are consistently among the most popular in the United States. The Labrador has held the top spot in AKC registrations for many years, while the Golden Retriever has typically ranked in the top three to five. Labs usually weigh 55 to 80 pounds and Goldens 55 to 75 pounds. Goldens have a longer feathered coat that sheds more and needs regular brushing, while Labs have a short double coat that also sheds heavily.
Health and lifespan
Typical lifespan is about 10 to 12 years for both breeds. Goldens have a higher reported cancer risk, with studies by the Morris Animal Foundation suggesting roughly 60 percent of Goldens die of cancer. Both breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and Labs are prone to obesity. Responsible breeders screen parents with OFA hip and elbow evaluations and eye exams.
Based on data from the American Kennel Club and the Morris Animal Foundation
