Golden Retriever vs Labrador breed is the first thing people look for when they are considering getting a Golden Retriever or a Lab, due to their similarity in characteristics. The two breeds can be great companions for families; both are playful, smart, and affectionate. However, they’re both different in their levels of energy.
Retrievers are generally more relaxed as compared to Labrador. Golden also requires more grooming than Labrador, in addition, they are a bit more expensive when you purchase puppies.
If you’re trying to decide which breed will suit you more or simply looking to improve your knowledge, I hope you get the information you seek!
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Golden Retriever vs Labrador: Breed History
Although they look identical, these fascinating canines have different stories and are from opposite parts of the globe. Both breeds were bred to work in similar conditions. Both dogs have grown into beautiful pets for families.
Golden Retriever Origin
The Golden Retriever’s journey started in Scotland during Great Britain in the 19 century. The clever nobleman Lord Tweedmouth wanted an animal different from any other breed. Based on his experience in breeding dogs, He developed the Golden Retriever we have today. It mixed the gone Tweed Water Spaniel, the Irish Setter, and the Bloodhound.
The ideal gun dog could detect his master’s prey, then take it in without mauling it. In the world of guns, this is referred to as “the soft jaw”. After 50 years of constructing that perfect gun dog, Lord Tweedmouth’s sons took through the Atlantic Ocean to America, where the Goldens were first gaining popularity.
The Americans loved him not just for his mastered work skills but for his elegance and beauty. The Golden was particularly well-known after the 38-year-old President Gerald Ford adopted a Golden Retriever named Liberty.
Read More : 8 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About golden retrievers
Labrador Retriever origin
We believe that the Labrador Retriever also hails from the 19 century. However, this one is from the opposite side of the pond in Canada. Like the Golden Retriever, he is also an active dog. However, they excelled more on the water than land. He was the fisherman’s favorite and most well-known for his collection of ducks, fish, and a variety of other small water creatures.
The Labrador Retriever rose in popularity when visiting English nobles returned to Britain. Interestingly, he’s not actually from Labrador; however, he originates from Newfoundland, and it’s unclear why English nobles named him”the Labrador Retriever’. Since then, they’ve been a popular family pet worldwide.
Labrador Retrievers vs. Golden Retrievers: The Similarities
Before discussing the differences between Labrador vs Golden Retriever, let’s examine their similarities. The most obvious thing they have in common is that both breeds have the same word, “Retriever.” This implies that both dog breeds were used to retrieve games for hunters.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers can be described as gundogs (also called bird dogs) that were employed to aid hunters who used guns to hunt different species of birds. Retrievers were primarily used to remove drowning or dead waterfowl and game birds that hunters killed. Since they were required to catch birds that were later to be served on tables and consumed, they needed to retrieve them with a soft mouth, so they did not puncture the meat.
Hunters selected Retrievers for their bidding ability, naturally inclined to obey the directions. Because the job of both Labs and Goldens involves removing waterfowl from ponds and lakes, Both breeds have a water-resistant coat.
Due to their background as hunting dogs, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are classified as part of the American Kennel Club under the “sporting group.”
The sporting group includes many breeds of dogs to collaborate with hunters, helping them locate or retrieve quarries. The breeds included in this group include Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers, and Setters.
With a background in hunting, the breeds are both highly active and thus have great demands for mental and physical stimulation and exercise. If you don’t exercise them enough, your dog may exhibit undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking, digging, and jumping.
Both Labradors, as well as Golden Retrievers, belong to the sports group. They have a history of being bred for retrieving and delivering downed birds using an easy mouth. Both breeds are extremely intelligent, possess high energy levels, and are keen to follow instructions.
Labrador retriever vs Golden Retriever: 8 Main Differences
Here are eight significant differences between Golden Retriever vs Labrador :
Labrador retriever vs Golden Retriever: History and Origins
The Labrador Retriever’s most popular breed was initially developed in Newfoundland. They began to become more sought-after in the early 1800s by English nobles when they visited Canada. Infatuated by the breed, certain nobles chose to take some exquisite specimens to England, where British breeders further refined the breed during the latter period into the early 19th century.
We believe that the Golden Retriever dog breed was first developed in Scotland during the middle of the 19th century. Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth, created this breed in the Scottish Highlands to create the ideal gundog for his estates in Scotland.
Lab vs Golden Retriever: Purpose
People at that time, create Labrador Retrievers specifically bred to catch fish and ducks that had been free of nets from the freezing waters of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland.
Golden Retrievers were specifically bred to hunt wildfowl within Scotland during a time when hunting was a sport of choice for Scottish nobles.
The breeds of retrievers that existed in the past were incapable of fulfilling the role of retrieving downed game from the land and marshy ponds, which led to the need for a special breed. The top water spaniels were bred with the existing retriever breeds, which resulted in the development breed known as The Golden Retriever breed.
Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever: Height and Weight
Labrador Retriever male dogs typically weigh between 22 1/2 and 24 1/2 inches when they are at their withers. Female Labrador Retrievers measure 21 1/2 up to 23 1/2. Males weigh between 65 to 80 pounds, whereas females weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.
Golden Retriever males typically measure 23 to 24 inches withers, while females measure 21 1/2-22 1/2 inches. Male dogs weigh between 65 and 75 pounds, whereas females weigh between 55 and 65 pounds
Read More : Golden Retriever Weight And Growth Chart All You Need To Know
Golden Retriever vs Lab: Coat Color
According to the American Kennel Club’s standard. This breed has a wide range of golden shades. As the name suggests, any color of coat that is very pale or dark is unsuitable.
In accordance with the American Kennel Club’s standards for this breed, Labrador Retrievers are available in three coats: black, chocolate, and yellow. Other colors or combinations of colors are an infraction to the show ring.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador: Coat Care
Labrador Retrievers have two coats that shed. But by regularly brushing them, the shed can be under control. Keep in mind That the occasional bath will help keep them fresh.
Golden Retrievers have double coats, which shed a lot during the seasons, usually every once or twice a year. Luckily, Regular bruising during this time “blowing their coats,” using a slicker brush (on every day, ideally) will remove all dead hair. However, during the rest time of the season, they will shed moderately.
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever: Temperament
The Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are identical in popularity! Based on the American Kennel Club (AKC) claim that they are both popular breeds. Labrador is one of the most popular dogs in America out of 193 breeds. The Golden Retriever closely follows him at the 3rd position. As a bonus point, in case you’re looking to figure out which dog managed to slip between the two, the German Shepherd ranked second.
We believe that the Golden Retriever and Labrador have been in the same spot since 2013. According to AKC as well as additional online sources affirming that the Labrador has been in the highest position for more than a quarter century, which by any standard is amazing!
They share identical temperaments and are each popular for being gentle, social, friendly, obedient, loving, and affectionate dogs. This has resulted in them being the most popular when it comes to crossing breeds. There are some differences that distinguish them. These temperament differences are the primary elements that allow families to decide the breed that is most suitable for them.
Goldens vs Labs: Health
Healthful Goldens and Labradors typically have a lifespan of 10-12 years. They are ideal for an active family lifestyle.As with all purebred pets, both breeds have some health issues. Labradors and Goldens are at risk of hip and elbow dysplasia and progressive atrophy in the retina, which is progressive (gradual visual loss).
Goldens are more prone to developing cancer. As with most large breed dogs, Labradors are prone to weight gain. A regular eating and exercise regimen is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and reduce joint stress.
Conclusion
Labradors or Golden Retrievers tend to be happy and active animals who are loyal to their owners and excellent with children. Each breed has distinct characteristics that appeal to specific households and lifestyles; there’s one thing for sure: you cannot get it wrong, no matter the breed you select.
