Golden Retrievers vs. Labrador Retrievers: Pros and Cons of Each Breed

If you're planning to add a puppy or even a grown dog to the family, aren't a dog expert and want a retriever, you may have wondered exactly what the differences are between golden and Labrador retrievers. To help you in your selection, here is an overview.

While Labrador retrievers came from Canada, Golden Retrievers originated from Europe. The Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Isles, probably from crosses between a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters and even the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. The Golden Retriever is one of the world's foremost family companion dogs. Many of the top obedience competition dogs in the country are Golden retrievers.

Labrador Retrievers are believed to have originated on the island of Newfoundland, now part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. They are thought to have descended from the St. John's Water Dog (no longer in existence), a crossbreed of native water dogs and the Newfoundland to which the Labrador is closely related.

While Golden Labs comes only in a golden color, Labrador Retrievers can come in yellow, black, or chocolate. Both breeds are wonderful family dogs. However, Golden Retrievers as a breed are typically a bit more calm than Labrador Retrievers.

Golden Retrievers tend to want to be with people all the time, and desire a lot of attention. Labs are more independent by nature. They are also very noisy about everything. Both breeds are great with kids, and both love water, although some labs may love to swim more than some goldens.

Both golden and Labrador retrievers are very easy going dogs, who wouldn't by nature hurt even a flea. At the same time, they have a big bark and will try to protect their master. Their bark alone sometimes scares strangers half to death, and this isn't all bad! A burglar doesn't need to know that the fierce sounding dog behind the closed door is really a friendly golden!

Some people feel that Golden Retrievers generally have a better temperament. They are certainly a very loyal dog, and a very nice breed. They are generally very polite-not the type of dog that will bite your 3-year-old neighbors.

Golden Retrievers do need more grooming than labs, as they have longer coats. If you don't want to maintain the coat of a golden, you might want to consider a lab because their short hair is much easier to maintain. There are "hyperactive" dogs in both breeds, but they come from breeders who don't care to follow breed standards, but only breed to produce more unruly dogs. If you get a dog whose parents were both well-mannered, there is a better chance that your dog will be well-mannered as well.