Comparison

Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever

Labrador Retriever

25-36 kg · 11-13 years lifespan

A friendly, forgiving all-rounder that tolerates family chaos - if you keep its weight and exercise honest.

Golden Retriever

25-34 kg · 10-12 years lifespan

A gentle, biddable family dog that fits almost any household - as long as you accept heavy shedding and one of the higher cancer burdens among popular breeds.

Side by side

Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever
Size Large 25-36 kg · 55-62 cm Large 25-34 kg · 51-61 cm
Exercise needs High 1-2 hours of active exercise daily High 1-2 hours of active exercise daily
Alone-time tolerance Moderate Half a workday, with preparation Moderate Half a workday, with preparation
Training Learns fast Picks up new cues in a few reps Learns fast Picks up new cues in a few reps
Coat care differs Low Weekly brushing High Several sessions weekly, heavy shedding
Fit with kids Excellent Patient even with chaotic small kids Excellent Patient even with chaotic small kids
Other pets differs Good Good with early socialization Excellent Easygoing with other animals
Health burden differs Moderate Hips, elbows, weight gain Heavy Cancer risk, hips, skin and ears

Temperament

Labrador Retriever

TrainabilityVery high
Drive to workHigh
SensitivityModerate
IndependenceLow
PlayfulnessVery high
Guarding tendencyLow

Golden Retriever

TrainabilityVery high
Drive to workHigh
SensitivityModerate
IndependenceLow
FriendlinessVery high
Guarding tendencyVery low

Who should pick which

Pick the Labrador Retriever if you want the shorter, lower-maintenance coat and a dog that shrugs off rough family play - and you are prepared for a boisterous adolescence to age 2-3 and lifelong portion control, because Labs eat themselves into joint trouble.

Pick the Golden Retriever if you want the softer, more biddable temperament of the two and do not mind several brushing sessions a week - and you have made peace with the breed’s well-documented cancer rates before falling in love.

Honestly, most families would be happy with either: the differences are coat, a notch of temperament softness, and the health ledger - not day-to-day behavior.

Health, from RealVetCost

Labrador Retriever Moderate
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Obesity-related joint disease
View the full health profile
Golden Retriever Heavy
  • Cancer (hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Skin and ear conditions
View the full health profile