Dog breed comparison
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Golden Retriever | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | 55 to 75 pounds | 55 to 80 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Easy to groom
The Labrador Retriever is easier to groom than the Golden Retriever.
Barking
The Labrador Retriever barks more than the Golden Retriever.
Apartment living
The Golden Retriever copes better in an apartment than the Labrador Retriever.
Copes alone
The Labrador Retriever copes better when left alone than the Golden Retriever.
Drooling
The Golden Retriever drools more than the Labrador Retriever.
General health
The Labrador Retriever tends to have fewer health problems than the Golden Retriever.
Which to choose
Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever?
Choose the Golden Retriever if…
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
Choose the Labrador Retriever if…
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Golden Retriever or the Labrador Retriever?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Golden Retriever or the Labrador Retriever?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
