Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever

golden retriever vs labrador retriever

Golden retriever vs Labrador retriever

The Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever is a wonderful comparison, with both breeds being so sweet and companionable! When looking for a family dog, the golden retriever is almost as popular as the Labrador retriever. What are the differences?

Some of the key differences between these two retrieving breeds are physical. Coat length, for one, is an obvious visual difference. The Golden Retriever features long, feather-like fur. When maintained well these dogs can be show-stopping with their long, golden locks. 

The upside for the Labrador? They don’t require near the maintenance to stay looking at their best! Their short, double-coats are easily maintained, and really only require brushing when shedding heavily (like in the springtime). 

Another difference is their build. The golden retriever, in general, has a longer body in proportion to its legs. They also tend to not be quite as stocky as the English-style Labrador, but are more bulky than the American-style.

A primary similarity between the two breeds is that they are both used in therapy work with great success. This is likely due to their trainability, personable spirits, and easy-going temperaments.

Black Golden Retriever vs Black Lab

Interestingly enough, there is such a thing as a black Golden retriever. Sort of. As with any rare color within a breed, the black golden retriever is the subject of debate. The AKC breed standard only allows for shades of gold in Golden Retrievers. That’s because the gold colors are produced by recessive genes. If you end up with a dominant black gene in the pool, then the dog is no longer a purebred Golden. 

That brings up the key difference between a so-called black Golden Retriever and a black lab. One of the top three (only three) colors for purebred Labradors is black. So the difference between the black Golden Retriever and the black Labrador boils down to the breed standard and how it is defined.

Black lab golden retriever mix

Some suggest that a black golden retriever can be produced by making a black lab golden retriever mix. Possibly. Keep reading below for more thoughts on this sort of mixed breed.

Goldador puppies for sale

Some people want to take some of the benefits of each breed and combine them into one. Enter golden retriever lab mix puppies. An interesting idea for sure, these puppies will be retrievers for sure, but probably lacking in the visual traits valued by connoisseurs of either breed.

Golden retriever lab mix puppies for sale

Yep, you guessed it! The golden retriever lab mix puppy is one and the same with the Goldador. These are simply a blend of two of the most popular family dogs around.

Goldendoodle

Another mixed breed, goldendoodle puppies are a cross between the Golden Retriever and the poodle. Often a standard poodle is used, but often smaller poodles are chosen. Designer breeds are their own animal!

Goldendoodle puppies

If you are on the hunt for Goldendoodle puppies, just be careful where you choose to get your companion. Because these are a mixed breed, they can be more easily produced with fewer checks and balances in place for quality. Just do your research and be wise. 

Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle

These two designer breeds are actually very similar, perhaps even more similar than the original retriever breeds are to each other. Why? Because in both the labradoodle and goldendoodle, both the puppies will be 50% or more of poodle. 

Black Labradoodle Puppies

While we’re on the subject of designer breeds, lets take a minute to discuss colors. A favorite is the black labradoodle, but really, you should know that most designer breeds are available in assorted colors. Often, designer dogs will have coats that are not a single color. Rather, they will look either slightly variegated or have full-on spots of contrasting color. 

Golden Retriever puppies

After all this discussion on designer breeds, let’s come back to the purebreds. Perhaps you’ve been told that a Golden retriever puppy would be the perfect fit for your children. Maybe you grew up with one and are drawn back to their temperaments as an adult. Purebred Golden retriever puppies are beautiful, and they do make great family dogs! 

Any time you are looking for a puppy, consider your options carefully and choose your breeder wisely. You want to look for health and temperament first of all, more than color or other variable cosmetics. 

Labrador Retriever

While you do your research, however, why not consider the Labrador Retriever? There’s a reason they held the place as the most popular breed in the world for quite some time! DogSmith Purebreds specializes in producing purebred, English-style Labradors. Reach out to us if you think this is a possibility for your next canine companion.

You can read more about our purebred puppies here. Let us help you find the dog of your dreams!

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