Are Golden Retrievers Related To Labradors

You’ve finally decided to pull the trigger on your lifelong dream of getting a dog. You’ve been doing your research, and you’ve found a few reputable breeders, and you’re just about ready to get this show on the road.

However, there’s one little problem.

You can decide if you want to get a golden retriever or a Labrador of some definition. You’ve looked up pictures of them both, and you can’t seem to find a definitive answer for what the difference is between the two breeds.

That’s where we come in.

If you’ve ever wondered if golden Retrievers are related to Labradors – or even if they are the same dog – then it’s time to have your questions answered.

Golden Retrievers and Labradors

The short answer is that no, they are not the same breed of dog. However, they are very similar, so it makes sense that there’s some confusion there.

Both Golden Retrievers and Labradors are:

  • Extremely good-natured and friendly dogs that are family-oriented.
  • An extremely popular dog breed around the world.
  • Excitable dogs.
  • Unlikely to grow taller than two feet.
  • Likely to weigh between 50 and 80 pounds.
  • Likely to live between 10-12 years.
  • Extremely intelligent and high-energy dogs.

It’s extremely obvious why one might think they’re the same dog. However, there are some differences between them, which might tip the scales towards a particular breed if you’re still on the fence.

retriever sitting on a bench
messy retriever

Are Golden Retrievers Smarter Or Calmer Than Labs?

Golden Retrievers tend to be slightly more relaxed than Labradors, but it always comes down to the innate temperament of the dogs. You may find a supremely relaxed Labrador and a very excitable golden retriever, but typically, those two personality traits are switched.

However, both dog breeds are extremely intelligent. They both hail from lineages of hunting dogs, and it shows in their acute senses and high intelligence. If you’re looking for a pet friend who will be receptive to learning tricks and how to navigate amongst your family very quickly, then either dog breed can work to your benefit.

Differences In the Breeds

There are other differences to keep in mind when it comes to comparing Golden Retrievers and Labradors.

  • Their coats are different. Golden Retrievers have a water-repellant coat, whereas a Labrador has a water-resistant coat. Keep this in mind and compare which will be better for whatever weather you live in!
  • Golden Retrievers come in the singular (famous) golden color, whereas Labradors can come in many different colors.
  • Golden Retrievers require more grooming (slightly) than Labradors.
  • Labradors can cost up to double the amount of Golden Retrievers.
  • Labradors tend to have much more energy than Golden Retrievers, and Labradors are much harder to tire out, even after a long day of exercise.
2 pupies and 1 mom

Takeaway

Although golden Retrievers and Labradors are extremely similar dogs on the outside, they are wildly different dogs when you start detailing their differences. From temperament to looks, coats, and other definitions, the two dogs are as different as night and day.

The best you can hope to do is check out several breeders and see if there’s a puppy that you connect with at first sight.