Labradors and Golden Retrievers: How Do You Tell Them Apart?

February 21, 2023

Photo credit: Franco Vannini

Some dog breeds are so similar, you wonder what distinguishes one from the other. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are two such breeds that share many similarities but also some characteristically different features and attributes.

Let’s take a look at some of the similarities and differences between Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.

Labrador Retriever Roots

Across many parts of the world, including Canada, America and the UK, the Labrador Retriever has topped the list as the most popular breed. Which is probably why each country has its own variation of Labrador.

The Labrador Retriever has strong ties with Canada, as they are a descendant of the St John’s Water Dog known as the Newfoundland, which is where they get the name Labrador. 

Early European settlers were impressed with Newfoundland's waterfowling and retrieving skills. They took breeding pairs back home to the UK and mixed them with British gun dogs to create the Labrador breed in the 1880s, one of the most popular of the sporting and hunting breeds. 

Golden Retriever Roots

Golden Retrievers hail from Scotland. The first Goldens were a mix of the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Tweed Water Spaniel. Through the lineages, the breed was refined by introducing Red Setter, Labrador Retriever and Bloodhound into the mix. 

As a breed, the Golden Retriever was recognized by the UK Kennel Club in 1913. In America, the Golden Retriever often surpasses the Labrador as the most popular pet. Variations exist between the British Golden Retriever, the American Golden Retriever and the Canadian Golden Retriever.

Retriever Colours

Labradors come in black, yellow and chocolate, whereas Golden Retrievers come in a broader range of colours from light gold to dark gold to red and mahogany.

Retriever Coats 

Both Labradors and Golden Retrievers have a double coat: a water-proof top coat and a softer under coat, designed to keep them dry, cool and warm.

Labradors, however, have a shorter, more wiry coat that is reflected in their short, pointy tail. The coat of a Golden Retriever is longer, softer with a feathery appearance along the bottom of the torso and back of the legs. These feathers continue along the tail, giving it a fluffier and longer look.

Labradors and Golden Retrievers require regular grooming and brushing. They are big shedders and because they love the water so much, can become quite smelly after swimming. Much care is needed to keep their coats in healthy condition. 

Retriever Temperaments

Labradors are said to be higher energy than most Golden Retrievers, but both breeds make for friendly, gentle family dogs. Both dogs love an equal amount of exercise and will require at least an hour every day to let off steam.

Labradors are described by the AKC as being friendly, outgoing and high-spirited, whereas Golden Retrievers are said to be outgoing, trustworthy and eager-to-please. 

Retriever Size and Appearance

There is very little difference between the size and weight of these two retriever breeds. The Labrador comes in a little heavier and shorter than the Golden by only 5lbs and half an inch. Their muzzles, however, are quite different. Labradors have shorter, wider muzzles, whereas Golden Retrievers' faces are more narrow and longer. 

Though fewer retrievers find themselves out hunting in the fields for game birds, as they once were in the early 19th century, today they claim the top spot for friendliest family dog.