Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
Two of the most popular family dogs, with very similar temperaments: friendly, eager to please and easy to train. The Lab is a little more compact, higher-energy in youth and lower-maintenance to groom; the Golden has a long, feathered coat that needs regular brushing and tends to be slightly softer in manner.
At a glance
| Golden Retriever | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Weight | 55–75 lb (25–34 kg) | 55–79 lb (25–36 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 10–12 years |
| Coat | Dense, water-repellent double coat | Short · Short, dense, water-resistant |
| Origin | Scotland, UK | Canada |
| Typical monthly cost | $135–$225 / month | $100–$110 / month |
Temperament & care, rated 1–5
| Golden Retriever | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy levelNeeds a lot of activity every day | 4 | 5 |
| Exercise needsLong daily walks or workouts required | 4 | 5 |
| IntelligenceLearns quickly and solves problems | 5 | 5 |
| TrainabilityTakes to training readily | 5 | 5 |
| AffectionWants close contact with people | 5 | 5 |
| IndependenceCopes well with time alone | 2 | 1 |
| Good with childrenPatient and tolerant with kids | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other petsUsually settles with other animals | 5 | 5 |
| Apartment friendlyComfortable in a smaller home | 4 | 4 |
| Beginner friendlyForgiving for a first-time owner | 4 | 4 |
| SheddingSheds heavily | 3 | 3 |
| Grooming needsFrequent brushing or professional grooming | 4 | 2 |
| Noise levelVocal — barks, meows or calls often | 3 | 3 |
Highlighted = the easier choice for most owners on that trait (higher, except shedding, grooming and noise, where lower is easier).
The key differences
- Coat: the Golden's long double coat needs brushing several times a week; the Lab's short coat needs much less grooming, though both shed heavily.
- Build: Labs are typically stockier with a thicker "otter" tail; Goldens look more slender under their feathering.
- Energy: both need daily exercise, but young Labs are often the more boisterous of the two.
- Both breeds love food and gain weight easily — measured meals matter for either.
Choose the Golden Retriever if…
- You don't mind brushing a few times a week and lots of hair around the house.
- You want a gentle, people-focused dog that settles a little sooner.
- You love the long, flowing coat.
Choose the Labrador Retriever if…
- You want a wash-and-go short coat (it still sheds).
- You're active and want a robust dog for long walks, swimming and retrieving.
- You're ready for a boisterous adolescent that needs plenty of exercise and chew-proofing.