Please help with difference between Lab and Golden

[frenchboxer]

I went to a pet store last night and the owner had his Golden Retriever in the shop with him and he was a delightful, loveable boy. I could identify him as a Golden, but what are the character differences between Goldens and Labs? I have met so many Labs that have been hyper and sometimes aggro, yet have met MANY (they are very popular over here) Goldens and without exception they are always friendly towards me and my dog. Are their temperaments different? Not to be biased or to bash any breed, because I love most breeds, but I am developing a soft spot for the nature of the Golden. Are they easy dogs to look after? Sorry for so many questions but I am really interested to learn more.

[joce]

The goldens across the street form me growing up were much mroe laid back than my labs were. They were less protective of things,although that might have been an odd trait of the labs around here :) .They were not as hyper but then again I hav emet soem that are! Maybe some one with a golden can really tell you,I think they are great dogs though!

[bubbatd]

I'll have EliN bump her comments !

[Gempress]

I think goldens are a bit softer in temperament than a lab. They're very sweet and are generally less hyper. Labs are also very loving, but have a lot more energy and drive than goldens do. I guess that's why you see more hunting labs than hunting goldens.

[Sirius]

Labs get much more jealous of other dogs then goldens do.

[GlassOnion]

Labs definately have a much higher play drive than a golden retriever does.

I only have half of a Golden Retriever (her other half is German Shepherd) but I wouldn't dare say she's not protective of her territory.

She's bitten the back pocket off of an electrical guy (would've gone for more except we got our hands on her at that point in time). She barks at anyone who comes near our property (that she knows isn't supposed to be there). The mailman lives in fear of her.

She's a very protective dog. Sweet and loveable when she's around people she knows but when you get a UPS guy, pizza guy, electric guy, etc. at the door she gets mean.


But that could be the German Shepherd in her.

[frenchboxer]

Thanks so much all of you for your information. I am liking these dogs (goldens) more and more - I like their loveability factor!!

[Julie]

My labs play/work hard and love to sleep too.

The reason we choose the labrador retriever breed is because of their drive, and their stamina.

I can't help much with the Golden haven't been around too many.

But they do seem to have somewhat different personalitys, not to mention physical differences.

Edit: My labs are very lovey dovey with me. And are very people oriented.:D

[Athebeau]

I have met many thousands of Golden's and Lab's I have friends who breed for show and some who breed only for hunting.
I find there is a difference between hunting vs Show Goldens. The show are bigger with more (much more) coat and are bred more for being docile etc. The hunting Goldens have much less coat (at least my friends who breed true breeding Golden's breed for much less coat)...you don't want a hunting dog that your afraid to take to the bush. The hunt bred Goldens are much more hyper than show type, same goes for Labs. Hunting Lab's are normally much smaller and wirey than show Lab's.

I have 2 Golden's in for boarding right now. After I read this I went down and looked at them. These dogs are both from the same litter (an American breeder sent them up to the kennel owned by my friend who shows Newf's) to get Canadian Championship titles on them. One of the Goldens is so hyper I think they charged the dog with duracell batteries...it NEVER stops jumping, moving, barking, fence fighting, just wound for sound. His brother (littermate) is the complete opposite, calm, sweet, lovable, sweet to his neighbors and just really gentle. I also have a Golden that comes in that is offensive and very dog aggressive, the owners are having a very difficult time of it. I have also had some Goldens in that are genetically fearful, timid etc.

So, my opinion is more often than not you are going to get a nice dog when purchasing a Golden...or any retriever for that matter. Retrievers are safer to have around as they are specifically bred not to have the full series of predatory drives like terriers and other breeds do. The only problem is they are being over bred which is affecting temperment, mentality, some are just brain dead and others excil at obedience. It just solely depends on the breeder, always do your homework, make sure they are not just breeding anything and that they are doing well researched careful breeding. Never purchase a Golden from a petstore, you never know what temperment of soundness you'll end up with. I have consoled many an upset customer who made a silly whim of a purchase at a petstore and have had a nightmare ever since.

Try to meet the parents, and a breeder who asks you more questions than you can answer and who has either a waiting list or who only does breeding once in awhile is a good one to go with.

A golden can be a very good choice as a pet. Overall I find them to be a better calmer dog than the Lab...in most cases...not all:) . I have a few Lab's that come in that are very laid back.

[bubbatd]

Goldens rule !!!! ( though I love my 2 grand-dog Labs )

[EliNHunter]

I have a cute word document at work I'll post this week saying the difference between labs and goldens...

[gaddylovesdogs]

Some labs are more hyper and aggressive...my lab is extremely gentle and calm unless you get her going. She's an absolute sweetheart, the best dog ever! :D

[bubbatd]

Ah EliN's back !! Those who haven't seen it will love it !

[frenchboxer]

Thanks so much for all your input guys. Wow Athebeau, that was a lot of trouble you went to.. big thanks.

Elin, I am looking forward to the word document re the difference between the 2. Thanks again.

[bubbatd]

I agree with Athebeau too. Field bred Goldens are smaller and more energetic , better in Obedience competion and are usually darker. My line had both types in their background . " The New Golden Retriever " by Schlehr is a good reference. ( In fact a lot of pictures are lines in our pedigrees )

[Doberluv]

My Dad hunted with a friend who had a Chocolate Lab girl and that dog was sweet, laid back and an excellently trained hunting dog. I've known lots of Labs and they're not suppose to be hyper, so if they are, something's wrong. Drive, exuberance, yes, but wild, aggressive....that just isn't correct temperament. My own Lab was laid back, even as a pup, wonderful temperament, ready to play when invited, loved people, great with kids, was intelligent and easy to train. So, I don't know what's happening to the breed and am suprised to hear some of these temperament traits which do not sound like a correct Lab and don't match the breed description.

[frenchboxer]

My Dad hunted with a friend who had a Chocolate Lab girl and that dog was sweet, laid back and an excellently trained hunting dog. I've known lots of Labs and they're not suppose to be hyper, so if they are, something's wrong. Drive, exuberance, yes, but wild, aggressive....that just isn't correct temperament. My own Lab was laid back, even as a pup, wonderful temperament, ready to play when invited, loved people, great with kids, was intelligent and easy to train. So, I don't know what's happening to the breed and am suprised to hear some of these temperament traits which do not sound like a correct Lab and don't match the breed description.

I have also been surprised at what I have been seeing. I remember knowing Labs when I was younger that were teddy bears. You wouldn't believe how many Labs here have really nasty, hyper attitudes. Perhaps they are just too over bred and there isn't enough attention being paid to temperament. On the other hand, each and every Golden I have met has been so friendly and loving to me and my dog, and that is why I find myself falling for them..

[casablanca1]

In my experience, Labs are territorial and range from indifferent to hostile to people outside their immediate family. Goldens tend to be more easy-going and pleasant to strangers. The big problem with Labs is that their reputation is as a gentle family pet and the way their territoriality makes them fairly reliable yard dogs who won't casually scamper into the street. That results in their owners allowing them to wander their unfenced yard, feeling that Max or Shadow is such a sweetheart, and he's not in any danger from cars, so why not let him roam a little? They seem oblivious to the reality that their dog has marked the entire block as his own, and is quite willing to defend it. I've never seen a Golden do this, partly because (I think) Goldens tend to be more flighty and their owners don't tend to let them run loose as often.

[EliNHunter]

The TRUE Story!! :p

Goldens: NEED attention.
Labs: WANT attention.

Goldens: MUST be touching you at all times.
Labs: WANT to touch you at all times.

Goldens: They must be Catholics – they understand the need to confess their guilt.
Labs: They must be Protestant – What guilt?

Goldens: If they had a job, they’d be a social worker.
Labs: If they had a job, they’d be a standup comedian.

Goldens: If they could speak, they’d constantly say “I love you.” And if you come home and find a lamp is broken, they’d say “Broken lamp? I must have done it. I know I was outside the whole time, but I must have done it. Oh nooo… someone’s unhappy.”
Labs: If they could speak, they’d constantly say “Love me.” And if you come home and find a lamp is broken, they’d say “Broken lamp? I did it. I was having tons of fun. Want to see me break the other one?”

Goldens: Hang on you.
Labs: Body slam you.

Goldens: Long hair in your food, on your clothes, on your couch.
Labs: Shorter hair in your food, on your clothes, on your couch.

Goldens: Brush daily.
Labs: Wash and wear!

[Doberluv]

Very funny, but so untrue Eli. I have known Goldens too...friends and neighbors and I find them very similar in temperament to Labs, in general, friendly, willing, loving, playful, devoted, but not too wild (when adults and when handled well)My own Lab was not like those silly things in that example. She was very affectionate, unobtrusive, sensable, thinking, relaxed, friendly to all, not a great watch dog...just a lovely family dog. I guess there are too many unknowing generalizations thrown around based on lousy breeding lately (I guess) and I don't like to see what I see as misinformation....and because I still miss my Bonnie so much sometimes since having put her to sleep not too long ago after 14 yrs. almost. She was a very loyal companion to our whole family. I'm all tearing up now after being so OK for a long time. Weird, huh. woops.

Anyhow, if you want to see an affectionate dog.....more of a pest with affection and loyalty, who really thinks they're a lap dog, who thinks they're made of velcro, who will not venture far at all when on an off leash walk, who won't let you go to the bathroom alone ever again, who sticks to you like glue and protects you against anything, who, if you look at them crosseyed, will just about die from guilt, may need therapy, they're so sensative, who not only are obedient, but also invent a whole new way to do everything and teach you how to do it their way, which sometimes is better..... who will say they love you in several languages, try a Doberman. LOL.

"And if you come home and find a lamp is broken, they’d say “Broken lamp? I did it. I was having tons of fun. Want to see me break the other one?”

Now, THAT sounds like my Doberman. LOL.

[bubbatd]

EliN' Yogi and now Hunter , was/is great dogs ! My other grand-lab Rudy is something else... but much better than he was. We both are so familiar with Goldens , it's hard not to compare .

[EliNHunter]

Very funny, but so untrue Eli. I have known Goldens too...friends and neighbors and I find them very similar in temperament to Labs, in general, friendly, willing, loving, playful, devoted, but not too wild (when adults and when handled well)My own Lab was not like those silly things in that example. She was very affectionate, unobtrusive, sensable, thinking, relaxed, friendly to all, not a great watch dog...just a lovely family dog. I guess there are too many unknowing generalizations thrown around based on lousy breeding lately (I guess) and I don't like to see what I see as misinformation....and because I still miss my Bonnie so much sometimes since having put her to sleep not too long ago after 14 yrs. almost. She was a very loyal companion to our whole family. I'm all tearing up now after being so OK for a long time. Weird, huh. woops.

Anyhow, if you want to see an affectionate dog.....more of a pest with affection and loyalty, who really thinks they're a lap dog, who thinks they're made of velcro, who will not venture far at all when on an off leash walk, who won't let you go to the bathroom alone ever again, who sticks to you like glue and protects you against anything, who, if you look at them crosseyed, will just about die from guilt, may need therapy, they're so sensative, who not only are obedient, but also invent a whole new way to do everything and teach you how to do it their way, which sometimes is better..... who will say they love you in several languages, try a Doberman. LOL.

"And if you come home and find a lamp is broken, they’d say “Broken lamp? I did it. I was having tons of fun. Want to see me break the other one?”

Now, THAT sounds like my Doberman. LOL.

Doberluv... this was a generality in jest that I hope even you can't say is the standard rule. Sorry if I hit a nerve. EVERY breed had the "laid back lab" or the "laid back dob". Heck, even labs and goldens can be MEAN. Most labs and dobs I know ARE laid back. I've known goldens for 42 years and labs for 15 years. It's a mere observation as to their personalities not meaning one's better than the other :rolleyes:

[Doberluv]

Oh I know Elinhunter. It is a funny joky thing, I realize. I guess I miss Bonnie more than I thought I did. I haven't shed a tear for a long time for her. It just made me think of her and how sweet she was. And if she broke a lamp, it would have been on account of her tail sweeping it off the table. (really...just like a Golden.) (Thank goodness for docked Dobermans. LOL. Otherwise, every lamp and ever artifact would have been disintigrated by now. Talk about a wild child puppy!) I am so rambling.

And you're so right. Dog bites come from all kinds of dogs and I'm convinced that most of the time, it is reliant on how a dog is handled and trained etc and how, in accordance to their breed...taking the individual quirps into account....mostly. Ok...rambling again.

[EliNHunter]

I know, Doberluv. They're all so different and so SPECIAL in their own individual ways... and the stereotypes I gave were in the most loving intent...

[bubbatd]

Dober... rave or rant on !!! Bonnie was your heart dog ! I don't remember if you've gotten into my foster dog Kobe's thread. His new Mommy -to -be had her wonderful Choc Lab Fergeson heart dog she thought she'd never could replace. She can't ....but in 3 days she will have a wonderful golden who Fergy sent to her and she can't wait !

[frenchboxer]

The TRUE Story!! :p

Goldens: NEED attention.
Labs: WANT attention.

Goldens: MUST be touching you at all times.
Labs: WANT to touch you at all times.

Goldens: They must be Catholics – they understand the need to confess their guilt.
Labs: They must be Protestant – What guilt?

Goldens: If they had a job, they’d be a social worker.
Labs: If they had a job, they’d be a standup comedian.

Goldens: If they could speak, they’d constantly say “I love you.” And if you come home and find a lamp is broken, they’d say “Broken lamp? I must have done it. I know I was outside the whole time, but I must have done it. Oh nooo… someone’s unhappy.”
Labs: If they could speak, they’d constantly say “Love me.” And if you come home and find a lamp is broken, they’d say “Broken lamp? I did it. I was having tons of fun. Want to see me break the other one?”

Goldens: Hang on you.
Labs: Body slam you.

Goldens: Long hair in your food, on your clothes, on your couch.
Labs: Shorter hair in your food, on your clothes, on your couch.

Goldens: Brush daily.
Labs: Wash and wear!

I like it - very much :D :D :D . Thanks!

[Doberluv]

I love Labs and Goldens. It's a good thing I'm not more neurotic than I am because I'd have way too many dogs. Bonnie's best friend, where we use to live was a Golden across the street. We lived in a private development of acreage parcells....very safe, private little lanes. Anyhow, she would play with Reggie and get hold of his collar and drag him down the road and they'd both be wagging and trotting. It was very cute. But looking back, that was kind of dangerous....the collar thing around the neck. But they were both drooling over the kids and loved everyone. I loved Reggie. Then they moved. It was very sad. But Bonnie made friends with the other neighbor's dog and that dog hung out at our house 99% of the time, came inside when it was cold (because they never let their dog inside) and when it was thundering, we'd bring that dog in. She was like our dog. LOL. Those people didn't give her much attention at all. Sammy and Bonnie would come every day with me on my horse rides on trails. Bonnie would be in front and Sammy behind. LOL. A little difficult when I wanted to canter...."Bonnie! Out of the way!" LOL.

[CanadianK9]

Body type

Golden: Slender and well proportioned

Lab: Same as a golden but slightly more rounded

Fur

Golden: Typicly short-medium length and fine-medium

Lab: Typicly Short and fine-medium

Color

Golden: Typicly Cream, golden or deep red

Lab: Typicly Black, Brown or yellow

Grooming

Golden: Needs to be maintained regularily

Labs: Very easy to maintain grooming

Motabolism

Golden: Active and playfull

Lab: Active and very playfull

Drives

Golden: To please you, loyalty, love and fun

Lab: Anything high energy, loyalty, love, fun, and out to please you; just not as much

Temperments (effected alot by owner) but typicly

Goldens: Very open, playful, calm, loving and very affectionate

Labs: Very playful, loving, not as calm as a golden but almost as affctionate

Protectiveness (depends on owner)

Golden: Almost non-existant, the golden would probobly carry the flashlight for a robber

Lab: Low protectiveness

Best suited fields

Golden: Theropy, assistance/service, hunting, s & r, family dog, some dog sports, and companionship,

Lab: Theropy, assistance/service, hunting, family dog, most dog sports, and companionship


When it comes down to it they are basicly the same just the lab is more playfull and the golden is more affectionate.

[panzer426]

very true. the two breeds are like twins (not identical though). goldens obviously have longer hair. goldens are typically calmer and more affectionate. labs are very affectionate but since labs need to run and play more they dont have as much time for affection as goldens.

[gaddylovesdogs]

My Dad hunted with a friend who had a Chocolate Lab girl and that dog was sweet, laid back and an excellently trained hunting dog. I've known lots of Labs and they're not suppose to be hyper, so if they are, something's wrong. Drive, exuberance, yes, but wild, aggressive....that just isn't correct temperament. My own Lab was laid back, even as a pup, wonderful temperament, ready to play when invited, loved people, great with kids, was intelligent and easy to train. So, I don't know what's happening to the breed and am suprised to hear some of these temperament traits which do not sound like a correct Lab and don't match the breed description.
I have seen some aggressive labs...some of them are hyper, too. With all the breeding of labs, though, who knows if these dogs are even purebred? May is the most gentle dog I have ever met...she loves people, she loves other dogs, she is stubborn but she loves to please me...when my sister was here with her kids, May was sleeping on the floor and both kids went and sat on her.....and she just laid there! When Gabe was just a baby my sister asked us to watch him while she took a shower. Once she left, May went and sat right next to the little chair he was sleeping in and sat there, like, "Don't worry, I'll take care of him!" Labs are the best.

[EliNHunter]

As for their hair (I've had both), a golden's hair needs more maintenance with regular brushouts of undercoat (but labs need it too, just not as much). But for shedding, it's all the same. They both shed. I just find golden hair easier to clean up because it's longer and easier to sweep into a swirl whereas labs hairs are short and scatter...

[rocco&quiras mama]

i might be wrong but i think they are at the top of the biting statistics here in sweden, prob because ppl normaly think of goldens as kind, easygoing dogs.

[CanadianK9]

As I said, Its all in how you raise the dog

[CanadianK9]

love goldens, though labs are nice I still have to say im more partial to goldens

[Dixie]

As anyone can guess Im very partial to Labradors.

Both breeds are smart and can excel in anything you train them to do, although you see more Labradors dominate the FTs and HTs.

Goldens are more laid back and can grow to be larger than a Labrador. Goldens of course needs alot of maintenance due to their coat, and are prone to arthiritis, hip dysplasia, and cataracts.

Labradors on the other hand tend to be hyper as puppies and usually remain so until about 2 years of age when they mature. Labs are intelligent and have excellent memory (they have been known to memorize up to 6 marks at a time). They can differentiate similar objects (white bumper vs white coke bottle). They have excellent hunting abilities, and their are variations within the breed - pointing labs, hunting labs, retrieving labs, american labs, and english labs. The pointing labs are bred specifically to hunt, and I have found these to be the most versatile, they are also american labs which means they are leaner than the english labs, which are stockier.

Also you can get 3 different flavors- Chocolate, Yellow, and Black.

Chocolates can range in a light brown to a deep dark chocolate, almost black (Reaux is a prime example)

Yellows can range from a polar bear white to a fox red color.

And blacks are just black, but tend to have better genetics.

Also Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and arthiritis in their older years.

Most Lab breeders require you have your Lab puppy OFA and CERT at 24 mos.

Hope this helps

-Dix

[frenchboxer]

Thanks all of you for your very interesting input. I have learnt a lot from all of your replies and I feel that I know a lot more about both breeds now.

Thanks to all for taking the time to share your knowledge.