Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are two of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Both breeds are highly clever, adventurous, and friendly members of the sports group. They are also comparable in terms of their longevity and susceptibility to certain ailments.
Table Summary
| Golden Retrievers | Labrador Retrievers |
| Originated in Scotland as a gun dog | Originated in Canada as a fishing dog |
| Single coat color. | The breed exists in about three coat colors. |
| Slender build and face, longer hair | Relatively heavyset and short hair |
| Costs between $1,000 and $1,300 | Costs between $1000 and $2,500 |
Getty Images / Moment / Images by Christina Kilgour
Definitions
Golden Retrievers developed as gun dogs in mid-nineteenth century Scotland. They are classified into three kinds. American Golden Retrievers, the light gold or cream British Golden Retrievers, and the relatively thinner and darker coated Canadian Golden Retrievers. The American Golden Retriever is the most popular subtype.
Labrador Retrievers were bred as working dogs for the fisherman in 19th-century Newfoundland, Canada. Although there are variances among Labradors, they are traditionally classified into three groups depending on coat color: Yellow Labs, Chocolate Labs, and Black Labs. Yellow Labs resemble Golden Retrievers the most.
Labradors VS Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers have long, feathery outercoats and fluffy inner coats that are waterproof. But Labradors have shorter, denser outercoats and sleek inner coat that is water and ice resistant. While the Golden Retriever’s tail is long and fluffy, the Labrador’s tail is thick, with short hair. Also, in contrast to the narrow, long face of the Golden, the Labrador face is a wide and short muzzle.
Temperamentally, the Golden Retriever is a little bit calmer than the Labrador. However, Labradors tend to cost more. Finally, while the two share a lot of health conditions, Labradors are more susceptible to health issues like obesity and hereditary myopathy. Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to seizures, hip and/or elbow dysplasia, skin problems, and, more frequently, cancer.