Comparison: Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever

Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Golden Retriever
Photo: Pete Markham from Loretto, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Labrador Retriever
Photo: Ballparx, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Golden RetrieverLabrador Retriever
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers51–61 cm54–62 cm
Weight25–34 kg25–36 kg
Life span10–12 years10–14 years
Recognition features
  • Medium-long golden to cream coat with feathering
  • Gentle head, dark eyes and drop ears
  • Level back and feathered tail
  • Short dense water-repellent coat: black, yellow, chocolate
  • Otter tail and broad head
  • Strong build, strongly water-loving
CoatMedium-long flat or wavy, water-repellent coat.Short, hard, dense, water-repellent; black, yellow, chocolate.
PurposeDeveloped by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland in the 19th century as a retriever of waterfowl.Developed from St. John's water dogs used by fishermen in Newfoundland; refined in Britain as a retriever; now an assistance dog.

Breed page: Golden Retriever · Breed page: Labrador Retriever

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.