Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
Which breed is right for you?
Golden Retriever
Sunny, smart and endlessly devoted.
vs
Labrador Retriever
The world's favourite family dog.
Quick verdict
Both are large Sporting breeds that score top marks for trainability and friendliness, so you cannot go wrong with either for an active, social family. The single biggest difference is energy and coat: the Labrador Retriever is the higher-energy dog with a short, low-effort coat, while the Golden Retriever is slightly calmer but carries a longer coat that needs more brushing. Pick the Lab if you want the busiest playmate and easiest grooming, or the Golden if you prefer a softer, more laid-back companion.
At a glance
| Golden Retriever | Labrador Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting | Sporting |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Weight | 25-34 kg | 25-36 kg |
| Height | 55-61 cm | 55-62 cm |
| Lifespan | 10-12 yr | 11-13 yr |
| Origin | Scotland | Canada (Newfoundland) |
| Energy | 4 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Trainability | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Friendliness | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Shedding | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Barking | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Good with kids | Excellent | Excellent |
| With other dogs | Excellent | Excellent |
| With cats | Usually fine | Usually fine |
Choose the Golden Retriever if:
Choose the Golden Retriever if you want a gentle, devoted family dog with a slightly lower energy level, and you do not mind brushing a longer water-repellent coat two or three times a week.
Full Golden Retriever profileChoose the Labrador Retriever if:
Choose the Labrador Retriever if you have an active, outdoorsy household that can meet very high exercise needs, and you prefer a short coat that only needs a quick weekly brush.
Full Labrador Retriever profileFrequently asked questions
Which is easier to train, a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever?
They are equally trainable, both rating 5 out of 5. Each is intelligent and eager to please and thrives on reward-based training, which is why both are common service, guide and therapy dogs.
Which breed sheds less?
Both have a dense double coat and shed heavily, especially twice a year. Grooming effort is the real difference: the Labrador's short coat needs only a weekly brush, while the Golden's longer coat needs brushing two or three times a week.
Which is better for an active family, the Golden or the Labrador?
Both are excellent with kids and other dogs, but the Labrador is the higher-energy choice at 5 out of 5 versus the Golden's 4, needing at least an hour of hard exercise plus mental work daily. A very active household may prefer the Lab, while the Golden suits families wanting a slightly calmer dog.