Golden Retriever vs. Labrador Retriever: Which Is Better?

Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are two of the most popular dog breeds.

Labs have been #1 on the AKC’s most popular breeds list for 30 years in a row, and Golden Retrievers aren’t too far behind at #4.

But even though they’re two of America’s most popular breeds and they look similar, there are more differences between these dogs than you might think.

This video will show you differences in Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever:

- Personalities
- Barking
- How good they are with children
- Energy levels
- Training
- Shedding
- And much more

One of the most common reasons people abandon dogs is because the dog isn’t a good match for their lifestyle, so knowing these differences BEFORE you bring home your pup will potentially save both you and your dog lots of heartbreak.

Have you had either of these dog breeds? Let me know down in the comments!

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[thatwasinteresting]

I've had 2 Goldens and one black lab. They are both great dogs. The biggest problem with either one is that they don't live long enough.

[jamescox]

RIP Crosby. Shy of 14 years old you were my best friend, hunting partner and companion. The greatest Black Lab I ever knew. You are surely missed by the entire family.

[kbcarroll]

One important thing that canceled out the size of my 55lb golden when dealing with children was that she knew they were small children and treated them accordingly. She would army-crawl up to babies and toddlers in a deliberate attempt to be gentle. The only time she got rambunctious with children was when they were 5-7 and were playing rough with her. She knew her size and acted accordingly.

[MD-sjdn]

Our Golden co-raised our two children. What amazing animals. A few weeks after she passed, I was cooking a steak and instinctively cut off a piece and reached down with my hand to give it to her.

[textaylor]

This is one selection you can't go wrong. There is a good reason both breeds are popular - because they're two of the best breeds going. If you like gentle, lovable, goofy, family friendly pups that will always love you back while providing a ton of laughs, and you like medium to large dogs, I think these are the two best breeds going.

[markcrawford]

I had my Willow for just at 16 years. Sadly the last 3 years she was plagued with hip dysplasia and arthritis. She was the uncommon black flat coated retriever with the facial structure of a beautiful golden and soft flowing coat to match. Tons of energy her entire life and she was never neglected of new tennis balls weekly. ❤

[AnneMB]

Our Golden Garrus is 8 years old and we love him to pieces. He’s also grown up with 5 kitties. He totally respects them. 🤗

[NotThatBob]

When my golden died, I just couldn't replace him with another golden. I now have a black lab. All I can say is you can't go wrong with either of the two. Both breeds will pull at your heart strings and both will have you laughing most of the day. More so with the lab.
BTW any dog, any size is better than no dog imo.

[SomeMinorDogTraining]

For anyone reading this: I know that dog training can be difficult sometimes, but you're doing great. Keep up the good work, and your dog (and your own sanity) will thank you for it! ❤️💕

[quiltie]

We had a Black Gold. That is a blend of Black Lab and Golden Retrievers. He was the sweetest dog I had ever known. So very smart and wanting to please his humans. He was black with the fur of a golden. Stunning. I wish this would become an official breed. It’s the perfect dog!

[hellagood]

We had two yellow labs. They were litter brothers and lived for 12 and 13.5 years. They were my protectors when I was very ill. They never left my side, and always greeted hubby when he came home, even if he had only gone up the road to get my medication. ❤❤❤❤❤❤. We had them cremated when they crossed the rainbow bridge, in 2017 and 2018, so that we could always have them with us. I still miss them, every single day. I would definitely get another one (or two), but not yet. We’re not ready for the commitment and there are things we still wish to do, that we deferred when our boys were alive. I simply adore labradors. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[gardinagem]

I had one black lab, she lived for 14 years and was so smart, happy and friendly. I miss her...

[iancarisi]

I love both. I personally had two Labs. Littermates. They passed at 10 and 14. The first one did develop liver cancer. The second had a long loving life, they were both well loved.

[James_]

Our dog’s mom was a lab, dad was a golden. If often feels like we got the best of both worlds.

[patrickbrowder]

My buddies' chocolate lab weighed in at 107 lbs back in the 80's and didn't look fat. Rowdy was a big, big boy and gentle as can be.

[michaelquillen]

Years ago, I had a dog that was the result of a Lab male and a Golden female. That dog was one of the best overall dogs I think I ever had. On the other hand, I once had a Golden Retriever that never made the same mistake twice. He was very easy to train. Currently, I have an Aussie/Lab mix (my second one). Love this mix!!! As for the cost of a dog (my mixed breeds are "mutts" and never have cost much initially), I've always been prepared to spend the money on toys, vets, and quality food. Also, remember, all dogs have their own personality....don't expect "Rex" to act the same as "Duke" just because they are the same breed.

[bdogg]

I have a lab and we self trained her to be a service dog. I was amazed how smart she is and how fast she picks up on her training. It's amazing.

[joeldukes]

Had an English Golden. LadyBugg was snow white, smart and sweet with a slight underbite.
Now have Nugget. A honey colored American Golden. An athletic snuggle machine.
I am so blessed to have had 2 of the best dogs ever.

[katieplechata]

We have two goldens and bringing home a yellow lab puppy tomorrow! Love both breeds!

[kallebirgersson]

This was, by far, the best video I have seen about difference between Labs and Goldens