Golden and Labrador Retrievers are hugely popular breeds, with Goldens ranking #3 and Labradors ranking at the top for more than 30 years!
By Adeline Ee.
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Both breeds have a long history, dating back to the 19th century.
Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland, while Labrador Retrievers were developed in Newfoundland, Canada.
Both breeds were originally used for hunting, but they quickly became beloved family pets.
Today, Golden and Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly temperament and trainability.
They are also popular working dogs, serving as assistance, therapy, and service dogs.
Golden and Labrador Retrievers are popular breed choices for families with children, and their reputation as loyal and loving companions is greatly deserved.
But why are they so remarkably popular?
The Retrievers Just Loooove The World!
They are the epitome of a happy-go-lucky pooch. Golden and Labrador Retrievers are two of the kindest breeds of dogs for families with children.
I’ve had two Golden Retrievers in my life, and both breeds stayed true to their temperaments.
I have never seen either of them impatient, moody, or grumpy.
Strangers would come up to us all the time and all they would do is lap up the attention while my Rottweiler girl kept a guarded, watchful eye from a distance.
Retrievers are known for their gentle dispositions and their love to play.
They also have the penchant for carrying things around in their mouths (retrieving!) and make ideal playmates for young children.
Retrievers are known for their loyalty and calm nature, and while they bond closely with their family, they are also accepting and loving towards strangers, which makes them the ideal therapy or emotional support dog.
In addition, both breeds are relatively easy to manage and are typically very obedient and trainable.
They are also likely to get along with other pets, big and small.
They Are Relatively Easy To Train
Retrievers are known for their high intelligence levels, which allow them to quickly learn new commands.
Additionally, both breeds are highly food motivated (gluttons, they are!), making them more likely to respond to positive reinforcement training methods.
Retrievers also have a strong desire to please their owners, which makes them quick learners.
With patience and consistency, almost anyone can successfully train a Retriever!
Retrievers Are Versatile Dogs That Are Multi-Talented
Their athleticism, winning personalities and trainability make them excel in practically everything they do, from hunting and tracking to agility and obedience trials.
Golden Retrievers are especially known for their retrieving skills while Labradors excel at waterfowl hunting.
Whether you are looking for a loving family pet or a top-notch athlete, a Retriever would probably do well in all situations.
They Are Relatively Affordable
If you’re looking for a family-friendly dog that is relatively affordable to support financially, you can’t go wrong with a Retriever.
Sadly, because of their popularity, there are plenty of them found in shelters all around the globe, and you might get lucky and pick up your perfect dog in addition to rescuing one.
If you choose to buy, Retrievers are widely found in reputable breeders across the US, with a large price range from about $800 to over $3,000 depending on quality.
They are medium-sized dogs whose appetite won’t break the bank but be warned, they are GLUTTONS!
They will eat you out of house and home if you let them.
So don’t give in to those puppy eyes. Retrievers are prone to obesity, and a fat dog is an unhealthy one.
Additionally, both breeds are fairly easy to groom, so you won’t have to spend a fortune on professional grooming services.
Do you know what are the essential items to have when you’ll bring your very first dog home?
Have a look at our list of essentials for dogs.
They’re Good-Natured
Both breeds are famous for their friendly temperaments and loving dispositions.
It is a long-standing joke that a Retriever is more liable to lick a burglar to death than to attack one.
While it is true that all dogs have the potential to be aggressive, Retrievers are generally not aggressive by nature.
In fact, both breeds are often used as therapy dogs or service animals – check out service dog facts you might not know – because of their gentle dispositions.
Their Thick Coats Can Suit Cold Climates
They are double-coated dogs that can suit cold climates, unlike other short-haired breeds like Pitbulls and Chihuahuas.
The coat is made up of two layers: the outer layer is called the top coat or outer coat, and the inner layer is called the undercoat.
The outer coat hair is longer and coarser, helping to repel water and dirt.
The undercoat is shorter and softer, providing insulation against the cold.
Together, these two layers work to keep the dog’s body temperature stable in both hot and cold weather.
In addition to their fur coats, Retrievers also have webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers.
One of my Retrievers is so water-lovin’ that every time we went to the beach, he would be the first one in the water and the last one out, playing fetch for hours with no sign of tiring.
They love water, and they love to retrieve.
It is what they were bred to do!
They Have Many Colors
Not all retrievers are the same color!
Some Golden Retrievers are so light that they are almost white, and dark, nutty brown.
Labradors can be black, yellow, red, or chocolate.
With so many hues, you’ll find something to suit you for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Smarter Golden Retriever or Labrador?
The debate over which breed of dog is the smartest is one that has raged on for many years.
While there are a number of ways to measure intelligence, one common method is to see how well a dog can learn and follow commands.
In this area, both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers excel.
Both Retriever breeds are highly trainable and quick to learn new tricks.
Labrador Retrievers are ranked #7 out of 138 dog breeds, while Golden Retrievers are ranked #4.
Ultimately, both breeds make great companion animals and which one is smarter may come down to personal preference.
Are Labradors Or Golden Retrievers More Popular?
There’s no question that both Labradors and Golden Retrievers are among the most popular breeds of dogs. But which one is more popular?
According to the American Kennel Club’s most recent statistics, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed of dog in the United States, while the Golden Retriever is ranked third.
In the United Kingdom, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular breed for more than a decade, while the Golden Retriever is way down at about #10.
Final Thoughts
Labrador and Golden Retrievers have a lot in common: they’re both friendly, intelligent, and good with kids.
But what really sets them apart is their training potential.
Retrievers are often used as service dogs, due to their ability to learn complex commands and tasks.
They’re also popular hunting dogs, as their retrieval instincts make them natural-born fetchers.
And of course, let’s not forget that they’re both absolutely adorable.
With their heart-melting eyes and floppy ears to go with their incredibly lovable dispositions, it’s no wonder that these two breeds are among the most popular in the world.
Photo by JacLou.