Which is better, a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever and why?

Question

I read in a book that the Golden Retriever was good with children. I read in the same book that the Labrador Retriever was good with children but needed special exercise needs. In another book it said
this. For the Golden Retriever the Advantages were good gundog, gentle with children, even-tempered. The Disadvantages were no drawback known. For the Lab. Advantages Even-tempered, good
gundog, good family pet, good with children. Disadvantages were No drawbacks known. I'm not sure which is better for the family. Take a look. Single mom with two teenage kids, 1 small dog, 2 tabby cats. Watchdog ability. PLEASE HELP! They are both cute. We want to know which is the better deal. CUTENESS DOES NOT COUNT! We like the Golden a little better. If anyone knows any place where they breed the Golden Retriever with the
Labrador Retriever, Please, please, please tell me.

Answer 1

You can't really compare them all. Like German shepherds for example. Some come from mellow show breeding stock, and others come from schutzhund stock and are not suitable for most families.

What you could consider doing... Go to some dog training classes in your local area to meet dogs in your town. They can vary quite a bit in different regions. You'll need a dog trainer when you get your puppy anyway and they can help advise you since they will meet your family in person.

Once there talk to owners of the different breeds and what their thoughts are about their dogs. Seeing them in action and getting some hands on time, is a better education.

One thing to keep in mind is that like the GSD and the greyhound, there are several strains of labs. Some can be guardy and protective dogs. Some may be spooks. Some look like greyhounds and some may be very massive with strong bodies. These strains are due to the fact that some are hunting strains, some are show dogs, and others are just bred because they happen to be labs and still have 'nads.

Sometimes mixed breed dogs that may or may not be purebred are for sale as labs or GRs in the newspaper. Differences in strains can be true of Goldens and any other working breeds. Particularly if they are very popular.

Check AKC parent club for a breeder's code of ethics for the breeds in question and then screen the breeders well too.

You've got it right that you will need to choose your dog for the companion he will become in the future, not for the bundle of cuteness that he is as a pup. You may have a dozen years with the puppy you choose.

Answer 2

I have had experiences with both breeds and currently own a Labrador Retriever. And I would not trade him for the world. I will always have at least one as a part of my family. I too had your dilema when I was purshasing my lab. I decided based upon my past experiences with both breeds as well as their coats. The golden is going to need a great deal more of coat care as well as the goldens coat would have been a problem in the summer as well as taking longer to dry after swimming. Both breeds LOVE the water. Base it upon your lifestyle, they are pretty much the same temperment wise but you really have to consider the extra time and care of the golden's coat. Also Labs can be a little more protective over family at least that is what I have seen from the several dogs I know of both breeds. But I have NEVER regretted my decision to go with the LAB.

Answer 3

Golden Retriever and Labs are both good with children, they're temperment will depend upon how you bring them up. Which ever dog you get make sure they have alot of people interaction (people of all ages). The one upside i feel labs have over Golden Retreivers are they're fur. Labs tend to have shorter hair, which either way will get all over your house. Goldens will shed alot more then Labs due to the length of their hair. If you want a dog with Watchdog Ability I would suggest getting something more like a Lab/Shepard mix.

Answer 4

labs are more active and goldens are a lot more of laying around the house kinda doggies. I love my lab wouldnt change him for the world, but I think he requires a little more exercise than a lab would. Both are great with kids, my lab mix lets my 9 month old son crawl on him and the only thing he does in return is lick him sometimes. Im personally sticking to the lab. I think labs would be better for a more active family.

Answer 5

There is no "better" dog, only one that is better for you.

Labs sometimes mature slower than Goldens, which means they will be emotionally mature around 18-24 months rather than 12 months.

Labs will shed less.

Other than that, they are fairly similar. Labs tend to be bred more for field work and Goldens for pets, but that's breeder specific. I personally like Goldens better, but that's really just a decision you'll have to make for yourself. Good luck!! :)

Answer 6

Both are good with children and have loving personalities. However, I read in Temple Grandin's book, "Animals in Translation", that Black Labs are slightly less sensitive to pain than other dogs because of the work they were bred to do - running through brush & rough terrain and wading through cold water to retrieve fowl. This is why they are more tolerant of the toddler who pulls on their ear or steps on their foot.

Answer 7

Take it from me, I own a Golden Retriever. They do have drawbacks. When they get bored, they tend to chew on things, so you definitely have to provide them with chew toys. Also, they probably don't mean to, but because of their size(they average 75 pounds) they play rough with smaller animals.

Answer 8

This is just my opinion. I think Labrador Retriever's are the best choice. They are very chilled animals and very protective.

While Golden Retriever's are great they tend to be a little bit hyper.

Have fun but be safe.

Answer 9

My parents had this problem too, they wanted to either get a Golden retriver or a labrador retriver. Guess what they ended up buying?????? A lab/golden mix.

Answer 10

They are pretty much the same thing just a different color. Labs are known for having problems with their hips at a later age. I have an 8 year old Lab-Husky mix and she's still OK.