whats the difference between a labrador and a retriever?

Answer 1

Retrievers are a class of hunting dog whoose purpose is to go and bring back the game that the hunter shoots which is usually birds such as ducks or pheasant. Within the retriever family there are many breeds of dog one of which is the Labrador ( a favourite with the duck hunters) and another is the Golden retriever which is genrally referred to as a "Retriever" or occaisionally a "goldy".

Labs are thick set smooth hairedcommonly in yellow or black, Retrievers are taller skinnier build, longer hair and cream through to golden yellow.

Answer 2

A retriever is a dog that will fetch something for you. A labrador is one breed of retriever. Incidentally one of the more erudite previous answers is slightly inaccurate. Labradors are not from Labrador, they actually originated in Newfoundland - this is confusing as there is also a Newfoundland retriever.

Almost all retrievers of whatever breed make great pets if they are allowed to work a little. I have a soft spot for labs because they tend to be so easy to live with and unconditional in their trust. Lovely breed.

Answer 3

A Labrador Retriever is a breed that is recognized by the AKC and most all dog registries.
"Labrador" is an abbreviated way of saying a Labrador Retriever.
There are several distinct retriever breeds (see the AKC website, look under "Sporting Group" for a complete list of AKC recognized retrievers).

Answer 4

The Labrador was originally bred as a Fishing dog off the coast of it's namesake Labrador. Their are actually two types of Lab's. The Euro. Lab is shorter and stout in size. This is due to the need to have a better center of balance for being on boats. The American Lab is breed taller so as to see over weeds and bushes.

As for the Golden Retriever it is a mix breed of a "Yellow dog" and a Tweed Water Spaniel ***** that was breed ed back in the mid 1800's, which produced 4 bitches from the original litter and they went on to breed such breeds as the Red Setter, Bloodhounds, and Springer Spaniels. The Golden is strictly a hunting dog mainly fowl game. and varies in size and color.

Answer 5

A Labrador is only one kind of retriever. They have short hair and come in three colors: Black, Chocolate and Yellow (NOT Golden).

There is also the Golder Retrever, which has long hair and comes in any shade of "gold" from pale cream to dark red.

The Flat-Coated retriever is also long-haired and comes in Black or Liver

The Curly Coated retriever, as the name suggests, has short, dense curls except on the face which is smooth. They are either Black or Liver.

The Chesapeake Bay retriever has a short, wavy coat and comes in any color of Brown, Sedge or Deadgrass.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever is the smallest of the retrievers, it has long hair and is red with white markings.

Answer 6

The correct name for a 'lab' is a labrador retriever.

Answer 7

I assume you mean the difference between a Lab and a Golden? Both are retreivers.

Typically, Labs are more hyper and goldens are more laid back. A lab will almost always be friendly but a golden will be a better watch dog. A lab is going to need more attention & play time, but a golden is going to need more grooming.

Both are highly trainable and are known for wanting to please their people.

Just remember, that like humans, each dog has it's own personality. You could end up with a stupid, lazy, lab (rare, but I've seen it, hehehe) or a hyper Golden... but in general, those are pretty standard charictaristics.

Please don't get a dog from a pet store becuase they are often bred in unfavorable and sometimes cruel conditions.

Either adopt (there are ALWAYS plenty of labs up for adoption) or choose a reputable breeder. If you hook up with a good breeder or a rescue organization, they will be able to help you pick out a dog that is very suitable for your lifestyle.

Answer 8

A labrador is a type of retriever. They come in three colors: black, chocolate (brown), and rarely white. In addition there are several other types of retrievers: Golden, Chesapeake Bay, Curly-coated, flat-coated, and several others that are considered retrievers though the word "retriever" doesn't appear in the name. They are mainly used as "gun dogs" to retrieve game for hunters, especially in water for retrieving ducks. They are classified in the "Sporting Group."

Answer 9

Apart from what everyone else has said a retriever has a stubborn streak,and can at times be difficult, where as a lab is like a silly giggling school girl and always wants to please. Both are lovely dogs and are used by Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Answer 10

labrador is a retriever, just like there are golden retrievers. goldens are gold and long haired and labs are yellow, chocolate, and black and all are short hair. they are usually used for hunting and "retrieving" during the hunt