Should I choose a labrador retriever, or a golden retriever?

Question

We don't care about shedding/brushing, we have a long-haired cat that we already get to take care of on that account so we're used to it. :) Anyways, we have a large, fenced-off backyard, someone home at almost all times, and are a very active family. The one thing is that they can't go crazy around cats, since we have 3. So, what are the upsides and downsides of both?

Answer 1

My opinion is that both breeds are essentially the same. The garbage about dogs getting fat, bad hips, barking etc is a result of bad breeding or bad owners or lack of training, not bad dogs.

They are both great family dogs.

More important than the breed of dog is the dog itself.

You want to work with a breeder or rescue that understands your needs as a family. You want the right DOG, not the right package (color, hair length).

Work with a breeder or rescue that is going to talk to you about your lifestyle. You are active. Do you have time to do training? House training? Do you need someone that's good with kids? Is your neighborhood dog friendly? How active? That's a scale that you need to discuss. Low activity to some people is High activity to others. The cats are an issue, but an easy one for the right dog or pup.

You can get a 6 month old dog from a rescue that has been surrendered because someone was moving. The dog has been house broken, crated trained, loves cats, other dogs etc. I know of dozens... It happens every day. It's not the dog's fault. The dog/pup is fine. The people were idiots.

Find a good breeder that talks to you. Or find a good rescue for either breed that will work with you. Either breed will work. They are great dogs. You just have to put in the time to make him or her fit into your family.

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 2

“What dog will do well in my apartment?” Now, when you read my list, you may think I may have made some mistakes! You are going to notice some *very* large dogs listed as suitable choices for apartment life. Don’t let the size of the package fool you! Large dogs do not necessarily need large amounts of exercise and often they are quite placid inside the house. Here is a list of a few dogs that do well in apartments Bichon Frise Chihuahua Poodle: (all sizes) Pug Mastiff Greyhound Schipperke Great Dane French Bulldog Italian Greyhound A Golden Retriever will do all right in an apartment as long as they get daily exercise, but will do best with at least a medium sized yard. Labrador Retrievers require a large amount of exercise compared to other dogs, and because of this they are not well-suited for apartment living.

Answer 3

I would go with a Golden Retriever. I have worked in a doggy day care facility before and had lots of chances to observe both breeds. Goldens tend to be a little smarter and more patient. Both were pretty active and hyper but some Labs were just off the walls! Also I hear Labs have more health/genetic problems since the breed is so popular and a lot of people want them. They are also VERY prone to overeating and obesity. We had more fat Labs than fat Goldens and the doggy daycare.

That's just my opinion though. As far as the cats, if you get the dog as a puppy, he should have no problem adjusting to them. just watch them closely at first and don't force them to interact. Animals are smart and will work things out on their own. Good luck with your new doggy :)

Answer 4

Both breeds are exceptional, they are family oriented, love people and are very smart. It all comes down to choice and training. Golden's rank higher in intelligence, being fourth on the list of all breeds in order of Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepard and Golden's. I own a golden who is 6 months old. She is great...very smart, we chose her because her eyes said look at me, I am smart cookie. When choosing look for dogs that will look at you and retain some attention. You can honestly tell how smart a dog is by looking at the eyes. I chose a golden because they are a gorgeous dog and are very attentive. Cats and dogs are not natural enemies, But it is best to introduce animals when they are puppies, kittens or both together. Brandy wants to play but the cat being seven doesn't want much to do with her, they tolerate each other. Brandy has learned that DC (Cat) is not much fun to play with. The most important thing to do is keep the dog away from the cats food and littler boxes. Puppies regard cat poop as a treat and will eat it. My husband has always had to cut a cat door in a door where the cats food and litter is kept. Cat food, although tasty to dogs will give them diarrhoea.

Answer 5

Hi Kate,
These breeds are wonderful family pets. My preference is the Golden.
This is one of my Golden's in the picture. Golden's are very sweet dogs and very smart. They can be a bit hyper when young but by the time they are a year old they do calm down quite a bit. Golden's are very loyal to their families but also very friendly to visitors. The most important thing is to make sure you go to a really good breeder for either breed you choose. The pups should be in a very clean area and their mom and dad should be there for you to see. The pups should have clean bright eyes with no goo coming out of them. They should be happy but not so happy that they look wild to you. A well bred Golden should be every responsive to you and be willing to come to you with trust in their eyes and a wagging tail. Golden's are very eager to be friends and to cuddle with their owners at any time. Both breeds love to swim and take long walks or be your jogging partner. Love to play ball and fetch almost anything.
I wish you all the best in your search for the perfect pup for you.

Answer 6

Both dogs are very similar. Although, I do agree with the fact that labs tend to bark more often, but you never know. You can't really guess how they're personalities will be. I have a lab. She is a little crazy with cats in that she wants to play, but she's way to rough and big. My mother in law has a golden, she doesn't bark much, but she's the same with cats. My lab 'climbs' the fence (or tries to). I hear goldens do that too. I think you need to choose a smaller breed.

Answer 7

They are both Retrievers so they would be about the same I would say. I have a lab/staff bull terrier and he will never stop barking but we also own a campground and store so its really busy here so that might be why he barks so much. He only barks for a reason though (dumb reasons, but reasons) He is also an outside dog. Theres lots of cats around are camp and if he sees one he wont shut up but that could just be how he was brought up :D If it's a puppy brought up with cats it might be ok.

Answer 8

I use to raise labs as a kid and now I have golden retrievers,

both are lovely breds of dogs,

the yellow labs are the best out of all of them for being a watch dog but can be a little aggresive esp if its a male,
I had a female yellow lab and she was the greatest with cats as well as kids but would be very mean to strangers. the chocolate lab is verry easy going but can be more laid back and lazy. the black lab is very active all the time.
the golden retrievers are the prettiest out of all of them and will get along with cats and actually love them esp if you start with a puppy. and they love kids you dont have to worry about your kids being harmed by them.

they will bark at strangers but are sooooooo friendly they will not hurt them at all,

golden retrievers hair is not bad, its kind of long but it does not get in tangles.
Good luck on your choosing.
both are good breeds, but I love the Golden retrievers and raise them.
both breeds love to fetch

Answer 9

Please visit dogbreedinfo.com and find out the pros and cons of both dogs. I've known great examples of both breeds, but also known horrible dogs.

Whatever you decide, please go with a reputable breeder who tests for hip displaysia. It's not as prevalent in these two breeds as other breeds, but it's still there. You want to get a dog that will live a long, comfortable life. Buying from a backyard breeder or somebody advertising in local classifieds is not the way to go. If you need help finding a local, reputable breeder feel free to email me.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

Answer 10

Labrador Retriever:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/labrador.htm

Golden Retriever:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/goldenretriever.htm


In my personal experience, they are both great dogs. But Labs tend to bark alot. I'm not so sure about if Golden Retrievers do that. I personally love both dogs, and hope whatever you get, you enjoy it too.