Lab or Golden Retriever??

Question

we are getting one or the other...we need help in deciding which dog will be best inside. we have a fenced yard, so there will be lots of exercise but which dog is better with children, other dogs, sheds least, etc. Please give honest answers.

Answer 1

I have both and love them both but it depends on what you are looking for. The lab has short wiry hair which is easier to manage, but they are usually very active dogs and need a lot of exercise and attention. They both are good with kids, goldens, I think, are a little better with families though. Goldens have thicker, longer hair and as a result they shed ALOT more, so you need to vacuum pretty much everyday. Goldens also are more laid back than Labs, mine likes to kick back most of the time, but will get out there and run and play too.

Answer 2

Both of these dogs will do well inside, despite what crouton says. Dogs shouldn't be only outside dogs, it's just not good for their mental well being.

I had a golden for over 11 years. Both goldens and labs shed a lot!!! Goldens need to be brushed fairly often, but that will actually decrease the amount they shed in the house. Both breeds are good with children, but labs are a bit "dumber" and clunkier and may accidentally knock over small children. It's all a matter of training. I recommend going to a shelter and finding a loving lab or golden mix. They'll have fewer genetic problems and are usually healthier overall. Plus, if you want a purebred you need to find a reputable breeder and they can get pretty expensive. If you get a pet shop dog you're very likely to have a genetic problem and temperament issues.
I hope this helps!

Answer 3

Both are excellent with children and other dogs! But a golden retriever needs A LOT of grooming, and labs are better watchdogs.

However, let me warn you to walk it and socialize it, I don't think a large yard is enough. If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend these two breeds.

But..Have fun!

Answer 4

They both shed, goldens require much more grooming because their coats are quite long.. but also so beautiful.

I have a pure bred black labrador, and a golden/dalmation mix. Both labs and goldens are amazing with children, they are fantastic with people and love love love attention.. they both require plenty of excersize.

They both have tons of energy, but the golden tends to settle down quicker than a lab. Labs realy dont exit puppy stage until around 3, goldens mellow out a little sooner.

They are both lovely and make fantastic friends, I think you would be happy with either.. the only main differences Ive seen is the ones Ive mentioned.

Good luck. You will not be disappointed with a retriever. (:

Answer 5

they are pretty the same, the golden retrievers are probably more extrovert and with rapid reactions, by this varies with the individual dog.

The golden retrievers shade a lot, but the labs on the contrary have the special hairs, that are like needles.. they get everywhere, pin into the cloth and are nearly impossible to remove.

Black labradors look more like a guard dog, even though they are the same openhearted dogs like all other retrievers. certainly they may deter certain people from intruding just by their color and size and overall sturdy outlook.

Answer 6

I had a golden lab

(Before people jump on me and say there's no such thing... yes there is. I had a golden Retr. yellow lab mix.)

anyhoo.

There's really no honest answer other than personal experiences, personal preferences Based on how they fit OUR lifestyles.

what you need to do when deciding what's right for YOU is looking at the character traits of both dogs to see what fits your lifestyle.

Personality
Compatibility with lifestyle
Compatibility with your family (Do you have kids, do you have elderly family living with you?)

I believe goldies are better with children by nature, but if raised and trained properly, labs do make great pets with families as well.

Both do their share of shedding, goldies moreso because their hair is longer and softer.

Some say Labs are a bit dumber than a goldie... I find them both to be smart if you take time to work with them.

visit these sites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever
http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/index.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/goldenretriever.htm

best of luck!!

Answer 7

These dogs are very VERY similar in temperment, hyperactivity, personality, exercise levels, size, lovability, trainability, etc etc etc....

The MAIN difference is grooming. Short hair vs. Long hair. I have a golden and my best friend has a lab. They shed the same amount only my girl's hair is more noticable. She gets shaved in the summer and when hiking things tend to get stuck in her fur. (Lots of brushing).

Other than that ...really... these two breed are pretty much the same.

Go to wikipedia.com and read all about them.

Answer 8

Labs are smaller, and are very loyal. The only problem is they are pretty hyper for the first year or two. I'm not sure about Golden Retrievers. They are large dogs but are very gentle and loyal as well. Its up to you.

Answer 9

Oh give me a break. Labs dont "stray" They are very people oriented. Any dog will "stray" if you arent responsible and have them fixed.

Both retirevers are a fine choice. Golden retrievers have a longer coat so there may be much more shedding.. but just because labs have short hair, dont let that fool you. Thye shed plenty.

Answer 10

They are both wonderful dogs and both need a lot of room to play and exercise. Both are often used for guide dogs for the blind or as companion dogs. They need to be well trained but you will be satisfied with either. Just make sure to get them to a vet and get them into school and they both love kids! Good Luck!