Have you ever wondered what the differences are between a Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever? Both breeds have some common characteristics and their morphology, although different, from a distance can present certain similarities. Its constitution is quite similar in its structure and for this reason, and the nickname " retriever " that both have associated with their name, causes that many people do not know exactly what differentiates one race from the other.
In this article on our site we will talk about two extraordinarily intelligent and affectionate dog breeds, which are undoubtedly considered the most suitable for children and proactive families. Do you want to know if a labrador or golden retriever is better for a flat? Don't know which one would fit you better? If you have trouble differentiating these two breeds or are thinking of adopting one of them, you will find all the answers in this article What are you looking for. Discover the differences between labrador and golden!
Origin of the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever
We found in the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever two breeds developed in the United Kingdom. Below we will show you in more detail how they originated:
History of the Labrador Retriever
Many experts place the true origin of the Labrador Retriever in the coast of Newfoundland, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador,Canada It is there that specimens very similar to the Labrador that we know today were observed, performing functions of collecting prey in the water. Some theories claim that the Labrador was founded in the 16th century and that it is the result of the San Juan Spaniel and English, Portuguese and Irish working dogs. However, other theories include the Newfoundland in their ancestry.
The Labrador Retriever began to stand out at the beginning of the 19th century in England, specifically in field trials, when it was exhibited for the first once Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury. The specimen described by Lorna, Countess of Howe, was called "Malmesbury Tramp" and is considered one of the first Labrador retrievers. Already in 1916 "The Labrador Retriever Club" was founded and later in 1925 the "Yellow Labrador Club", so we could say that we are dealing with a breed relatively modern.
Also known as "Labrador Retriever" and "Labrador Retriever".
History of the Golden Retriever
The first Baron Lord Tweedmouth, born in the middle of the 19th century in Scotland, is considered the founder of the golden retriever breed. By crossing a flat-coated retriever (Flat-Coated Retriever) and a Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct) he obtained four golden-coated puppies, which were the basis for the current goden. Later they were crossed with other breeds, such as the bloodhound, the Irish setter or the Labrador retriever itself.
Back then, the first golden retrievers were considered dogs with excellent hunting skills, because at that time they were common hunting days among the noble classes, where birds of all kinds were hunted. Like the Labrador Retriever, the Golden showed a good predisposition for collecting pieces. In 1913 the golden retriever was officially recognized by the UK Kennel Club as the "yellow" or "golden" retriever, although it was not until 1920 when "The Golden Retriever Club" was born
Currently we find several breed lines of the golden retriever: English, American and Canadian.
Physical differences between labrador and golden
The golden retriever and the labrador retriever are undoubtedly very similar breeds in terms of physical differences, however, there are some details that they can help us differentiate the two:
Labrador Retriever Appearance
The Labrador Retriever is a medium-largedog, with a harmonious and proportionate appearance. It is considered to be strongly built and to have a broad skull. To know the differences between labrador and golden it may be interesting to review these three characteristics that we show you:
- Size: males measure between 56 and 57 cm. at the withers, the females measure between 54 and 46 cm. to the cross.
- Colors-Displays solid colors in either solid black, yellow, or liver/chocolate.
- Coat: it is short, hard, dense and without undulations or fringes. It has a water-resistant undercoat.
The hair of the Labrador Retriever, smooth and rough, differs radically from the fur of the Golden, whose smoothness and length are absolutely different, this being one of the most marked differential traits between the two breeds at first glance. The color of his coat can be only three uniform colors: black, chocolate and yellow. This last color is the one that is subject to the greatest variations in tonality, ranging from very pale cream tones, almost white, to reddish tones.
Golden Retriever Appearance
Like the Labrador retriever, the golden is a medium-large-sized dog, with a harmonious and powerful appearance. They define their body as balanced, strong and muscular. To differentiate it from the Labrador, take note of the three characteristics that we have analyzed previously:
- Size: males measure between 56 and 61 cm. at the withers, the females measure between 51 and 56 cm. to the cross.
- Colors: Shades of gold or cream are acceptable, but not red or mahogany.
- Manto: it can be smooth or wavy, but always with fringes. In addition, it has a dense and waterproof undercoat.
The golden retriever is slightly taller and more slender than the labrador, although the length of its hair creates an optical illusion to the contrary. This breed of dog sports a beautiful double coat. The superficial: silky, wavy, moderately long and resistant to water. The inner coat is soft and short, insulating the dog from the heat during the summer and keeping it warm in the winter.
Its correct color is included within the various shades of gold, excluding excessively pale and reddish. The English golden retriever has diverged over the years into two more modalities: the American and the Canadian. Both varieties are larger than the English.
Differences in character between labrador and golden
The Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever rank in the top 10 on Stanley Coren's Smartest Dogs list, ranking 4th and 7th respectively. Below we will show you in detail the differences in character between Labrador and Golden:
Labrador Retriever Temperament
The Labrador Retriever is considered to be a very intelligent, loyal, sociable and proactive dog It also stands out for having an affable manner and even docile towards people. They are dogs of balanced character, which can take until they reach maturity. They love water, smell exercises and are extremely agile.
Golden Retriever Temperament
The golden retriever is also a highly intelligent dog, in fact, it ranks above the Labrador retriever. We could describe him as a dog of character docile, loyal, kind, trustworthy and friendly He is probably one of the quintessential nanny dogs, and he is also very willing to work.
Is it better to adopt a Golden or a Labrador?
If you have found a Labrador retriever or a golden retriever for adoption and you are considering taking them in for good, you are in luck, both are incredible breeds with big hearts. However, how do you know which one will fit you best? Below we answer the most frequently asked questions:
- Which one is better for living in a flat? Both breeds can adapt well to a flat if we walk three to four times a day. day, totaling at least two hours, combining walks and games.
- Which one gets along better with children? Both can be great with little ones, but the golden retriever is considered to be much more suitable in a home with small children.
- Which one needs more training? Although both are highly intelligent dogs, the Golden requires more attention in terms of training and mental stimulation it means.
- Which one is calmer? Neither of the two dogs stands out for having a calm temperament until they reach adulthood, but it could be considered calmer the adult golden retriever.
- Which is the longest? Both dogs usually exceed 10 years of life, but there is evidence that the Labrador Retriever is longer than the golden retriever.
- Which is he althier? Both breeds have several common inherited diseases, with the golden retriever being the he althiest. This can vary depending on the care you receive and your genetic heritage.
