Golden Retriever vs. Labrador Retriever: How to Spot the Difference

Any guess which two pups rank number 2 and 3 on the list of most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2025? Hint: You’re reading an article about them right now. It’s the Labrador retriever and Golden retriever, of course, and these two beloved breeds (and family dogs extraordinaire!) have quite a lot in common.

They’re about the same size, both easy to train, and shed about the same. The commonality between their names tips us off to another shared attribute: Both originated as hunting dogs with the purpose of retrieving game birds for their owners.

Goldens and labs sport similarly eager and joyous attitudes, making them utterly easy to fall in love with. Plus, both doggos can lay claim to the distinction of stealing our hearts for a century and counting: The AKC has recognized Goldens since 1925 and Labs since 1917.

Another characteristic in common? Predictability. “The personality and activity traits are very true to each breed, which is why they are both beloved for generations,” says Brandi H. Munden, VP of communications for AKC. “The predictability of their personalities often is a draw for owners.”

Yet, for all the ways Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are alike, there are subtle differences between them, such as their coats, their face and body shape, their activity level, and what they’re good at.

Ahead, a comparison of Golden retrievers versus Labradors. If you’re thinking of bringing home one of these beautiful dogs, these points can help you decide which will be the best fit for you.

A lab (left) and a golden retriever (right)

Golden Retriever vs. Labrador: The Similarities

They’re similar in size.

Goldens and Labs are about the same size at maturity, with Goldens weighing in at 65 to 75 pounds for males and 55 to 65 pounds for females. Similarly, Labs weigh 65 to 80 pounds for males and 55 to 70 pounds for females. Their mature heights also are similar: Goldens reach 21.5 to 24 inches, while Labs are 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall.

They shed about the same and have similar grooming needs.

Both Goldens and Labs shed quite a bit, and many people would argue equally, says Munden. Goldens have thick, water-repellant double coats that they shed once or twice a year; additionally, they shed moderately on a continuous basis. Labs also have thick, water-repellant double coats that they shed twice a year, with moderate shedding throughout the year.

For either breed, regular brushing can help remove dead hair, so less of it ends up on furniture. Both also benefit from regular baths, nail trimming, and teeth brushing.

Golden retriever puppy

Labrador puppy

Both are good family dogs—but in different ways.

Of course, individual dogs always have their own personalities, but both Goldens and Labs are excellent with children and families, says Munden. However, Goldens tend to be gentler and calmer when it comes to temperament. Labs tend to be more active.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—it really depends on your lifestyle and the needs of your family. “They are both great breeds, and there is little mystery as to why they are so loved,” says Munden.

Golden retriever

Labrador retriever

They’re both considered easy to train.

Goldens are outgoing and easy to please, making them relatively easy to train. Labs are exuberant dogs that also love to please, and they’re famously friendly breeds.

Golden Retriever vs. Labrador: The Differences

They come in different colors—and Goldens’ fur is a softer.

The coats may be the easiest way to tell apart the breeds. The AKC describes Golden retrievers coats as dense and resilient, “neither coarse nor silky.” Labs have a short, dense coat that, according to the AKC, gives “a fairly hard feeling to the hand.” The undercoat is softer and weather-resistant.

Goldens have longer coats with—you guessed it—a golden color! It’s typically a rich, lustrous gold of various shades that can range from cream-like to almost orange.

Golden retrievers

On the other hand, Labs have shorter coats and come in yellow, black, or chocolate. You will find other colors of Labrador retrievers, including silver and champagne, but note that the AKC only recognizes the three traditional colors.

Labrador retrievers

Their face and body shape also help you tell them apart.

Goldens have slightly longer muzzles and longer ears than Labs, while Labs have broader, heavier heads. Labs also are a bit heavier in the body than Goldens, due to the former breed having a deeper bone density, rounder and wider rib cages, and deeper chests.

A lab (left) and a golden retriever (right)

Golden retrievers are the calmer of the two.

Labs generally have a higher activity level, while Goldens have a more moderate activity level and can be couch potato-like at times, says Munden.

Labs tend to live slightly longer.

Goldens live 10 to 12 years, while Labs live 11 to 13 years, according to the AKC.

Which Breed Is Smarter, Golden Retrievers or Labradors?

It tends to depend on personal opinion. As for Munden, she says, “Both are highly intelligent breeds. They’re smart in their own ways. We see this consistently in the jobs that they do.” For example, Labs often excel at police work and service, such as search-and-rescue, while Goldens thrive doing therapy and service.

Labrador retriever

Golden retriever

Do Goldens or Labs Have More Health Issues?

“Breeders work really hard at producing the healthiest dog possible, and each breed has health tests recommended for some of those issues,” says Munden.

Below are the health tests recommended by each breed’s national breed club.

Health tests recommended for Goldens:

• Hip evaluation
• Elbow evaluation
• Ophthalmologist evaluation
• Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) DNA test
• Cardiac exam

Health tests recommended for Labs:

• Hip evaluation
• Exercise-induced Collapse (EIC)
• Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) Ophthalmologist evaluation
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRCD)
• D Locus DNA test
• Elbow evaluation

Bottom Line: Is a Labrador Better or a Golden Retriever?

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In truth, minor differences aside—like variations in appearance (the biggest lies in their coat colors) and activity level (Labs like to be on the move a bit more)—if you’re looking for a dog with an even temperament as a friendly, loyal, and devoted companion, you can’t go wrong with either breed.