What Is the Difference Between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever? Learn How to Tell Them Apart

Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are both very popular dog breeds, but many people have trouble telling these two breeds apart. Below, we introduce What is the difference between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever? How many types of Golden Retriever are there? How do you pick a good Golden Retriever?

1. Differences Between Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers

1. Face shape

The Labrador Retriever has a longer face and longer ears, while the Golden Retriever has a shorter face and shorter ears set above the eyes.

2. Coat

The Golden Retriever is a long-haired dog with a golden color and a coat that is straight or slightly wavy, while the Labrador Retriever has a shorter, straight coat that feels smooth, with no feathering on the tail.

3. Color

The Golden Retriever is generally golden in color, just ranging from light to dark, from cream to light gold to deep gold, while the Labrador Retriever's colors include beige, chocolate and brown.

4. Temperament

The Golden Retriever is gentle, affectionate and friendly. The Labrador Retriever, by contrast, is more lively and outgoing.

5. Gait

The Golden Retriever has a rather dashing gait, while the Labrador Retriever walks with more of a swagger, free and unrestrained.

2. How Many Types of Golden Retriever Are There?

1. British Golden Retriever

The British Golden Retriever looks more simple and honest, with eyes full of helplessness and longing, giving people the feeling of a small child that you cannot help but want to look after and hug.

2. American Golden Retriever

The American Golden Retriever's face is more like that of a big child; an adult American Golden Retriever looks strong and imposing, majestic without losing dignity. But when it feels lonely it is like a small child again, longing for its owner's attention, and just one hug from its owner will make it look very pleased with itself.

3. How Do You Pick a Good Golden Retriever?

1. A good purebred Golden Retriever will not show the whites of its eyes when looking straight ahead, but because there are differences between puppyhood and adulthood, a certain amount of eye white can be allowed when buying a puppy.

2. A Golden Retriever's ears should be an appropriate size; too large or too small shows the breed is not pure. The best size is when the ear pulled forward just covers the eye.

3. A Golden Retriever of good quality has a relatively thick muzzle that feels stronger in your hand, and such a dog will also look better when it grows up.

4. A good Golden Retriever's tail hangs down at a slant; if the tail sticks up, it shows the breed is not pure.

5. Good dogs all share one thing in common: a black, moist nose. If the nose is not black, it does not count as up to standard, and if the nose is rather dry, you should consider whether the dog is ill.

6. A purebred Golden Retriever has an obvious bony bump at the back of the top of the skull. If a Golden Retriever does not have this bump, its breed is not so pure; this is a key point in judging whether a Golden Retriever is purebred.

7. A Golden Retriever of good quality has relatively heavy bone, and its paw can reach more than 5cm across; if the bone is insufficient, it will affect its later growth.

The above is the related little knowledge about Golden Retrievers that we have put together for you, teaching you how to tell Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers apart and how to pick a good Golden Retriever. Do you understand it all now?