Difference between a Labrador and a Retriever

These two breeds, which belong to a group called “retrievers”, are closely related and have similar external characteristics. However, each of them has its own individual characteristics that allow specialists and amateurs to distinguish them. In this article, we will tell you how a Labrador differs from a retriever, characteristic differences, what is the difference between the two dogs – everything in our material.
Both of these pets are characterized by impressive dimensions and a peaceful nature. They have impressive intellectual abilities and are ideal for the role of a family pet. In addition, dogs are used as canine therapists and guide dogs. Therefore, it is safe to say that the breeds are distinguished by their versatility.

What is the difference between a Labrador and a Golden Retriever?

The main differences between the animals are in their exterior features: the shape of the tail, head, body density, and neck length. Goldens look more graceful. The length of their fur is also a significant difference. Golden retrievers have longer fur. Labradors have more color options, unlike Goldens, which can only be golden. They are also considered to be more reserved in their emotions, while their golden counterparts are simpler and more trusting.

Let’s take a closer look at the difference between Labradors and retrievers.

Head

The Golden Retriever’s skull is large, quite wide. The forehead looks convex and rounded. The occipital protuberance is almost invisible. The cheeks stand out slightly. The muzzle is elongated and tapered towards the edges. The Labrador’s muzzle is also large, but it looks more massive and wide, not as elongated as the Golden’s. The nose is noticeably larger, the nostrils are open, not small in size.

Eyes

The Golden’s distinctive expression is given by their dark eyes with well-pigmented eyelids. According to the breed standard, the iris of a Golden Retriever must be exclusively dark brown. This contrast between the light coat and dark eyes gives them a charming and memorable appearance.

Unlike Goldens, Labradors do not have a strong eye rim, which is a requirement of the standard. Their eyes can vary in shades from brown to hazel. The variety of eye colors is considered an important difference between the Labrador and the Golden Retriever.

Torso

Labrador retrievers have a strong build, well-developed muscles and strong bones. Their deep, wide chest provides them with sufficient endurance for swimming and hunting. The loin does not look long. When looking at the dog from the side, the topline appears level.

Goldens have a graceful build. Their neck is longer. The breed standard allows for a slight slant from the back to the tail. This slant gives the dog a more graceful and elegant appearance. Despite this build, representatives of the breed have a strong skeleton and strong legs, which allows them to develop good speed.

Legs

Golden retrievers have limbs that are designed for fast running. This difference is due to the purpose of the animals. Goldens were used as hunting dogs that had to quickly reach the game and easily get back. Accordingly, their limbs are shaped to provide endurance.

Unlike Goldens, Labradors were not required to move quickly on land, so the selection process focused more on the strength and stability of the limbs, rather than the ability to develop great speed. This makes Labradors better suited to tasks related to transporting goods or helping people with disabilities.

Tail

The Labrador Retriever’s tail is noticeably thicker, resembling an otter’s tail in shape. It has a wide base, gradually tapering towards the tip. The tail is of medium length, providing excellent balance when swimming, which is crucial for this breed, which loves water. It is covered with short, tight-fitting hair, considered water-repellent.

The tail of the Golden Retriever is a true decoration of the breed and one of its distinctive features. Resembling a lush feather, it is covered with thick, long hair, flowing like a train. The tail is usually carried low or slightly raised, expressing various emotions, from joy to alertness. While the Labrador can raise it higher than the top level.

Wool

Even a non-professional will immediately notice what the main difference between a Labrador and a retriever is. It lies in their coat. The former has a relatively short coat (about 5 cm), tightly fitting to the animal’s body. It is evenly distributed over the entire body, without long sections or feathering. Labradors’ coats have a natural fatty layer, and the undercoat does not let water through.

Retrievers’ coats are lighter than Labradors’, they are much longer and can have a “wave”. The waviness of the top coat is a characteristic difference. In addition, the dogs’ coats are not as tightly fitting and can look a little shaggy.

Both breeds have double coats, making them weather-tolerant dogs, although golden retrievers may require more intensive grooming due to their long coats.

Color

The difference between a Labrador and a Golden Retriever also lies in the permitted color options.

The former come in three basic colors: fawn, chocolate, and black. Fawn Labradors are light, cream colored, while chocolate Labradors are dark brown. The latter are a rich black color, and their coat is shiny.

Golden Retrievers do not come in such a variety of colors.

They are known for their distinctive golden colour, which can range from light to dark. Their coat is longer than that of Labradors, and they have beautiful feathering on their thighs, tail, neck and back of their legs. These are usually slightly lighter than the base colour of their coat.

Weight and height

What is the difference between a Labrador and a retriever? In terms of weight and height. Labradors, as a rule, look more powerful than goldens. This is most likely due to their wider body, chest, and massive and wide muzzle. However, the height of the latter, according to the breed standard, can reach 60 cm, while retrievers can only reach 57 cm. The maximum weight of goldens is also greater – 41 kg.

Character

Golden retrievers are considered more reserved dogs, although they adore people just as much as Labradors. Their even temperament makes them more suitable for families with children or for those looking for a calmer pet.

Of course, it is impossible to generalize the character of all representatives of the breed, because it largely depends on upbringing. However, most dog experts agree that Labradors are generally more open and simple-minded than Goldens. They are also more playful and trusting.

Similarities between breeds

We have figured out how a Labrador differs from a retriever. Now it is worth turning to the general characteristics of dogs.

Visible similarities include the following:

• The large size of the animals allows them to be kept either in large apartments or in private houses.
  High activity level, which means that both dogs will need exercise. In addition, these breeds are great for various dog sports.
• Excellent with children and other pets, these dogs are great for large families.
• High level of intelligence, allowing you to teach dogs all sorts of tricks.
• Both the Labrador and the retriever love water. This is a distinctive feature of all dogs included in this breed group. In addition, it is worth noting their special water-repellent fur.
• Approximately the same life expectancy. The average is 11-13 years.
• Both dogs are prone to obesity, so owners are advised to monitor their pet’s consumption of treats.
• These large breeds mature longer than small and medium breeds. They reach psychological maturity at about 2 years of age.

Other types of retrievers

The group of breeds related to retrievers includes only 6 dogs. All of them are considered hunting breeds and are excellent for hunting waterfowl.

In addition to goldens and labradors, these include:

• Curly Coated Retriever . It is an old breed of dog, developed in England. It owes its origin to the Newfoundland and the English Water Spaniel . It is now widespread throughout the world and is still valued for its hunting qualities.
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Toller . A cheerful and energetic medium-sized dog breed originating from Nova Scotia. The dogs are known for their distinctive red and white coat. The Toller is a working breed, originally bred to retrieve game from water.
• Flat-Coated Retriever . A medium-sized dog with an athletic build. Their distinguishing feature is their dense, straight coat, which is usually black, liver or yellow. They have long, drooping ears and a friendly expression.
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever . A breed from the United States, it originated in the 1800s in Maryland. Bred as an all-purpose hunting dog, it was prized for its ability to retrieve waterfowl in challenging conditions, including cold water and dense vegetation.
• Retrievers are famous for their unique coat, which is water-repellent. This makes them ideal companions for waterfowl hunters, as they can stay in cold water for long hours.
• Their coat also protects them from thorny undergrowth, allowing them to move easily through dense vegetation.

Who would suit you better?

To understand which breed is best for you, a Labrador or a retriever, it is important to carefully study the specifics of each of them. It is worth considering that golden retrievers are usually larger – taller and heavier. Although they look more graceful.

If you are not ready to take care of the long hair of Goldens, then it is better to choose a Labrador – they need to be brushed less often.

Labradors have more color variations, they include not only light shades, but also dark ones. So if you are a fan of chocolate or black dogs, then buy this breed.