Expert consulted: 
Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers are ranked as two of the most popular dog breeds year after year, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). In fact, Labs topped the list for 31 straight years, only to be nudged out of their no. 1 spot in 2022 by French bulldogs. The results are in for 2023, and the beloved Frenchie is in the top spot again, followed by the Labrador retriever and Golden retriever at 2 and 3.
Labs and Goldens have both been around for a century (Labs were first recongized by the AKC in 1917, and Goldens a few years later in 1925). It's really no wonder that these dogs are consistently among the most popular. "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."
If you're thinking of bringing home one of these beautiful dogs, choosing between the two breeds is a tough call. They're similar in size, temperament, life span, and exercise needs. Both approach life with an eager, joyous attitude, which is—quite honestly—one of the reasons so many of us adore both of these breeds. With all of that said, there are some subtle differences.
Ahead, here's what else you should know about Goldens and Labs:
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Goldens and Labs?
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.
Besides subtle differences in mature height and weight, their coats and bodies look a little different, says Munden.
Coats
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.
Coat Color
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.
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.
Face
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.
Which Breed Is Smarter?
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.
Which Breed Sheds More and Requires More Grooming?
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. They also 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.
Which Breed Is Calmer and More of a Family Dog?
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.
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.
Which Breed Lives Longer?
Goldens live 10 to 12 years, while Labs live 11 to 13 years, according to the AKC.
Which Breed Is More Active?
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.
Which Breed Is Easier 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.
Do Goldens and Labs Have Any 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
Golden Retrievers vs. Labrador Retrievers: Which Dog Is Right for You?
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.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
Vice President of Communications and Public Relations, American Kennel Club
