How to Distinguish Labrador and Golden Retriever?
Not only they are intelligent dogs but also dedicated to their family. Golden Retriever along with Labrador Retriever gained worldwide popularity very quickly. Although, they may look alike at first sight. These two species differ in many characteristics. For example, the shape of the head, bone structure, and chest size.
Each of the breeds remains easy to train since be human-oriented. In order to develop their social skills you have to be consistent in training.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever originates from Scotland. This breed showed up in the late 1800s, crossing a Retriever with a Water Spaniel. Their outer coat can be golden, flat, or curly.
The meaning of the word retrieve is to bring something back from somewhere. It makes sense because Golden Retrievers used to serve as hunting companions. Love to retrieve game birds. Actually, they are sports dogs and need to spend as much as possible time in outdoor activities.
A thick undercoat protects them from cold weather and injuries. These dogs are golden-haired with floppy ears. Not only that you can’t ignore them but also you must love them.
Additionally, with their high social intelligence, it is possible to train them as guides for the blind, or rescue dogs. Goldens have big hearts and will show you that. In other words, they don’t know the way to hide it.
Golden Retrievers puppies should start with training basics after 2 months old. Begin with a firm voice and assertive commands. Using treats as a reward for these quick learners. Besides this type of canine being friendly, also can be trustworthy. Their puppyish behavior as an adult is priceless. While enjoying outdoor activities they’re having the best time of their lives.
Some experts suggest paying attention to your Golden Retriever puppies. Because Golds could be American, Canadian, or English.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors originate from Canada. Made after crossing small water dogs with Newfoundland in the 1500s. As a result, they get a new breed named the St.John’s Water Dog or Lesser Newfoundland. Generally, Labrador Retriever has short and dense outer coats.
In the early 1800s, after bringing the dogs all the way to England. People started to use the dogs in shooting sports and called them Labrador Dogs.
Loyal and docile, this dog can be a valuable family member. When you see those eyes, you can recognize the kindness behind them. Sweet and friendly, great as a company, you have to love them. Their willingness to please you is the best way to describe Lab’s personality.
According to some surveys, Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the world. Golden Retrievers are in third place. We can consider Labradors water dogs, because of their swimming skill. Compared to Goldens, they are more straightforward, most of the time just going for things.
Labrador puppies should start with basic training methods after 2 months old. Try to find fun and easy training methods to start with. Because dogs can get bored in a second, yet they’re still Labrador puppies. Actually, you’re teaching them every second. Your puppy will observe every move you do like the children.
There is no such thing as seeing you both become a wonderful duo.
In essence, Labs are more lively than Goldens, don’t think twice about a thing. In the first place, used to serve as fisherman’s helpers. The Labradors would not have hesitated to jump into the icy water and get the fish. Whenever they are swimming in the water, their tail acts like a propeller.
Many famous people had labs as their companions, like Bill Clinton and Prince Charles.
In the end, Labs used to serve in the Vietnam war. The main reason was their smell ability to find the wounded soldiers or enemies.
Labrador vs Golden Retriever
When looking at the dogs, the main difference you can notice at first is that the Labs are a bit larger than the Goldens. It may confuse at first, how similar these two dogs can be. But, the more you observe, the easier it can be to find the differences.
One of the common things is that they shed pretty much all the time. For example, Golden Retriever demand frequent grooming. So, consider having a top-quality brush for them.
Labs have a shorter coat which doesn’t mean it is non-shedding. There are Golden Retrievers with cream-colored, golden-colored, and fox-red colored coats. On the other side, Labradors appear in three colors. So, we can find Black Labradors or Labs with yellow and chocolate-colored coats.
If we look at their ribcage or chest, Labs have wider chests in size compared to Goldens. While Golden Retrievers have narrower chests. Labradors are a bit heavier, weighing in the range of 50 to 80 pounds. Their height sizes are equal, they could be up to 25 inches tall.
Note that both breeds need to be indoors, not left outside alone. Also, they should socialize more, along with proper mental and physical exercise. Moreover, having a fenced yard at your home should be a must.
We have to admit, that they never grow up!