They are a similar size and shape and can be easily confused, but there are some fundamental differences between Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers. These ever-popular dog breeds are widely admired in the UK and beyond – for good reason.
The Labrador retriever has been the most popular registered dog breed in the UK for the past few years, with 34,141 registrations in 2024 – but the golden retriever isn't far behind, with 10,201.
The Labrador and golden retriever share many similarities: they are a similar shape and size, and they both shed all year – particularly in the spring months. They also have very similar origins as hunting retrievers, which has cemented a similar temperament in both dog breeds.
The Labrador retriever originates from Newfoundland in Canada, helping fishermen retrieve nets and lost lines, and pull in fish. The golden retriever, meanwhile, was originally bred as a Scottish gundog and water retriever, bred to assist hunters. Due to their shared origins as water-retrieving hunting dogs, the Labrador and golden retriever both have webbed feet, which help with swimming.
They are loving, gentle dog breeds and are rarely aggressive. They are intelligent dogs who follow instruction well, which makes them responsive in training environments. This is why you'll often see both sets of retrievers in service dog roles.
The Labrador was first recognised by the Kennel Club in 1903, with the golden retriever recognised a decade later in 1913.
Both breeds are among the most active dog breeds, needing a lot of exercise, so they are best suited for owners with active lifestyles. But they're great dogs for families, as both retrievers are great with children and other pets. King George V had a Labrador, so we included the breed in our round-up of royal dogs.
What's the difference between a Labrador and a golden retriever?
The main visual difference between a Labrador and a golden retriever is the golden retriever's longer coat. These differences are born out of their contrasting origins – golden retrievers were developed as upland game hunting dogs, so they require a thicker coat and a dense undercoat to protect the dog against brambles. Labradors, meanwhile, were primarily bred as water dogs, so their coats protect them from cold water with an oily, short outer coat.
Labrador retrievers tend to have a stockier appearance than their golden retriever counterparts. Their heads are slightly different shapes as well, with golden retrievers having longer snouts, while Labradors' snouts tend to be wider in shape.
The breeds have different coat colours as well: Labradors can come in yellow, black or chocolate, while a golden retriever tends to be a shade of light or dark golden or cream.
The Labrador is among the unhealthiest dog breeds – according to a veterinary surgeon – due to the fact that they often need treatment for osteoarthritis in their older years. If you do have an elderly Labrador, consult our guide on how to look after older dogs.
Top image: Golden retriever playing with a black labrador (credit: Getty Images)
