Golden Retriever

Sporting · Large

Labrador Retriever

Sporting · Large

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever

Side-by-side comparison of the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Golden Retriever

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Golden Retriever

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Labrador Retriever

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Golden Retriever

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Labrador Retriever

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Labrador Retriever

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Golden Retriever	Labrador Retriever
Size	Large	Large
Height	21.5–24″	21.5–24.5″
Weight	55–75 lbs	55–80 lbs
Lifespan	10–12 yrs	11–13 yrs
Group	Sporting	Sporting
Coat type	Double coat, long and wavy	Double coat, short and dense

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Golden Retriever	Labrador Retriever
Energy level	High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Golden Retriever	Labrador Retriever
Good with kids	Very High	Very High
Good with dogs	Very High	Very High
Good with cats	High	Moderate
Apartment friendly	Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Golden Retriever	Labrador Retriever
Shedding	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Moderate	Low
Daily exercise	60–120 min	60–120 min
Daily food	2–3 cups	2–3 cups
Annual cost	$1 500–$2 800	$1 500–$2 500

Temperament