Golden retriever or labrador retriever which is better

One struggles between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever when thinking about the characteristics one loves most about them: friendly, intelligent, loyal. It is the very characteristics, though, that make one breed more fitting for your lifestyle than another. In this article, we compare these two breeds based on their temperament, amount and form of exercise needed, grooming, and health so you can decide which one may be better for you.

Temperament

Golden Retrievers and Labradors are known for their warm and friendly dispositions, making them very good family dogs. Their temperaments, though, do have very slight differences:

Golden Retrievers are generally the more gentle breed. They are not only cuddly but also very understanding and sensitive to their owner's moods. They are ideal for any family with children or for those looking for emotional companionship from a dog. Goldens please their masters, and this usually makes them easier to train.

Labradors: 

While equally friendly, Labradors may be more energetic and playful. They are described by many as more raucous, and they truly have the gene for good times and escapades. Labs are social, but they do seem to be a bit more independent than Goldens—in fact, living off human interaction. It's only that, with them being full of beans, they can be a little trickier to handle around the house, especially in their puppy years.

Exercise Needs

Both Golden Retrievers and Labradors are active dogs with a regular need for exercise, but there is a difference in energy level and the way they respond to exercise:

Golden Retrievers: 

Goldens are active dogs, but generally, they are much more moderate than Labs in terms of exercise. They like daily walking, playtime, and swimming, but they'll be quite content with less rigorous activities. If you're looking for something that is active but still can appreciate couch time, a Golden Retriever might be right up your alley.

Labrador Retrievers:

 Labradors are full of energy and like more intense exercises. They do best in places allowing running, fetching, swimming, and all different sorts of high-action activities. If you have a dynamic lifestyle and want to spend much of your time outdoors and with outdoor sports, a Lab is an ideal companion to pet to match strides.

Grooming

Other important considerations would be grooming, as this can affect how much maintenance it takes to keep your dog looking and feeling good.

Golden Retrievers: 

Goldens have a longer, dense double coat that needs regular care. They shed year-round with spring and fall being the heavier shedding times of the year. To prevent mats and tangles, Golden Retrievers need to be brushed several times a week. They also require regular baths to keep their coat clean and healthy.

Labrador Retrievers: 

With their short, compact double coat, Labs do need less management. They shed throughout the year and, of course, during shedding seasons; however, in relation to the Golden Retriever, they need less intensive care.Brushing a Labrador once a week is enough to keep them in good shape.

Health

Generally, a healthy breed, they are not immune to some congenital conditions. Knowing these might enable you to make an informed decision:

Golden Retrievers:

Goldens are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and some heart conditions. They have an increased incidence of developing cancers, with common ones including lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. Regular checkups from their veterinarian, combined with good food and optimal weight condition, will be crucial for them in the long run.

They are also subject to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. If overfed and not given sufficient exercise, they will rapidly become obese, which will make their joint conditions even worse. Labradors also have floppy ears, which require regular cleaning because they are prone to ear infections.

Which One Should You Get?

The choice between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever essentially narrows down to your lifestyle, taste, and what you are looking for in a dog.

If you want a more gentle, affectionate, slightly low-key dog, then the Golden Retriever might be your best bet. They work great for families or as a companion in love, and their extra grooming doesn't bother them one bit.

If one desires a more energetic dog, playful, and able to keep up with their active lifestyle, then the answer may be that of a Labrador Retriever Labs are great if one is an outdoors kind of person who likes having a dog that's all pumped up and game for an eventful time.

Both breeds are great; neither is inherently better than the other. Either way—Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever—you will be guaranteed to get a loyal, loving, and smart companion that will bring joy to your life for many years.