Many people who like large dogs choose ones with a gentler temperament, and both Labradors and Golden Retrievers are great choices. They are smart and cute, with high intelligence, making them easy to train. Many people confuse the two breeds. Today, the editor will introduce the differences between Labradors and Golden Retrievers, and which one is easier to raise.

What are the differences between Labrador and Golden Retriever, which is easier to raise, Labrador or Golden Retriever

Actually, one picture can show roughly the difference. As shown above, you can basically tell that both Labrador and Golden Retriever are retriever breeds, very close in size, intelligence, and both are easily trainable. The yellow Labradors and Golden Retrievers also have very similar colors.

What are the differences between Labrador and Golden Retriever, which is easier to raise, Labrador or Golden Retriever

1. Visually, it's quite intuitive. Mainly, the Golden Retriever’s fur, on the chest, abdomen, limbs, tail, and ears, basically has long fringes, giving a very noble look and flowing gracefully when running. Labradors have short hair, looking more robust and courageous, and their running is cleaner and more agile. Regarding color, Golden Retrievers have only one color, while Labradors have a quite rich variety of colors.

2. By touch, when you stroke the two dogs, you can feel the difference: Golden Retrievers are softer, Labradors are smoother. Their abdominal muscles are also different; Labradors have firmer abdominal muscles, while Golden Retrievers are softer.

3. In details, Labradors have shorter faces and wider muzzles. Golden Retrievers’ ear flaps are shorter than those of Labradors; Labrador’s ears fit closely to the head and are located further back. The top of the Golden Retriever’s head is more convex (what we often call a fuller forehead). Golden Retriever’s eyes are brown, Labradors' are hazel. Labradors are strong and powerful, with bigger amplitude and higher frequency when wagging their tails; Golden Retrievers have feathered, scythe-shaped tails that look softer.

What are the differences between Labrador and Golden Retriever, which is easier to raise, Labrador or Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are like princes, Labradors more like knights. Overall, Golden Retrievers are more composed and elegant, Labradors more lively and active. Golden Retrievers have higher intelligence and mature earlier, generally reaching adulthood between one to one and a half years old. Labradors only start becoming steady, sensible, and mature at around two years old. Puppies of both are quite similar when young, both active, and both Golden Retrievers and Labradors can cause a lot of destruction.

Golden Retrievers are gentler and more amiable with other animals and people. Labradors are gentle but less calm. However, these temperaments depend on training; both breeds are hunting dogs and can be trained to be fierce.

What are the differences between Labrador and Golden Retriever, which is easier to raise, Labrador or Golden Retriever

Actually, the differences are small. For most pet owners in cities, the differences between the two are minimal. Both are smart, easy to train, quick to learn, and friendly. If one must point out differences, Golden Retrievers have more fur which is harder to clean, bathing is more troublesome, requiring a special pet dryer to keep the dog's skin dry. Also, Golden Retrievers are more prone to skin diseases; some Golden Retrievers suffer from skin problems in spring and summer but improve in autumn.

Labradors are simpler since they have short hair. After washing, drying with a towel is sufficient. If still damp, a relatively strong human hairdryer can be used. In summer, a quick run outside after washing will dry them quickly.

Overall, Golden Retrievers are comparatively more "calm," Labradors more "active." If choosing which to raise, more homebodies should raise Golden Retrievers, while friends who spend more time outdoors should raise Labradors.