Differences in origin
Labradors and goldens belong to the same group of retrievers, but they are two completely different breeds. The beginning of the differences between them lies in their origin. The breeds were developed in different parts of the world.
- Labrador comes from the island of Newfoundland. One of the earlier names of the breed is Lesser Newfoundland or St. John's Newfoundland. Indian dogs are considered his ancestors. Labradors lived surrounded by fishermen, whom they served faithfully. The dogs pulled fishing nets and took the shot prey out of the water . For their labor merits, the dogs were nicknamed hard workers.
- The Golden Retriever has a more aristocratic origin . The breed was developed by the English Lord Tweedmouth. It took many years to achieve the desired result. Goldens not only took an active part in hunting, but also decorated palaces with their representative appearance. The breed quickly gained popularity.
Subtleties of terminology
Retrievers (from “retrieve” to look for, to bring) are not the name of the breed, but the profession (type) of toothy hunters. In Great Britain, these dogs were used together with other gundogs: the pointers discovered and raised the game “on the wing”; the retriever-retriever had to find the shot bird and carefully present the trophy to the owner-shooter.
“Narrow” professional orientation has formed a unique canine format, according to which the ideal retriever:
- must be strong and resilient: long walks, swims in cold water, delivery (carrying) of game over long distances require good physical condition;
- must have sharp eyesight (to see where the shot game fell) and good instincts, allowing you to quickly find the trophy;
- does not deform the prey, brings it without damage (retrievers of good blood are famous for their “soft mouth” and careful grip);
- has an understanding and good-natured disposition: ease of training and sociable talents have been elevated to the canon by selection.
How are they different in appearance?
If, at first glance, someone does not even distinguish between these two breeds, then, upon examining them more closely, each of them becomes easy to recognize by their appearance.
Difference:
wool;
One of the most important is wool . A Labrador can be recognized immediately. The dog is considered a waterfowl, as evidenced by the special wax coating on its coat. It protects the dog from moisture penetration. The hair is short - no more than 5 cm. The fur is dense throughout the body. Although there are no long hairs, the short coat also requires regular brushing.
Golden (golden) retriever
Labrador
Goldens have long and soft hair that curls slightly , which should not be the case with Labradors. They shed less, but also require care for the condition of the coat. Golden retrievers, compared to their brothers, look more noble.
color;
When breeding Goldens, special attention was paid to the color of the breed. The dog had to be clearly visible against the background of peat bogs. Golden color was the most suitable. So, dogs of this breed can be different, but still only golden shades .
The color of Labradors is more contrasting. They come in three colors:
- black;
- pale yellow;
- chocolate.
Outwardly, only a fawn Labrador can be confused with a golden, since the other two colors are inherent only in one of the breeds.
tail.
The tail is another distinguishing feature. The golden's bushy, feather-shaped tail is difficult to confuse with the narrow, strong tail of the Labrador. The latter has a tail covered with the same dense and short hair as the whole body.
If the dog is in a good mood, he lifts his tail high, and the Golden Retriever has a smooth line from the back down to the tail.
Price range
There are many sites on the Internet where you can find advertisements for the sale of puppies. The cost depends on the country, the age of the dog, its pedigree, titles, etc.
For example, let's look at the price range for a Labrador puppy in Moscow.
So, a pet-class puppy costs from 25,000 rubles. The cost of a show-class puppy, in turn, is equal to 62,000 rubles. And, as they say, you can buy a puppy for 15,000 rubles.
Photo
The differences, even in the photo, are visible to the naked eye and without explanation, you just need to place these breeds side by side:
Retriever
Labrador
Retriever puppy
Labrador puppies
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Comparison of characters
If outwardly it is still possible to sometimes confuse two breeds, then having gotten to know each representative better, it immediately becomes clear which of them is a nimble spoiler and which is an aristocrat by birth. The main differences between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador are manifested in the following traits:
- Activity. Labradors will give their owner a real storm of emotions. Leisurely walks around the park are not for them. Dogs of this breed require constant physical activity and fun games with the owner. There is no need to be offended by your pet if, after playing too much, it simply knocks its owner down. Retrievers are also not averse to fooling around with people, but the basis of their character is restraint. A walk with such a dog can take place in both a playful and calm atmosphere.
- Sensitivity. Retrievers are able to better understand the emotional state of their owner. Representatives of this breed are well suited for providing emotional support to people with various developmental disabilities. Although Labradors do not feel a person so deeply, they are never short of activity; such a dog can cheer up anyone.
- Determination. In the same situation, breeds will act differently. The Labrador will instantly react and perform some action. Golden will not rush to carry out the command at that very second; first he will carefully consider his actions. This is not an indicator of stupidity or disobedience to the owner, it’s just that restraint and self-control are initially inherent in the character of this dog.
IMPORTANT! Labradors and golden retrievers are completely devoid of aggression. They are excellent companions, guides and rescuers, but are absolutely not suitable for security functions.
A fearless guard and protector - these qualities are not possessed by any representative of the two breeds.
Who is smarter and more trainable?
Of the two breeds, it is impossible to single out one based on mental abilities . Both representatives are highly trainable, follow all commands and get along well with all family members, including other animals. The main difference is temperament . A Labrador needs an owner with an active lifestyle, who will pay great attention to walks and will not let the dog get bored. She, of course, will be able to occupy herself, but this may negatively affect the state of things in the house.
The Golden Retriever is an excellent option for those who want to have a loyal, kind, affectionate and calm friend. Dogs of this breed react more reservedly to others, but this does not mean that a five-minute walk in the yard will be enough for them. Goldens, like Labradors, love long hikes and games.
Description of features
This breed of dog is quite in demand among retrievers due to its high performance, quick learning and ease of care.
This breed is also called the “King of Retrievers.” The standard contains only the approximate weight of dogs. What matters to judges is a well-coordinated ratio of weight, height and exterior of a Labrador.
The breed standard specifies the following characteristics:
Height in males is up to 61 cm, weight - 40 kg (in females up to 58 cm and 32 kg, respectively);
The head is large, medium length, wide, no massive cheekbones. The eyes are small, oval in shape, not too deep set.
Eye color comes in shades of brown (from hazel to dark chocolate), and black is also acceptable. The ears are drooping and fit close to the head. The jaw is massive, but at the same time soft, with the correct bite.
The neck is strong, lean, well set into the shoulders. The chest is wide enough: a man’s palm can easily fit between the front legs.
The tail is quite thick at the base, then tapers; the fur is evenly distributed along the entire length (outwardly similar to the tail of an otter). It should not be thrown behind the back.
The bones of the front legs are strong and straight; the hindquarters are also well developed, there is no slope of the croup to the tail. The knee joints have excellent angles that give good propulsion when moving.
The Labrador Retriever's coat is short, thick, and quite hard to the touch.
The following color variations are acceptable:
- ginger;
- chocolate;
- black.
Red color can range from light cream to fiery red; chocolate - from the color of milk chocolate to bitter. A permissible small white spot on the chest.
Friendly in nature, they are quite agile and active. A dog of this breed has a quick reaction, an excellent sense of smell, and excellent swimming skills; characterized by assertiveness and steadfastness in completing assigned tasks.
An unsurpassed sense of smell and indomitable curiosity have led to the fact that dogs are used in the search for narcotic drugs and explosive substances.
During emergencies, they act as rescuers, helping to find living people in a destroyed building.
Also, being naturally good swimmers, they help search and rescue organizations work on the water. In describing the abilities, talents and marvelous qualities of character, it is impossible to overestimate him.
The difference between the conditions of detention: who to choose?
The choice of a pet must be approached very responsibly, since it will become a full-fledged member of the family, and the owner will definitely have to take into account all the characteristics of the breed. To ensure that living with a dog in the same area does not cause a lot of trouble, but, on the contrary, brings joy, when choosing a four-legged friend, it is worth studying in more detail the nature and requirements for the maintenance and care of a particular breed. It is these features that are much more significant than the appearance of the dog.
Golden retrievers will feel more comfortable in an apartment . They do not require their owners to run for many hours with active games on the street, so in the absence of such entertainment they will not turn the entire apartment upside down.
Given its activity and playfulness, it is better to keep a Labrador in a private home . But often families living in apartments also have representatives of this breed. The main condition is constant participation in the dog’s life and long active walks. If a Labrador spends most of its energy outside, it will not disturb the order in the apartment.
It is not allowed to keep Labradors and Golden Retrievers in the yard of a house on a chain or in an aviary. These breeds require constant human contact.
Often families with small children decide to get a dog so that the child has a furry friend in the house and they can always play with him. Labradors are those dogs that are ready to start playing with anyone at any moment; they have more than enough mischief . But, you need to take into account that dogs are quite large in size, and while actively playing with a child, they can accidentally push him.
Goldens are more balanced by nature . They get along well with small children and older people .
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Health and illness
In order for a pet to live a long time and please its owners, it is necessary to know all the features of caring for and feeding a pet, maintaining health and eliminating diseases when the first symptoms appear.
The most common disease in breeds is hip dysplasia. The disease is genetic and can only be detected using x-rays. Veterinarians perform the procedure under anesthesia.
To prevent the disease, it is necessary to monitor the dog’s weight from childhood. You should not allow your puppy to gain extra pounds. This puts more stress on the hip joints.
It is also necessary to ensure that the pet does not have overloads.
Representatives of such breeds are prohibited from:
- climb stairs for a long time;
- run after a bicycle;
- go on long hikes.
If a dog is diagnosed with such a disease, it can only be corrected surgically. An experienced veterinarian will perform the operation, and the owner is responsible for the rehabilitation process. With proper care, your pet will recover quickly.
The following diseases are also common in dogs:
- ophthalmic (cataract, entropion, distichiasis, etc.);
- ear;
- diabetes;
- food allergies;
- epilepsy;
- dermatitis between fingers;
- bloating.
To prevent diseases, it is necessary to follow the rules of care and maintenance of the animal. Timely identification of the primary symptoms of diseases and their immediate elimination helps to quickly get rid of the problem.
What's in common?
Although Goldens and Labradors differ markedly in many ways, both of these breeds are included in the group of retrievers. They are not the only representatives; there are 4 more types of dogs. All retrievers are considered hunting breeds. Their main task is to be an assistant during the hunt. Both breeds boast the following traits:
- strong body structure;
- endurance;
- keen eye and sensitive sense of smell;
- excellent swimming ability;
- soft grip that does not damage prey when hunting
- ;good mental abilities;
- ability to get along with people.
Both breeds have fairly good health. Their average lifespan is 11-13 years, but with proper care they can live longer.
Similarities
The same character traits, behavior and appearance are due to the hunting past of both breeds.
- The animals are quite large in size. They have a proportional build. Limbs are strong and muscular. Wide-browed head with floppy ears.
- A characteristic feature is the “soft mouth” - a slight bite when an object is compressed without damage.
- Both species are known to be tolerant and friendly towards people and other animals.
Who is better?
It cannot be said that some dogs are better and some are worse. Every breed, including Labradors and Golden Retrievers, has its own characteristics. Everyone chooses for themselves such a four-legged friend, communication with whom will be a joy for both the owner and the pet.
Labrador is a lively dog , and this must be taken into account immediately. Monotonous and calm walks do not suit him. Such a dog requires constant active action. He needs an owner with the same cheerful attitude and restless character, then they will live in complete idyll.
If jogging around the park with a dog is not part of your plans, but you want to see a calm and balanced dog , then it is better to give preference to a golden retriever . With it there is no need to constantly come up with new fun games. The dog understands the emotional state of its owner well and gets along well with people of all ages.
Golden Labrador: can the breed have this color?
The first Labradors were only black. Since 1899, fawn color has been recognized, and since 1930, chocolate color. According to the requirements of the FCI standard, only these colors are allowed - fawn, brown (various shades) and black. If a golden labrador appears in the litter, then such a puppy will be rejected and not allowed for breeding.
Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, can only be golden in color. The color may be lighter or darker, but not red or red-brown.
Golden Retriever: Photo.
Mixture
There is a Golden Retriever/Labrador mix: the Goldador, which is more popular in the States. It is not specially bred in our country; it arises only as a fruit of love between dogs.
