Smith points out there are differences in the coat color as well. Labradors were developed as primarily water dogs, and their coats insulate them against cold and icy water with dense undercoats and a slightly oily, short outer coat.” Talbott explains, “Goldens were developed as primarily upland game dogs, so they require a firm jacket and moderate feathering over a dense undercoat that protects the body from brambles and other hazards, as well as harsh weather. And finally, the coats vary as they serve different purposes. Second, there are subtle distinctions in the shape of the head, although both are designed for carrying game birds. First, Labradors tend to be heavier in appearance due to denser bone, a deeper chest, and a rounder ribcage. Some are obvious while others take a more discerning eye.

There are physical differences between the breeds. Smith agrees that the Golden and Labrador are both sociable, personable, and very trainable. A judge of both hunt tests and field trials, as a veterinarian she is also president of the OFA, the largest companion animal health database in the world. Fran Smith, vice president and health chair of the Labrador Retriever Club, has been breeding Labradors under the kennel name Danikk since 1970. A proper Labrador or Golden temperament is tolerant, loving, gentle, and unusually empathic.”ĭr. Both breeds also get along well in groups of other dogs – an aggressive Labrador or Golden is a rare occurrence and not acceptable. “The hallmarks of both breeds are their kind nature with all humans, from infants in a stroller to seniors in a long-term care environment, and everyone in between. She also explains the breeds share their history as hunting retrievers, their trainability, and their sociable temperament. “Both breeds shed all year, and profusely in the springtime! The shorter coat of the Labrador is not a non-shedding coat.” According to Talbott, a main similarity between the two breeds, along with their structure and size, is their shedding. As an AKC judge and former education director and breed mentor for the Golden Retriever Club of America, she’s been breeding, showing, and participating in dog sports for over 40 years. Nancy Talbott got her first Golden in 1977 and her first Labrador ten years later. Labrador Retriever (left) and Golden Retriever (right) Trainable and Sociable

Golden retriever of fox water farms