Find my match ↗Compare two familiar retrievers using their documented care traits, coat needs and lifestyle ratings.
An affectionate companion who loves being part of everyday family life. Goldens thrive with regular activity, training, and plenty of human company.
An enthusiastic, sociable retriever who enjoys outdoor adventures and learning alongside their people.
Both breeds have complete reviewed PetMatch guides. The comparison below uses their existing source-linked care data. Trait levels describe tendencies, not guarantees about a dog.
| Care consideration | Golden Retriever | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament (source description) | intelligent / friendly / devoted | active / friendly / outgoing |
| Adult size | Large | Large |
| Height | 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female) | 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female) | 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female) |
| Typical lifespan | 10-12 years | 11-13 years |
| Energy and exercise | Moderate | Very high |
| Mental stimulation | High | High |
| Grooming | Low | Low |
| Shedding | High | High |
| Trainability | Very high | Very high |
| Barking | Very low | Moderate |
| Children | Very high | Very high |
| Other dogs | Very high | Very high |
| Apartment adaptability (editorial) | Low | Low |
| First-owner suitability (editorial) | Very high | Very high |
| Climate considerations | Unknown; assess individual needs | Unknown; assess individual needs |
| Monthly estimate (USD) | $165–$330 | $165–$330 |
Higher ratings mean more of that trait in the source scale. Higher energy or mental-stimulation ratings call for more planning around activity and enrichment; higher grooming ratings indicate more coat-care demands. Low shedding and low grooming are different considerations.
An affectionate companion who loves being part of everyday family life. Goldens thrive with regular activity, training, and plenty of human company.
Plan for daily exercise, regular brushing, and plenty of shedding.
Read the complete Golden Retriever care guide · AKC Golden Retriever breed guide
An enthusiastic, sociable retriever who enjoys outdoor adventures and learning alongside their people.
Young Labs can be exuberant. Daily exercise and consistent training matter.
Read the complete Labrador Retriever care guide · AKC Labrador Retriever breed guide
Family and apartment ratings are planning aids. Supervise children, assess individual temperament and pet introductions, and discuss health and exercise with a veterinarian. Monthly estimates exclude initial costs, insurance and emergencies.
Consider the routine you can offer consistently: daily activity, training, coat care, living space and budget. Neither breed is universally the better choice. Our quiz explains compatibility within an editorial model; it does not predict an individual dog’s behavior.
Take the free lifestyle matching quiz · Customize this comparison with up to four breeds · Read the data and matching methodology