How to Differentiate Between a Golden and Yellow Lab Retriever

Last Updated: June 19, 2021 References

Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are some of the most popular dog breeds. ^{[1]
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Go to source} The Golden Retriever and Yellow Labrador Retriever do look similar, so telling them apart can be a bit difficult. Fortunately, there are a few characteristics to look for that can help you figure out whether you have a Golden Retriever or a Yellow Labrador Retriever.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Body Structure and Size Differences

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Know that Labrador Retrievers can be slightly bigger than Golden Retrievers. It’s not by much, but male Labrador Retrievers are usually between 22.5–24.5 inches (57–62 cm) tall and weigh anywhere between 65–89 pounds (29–40 kg). Female Labrador Retrievers can be anywhere between 21.5–23.5 inches (55–60 cm) tall and weigh anywhere from 55–70 pounds (25–32 kg). ^{[2]
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Research source} Male Golden Retrievers tend to be anywhere from 23–24 inches (58–61 cm) tall, and they usually weigh between 65–75 pounds (29–34 kg). Female Golden Retrievers are anywhere from 21.5–22.5 inches (55–57 cm) tall, and they usually weigh between 55–65 pounds (25–29 kg). ^{[3]
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- Golden Retrievers can occasionally be slightly longer than Labrador Retrievers.^{[4]
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Look for a more elegant appearance in Golden Retrievers. Because they tend to be more slender, Golden Retrievers may seem to have more of a graceful or elegant appearance overall to them. ^{[5]
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Research source} Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, tend to be more muscular. ^{[6]
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Take note of a longer snout in Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers tend to have a longer snout than Labrador Retrievers.^{[7]
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Research source} Despite that, Labrador Retrievers tend to have a broader, more robust head shape. ^{[8]
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Realize that Golden Retrievers may have a darker eye color. While Yellow Labrador Retrievers ^{[9]
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Research source} and Golden Retrievers both tend to have brown eyes, it is preferred that Golden Retrievers have dark brown, or occasionally medium brown, eyes. ^{[10]
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Notice an "otter tail" in Yellow Labrador Retrievers. This is one of the defining features of the Labrador Retriever breed as a whole. The entire tail is covered in the short coat of the Yellow Labrador Retriever. ^{[11]
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Research source} Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, have thick, muscular tails at the base that are carried level with the rest of the body, or sometimes, the tail may be slightly upwards. ^{[12]
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Research source} Golden Retriever tails also have longer hair than Labrador Retriever tails, and tend to be "feathery". ^{[13]
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Method 2

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Coat Differences

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Be aware that Golden Retrievers and Yellow Labradors have similar coat colors. Golden Retrievers have true golden coats that come in a variety of shades,^{[14]
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Research source} ranging from a creamy blonde to a reddish gold.^{[15]
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Research source} Yellow Labrador Retrievers range from light cream to a fox-red.^{[16]
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- Labradors may also be seen in chocolate or black coats,^{[17]
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  Research source} while Goldens are always a shade of gold.^{[18]
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Note that Golden Retrievers have lighter shading. Goldens have highlighted feathering that may be lighter than the rest of the body, not to be confused with white markings.^{[19]
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Research source} However, Labradors have variations in shading on the ears, back, and underbody, though they may have a small white spot on the chest.^{[20]
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Take notice that Labradors have shorter fur. Both breeds have double coats, but they are noticeably different in length. The coat of a Labrador is described as short and straight, being a distinctive feature of the breed.^{[21]
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Research source} Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, have long, luxurious coats.^{[22]
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Research source} A Golden's coat may be straight or wavy and includes feathering on the legs, neck, and tail.^{[23]
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Know that Labrador Retrievers have harder coats. Labradors have very dense coats that feel hard to the hand, though the weather-resistant undercoat is soft.^{[24]
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Research source} Golden Retrievers also have dense coats, which are firm and water-repellant with a good undercoat,^{[25]
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Research source} but a Labrador's may feel hard.
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Understand that Golden Retrievers require more grooming. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are both shedding breeds with double coats that require regular grooming. However, Golden Retrievers have long coats that need to be trimmed regularly around the feathery areas, such as the neck and tail.^{[26]
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Research source} Their undercoats require care to prevent them from matting.^{[27]
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Research source} Labrador Retrievers still need regular coat maintenance, but with shorter hair, they require less trimming.^{[28]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Temperament Differences

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Look for more energy in Yellow Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers tend to be a lot more energetic and need a lot more exercise. While Golden Retrievers do have some energy (and still do need a decent amount of exercise), they tend to be able to relax easier. ^{[29]
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- Walks or games of fetch are two good ways to give your dog exercise.
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Notice more gentleness and sensitivity in Golden Retrievers. Both breeds tend to be somewhat gentle, but Golden Retrievers typically have more gentleness and sensitivity towards their humans than Labrador Retrievers. ^{[30]
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- Labrador Retrievers, though friendly, aren't really known to have much sensitivity. ^{[31]
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Recognize that Yellow Labrador Retrievers may tend to do better with young children than Golden Retrievers. Both breeds do excellent with children, but Golden Retrievers usually are known to prefer calmer environments. ^{[32]
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Take note of more patience in Golden Retrievers. This relates to their gentleness and sensitivity. Again, while Labrador Retrievers do have some patience, Golden Retrievers are generally known to have quite a bit of it. ^{[33]
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Look for some clinginess in Golden Retrievers. ^{[34]
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Research source} While Labrador Retrievers also love being near their owners, they tend to be more independent than Golden Retrievers. ^{[35]
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Research source} This independence can occasionally lead to a bit of stubbornness in Yellow Labrador Retrievers. ^{[36]
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