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What is different about Labrador? How to distinguish a Labrador from a golden (golden) retriever? Differences in origin

– these are two similar, one might say, related breeds. The dogs belong to the same canine group and were bred as gun breeds and companions. So what is the difference between a Retriever and a Labrador? If you are asking yourself this question and not knowing what breed to get, the comparison below will help you.

The visual differences between the Labrador and the Labrador do not play such an important role, because many future owners need a friend, and friends are not judged by their appearance. The main and most noticeable difference between the breeds is their character:

– aristocrat, noble and calm, like royalty or at least an earl. He loves games and tomfoolery, but knows how to clearly separate “business and fun.” Requires medium loads, can be trained in any discipline and is very attached to the owner. He has excellent memory, a sharp mind and intuition.

– workaholic, playful and relatively carefree from puppyhood to old age. The dog is a family dog, but shows excellent results both in sports and in hunting. Loves the company of children and four-legged fellows. Has excellent skills in teaching guide work. He has a highly developed intuition and is capable of making independent decisions. The main goal of any Labrador is to please and protect the owner, which is why the breed is often used to save people.

Conclusion– Labradors are more active and in a good, carefree way than Goldens.

History of the breed

Many inexperienced owners omit historical data about the breed as irrelevant. In a global approach, this decision is not entirely correct. Instincts, embedded deep in the subcortex of dogs, were born and instilled in the breeds precisely during the period of their inception.

- a true Englishman, bred in the luxury of palaces. The first purpose of the breed is hunting, and only then decoration of the palace and companionship. Physical characteristics and coat type allow the dog to work on water at any time of the year, which is an indispensable quality when hunting game birds.

– the history of the breed is so complicated that it is impossible to talk about it with certainty. Dog experts suggest that Labradors were one of the breed groups bred on the island of Newfoundland. To support this fact, historical information is provided, where early Labradors are called small St. John's dogs, large dogs were called modern Divers (Newfoundlands).

Conclusion– Goldens can be called gun dogs; Labradors’ specialization, apparently, was initially broader.

Appearance and anatomy of breeds

Considering that the general dimensions of the Goldens are within the same framework, the visible differences between the breeds relate only to the width and strength of the skeleton. Further, it is worth noting that both breeds belong to the same group and section - Retrievers, and their differences relate more to visual data.

– after comparing the photos, the conclusion suggests itself, Goldens have a more decorative appearance. Semi-long coat, waterproof undercoat, rich feathering, shimmering wheat-golden color and aristocracy in every step. The bone structure is more lightweight than powerful, but this is natural for the hunting type.

– a “everyday type” dog, compact in build with short, close-lying hair. By the way, the guard hair of a healthy dog is shiny and a little greasy. This feature is due to the lack of undercoat. Labradors are wider and more massive, adults have a dewlap on the neck (folds of skin).

Conclusion– is more convenient in everyday life, but Golden is considered a pet with a more impressive appearance.

Breed colors

The main factor causing the confusion is the fawn-golden color that both dogs share. In fact, the breed standards clearly describe acceptable colors:

– gold color in various colors. By standard, platinum white is as valuable as copper red. The main requirements relate to the zonal distribution of color and wool quality.

– pale beige, brown, black. Moreover, initially, only black individuals were recognized in the breed; breeders had to compete for golden and brown colors.

Content nuances

The first question that concerns many potential owners is molting. Despite the noticeable difference in coat length, Goldens are easier to care for in this regard. Labradors change their coat almost year-round and experience two seasonal molts. Goldens shed their undercoat 2 times a year and do not shed the rest of the time. When purchasing a puppy, you need to understand that the four-legged dog will be with you for 12–15 years, will witness the birth or growth of children, and will survive your ups and downs.

– has no equal as a pet for very young children or elderly owners. Golden will not pull on the leash to chase a cat and will not bolt at the sight of a bird. An aristocrat from the tip of his tail to his nose is calm and restrained in any, even the most provocative situations.

– suitable for a large family and a teenage child. A restless disposition requires either constant mentoring or prior training in self-control. In fairness, it should be noted that the Labrador is capable of anything for the sake of the owner’s praise.

Conclusion– both breeds are suitable for children, elderly people or people with disabilities, but the Labrador requires more extensive, preliminary training.

And finally, it’s worth giving a catchphrase, or rather, instructions how to distinguish a Golden from a Labrador. Sit two dogs on the bank of a river and throw a stick into the water. One four-legged animal will be in the water until the stick falls, and the second, without moving from its place, will evaluate the speed and direction of the current, sniff the air, look at the sky, remember the weather forecast read in the morning, and then go into the water. So, the second one is a Golden Retriever.

The Golden Retriever is one of the four most popular dogs. With equal success he is kept in an apartment and in an outdoor enclosure. Distinctive qualities of the pet: poise, high intelligence, obedience. These are excellent friends and good nannies for children.

The Golden Retriever was bred in Great Britain as a hunting dog. The standard of appearance and character was first described about 100 years ago. According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale classification, it belongs to the eighth group, along with spaniels and water dogs.

Description of the breed

The breed is distinguished by its large size and harmonious build. Fully formed by the second year. Below are its main characteristics.

Height at the withers. Male - 56-61 cm, female - 51-56 cm.
Weight. Male - 26-41 kg, female - 25-37 kg.
Color. Various shades of cream and golden color are recognized (except red).
Lifespan. On average 11-12 years, sometimes 15.
Character. Loyal, sociable, friendly. Loves children.
Intelligence. Smart and quick-witted animal.
Security and guard potential. Retrievers are trusting, friendly, and are considered poor guards.

Breed standard

In addition to the main characteristics, there are indicators for assessing the purebred of the breed. Individuals that meet the standard shown in the table are allowed to participate in exhibitions and breeding.

Table - Golden Retriever breed standard

Indicator	Description
Head	- Wide; - proportional
Neck	- Strong; - muscular
Muzzle	Massive
Nose	- Large; - black
Jaws	Powerful
Breast	Wide
Back	Straight
Tail	- Long; - straight; - high
Front paws	- Smooth; - muscular
Hind legs	- Massive; - powerful
Wool	- Long; - thick
Undercoat	Waterproof

One of the psychology professors studied the intelligence of dogs of different breeds. Out of 133 breeds, retrievers took fourth place in intelligence and intelligence.

Advantages and disadvantages

A retriever is a large dog. Before buying a puppy, you need to study the breed in detail, weigh the pros and cons. The positive and negative traits of retrievers are shown in the table.

Table - Pros and cons of a retriever

Retrievers are sometimes used in rehabilitation centers to relieve stress and tame the aggression of patients. Dogs have a calming effect on crying people and lift their spirits. There have been recorded cases where retrievers, without any training, pulled people out of burning houses and saved drowning people.

Origin history and interesting facts

The story is connected with Lord Tweedmouth. According to surviving papers, he purchased a hunting dog with a rare yellow coat color. This was the only yellow puppy from a litter of black retrievers.

The Lord began work on developing a separate breed while preserving the beautiful, rare color. The first step was mating a retriever with a teacup tweed water spaniel. Already at this stage the lord managed to get three more yellow puppies. Work on the breed continued for a long time. The Lord carefully selected suitable individuals, trying to preserve the golden color.

After the death of the lord, the breed spread through his friends, who were once given puppies. Two of them had their own nurseries. To improve characteristics, crossings were carried out with Labradors, Irish setters, and bloodhounds.

The breed was officially recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1913. It was originally called the yellow or golden retriever. The name was later shortened.

Varieties

The Golden Retriever is a recognizable breed with distinct characteristics. Dog handlers distinguish three types of such dogs.

American. It is distinguished by its rather bright color and greater height. There is no light or dark color.
European. The coat color is light, sometimes close to white. They are distinguished by their massiveness - wide chest, muzzle, shortened, muscular legs.
Canadian. They are an intermediate link between the two types described above.

All types have external differences, but have the same character. Golden retrievers are friendly, get along well with other pets, love children, and are devoted to their owner.

Differences from Labrador

The Labrador is a separate breed, but it was used in the development of Golden Retrievers. Therefore, dogs are similar in a number of criteria. For example, they are hunting, intended for searching and bringing shot game to the owner. They are friendly, do not enter into conflicts, and are not prone to aggression. They have an excellent sense of smell and can be used as search dogs. The distinctive features of the two breeds are reflected in the table.

Table - Similarities and differences between the Labrador and Golden Retriever breeds

Golden retrievers are kept in apartments and enclosures - they do not freeze in winter and tolerate frost well. They are not used as guard dogs - the retriever cannot be chained. Representatives of the breed cannot stand prolonged loneliness. You need to devote time to training and walks every day.

5 mandatory procedures

The responsibilities of the owners include carrying out five hygiene procedures.

Eyes . Periodically wipe your eyes with a damp cotton pad. Their condition is assessed. The discharge of even a small amount of pus is a reason to take your pet to the veterinarian. Be sure to wash your eyes after walking in the forest.
Teeth . Without care, yellow plaque and tartar will form on the teeth. They try to teach puppies to care from an early age. Teeth are brushed regularly with a brush and pet toothpaste.
Ears . Look into your ears once a week and wipe them with a damp cotton swab.
Bathing. There is no need for frequent bathing. This is done several times a year and additionally as needed. Use special shampoos that do not cause dry skin.
Combing. The coat is brushed daily. Show dogs are sometimes cut. It is difficult to make a natural haircut on your own - more often owners turn to grooming specialists.

The Golden Retriever does not choose one owner. He is equally friendly towards all family members - adults and children.

Natural diet

Make up a balanced diet - include meat, fish, cottage cheese, eggs, cereals and vegetables. An approximate menu for a retriever of any age is given in the table.

Table - Retriever Menu

Products	Recommended	Prohibited	Share in daily diet
Meat	- Beef; - turkey; - chickens; - rabbit meat; - boiled offal	- Pork; - mutton; - smoked meats; - sausages	50%
Cereals	- Rice; - buckwheat; - millet	- Barley; - corn; - semolina	25%
Vegetables	- Carrot; - cabbage; - beet; - turnip; - pumpkin	- Citruses; - grape; - rhubarb; - spinach; - exotic vegetables and fruits	25%
Dairy	- Cottage cheese; - kefir; - ryazhenka	- ryazhenka - Whole milk; - cream; - yoghurts with flavors and fillings
Fish	Low-fat sea varieties	Fatty sea and river

Many representatives of the breed have an excessive appetite. The daily food intake is strictly divided into several meals and given in small portions.

Dry food

Until four to five months, retrievers are fed specialized food for large breed puppies. Then they are gradually transferred to adult food. Natural food is not included in the diet. Choose premium or super-premium food for large breeds. They contain a sufficient amount of minerals that support healthy joints.

Retrievers are prone to allergies, including to low-quality, cheap food. An allergic reaction is manifested by changes in the color of fur and skin, itching. Feed is selected carefully, introducing it into the diet in small portions. Preference is given to types based on lamb meat.

Until the age of five months, puppies are fed four to six times a day. The daily amount of food is divided into small portions. Gradually reduce the frequency of feedings. By eight months of age, they are fed twice a day. Before the change of milk teeth, the puppy is given yogurt, cottage cheese, and kefir daily.

Training

The success of training depends on the attitude of the owner towards the dog. Golden Retrievers should not be subjected to physical punishment. Screams and spanks lead to the fact that the puppy begins to take them for granted and subsequently stops responding to commands spoken in a calm tone. During the training process, five rules are followed.

Getting to know society. From an early age, you need to take your puppy for walks in parks, allow him to communicate with other dogs, and teach him to ride in an elevator or in a car.
Submission. Retrievers are smart and quick-witted - they quickly understand that a gentle owner can be manipulated. From an early age, the puppy must understand that the owner and other family members need to obey. The dog's open disobedience is immediately stopped.
Patience . Retrievers are offended by shouts and refuse to follow commands until the owner runs out of patience. You can’t give in or show your powerlessness. The owner must endure, refrain from shouting, but resolutely achieve his goal.
Coercion. Coercion refers to light physical pressure. For example, pressing on the withers or croup. The retriever quickly understands that the only way to free himself from compulsion is by following a command. Training continues daily until the dog learns to obey the owner's command the first time.
Encouragement. Any success of the dog should be rewarded - with a tasty morsel or praise. Subsequently, the pet will strive to please the owner.

Retrievers are calm dogs with an easy-going character. But without training they become uncontrollable. From puppyhood, the dog must know what is possible and what is not.

Reproduction

Only purebred representatives of the breed that meet the standards are allowed for breeding. The first mating can be carried out from 20 months for females, from 18 - for males. Early mating stops the development of the dog and leads to subsequent health problems. The best option is mating for the third or fourth heat.

Mating

The upcoming heat is determined by changes in behavior - the dog behaves restlessly and leaves marks while walking. Before the start of estrus, the bitch is given anthelmintic medications. To determine the exact day, apply a napkin to the loop every morning. Mating is planned on the 11-15th day of estrus. Before walking, the dog is treated with a special spray to avoid “courtship” by males.

A few days before mating, changes are introduced into the diet of male dogs - the amount of meat is increased or dry food with a high protein content is given. Immediately before mating they do not feed, they are given a good walk. Mating is carried out two days in a row to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy in retrievers lasts 62-64 days. Its duration varies slightly depending on the number of puppies. If there are many of them, labor begins a little earlier, if there are few, later. Visually, pregnancy is not visible until 35 days. In rare cases, the dog begins to develop toxicosis, refuses to eat, and thick mucous discharge appears from the loop. In later stages, the belly begins to stand out, the mammary glands swell, and enlarge.

By the end of the first month of pregnancy, the dog’s diet increases the amount of protein food - more meat, cottage cheese, and fermented milk products. Carbohydrates are kept to a minimum. An intermediate - third feeding - is added to the diet. Additionally, special mineral supplements and vitamins E and F are used in oil form, one drop three times a day. Towards the end of pregnancy, vegetables and fruits are completely excluded from the diet.

If after 66 days of pregnancy labor does not occur, the dog is taken to the veterinarian. A small pregnancy leads to an increased size of the fetuses - a caesarean section may be required. There are known cases of false pregnancy in dogs. It is advisable that the first birth take place under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Sometimes mating doesn't work. There are several reasons - incorrectly determined time or physiological deviations. If two matings in a row do not result in pregnancy, the dog must be examined for pathologies.

Diseases and treatment

Golden Retrievers are strong, healthy dogs. They live an average of 12 years and have stable immunity. Most artificially bred breeds are prone to hereditary diseases. Retriever breeders have to deal with five diseases.

Joint dysplasia. It is expressed in defective development of the hip joints. Most often it is congenital, but sometimes develops as the puppy grows. Dysplasia can only be treated surgically.
Epilepsy. Appears at any age. Dogs with epilepsy are not allowed to be bred.
von Willebrand disease. Manifests itself in nosebleeds and bleeding gums. The disease is treated with blood transfusions.
Retinal dysplasia. A congenital disease associated with impaired taurine synthesis. A common cause of blindness in retrievers.
Atopic dermatitis. An allergic reaction develops to a vaccine or food. Manifests itself in skin irritation and the appearance of eczema.

Vaccination

Vaccinations are given to prevent dangerous diseases that often lead to death. The first vaccination is carried out at an early age. As they grow, revaccination is carried out. Many vaccinations are repeated every year. Three diseases pose the greatest danger.

Plague. A viral disease that is fatal. Puppies are vaccinated for the first time, then the results are confirmed annually.
Rabies. A virus dangerous to dogs and humans. Vaccination is carried out in stages and is repeated annually.
Parvovirus enteritis. Gastrointestinal disease. The treatment is complex, lengthy, and does not always give results. The first vaccination is given at five weeks. Repeat annually.

Until the puppy has received preventive vaccinations, places for walks must be chosen carefully. You should not take it on long trips or go to parks where there is a risk of contact with infected animals.

TOP nicknames

The nickname should please all family members and suit the appearance and character of the dog. You can come up with something of your own or choose from the list of frequently used ones. The table shows the most common nicknames for Golden Retrievers.

Table - TOP retriever nicknames

First letter	Bitch	Male
A	- Isa; - Angel	- Archie; - Arnie
B	- Bucky; - Bessie	- Barney; - Bucks
IN	- Vicki; - Venus	- White; - Vinci
G	- Gizma; - Gretta	- Gray; - Hans
D	- Dina; - Jeta	- Duncan; - Jack
AND	- Ilsa; - Irma	- Player; - Ideal
TO	- Cleo; - Kara	- Casey; - Courage
L	- Lilu; - Lucy	- Lobi; - Lucky
M	- Maya; - Molly	- Monty; - Marty
N	- Nika; - Nessie	- Nike; - Nick
P	- Peris; - Paulie	- Persian; - Parker
R	- Rhonda; - Roxy	- Rolf; - Ronnie
WITH	- Sanda; - Selina	- Sonic; - Smile
T	- Tessa; - Taska	- Theo; - Toby
U	- Ulma; - Umbra	- Umka; - Urwin
F	- Fiona; - Fortune	- Phil; - Frank
X	- Helga; - Holdy	- Khaki; - Happy
Yu	- Yumi; - Utah	- Eugene; - Eustace
E	- Elba; - Emmy	- Ernie; - Alvin

Photo review

From the photo you can see that Golden Retrievers are a beautiful breed of dog. Large, strong and at the same time good-natured - they are well suited for families with children.

Cost and where to buy

A good kennel does not sell a golden retriever puppy cheaply. Further, using the example of Moscow, prices in nurseries and private breeders are analyzed (data for January 2018).

In the nursery. A pet-class puppy will cost at least 25 thousand rubles, a show class puppy (for exhibitions) - about 60 thousand rubles and more.
From private breeders. Sellers offer puppies from purebred parents at prices starting from 15 thousand rubles. The cost depends on gender, pedigree, compliance with the standard, but usually does not exceed 25 thousand rubles.
On the free classifieds site "Avito". Here you can find puppies costing from 10 thousand rubles. A low cost may indicate that the breed is not purebred or has congenital defects.

Choosing a puppy

A non-purebred dog will differ not only in appearance, but also in character. Before choosing a puppy, the behavior of the parents is assessed. They must be obedient and not show aggression. If the parents behave with dignity and the puppies look healthy, pay closer attention to the following parameters:

proportional body;
wide chest;
dark eyes;
black nose and pads;
wide pelvis;
correct ear placement;
even bite;
deep muzzle.

If you plan to participate in exhibitions or breeding in the future, study the puppy’s pedigree and the parents’ exhibition diplomas. The dog is purchased from a kennel, not from private breeders.

Nurseries

It is safer to contact nurseries with a good reputation. There you can choose a puppy, look at its parents, and study its pedigree. At the time of sale, the puppy is vaccinated and all necessary documents are completed. There are golden retriever kennels in most major cities:

"Forest town" in the Moscow region, village. Forest town - http://www.foresttown.ru/;
"Fantasy Gold" in the Kaluga region, Maloyaroslavets- http://fantasy-gold.ru/;
"Zarael" in Saransk - https://www.zerael.com/;
"RiEra" in Moscow - http://www.goldenfriend.ru/contact.html;
"Rolimber" in Murmansk - http://rolimber.ru/contacts.

Reviews: “You will never find such a friend anywhere”

The Golden Retriever is the smartest dog. Obedient, easy to train, loves all people. Positive dog. Even if she doesn’t like something, she won’t show it. The best dog for the whole family. I will never be disappointed in this breed. After all, she is the best of the best breeds.

I bought my Bobby three years ago and was not the least bit disappointed in him. He loves my children, he loves my husband, he loves me, he loves my mom, he loves everyone.

Tari, http://www.dog-otzyv.ru/Zolotistyy-retriver-.html

Very kind dog! When she starts to rejoice, she cannot be stopped. She will run and destroy everything in her path. I have never seen my dog sad, she is always happy about something. This is very uplifting.

Even at night, when you wake her up, invite her to play - with great willingness and joy, she will join in the game. I love this dog, a real friend! You will never find such a friend anywhere. Trust me.

Zerg, http://www.dog-otzyv.ru/Zolotistyy-retriver-.html

We have a retriever. We live in our own house, so we didn’t really chew on anything. Initially they took a non-dominant puppy, there were also three children, even as a teenager he never bullied children. It is still better to take the puppy with the parents. Since character and health, and it is weak in retrievers, like all intellectuals, depends very much on pedigree.
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Every dog is one hundred percent devoted to its owner, but there are breeds that are not only completely trusted, but also help people.

Guide dogs treat people with a special feeling, as they are raised to always come to the rescue. The type of guide dog is called a retriever.

The group of dogs includes:

straight-haired - flat;
golden - golden;
Nova Scotia Retriever;
curly-haired - Curley,
Chesapeake Bay;
Labrador.

The most common are the Golden Retriever and the Labrador. They were the ones who managed to maintain the championship among guide dogs over the past twenty years.

The fawn Labrador, which is often difficult to differentiate from the golden one, actually has differences, which you will learn about in this article.

External differences

The Labrador's coat is short, which is not the case with the Golden. Its tail is thick at the base and tapers towards the end.

The tail of the golden breed has the appearance of a “feather”. This can be seen in the photos of different breeds of guide dogs.

At the very beginning, when the breed just began to gain interest among dog breeders in the UK, only black short-haired species were bred, but since the end of the 20th century, fawn-colored hunting dogs can also be found.

Differences in character

The Labrador is the best guide dog from this group of dogs. He was even given the nickname “King of the Breed.” He is the most flexible and less touchy than his brothers.

He is very kind gentle and simple character, which greatly distinguishes it from golden, since experts attribute the second to proud intellectuals, which you can’t play with when the dog is not in the mood.

However, both species perform their duties so well that it is very difficult to choose between golden and fawn.

The Golden Retriever, unlike the Fawn Retriever, is less affectionate to its owners, but when it comes to obedience, any guide dog follows the owner’s orders without any hesitation.

Fawns are always ready to do anything to please their owner, sometimes choosing the most difficult paths to achieve their goals. And the latter are always looking for the easy way.

Intelligence

Statistically, golden Retrievers rank 4th in the world among dogs with high intellectual abilities, while fawn takes only 7th place.

However, this does not prevent both breeds from being excellent at training. Of the guide dogs, these breeds are the most flexible, which greatly distinguishes them from the stubborn Chesapeake Bay, which is very difficult to force to learn.

Purpose

Initially, the Golden Retriever was created to carry game during the hunt.

As for the fawn, he is also trained for hunting, but of a slightly different type - for hunting with a gun. He is also taught to look after the house, but the golden one will in no case become a watchman, because he is very loving and will not bark even at a stranger.

One of the main differences between a Labrador and a Golden is a characteristic feature of the second, which can be called aristocracy.

The other has a kind heart and an open soul, but only towards his masters. Therefore, they should not be released from their leash when walking.

Owners of popular dog breeds often confuse two similar breeds, the basis for which was created on the same basis.

Dog breeders do not understand the difference between a retriever and a Labrador, although with in-depth study this difference becomes noticeable.

Having decided what the difference is between the two specified breeds, you can find out the description of each of them and clearly see them in the photo.

In addition, it is important to know how to properly maintain dogs, and reviews from owners will help you make the right decision: whether to buy a dog or not.

Differences between a retriever and a Labrador

To understand the main difference between breeds, dog breeders recommend delving into history.

In total, there are 6 breeds in the group of retrievers, two of which are the golden retriever or golden and labrador.

All of them belong to group 8 and class 1 according to the standard of the generally accepted classification.

According to history, these two species appeared in Great Britain, but in different kingdoms.

The intended purpose of each breed is also different, so we suggest finding out in more detail what the differences are:

Character. The imported Labrador was used for hunting purposes. Such dogs could not only catch shot game, but also perfectly catch fish from the pond.
Their similarity was noticed with dogs of another breed, which served as the basis for the creation - “diver”.
The Golden Retriever had one goal - to bring back killed prey. The breed was developed in Scotland; the goal was to create a beautiful golden color.
Color. The retriever will only have a golden color, as this breed was originally created for better visibility among peat bogs.
If the dog is black or chocolate in color, then it is a Labrador.
Coat type. In Labradors, it is covered with a small specific coating, which is relevant for waterfowl dogs.
The coat of these dogs is straight and hard. The Golden Retriever, on the contrary, has a decorative coat with a golden hue. Small waves are present throughout the body.
Tail structure. Labradors have a characteristic thickening at the base of the tail. The retriever has a feather-like tail.

There is also a noticeable difference in head size. The Labrador is designed to catch large prey, which can be heavy, so its head is slightly larger than that of the retriever.

Description of breeds with photos

The main differences help the future owner independently understand the choice of breed.

To understand which characteristics are most acceptable for a future friend, it is recommended to consider each breed separately.

Pay attention! Today, Labradors and retrievers are no longer purchased for hunting purposes.

Such a dog will be an excellent companion, because it is friendly and kind.

Let's look at the table:

Peculiarity	Labrador	Retriever
Origin	Britannia	Scotland
Colors	Black, chocolate, brown, fawn	Golden
Construction according to standard	Strong, large head, deep chest, rounded ribs. Powerful muzzle, developed jaw, hard and dense coat	The head is beautifully shaped, with an elongated muzzle, oval or almond-shaped eyes. Triangular ears, long neck, elongated body. The limbs are muscular, the paws are neat, devoid of rough features.
Character Traits	Cleverness and the ability to understand what a person is saying is a special trait of dogs. Playfulness and the desire to run with other dogs makes people choose this breed	Puppies are characterized by playfulness, activity, and energy. Intelligence, intelligence, curiosity, and good memory are the main characteristics of an adult dog.
Price in nursery	From 20 thousand rubles	From 25 thousand rubles

Dogs of these breeds can be kept both outside in the yard and in an apartment. When choosing the first option, it is recommended to equip an appropriate enclosure for the dog.

It should be spacious, have a warm booth, and be located in a place where there is a good view.

Dogs of this breed cannot be chained, otherwise their character will change greatly.

Main features of the content:

Proper nutrition is ensured with the help of balanced ready-made food - special food is selected for each age of Labrador and Retriever.
While the puppy is small, he is fed up to 5 times a day, by 5 months this amount decreases to 3 times a day.
Adults need to be dewormed once every six months, and dogs need to be vaccinated against infectious diseases every year.
The place to sleep should be comfortable: arrange it away from radiators and drafts.

Labradors should be washed when they get dirty, but they need to be combed once a week. A special brush is used for this.

Important! Answering the question of how long a dog of this breed lives, it is worth noting: with proper care, Labradors and retrievers live from 10 to 14 years.

Labradors love active games, so walks outside should be long and energetic. Mating of dogs occurs at the age of 18 months for males and 20 months for females.

Owner reviews

To understand whether a Labrador or Golden Retriever is suitable for living together with a person, you can watch the video: it clearly shows how friendly dogs of this breed are.

With proper care, owners will only have positive reviews about keeping their dog.

A few nuances noted by owners of Labradors and retrievers:

The owners note that they cannot find a better breed than the Labrador - they are friendly, love children, obedient and energetic dogs.
If you take care of the coat of retrievers and Labradors, then there will be no problems with cleaning: those who did not pay enough attention to combing the coat complained of white hairs all over the house.
This breed is not suitable for keeping by older people: Labrador constantly requires attention, action and activity, which pensioners cannot provide.
Due to the great demand for the breed, unscrupulous breeders began to deceive buyers by offering outbred puppies for purchase.

In general, Retrievers and Labradors are active and obedient dogs. When choosing such a friend, be sure to check his pedigree and all the relevant features.

Useful video

It may be a revelation to some that these two breeds are noticeably different from each other. Moreover, they are very often confused with each other. Despite the fact that both breeds were bred by hunters, today they have become harmless and very friendly animals. We will talk further about the differences in the appearance and character of the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever.

External differences between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador

Most of all, this information will be of interest to future owners who have not yet decided who to choose: a golden retriever or a Labrador. Oddly enough, the breeds were bred in completely different geographical locations.

On the left is a golden retriever, on the right is a fawn Labrador retriever.

Color. This is exactly what golden retrievers excel at. Their coat comes in almost the entire range of golden shades: from light to dark. Representatives of the Labrador breed have three colors: light, black and chocolate.
Wool. One of the most obvious differences between the Golden Retriever and the Labrador. The former have long decorative fur. There is a wave. Labradors have shorter hair and have a peculiar water-repellent effect, since the body secretes a wax-like coating.
Tail. In this case, too, the difference between the Labrador and the Golden Retriever is noticeable. Possessing a thick and long coat, Golden Retriever dogs have a feather-like tail. And Labradors have a thick tail with short hair.
Head. Dogs' head sizes also differ. The Labrador has a more massive head due to the fact that this breed was bred to hunt large prey. The Golden Retriever was used for hunting light game.
Shedding. The Golden Retriever sheds twice a year, when the pet's coat is almost completely renewed. Owners of Labradors are less fortunate in this matter - their pets shed constantly, which is why their fur can be found on things, carpets and furniture.

Both dogs are in good health, but there is a certain predisposition to joint dysplasia, which is often discussed. But this is more of a hereditary disease rather than acquired. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the puppy’s documents.

Obvious external differences do not allow us to fully understand which breed is better: Labrador or Golden Retriever. Next, a little about how the characters of these dogs differ.

Dog breed Labrador Retriever photo.

The dog breed is the Golden Retriever (aka Golden Retriever).

What is the difference between a Labrador and a Golden Retriever in behavior?

Carefree. The Labrador is more free in its behavior and expression of emotions. The Golden Retriever is also friendly to people, but most often the dog is reserved and less active on walks.
Empathy. Golden retrievers are more sensitive to human thoughts and emotions, which is why they are considered therapy dogs. They are distinguished by their gentle and soft character. Labradors are dogs that will not let you feel sad due to their irrepressible energy.
Action/reflection. Golden Retrievers always evaluate a situation before acting. At the same time, Labradors tend to act impulsively and recklessly. However, both dogs are completely non-aggressive towards people or other animals.

Who is better: a Labrador or a golden retriever - it is better for each owner to determine for himself. Both dogs are very friendly, can live in an apartment, and require a lot of attention and vigorous walks, as well as training. It must be remembered that representatives of these breeds are faithful friends of humans, but not guards or hunters. In general, golden retrievers are suitable for calmer people, while Labradors are suitable for active and athletic owners.