Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Labrador Retriever
Category
Golden Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

55 - 80
Weight (lbs)
55 - 75
21.5 - 24.5
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24
10 - 13 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Sporting
Breed Group
Sporting
Canada
Origin
Scotland
Water retrieving
Bred For
Retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

4/5
Energy Level
4/5
4/5
Better
Trainability
2/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
4/5
Better
Grooming Needs
5/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$2,668
Labrador Retriever
vs
Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Expense
Golden Retriever
$2,668
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$2,844
$3,388
Lower ✓
First Year
$3,564
$31,402
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$32,004
$780
Food (annual)
$780
$735
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$264
Lower ✓
Grooming (annual)
$440
$864
Insurance (annual)
$864
$72
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Labrador Retriever (~12 yrs) costs approximately $602 less than a Golden Retriever (~11 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Labrador Retriever

Kind, Outgoing, Agile, Gentle, Intelligent, Trusting, Even Tempered, Affectionate, Playful, Friendly, Funny, Loyal, Smart, Independent, Athletic

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Friendly, Trustworthy, Confident, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Funny, Playful, Quiet, Smart, Loyal, Couch