Golden Retriever vs Yellow Lab: Difference and Comparison

Golden Retrievers and Yellow Lab are both breeds of dogs. These two dogs are similar in appearance and nature.

They make lovable, adorable family pets and are easy to get along with. Although Golden retrievers and Yellow Labs are quite similar, they differ from each other in many aspects. 

Key Takeaways

1. Golden Retrievers exhibit longer, wavier coats, whereas Yellow Labs have short, dense fur.
2. Yellow Labs tend to be more energetic and require additional exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
3. Golden Retrievers generally have a gentler temperament, making them ideal family pets and therapy dogs.

Golden Retriever vs Yellow Lab 

Golden Retrievers are medium to large-sized dogs that are known for their beautiful golden coats, friendly personalities, and calm and patient nature. Yellow Labs are medium to large-sized dogs that are yellow in color with short, dense coats that are easy to care for. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

Golden Retriever was first discovered by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland.

This dog was later bred and modified into what we see in a Golden Retriever dog today. Golden Retrievers are known for their lovely personality, adorable nature, and extremely high energy levels.

They need extra care and grooming compared to a Yellow Lab. The Golden Retriever was originally bred as a sporting dog and, hence, is quite accustomed to sniffing out and retrieving its master’s prey without mauling it.

Golden retrievers have a wavy golden coat. 

Yellow Lab was first discovered in Newfoundland, Canada. Dogs of this breed were mainly bred to help fishermen retrieve nets and haul gear while working in the water.

Yellow Labs are the ideal waterfowl retrievers for hunters. Yellow Lab is known for its sensitive, lovely personality, adorable nature, and high energy level.

These dogs are livelier than the Golden Retrievers and have a dense yellow coat.  

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Golden Retriever	Yellow Lab
Found	The Golden retriever was first discovered by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland.	Yellow Lab was first discovered in Newfoundland Canada.
Energy Level	The Golden retriever has a higher energy level compared to the Yellow Lab.	Although Yellow Lab is energetic, their energy level is less compared to Golden Retriever.
Coat	Golden Retrievers have medium-length flat, and wavy double coats.	Yellow Labs have a double, short, and dense coat.
Care and Grooming	Golden Retriever needs regular care and grooming.	Yellow Labs do not require as much grooming and care as Golden Retrievers.
Weight	Golden Retrievers are not as heavy as Yellow Labs.	Yellow Labs are slightly heavier than Golden Retrievers.
Nature	Golden Retrievers are less lively in nature than Yellow Labs.	Yellow Labs are livelier in nature than Golden Retrievers.

What is Golden Retriever? 

Golden Retriever was first discovered by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland. This dog was later bred and modified into what we see in a Golden Retriever dog today.

Golden Retrievers are known for their lovely personality, adorable nature, and extremely high energy levels.  

Golden Retrievers need extra care and grooming compared to a Yellow Labs. The Golden Retriever was originally bred as a sporting dog and, hence, is quite accustomed to sniffing out and retrieving its master’s prey without mauling it.

Golden Retrievers are not as heavy as Yellow Labs. Golden retrievers have a wavy golden coat. 

What is Yellow Lab? 

Yellow Lab was first discovered in Newfoundland, Canada. Yellow Lab is known for its sensitive, lovely personality, adorable nature, and high energy level.

These dogs are livelier than the Golden Retrievers and have a dense yellow coat.   

Dogs of this breed were mainly bred to help fishermen retrieve nets and haul gear while working in the water. Yellow Labs are the ideal waterfowl retrievers for hunters.

They do not need as much grooming and care as Golden Retrievers. Yellow Labs are heavier than Golden Retrievers. 

Main Differences Between Golden Retriever and Yellow Lab 

1. The Golden retriever was first discovered by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland, whereas the Yellow Lab was first discovered in Newfoundland, Canada.  
2. Golden Retrievers have a higher energy level compared to Yellow Labs. On the other hand, Yellow Labs are not as highly energetic as Golden Retrievers.  
3. Golden Retrievers are not as heavy as Yellow Labs. Yellow Labs, on the other hand, are around five pounds heavier than Golden Retrievers.  
4. Golden Retrievers have a medium-length flat, and wavy double coat. On the other hand, Yellow Labs have a double, short, and dense coat.  
5. Golden Retrievers need regular care and grooming, whereas Yellow Labs need less care and grooming compared to Golden Retrievers.  
6. Golden Retrievers are not as lively as Yellow Labs. Yellow Labs, on the other hand, have a livelier nature than Golden Retrievers. 

References 

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2052.2000.00639.x 
2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/vde.12782