Skip to Content

Black Lab Vs Golden Retriever

Photos of a Black Lab and a Golden Retriever meeting in the middle on the diagonal with the letters VS in the center.

Labs can be unique.One yellow lab was trained to retrieve beer from its master’s fridge. Another black lab loved to body slide downhill in the snow. You never know what you will get when you own a Labrador.

What Is a Golden Retriever?

This breed of dog is supposed to come from Scotland, but this difference may be minor as it is said that the Golden Retriever is a cousin of the Lab. This is a beautiful dog that loves to retrieve items. It does not break or squeeze that item as it is known to have a soft mouth.

Also, this breed has a love of the water and enjoys going swimming. It has a lot of energy and likes to run and play. But it only comes in one color.

What Is a Black Labrador?

Portrait Black lab sitting on autumn ground outdoors

This dog is just a color variation of the Yellow Lab. There are three standard colors for this breed of dog, brown, yellow, and black. The change in color does not change the dog’s characteristics or personality.

The same features you find in a Yellow or Brown lab will be found here. This is a dog bred to hunt, fish, play, and enjoy being with his or her family. It is easily trained and can do all sorts of stunts for you when trained properly. The Black Lab is also gentle with kids and grandkids.

How Are They Different?

Black Lab and a Golden Retriever sitting side by side outdoors in grass

One difference is that the Golden Retriever is said to be able to live one year longer than the Lab. Then the Golden retriever generally costs less than the Black Lab- $800 to $1200 for the Golden and $900 to $1500 for the Black lab.

Also, the Golden Retriever should be lighter and a tiny bit smaller than the Black lab. All these differences are minor as the two breeds are very close in personality and characteristics.

Then, of course, a major difference will be found in their color. The Golden is always Yellow while the Black color for Black labs is just 1 of 3 common colors.

Did you know there is an English Lab breed and an American Lab breed? Read our post “English Black Lab vs American Black Lab” to learn more about these great dog breeds.

How Are They Similar?

Black lab sitting in a field of tall weeds and wild flowers

These two dog kinds are very similar. Their appearance is generally the same in height, soft mouths, their long tails, and folded ears and they both have a love for the water.

Plus, they both are very energetic, enthusiastic, and very friendly. They love their families and are often gentle and patient with young children.

What’s Better About a Golden Retriever?

Golden retriever laying on a wooded trail

This is also hard to say as they both share similar characteristics and personalities. But some qualities do move the Golden to the head of the class. They come in a nice, soft, wavy coat.

That coat is said to be water repellent as well. The snout of the Golden is longer than the Lab’s which may help it to be a bit better than its competitor. Even as adults they have a very beautiful face that reflects their love for their master very clearly.

Black Labs, Yellow Labs, and Chocolate Labs may each have a different coat color, but just how different are they? Read out post “Black Lab vs Yellow Lab vs Chocolate Lab” to learn more.

What’s Better About a Black Lab?

Black lab sitting on a beach with cliffs in the background

It comes from a long line of fine dogs that seek to please their masters. Also, that heritage lets them be good family dogs. That trait makes them perfect for when you have small children in the family.

They are also great with older children and can play with them for long periods of time. Then the Black Lab is a great hunting dog but can double as a great show dog as well.

Generally, both dogs are very similar, and one is not better than the other.

Who Should Get a Golden Retriever?

Golden retriever puppy looking up at the camera

The family would have to love large dogs. While these dogs are very adaptable, the family should be ready to go outside and play when they leave in small spaces.

These dogs have a lot of energy and need lots of walks or playtime to stay in a good mood. But if the family wants a good family dog, this species is it.

Who Should Get a Black Lab?

Black lab puppy laying on hardwood floors

The above would apply here as well. Black Labs love to hunt, be outdoors and get lots of exercise. So, if the family is an outdoor type of family, this dog is perfect for them.

Also, if the family likes to swim, this is a good dog to own. It is a water-loving pet and probably cannot get enough time in the lake, etc. When it does get to swim.

Which Is Better Lab or Golden Retriever?

Golden retriever with its head tilted to one side against a black background

While both the black lab and the golden retriever are high-energy breeds of dogs, they are also very different in their personalities. If you’re looking for a more mellow dog, then the golden retriever might be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a dog that’s more focused on work and adventure, then the black lab might be a better fit for you. Both of these dogs are great family companions, however, so it really comes down to what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for.

Is a Black Lab Smarter Than a Golden Retriever?

Black lab sitting in grass looking up at the camera

Black Labs are known for their intelligence and trainability. They are able to learn and adapt quickly, which can make them great pets. However, they are not as smart as Golden Retrievers or Labrador retrievers. They may be able to learn tricks, but they do not have the same level of intelligence as those breeds.

Is a Lab or Golden Retriever the Smartest?

Golden retriever laying on grass next to a basket full of golden retrievers.

There’s no denying that Golden Retrievers are a very smart breed. They’re one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs, ranking highly in almost every test of intelligence. In fact, they’re right up there with other very intelligent breeds like Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds. While this might make them seem like the clear winner in a comparison between a black lab and a golden retriever, it’s important to keep in mind that these tests only measure average intelligence – not individual skill or natural ability. It’s possible for one dog to be an above-average learner while another is completely tone-deaf. So, while it might be tempting to assume that golden retrievers are more intelligent than black labs, it’s important to consider all the factors before coming to any conclusion.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives.