Golden Labrador Dog Breed

Golden Retriever and Labrador mixes produce puppies that are versatile enough to prove themselves in many different arenas. They were originally bred as working dogs that would combine the physical capabilities of the Labrador with the Personality of the Golden Retriever. Some Goldadors are assistance or therapy dogs, some are hunters, some detect bombs, and some are simply devoted family companions. This breed is for everyone, as long as they get daily outdoor activity and plenty of attention.

Pros

• One of the best family dogs for kids of any age
• Willing exercise partner
• Typically lives peacefully with other pets
• Easy to groom
• Generally free of major health concerns
• Easily trained

Cons

• May be too large for small apartments and condos
• Ideally needs around an hour of daily outdoor activity
• Not hypoallergenic
• No guard dog capabilities

Golden Labradors, as hybrid dogs, will inherit characteristics from both parents but not always equally. We recommend prospective owners read up on the traits of both Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers before adopting one of these mixes. The following information for this breed can be supplemented by visiting our parent breed pages.

Intelligent and biddable, the Golden Lab will be pretty easy to train, even by a first time owner. Both parent breeds are notoriously easy to train and excel in obedience. They are sensitive to your tone and gestures so encouragement, affection and treats will get you much farther than excessive firmness. This breed is so trainable, they often find jobs as assistance, therapy, search and rescue, and explosive detection dogs as well as hunting partners (naturally).

Notably, these dogs are prime choices for families. They were bred for the purpose of keeping the physical strength and endurance of the Labrador while also retaining the affable, happy-go-lucky nature of the Golden Retriever.

This breed is energetic will, ideally, have a fenced yard along with an hour of daily outdoor activity. They enjoy doing anything whether you are an avid hunter or simply enjoy taking a long walk each day. Goldadors love toys, games and even swimming so it shouldn't be hard to find an activity to keep them in good shape. It's also important to note that training (obedience, agility, task) is an important way to exercise both the body and mind.

Most often, these dogs are Standard size but it is likely that some breeders will attempt to create Mini Golden Lab puppies; this is likely done by crossing Miniature Retrievers with Standard Labradors. They typically have low maintenance coats that are shorter and more similar to the Lab's, however, they may inherit a medium-long coat somewhere in between the Lab's and Golden Retriever's.

It is difficult to speak of a hybrid's temperament in definitive descriptions, however, your Golden Labrador's temperament will most likely best best described as happy, enthusiastic, hard working and family oriented. They are very dedicated to their owner and family so they will be eager to please and pretty easy to train; these factors make harsh tones and training methods unnecessary and counter-productive.

Goldadors make willing exercise buddies and will participate in any activities you enjoy, even swimming! Games, toys, the dog park-- it's all good as long as they get an hour or so of outdoor time daily. They also often find work as hunting companions, rescue dogs, therapy dogs and participate in bomb detection.

This breed is gentle and loving, yet playful with kids. Their large size necessitates a watchful eye is present when very small children are involved. A well socialized member of the breed will also fit in peacefully with other pets. These dogs are not ideal choices for those looking for watchdogs or guard dogs since they are typically friendly to all.

Labrador and Golden Retriever mixes result in puppies that should be healthier than the parent breeds, especially first generation crosses. Choosing a reputable breeder, combined with routine trips to your veterinarian, can help prevent some issues. It is recommended you read up on all possible health issues of both parent breeds before adopting one of these dogs. Typically, this breed will live from 10-15 years with few problems.

Although the Goldador is a healthy breed and is at a lower risk for hip dysplasia and cancer, a few issues that may be passed from its purebred parents include: diabetes, cataracts, and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy).