Retriever and Labrador: what is the difference?

When people bring dogs home, they hope that they will get a faithful friend for many years to come. Labrador and retriever are a bit similar in appearance, so they are often confused. However, animals have very different customs and it is important to consider this. Therefore, you should learn to distinguish between representatives of the breeds, and choose your companion correctly.

Both breeds came from the UK, only each had its own purpose. So, the golden retriever is a hunter who can get the shot animal of their pond. Labrador, in turn, was an assistant to the fishermen on the island of Newfoundland, from where he was later brought. Both breeds have a love of water at the genetic level.

These dogs can not only get fish out of the net, but also pull a person with a boat out of the water. Translated from Portuguese, “Labrador” means “hard worker”. At first, the representatives of the breed were only black, but later fawn and chocolate colors appeared.

Encourage better goodies or kind words. Low intonation can make it clear that the animal is behaving incorrectly.

When praising the dog, do not forget about the sense of proportion. If the Labrador is spoiled, then it will not be easy to control. With the right approach, you can easily raise a true friend and protector. The owners should spare no time for the dog. A key feature of Labradors is that they understand the mood and can recognize the essence of a person’s words.

The Golden Retriever owes its golden color to the Scottish Lord Tweedmouth, who spent a lot of time and effort to achieve the goal. The color is noticeable against the background of lush greenery of nature, especially in marshland. This feature ensures that the owner does not lose sight of the animal. By the way, this was the only goal of such a large-scale breeding work. Golden retrievers are easy to train. Dogs often become loyal helpers at customs, in law enforcement. At airports, these dogs do an excellent job of finding prohibited substances and items.

The hunting breed is friendly, so dogs are used in zootherapy. Typically, retrievers help children with special needs. Dogs are able to calm, relieve stress, reduce the degree of aggression. The Golden Retriever is very contactable and is able to find an approach to any person. The main difference between dogs of this breed is an unrivaled memory, they easily remember people, surroundings, words and commands.

Dog handlers assure that the temperament of the representatives of the two breeds differs dramatically. Retrievers are distinguished by a certain aristocracy, as if they were genetically transmitted the manner of the English nobility. Dogs are calm, highly appreciated. These traits do not prevent the dog from being faithful to his master and family.

Retrievers execute commands, but first they carefully think over everything and sometimes even find a simpler solution to the task. Do not confuse this behavior with disobedience. The dog was just used to doing everything calmly and carefully. Retrievers are playful and like to fool around, however, this activity is not predominant.

Representatives of the breed need physical activity of medium intensity. Easily master sports games and disciplines. Dogs are distinguished by excellent memory, a lively mind, intuition and quick wit. The main thing is to find a common language with the pet and encourage its aristocratic independence.

Retrievers are hardy and energetic. Able to find prey on the hunt anywhere, even if it fell into the water. It is worth noting that dogs do an excellent job with small animals, especially birds.

Labradors are from the people, royal mannerisms are unusual for them, and this is the key difference between the breeds. The working dog is not afraid of work. Labrador easily collects fish from nets and pulls the sled with the owner or prey. Representatives of the breed are distinguished by their strength and willingness to use it. Dogs trust people a lot, they are open and simple. Teams carry out instantly, without hesitation and without hesitation.

Labradors are carefree and love to play, fooling around even in old age. The family dog ​​performs well in sports and during hunting. Such pets are good for both children and other animals of any size. With a certain approach to education, Labradors become very attentive and neat guide dogs.

Thanks to a lively mind and developed intuition, they can make independent decisions when it is really needed. Sometimes this skill can be harmful, Labradors often decide to destroy and break household items if they lack attention or activity. To solve the problem, it is necessary to purchase a sufficient number of various toys and stimulate the activity of the dog during walks.

Some people believe that the representatives of the breeds are very similar in appearance. However, if you put two dogs side by side, it will be quite simple to distinguish them. Consider the features of the exterior by standard.

• Type of wool. This difference immediately catches the eye. Labradors have a special coating on the wool that can be felt by touch. This phenomenon is due to the fact that dogs swim a lot. The outer hair is elastic, dense and thick. The coat is always smooth and strong, about 5 cm long. The same coating protects from getting wet and gives a special shine. Retriever - owners of wavy hair, sometimes curly. The coating is more like decorative fluff. In the neck, tail and thighs, the coat is lighter in color than the main coat. The hair itself is much longer than that of a Labrador.
• Color. The retriever can be any shade of golden. This was thought out when breeding the dog so that it would not get lost during the hunt. It is this feature that explains the prefix "golden" in the name of the breed. Labradors are more diverse in this matter. Dogs can have any brown shade, black, fawn.
• Dimensions Male labradors can weigh between 27-40 kg with a height of 56-63 cm. Female breeds grow to 54-60 cm and weigh about 27-35 kg. Retrievers are smaller. Males weighing 26-41 kg grow up to 56-61 cm. Females of the breed can weigh 25-37 kg and grow up to 51-56 cm. The exact weight largely depends on the class of the pet. Representatives of the worker are smaller, but show-class individuals are usually the largest.
• Tail. Labrador has a tail with a thicker base and narrowing towards the end. It has a dense and smooth coat of wool. During games, Labradors raise their tail up, but do not bend to the back. Retrievers have a feather-shaped tail that extends the line of the spine. During games, representatives of the breed do not raise their tail high.
• Head. Labradors initially hunted large prey, including hares. The head of representatives of this breed is more massive than that of retrievers.

The retriever will become a full-fledged member of the family and will easily find a common language with young children (up to 12-13 years old) and older people. This is due to the patience and calmness of the breed. They will become excellent nannies, they will be able to look after the kids.

If the dog flirts a lot, then it can not only push, but also slightly bite. This behavior can scare the child. Dog handlers recommend taking Labradors to families where children are at least 12-13 years old.

Golden retriever is more suitable for living in an apartment. If the area of ​​the room is large, then you can start a Labrador.

Both breeds are not suitable for keeping on a chain in the courtyard of a private house. Dogs can not cope with the tasks of guards and defenders. During breeding, the genes for aggression and bloodthirstiness are deliberately suppressed so that dogs do not damage prey while hunting or fishing.

There are basic nuances that are worth paying attention to.

• Retrievers require less attention and require less physical activity. If the Labrador cannot be active to the extent necessary, then it turns into a pest. Able to gnaw furniture, smash flower pots and more.
• If you plan to train, it will be easier with a Labrador. He is inclined to execute commands impeccably and quickly.
• Both dogs require a constant human presence, do not tolerate prolonged loneliness. If the owner is rarely at home, then it is better to abandon both breeds.
• Retrievers molt 2 times a year and during this period six need to be combed carefully. Labradors change their coat regularly throughout the year, which is why it is often found on all furniture in the house.

More facts about retrievers and labradors in the next video.