Who has never heard of the labrador retriever or the golden retriever? Raise your hands? No one?
They are two of the world’s most famous dog breeds as well as two of the most owned by dog lovers everywhere.
They’ve conquered the hearts of many through tender movies and cute TV ads. (remember Homeward Bound, Marley & Me or even the Kleenex ads?) They’re also well known for their many services as guide dogs, seizure dogs, etc…
Because everyone loves a retriever, here is a quick profile of these iconic breeds:
Breed category: Sporting dogs.
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years on average.
Weight: Up to 35kg.
Height: Up to 58cm at shoulder height.
Health: Relatively healthy dogs, although they do have tendency to hip and back problems that can be caused by old age or be genetic (especially labradors).
Official colors: Black, chocolate and yellow for labs’, Gold only for goldies’, although some look white or even red!
Grooming: Labrador retrievers have short waterproof fur and don’t shed incredible amounts, but still need regular brushing. Golden retrievers however require frequent grooming and daily on shedding seasons to keep a clean and shiny long coat.
Exercise and training: Eager to learn and please their owners, labradors and goldens are rather easily housebroken and can usually learn basic tricks without too much trouble. They’ll love a good game of fetch or frisbee just as much as a lazy nap in the garden. These dogs need a lot of outdoor time!
Do you like labradors and goldens?
Let us know what dog breed you would like us to talk about next!