Compare breeds
Compare two dog breeds
Pick two finalists and read the same facts side by side: adult size and the American Kennel Club ratings.
| Fact | Labrador Retriever | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Adult weight | Males: 65 to 80 lb (29.5 to 36.3 kg) Females: 55 to 70 lb (24.9 to 31.8 kg) | Males: 65 to 75 lb (29.5 to 34 kg) Females: 55 to 65 lb (24.9 to 29.5 kg) |
| Adult height | Males: 22.5 to 24.5 in (57 to 62 cm) Females: 21.5 to 23.5 in (55 to 60 cm) | Males: 23 to 24 in (58 to 61 cm) Females: 21.5 to 22.5 in (55 to 57 cm) |
| Size group | Large | Large |
| Energy (AKC) | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Mental stimulation needs (AKC) | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Trainability (AKC) | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Shedding (AKC) | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Coat grooming (AKC) | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Barking (AKC) | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Good with young children (AKC) | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Good with other dogs (AKC) | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Openness to strangers (AKC) | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Watchdog or protective nature (AKC) | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Adaptability (AKC) | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Drooling (AKC) | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
Sizes: AKC breed standards and breed pages. Ratings: the American Kennel Club's breed pages (1 to 5 scale, read 2026-10-23); they describe the breed as a whole, and each dog is an individual. Read the full Labrador Retriever profile and Golden Retriever profile.
Neither breed is universally better. A Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever are both active, people-oriented retrievers, yet they can differ in coat, grooming, body type, maturity, working style and daily-care demands.
This tool lays two breeds next to each other so you can see those differences row by row. It does not name a winner. It shows what tends to change life at home: your space, your schedule, your grooming time and your budget.
Pick your two finalists, read the same fields on both sides, then open each full profile. Individual dogs vary, so treat every row as a tendency, not a prediction.
How do I compare two breeds fairly?
Start with two breeds you are actually considering, not a whole list. A shortlist of two keeps the comparison honest, because you can read the same fields for both and see where they truly part ways.
The tool reads the same rows for each breed: adult weight and height, size group, and the American Kennel Club's ratings for energy, mental stimulation, trainability, shedding, coat grooming, barking and how the breed tends to do with young children, other dogs and strangers. Matching rows matter. A big dog beside a small one tells you about space and food. Two dogs of similar size tell you more about coat care and exercise.
If you are not sure which two breeds belong on your shortlist, the breed selector can help you narrow things down first.
How should I read a range?
A breed range describes the typical dog of that breed. It is not the dog you will bring home. Adult size is a good example. The AKC breed standard for the Golden Retriever lists males at 65 to 75 pounds and females at 55 to 65 pounds, and a healthy Golden can land outside that window.
So, when a row shows a span, read the whole span. Ranges often differ by sex or variety, and different references can give slightly different numbers for the same breed. The ratings work the same way: they describe the breed as a whole, not one dog.
Softer rows, such as temperament and trainability, are tendencies. A breed bred for working alongside people often enjoys learning, but a young dog, a shy dog and a dog with a hard first year will each behave differently from the average. Exercise needs also shift with age, health and training.
Which comparisons do people ask about most?
The pair readers most often set side by side is Labrador Retriever versus Golden Retriever, and it is a useful example of how close breeds can still differ day to day. Both are friendly and busy. Their coats are not the same, so brushing time and the amount of hair around your home can be. Body build and the pace at which each settles into adulthood can also differ.
Other pairs readers often set side by side include German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog and English Bulldog, Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute, Border Collie and Australian Shepherd, and Poodle and Goldendoodle.
With any pair, ask the practical questions. Which one needs more exercise each day? Which one needs more brushing? Which one is a better match for your yard, your building or your hours away from home? The rows are there to answer exactly those.
What should I ask about health screenings?
Breed clubs recommend certain health screenings for the dogs used in breeding, and each breed's full profile lists the ones to ask about. A screening tells you about risk and breeding information. It does not promise that a puppy will stay healthy.
If you are working with a breeder or a rescue, ask what screenings were done on the parents or on the dog, and ask to see the results. A reputable breeder will usually be glad to share them. A rescue may know less about a dog's background, so ask what they do know, and ask your own veterinarian what a checkup should cover.
This page does not diagnose or advise on a sick dog. For a health concern, your veterinarian is the right person to call.
What should I do after comparing?
Open the full profile for each breed and compare the daily-care details before making a decision. The breed names in the comparison link straight to their profiles, where you can read about coat care, exercise and everyday life in more depth.
When you want to try another pair, pick two new breeds and read the same rows again. You can also browse every profile in the dog breeds hub or try the breed selector to narrow your list.