Are you on the hunt for a new furry friend that’s both intelligent and affectionate?
Are you deciding between either a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever?
Why not get the best of both worlds with a Goldador or Golden Retriever Lab mix?
This mixed breed dog, which is a cross between two of the world’s most popular and beloved purebreds – the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever, is becoming increasingly more popular due to its gentle nature and good looks.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the popular Goldador, including pictures, traits, exercise needs, and more.
Whether you’re considering adding one of these lovable pups to your family because you can’t choose between their parents, or you just appreciate their unique mix of traits and want to learn more about them, keep reading for all the details.
| An Overview of Goldador Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 60 - 80 pounds |
| Height | 22 - 24 inches |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 12 years |
| Coat Type | Short- or medium-length, dense, double coat |
| Colors | Yellow, Golden, White, Cream, Black, Brown |
| Breed Size | Large-sized dogs |
| Breed Group | Not recognized by the AKC |
| Bred To Work As | Guide dogs, assistance dogs, service dogs, gundogs |
| Affectionate With Family | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Good With Children | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Good With Other Dogs | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Friendly Towards Strangers | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Breed Health | 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Shedding Amount | 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Grooming Needs | 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Adaptability | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Trainability | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Prey Drive | 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Playfulness | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Protective Nature | 2.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Energy Level | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Apartment Living | 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Good for First-Time Dog Owners | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Tolerate Being Left Alone | 2.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Cold Tolerance | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Hot Tolerance | 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Tendency to Drool | 2.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Tendency to Bark | 2.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Tendency to Snore | 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Tendency to Dig | 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Exercise Needs | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Mental Stimulation Needs | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Puppy Costs | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
What Is A Goldador?
As we touched on above, a Goldador is a designer dog breed that is a cross between two popular purebreds: the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. This hybrid has become one of the most successful assistance and therapy dogs due to their intelligence, friendliness, loyalty, and devotion to humans.
History Of The Labrador Golden Retriever Mix
The Goldador, also known as the Golden Lab, is a relatively new crossbred dog created over a decade ago by crossing the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever.
The aim was to develop a sensitive and tolerant working dog with desirable traits from both parent breeds. While some sources state that the Goldador has been around for about 20 years, others suggest it is an even more recent hybrid.
Regardless of its exact origins, the Goldador has quickly gained popularity among dog lovers due to its friendly nature, intelligence, and versatility as a working dog or family companion.
Size & Appearance
The Goldador is an impressive sight! These handsome dogs are large in size, with males typically standing between 22 inches and 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 65 and 80 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, usually around 23 inches or less, and weigh 60 to 70 pounds.
They have a strong, muscular build and look more athletic than their Golden parent. The Goldador’s face will have a less square appearance than their Labrador parent’s. As for their tail, it may either be thick and straight like Labradors or longer and slender like Goldens.
Overall, Goldadors are beautiful dogs and a perfect blend of their parent breeds, with many of their features being a combination of the two.
Color & Coats
One of the most interesting things about Goldadors is their coat color, which can vary depending on their parents.
Generally, Goldadors have coats that range from yellow to gold to reddish gold, but they can also inherit the black or chocolate coat of a Labrador Retriever. In addition, Goldadors can have short- or medium-length coats, which can be straight or slightly wavy. And again, that depends on who they inherited their coat from.
The coat of a Goldador should be double-layered with a straight, thick, water-resistant topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat. This combination provides excellent insulation against both cold and heat.
Temperament And Personality Of The Labrador Mixed with Golden Retriever
Combining the best traits of both parents, Goldadors are friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs with an eagerness to please and a loyal, gentle demeanor.
They are incredibly friendly and loving dogs that enjoy being around people. They don’t like being left alone for long periods and do best in a home where someone is around most of the day. And just like their parents, they thrive on attention, enjoy snuggling up on the couch with their owners, and love nothing more than spending time with their family.
Goldadors are known for their outgoing personalities and love to greet everyone they meet with a wagging tail. So if you want a pup that loves people and gets along with everyone, this is the one for you. However, they may be a bit too friendly that they won’t be able to differentiate between intruders and friends and, therefore, won’t make the best guard dogs.
The Golden Labs also have an active temperament and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, swimming, or simply playing fetch in the backyard. In fact, these dogs need to be kept busy because they easily become bored and restless.
Living Needs
Ideally, Goldadors would live in a home with a fenced yard where they can run around and play freely. However, they can adapt to living in apartments or condos with enough outdoor exercise and mental stimulation.
So whether you have a large backyard or live in an apartment complex, with enough exercise, proper care, and attention, your Goldador will be a happy and healthy companion for years to come.
Since the Lab Golden Retriever mix is a double-coated breed, they can tolerate cold temperatures and do well in an area with cooler climates. Yes, they still need to wear a coat in frigid temperatures and be protected from snow and ice, and should not be left outside for extended periods of time.
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Exercise Needs
Golden Lab mix requires a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Otherwise, they may become bored or restless, which could lead to destructive behavior and develop bad habits.
They need at least an hour to two hours of exercise every day. This includes walking, running, hiking, biking, and swimming, basically any activity that gets them up and moving. In fact, they love jogging and make great running partners. And, of course, plenty of playtime with you or other family members, like hide and seek or fetch in the backyard, is always beneficial.
In addition to physical exercise, these smart dogs require lots of mental stimulation through interactive games, agility training, scent work, or puzzle toys to keep them mentally challenged and engaged. Taking them to doggy daycare or doggie school can also help keep them entertained and mentally stimulated.
Training
Goldadors are highly intelligent and trainable, making them excellent assistance and service dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and belly rubs, so using positive reinforcement methods is key to successful training.
Training should start as soon as your pup arrives and should include basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. This will help your Golden Lab become a well-mannered canine who gets along with everyone and knows how to behave in all situations.
Of course, you can also enroll them in obedience classes or hire a professional dog trainer to help them learn more advanced behaviors and tricks.
Additionally, Golden Labs need early socialization to grow into friendly and polite dogs. So introduce them to other dogs at the dog park, visit friends, meet family members of different ages, and expose your pup to as many people and situations as possible! Proper socialization will help minimize the chances of your Goldador developing skittishness, aggression, or fearful behavior.
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Health
When it comes to their life expectancy, Goldadors typically live for 10-12 years. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health problems.
One common health issue that Goldadors may face is hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip or elbow joint does not develop correctly, leading to pain and mobility issues later in life.
Goldadors are also prone to eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited degenerative disorders that affect the photoreceptor cells in a dog’s eyes, leading to blindness. This condition is non-painful and tends to progress slowly over time.
And unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment for PRA, so the goal is to help affected dogs adjust and maintain a high quality of life.
As the name suggests, progressive retinal atrophy involves a gradual degeneration or atrophy of the retinal tissue in a dog’s eyes. If you suspect your dog may have PRA, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and management.
On the other hand, cataracts in dogs are a common eye condition that can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which can cause blurred or hazy vision. This condition can be caused by various factors such as genetics, old age, injury to the eye, or underlying health conditions like diabetes.
Diabetes is another condition that Goldadors are susceptible to. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, resulting in an inability to regulate blood sugar levels. Symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss despite increased appetite, fatigue, and a poor coat condition.
Overall, Goldadors are generally healthy dogs, but they have their fair share of health issues.
So it’s crucial to watch for any signs of illness and ensure they get regular check-ups with your vet. This will ensure that any health issues are caught early on and can be managed or treated in a timely manner.
Choosing breeders who have screened the parents for genetic diseases and health conditions is also a great way to ensure your pup is as healthy as possible, and doing this will, without a doubt, give your furry friend the best start in life.
Of course, you’ll also want to feed them a high-quality diet and give them plenty of exercises. With proper care and preventative measures, your Lab Golden mix can have a long and healthy life.
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Feeding & Nutritional Needs For The Goldador
Feeding your Goldador with high-quality kibble that fits their nutritional needs is vital for their long-term health. A balanced diet should give them the right amount of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to help keep them active and healthy.
When choosing the right food for your Goldador, it’s crucial to consider their age, weight, and activity level and select one formulated for their specific size, breed, and life stage.
So for puppies, you should look for kibbles that are specifically designed for puppies. Likewise, senior Goldadors should be fed kibbles made for senior dogs.
It’s unlikely that you’ll find one that caters to Goldadors specifically, but choosing ones formulated for Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers will work just fine.
As for the portion size, that will depend on your Goldador’s size, weight, and activity level. Generally, an adult Golden Retriever Lab mix needs 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Puppies require more calories than adult dogs since they’re still growing, so they need to be fed more frequently throughout the day. Or you can simply follow the instructions on the back of the packaging.
If you’re still unsure, you can always consult your vet, and they’ll be able to provide you with more specific advice.
Finally, it’s important to remember that their Lab parent is renowned for their love of food and unrelenting appetite. Your Goldador will likely inherit the same trait, so always feed them accordingly and do not indulge their cravings for more. Also, avoid giving them too many treats or table scraps to prevent them from becoming overweight.
Grooming Your Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador
Goldadors have thick, double coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding. Brushing should be done 3 to 4 times a week using a slicker brush to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat.
And yes, you’ll want to brush your Goldador’s coat more frequently during shedding season. Using a de-shedding tool such as the FURminator during this time of year is also a great idea, as it can help you manage the shedding and keep your Goldador’s coat looking its best.
Bathing your Golden Retriever cross with Labrador should be done once every 2 to 3 months or only when necessary, as frequent bathing can strip the natural oils from their coat. Use a mild dog shampoo and conditioner to avoid skin irritation and dryness.
Trimming your dog’s nails is also important, as long nails can cause discomfort. Goldadors’ nails, generally, need to be trimmed every 2 to 4 weeks. If you’re going to use nail clippers, ensure to cut just the tip of the nail and avoid the quick (the pink area inside the nail). Or you can simply use a nail grinder, which gives you better control while filing down the nails, and you can easily avoid the quick.
Finally, don’t forget to brush and clean their teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste. Brushing their teeth every day is best, but if you can’t, aim for at least thrice a week. This will help keep their teeth clean, prevent bad breath, and reduce the risk of dental issues.
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Buying a Golden Retriever Lab Mix From a Breeder
Buying a Goldador from a reputable breeder will cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $4,500, depending on the breeder’s location and reputation, as well as the quality of the pup.
If you’re considering buying a Golden Retriever Lab Mix from a breeder, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, do your research and ensure that you only get one from an ethical source. Do not support puppy mills, as they often put profit above the health and well-being of their dogs and puppies.
Find reputable breeders who are transparent about their breeding practices and can provide documentation of health testing for both parent breeds. Reputable breeders will also be able to answer any questions you have about the breed and provide you with all the necessary information about your Goldador. They should also allow you to meet both parent breeds and their puppies.
When you visit the breeder to meet their puppies, take note of their living conditions and how they interact with each other. Are they healthy and friendly? Do they seem happy and well-cared for? If you have any doubts, it’s best to walk away.
Adopting a Golden Lab From a Rescue or Shelter
Another great way to get your hands on a Goldador is by adopting from a shelter or rescue.
Adopting a Golden Lab from a rescue or shelter can be a rewarding experience. Not only are you providing a loving home for a dog in need, but you are also gaining a loyal companion who will bring joy to your life. Plus, the cost of adoption is much lower than buying from a breeder.
Many rescue organizations have specific requirements for adoption, such as home visits or reference checks. These requirements are in place to ensure that the dog is going to a safe and loving home.
One benefit of adopting from a rescue or shelter is that the dogs are often already trained and socialized. This means you could be taking home a Goldador that’s already house-trained and knows basic commands.
Another benefit of adopting from a rescue or shelter is that you can often find dogs of all ages. While puppies may be cute, older dogs can also make wonderful companions. In fact, adult dogs tend to be calmer and more laid back than younger dogs, making them great for families with young children.
On the fence about adopting one because you don’t know much about their history and worry that you may be taking on a pup with behavioral issues?
Don’t be!
Dogs who are being surrendered to animal shelters don’t always mean they have a troubled past. Some Goldadors may have been given up by their previous owners due to lifestyle changes or circumstances beyond their control, such as financial hardship or moving to a location where pets are not allowed.
So if you’re looking to bring home a Goldador, don’t rule out adopting over buying from a breeder.
Final Thoughts
A Golden Retriever Lab Mix is a great choice for active families looking for a dog who can keep up with their lifestyle. They’re intelligent, loyal, and eager to please, making them ideal family pets.
No matter where you get your Goldador, whether from a breeder, rescue, or shelter, make sure you are prepared for the commitment of owning this breed. This includes providing proper nutrition, exercise, socialization, and training. With the right care and attention, your Goldador will be a loving and loyal companion for years to come.
Good luck with your search for the perfect pup!
