aussielover Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 Well my labrador is abnormal and isn't all that greedy. She loves her food, but there are certain things she doesn't like- shock horror! She actually doesn't like pigs ears very much and won't eat them, nor does she like carrots. She doesn't like some of the chews we get at petbarn like the "roo roll". Yesterday I had to take her to work with me and she had to be caged, i left her in there with a treat (roo chew which she DOES normally like) only to come and check on her 30 mins later to find her drooling heaps, but not having touched the treat, poor thing! I brought her out the front with me and then she sat down and happily ate it. The vet said she was a disgrace to the breed LOL. Bub- I tend to really believe what a behaviourist and guide dog trainer who have had lots of experience with different breeds but particularly labs and goldens have to say about them. But at the same time i'm sure there are many goldies out there that don't do this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyStar Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 GoldiesNumber 1 Job description - to love you Number 2 Job Description - to eat Number 3 Difference - Goldies are sensible by the time they are two Labs Number 1 Job Description - to eat Number 2 Job Description - to love you Number 3 Difference - Labs have a youthful exuberance that lasts till middle age Goldies are definitely quieter and more sensitive, and are very eager to please their owner. Love this and say this just about sums it up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indigirl Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 I would say goldens are more sensitive and are very attached to their owners. They love everyone but are sensitive to ppl's moods. I think the breed should have been born with gills they love love love being in the water. My golden has a digging fetish, she is obsessed with digging. Not sure if labs dig like mad too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 A bored lab will dig for sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dee lee Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 (edited) Everything Got Nuthin says exactly describes my Goldies, apart from knocking kids down.They seem to know when to be gentle. They always greet you with a present in their mouth. Sums up my GR too. Every time I am greeted (first thing in the morning, when I come home etc) I get a shoe. Any shoe will do. NEVER EVER chews them though, doesnt even want to give it to anyone, just holds them in her mouth waiting to show you. I agree completely that the biggest difference seems to be the GR "softness". Even when being naughty or boisterous, all goldies I have met are just so "soft" in temperament. All the labs I have met are lovely but more "up" and intense. 90% of dogs walked early at my local park are gun dogs. Labs, Goldies and GSPs. The Goldies cruise the perimeter, the Labs and GSPs bowl right through the middle (and steal the balls!!). ETA: My female goldie loves cuddles and pats more than ANYTHING. She is biddable and enthusiastic but not as "sharp" as most labs I have seen training. (she is bit of a bimbo bless her) Edited August 31, 2010 by ✽deelee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Lab Love Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 In my experience most of the labs that I have met are like “HI!!!! HALLO!!!! SO NICE TO SEE YOU!!! WANNA PLAY??? WANNA?? COME ON!!!! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!!!”The goldens are more “Helloooooooooo! Where have you been all my life? You are nice! I like you! Can we cuddle? Isn’t life wonderful? Ahhhhhhhh” That said, I have met a few bouncier goldens (own one myself --- the dreadful Bitty) and a few smoochy black bear labs too! Gorgeous dogs though! Probably can’t go wrong with either! Just brilliant Bub That is EXACTLY what I come home to everyday with my Labs ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poo-Fong Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 (edited) GoldiesNumber 1 Job description - to love you Number 2 Job Description - to eat Number 3 Difference - Goldies are sensible by the time they are two Labs Number 1 Job Description - to eat Number 2 Job Description - to love you Number 3 Difference - Labs have a youthful exuberance that lasts till middle age Goldies are definitely quieter and more sensitive, and are very eager to please their owner. +1 We have lots of Labs and Goldies that board with us and this is a fairly accurate summation! Also meant to agree with Mollipop - the Goldies LOVE to have something in their mouth to greet you with - it's gorgeous! Edited August 31, 2010 by ♥♫PD888♫♥ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyStar Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 Well my labrador is abnormal and isn't all that greedy. From the numerous stories you've told of Mindy, I'd have to say she isn't your typical Lab! Remember that you are very lucky to have such a good pup, and not everyone else's is going to be like yours. The majority are massive ratbags for much of the first half of their lives! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyStar Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 Also meant to agree with Mollipop - the Goldies LOVE to have something in their mouth to greet you with - it's gorgeous! And Labs! My girl greets me with the nearest toy she can find in her mouth, wagging her bum and making very happy grunty noises to show me her present! Gosh I love that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 Temperament and personality wise- i would be happy with either breed- both gorgeous! But in terms of maintenance especially with the coat, the lab is easier. I've had a medium/long coated breed before and have now realised I don't have the time or the inclination to deal with the brushing and washing and drying required- particularly after a play in the mud or swim! I don't mind the shedding as i've heard both breeds are horrific shedders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lyla Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 I think a lot of differences are shaped by environment as well as individual personality. I think while there are guidelines that may encompass a breed, all dogs are very much individuals. In total I have had 7 Labs live with me, and they were all different and individual. Every trait a dog has isn't necessarily a breed trait. On the whole no one would say a Lab is a guard dog, even though they may bark at strangers. Our first Lab was the most gentle and mature minded girl, never really had a stupid puppy stage, really the perfect pet except she was a real puller to walk. In the yard if a stranger walked up she would have run up wagging her tail and licked you to death. If she was inside NOONE could come in that she didn't know, she would bark and growl until I told her to stop it. Very much the protector. As the first dog she took on the role of boss and protector, and also wanted to be pack leader in doggy situations. My current dogs would have their stupid happy faces on if someone broke in, and couldn't care less about pack hierarchy. Our friends have a GR. She probably doesn't fit typical breed trait description, but I've never owned one to make a comparison. She is a complete dog snob, is not interested ever in playing with other dogs, totally ignores them. She is great with kids, but not real active. Throw a toy for her, she will wander after it in her own time, pick it up, lay down and go to sleep with it in her mouth. This is a reasonably young dog too! In regards to goldies greeting you with something intheir mouth, I think Labs usually have that intention, but it has been chewed into microscopic pieces by the time they get to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 I think a lot of differences are shaped by environment as well as individual personality. I think while there are guidelines that may encompass a breed, all dogs are very much individuals. In total I have had 7 Labs live with me, and they were all different and individual. Every trait a dog has isn't necessarily a breed trait.On the whole no one would say a Lab is a guard dog, even though they may bark at strangers. Our first Lab was the most gentle and mature minded girl, never really had a stupid puppy stage, really the perfect pet except she was a real puller to walk. In the yard if a stranger walked up she would have run up wagging her tail and licked you to death. If she was inside NOONE could come in that she didn't know, she would bark and growl until I told her to stop it. Very much the protector. As the first dog she took on the role of boss and protector, and also wanted to be pack leader in doggy situations. My current dogs would have their stupid happy faces on if someone broke in, and couldn't care less about pack hierarchy. Our friends have a GR. She probably doesn't fit typical breed trait description, but I've never owned one to make a comparison. She is a complete dog snob, is not interested ever in playing with other dogs, totally ignores them. She is great with kids, but not real active. Throw a toy for her, she will wander after it in her own time, pick it up, lay down and go to sleep with it in her mouth. This is a reasonably young dog too! In regards to goldies greeting you with something intheir mouth, I think Labs usually have that intention, but it has been chewed into microscopic pieces by the time they get to you. :laugh: :rofl: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odin-Genie Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 GoldiesNumber 1 Job description - to love you Number 2 Job Description - to eat Number 3 Difference - Goldies are sensible by the time they are two Labs Number 1 Job Description - to eat Number 2 Job Description - to love you Number 3 Difference - Labs have a youthful exuberance that lasts till middle age Goldies are definitely quieter and more sensitive, and are very eager to please their owner. My goldie is broken She'll be three soon and has no intention of growing up!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dee lee Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 (edited) But in terms of maintenance especially with the coat, the lab is easier. I've had a medium/long coated breed before and have now realised I don't have the time or the inclination to deal with the brushing and washing and drying required- particularly after a play in the mud or swim! I don't mind the shedding as i've heard both breeds are horrific shedders. I know what you mean. Winter sux. Oh and early morning walks when there is dew on the grass. Oh and mud puddles... When its time for washing, I take mine to a mobile dog wash where they blow dry her. Its made life SOOO much easier. Unfortunately cant do much about the shedding other than sweep daily atm. IOur friends have a GR. She probably doesn't fit typical breed trait description, but I've never owned one to make a comparison. She is a complete dog snob, is not interested ever in playing with other dogs, totally ignores them. She is great with kids, but not real active. Throw a toy for her, she will wander after it in her own time, pick it up, lay down and go to sleep with it in her mouth. This is a reasonably young dog too! My GR is like this. Other dogs hold only mild interest for her, in the last year Ive only seen her play with one or two. Activity wise, she can handle the good amount of exercise I give her (6-7km jog days alternated with 40mins ball throwing days) but would probably be ok with a bit less. The thing I find the best is that she LOVES kids so much!! She is in heaven when my kids have their friends over- more little people to cuddle with. Edited August 31, 2010 by ✽deelee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemesideways Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 Biggest difference in personality I have noticed is that a majority of the Goldies I have met tend to be much softer than Labs. Labradors tend to be much quicker to bounce back, rather than Golden Retrievers who I have found to be softer in temperament and attitude. I think of Labs as being very resilient. As opposed to Goldies who will take things much harder and react more. I know they exist but I have yet to meet an aggressive Labrador, stupid, boofy, out of control, over excited Labs though, I've met too many! I have however met a few aggressive Goldens. Seems to me that a Labrador will bounce back from bad experiences much quicker than a Goldie. Just my opinion though. I do think that's the biggest difference. I have been very close to both goldies and labs and they are very similar in most other traits. To me goldies seem a bit more vulnerable and sensitive. Yeah, Vulnerable is a good word for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenGirl85 Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 I chose a Goldie over a Lab because Ive found that Goldies are much softer and more forgiving than Labs, I already had a very bossy top dog (JRT) so I had to make sure I got a puppy that might not snap back when Tess told the pup off lol, no incidents so far lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labsrule Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 I chose a Goldie over a Lab because Ive found that Goldies are much softer and more forgiving than Labs, I already had a very bossy top dog (JRT) so I had to make sure I got a puppy that might not snap back when Tess told the pup off lol, no incidents so far lol I agree that Goldies are "softer" than Labs. Labradors are not known for being delicate However you are way off the mark in thinking that Labs are not "forgiving" or that a Lab puppy will snap back if told off by an older dog :D . You obviously don't know Labs well at all. I love Goldies, I think they are an awesome breed and I have met some beautiful Goldies over the years who have got on extremely well with my Labs. I am not going to get into a debate of Goldies vs Labs as both us Lab and Goldie owners love our breed with a passion and both our fantastic breeds have awesome temperaments, but I will comment on incorrect statements about my beloved breed :D I absolutely adore the Labrador exhuberance and sheer joy of life that they have for most of their life and yes they can be absolute rascals and scallywags but boy they are such a fun dog to own with so many hilarious moments and so much laugher during their lifetime Never a dull moment in the life of a Labrador and I wouldn't have it any other way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leah_da_legendWOTWOT Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 I've got both a goldie and a lab. I think it also depends on the environment and nature of the dog, but have found a few differences here personally: Harvey (lab) a bit more independant, happy to cuddle but also happy to go off and have a wander. Very responsive to training, quick to learn and needs a bit more stimulation during the week then Bailey. He is a mummy's boy and sensative/responsive to me, but will challenge my mum/others. Bailey is softer, absolutely adores just being petted and petted and petted! He is a little bit slower in training as he just thinks if he looks pretty, cuddles will follow . He does respond to anyone who tells him off though. completely ball/toy/something in mouth obsessed and can be a little bit dominant in regards to this. I love both my boys, however in future I would probably get another lab over goldie as I do find Bailey a bit 'clingy' sometimes. Harvey is hapy to be in your company, whereas Bailey needs/wants to be constantly touched. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfie02 Posted August 31, 2010 Author Share Posted August 31, 2010 Thanks so much for the responses, its so interesting to get owners persectives on things . I have never met a goldie or labbie that wasnt just wonderful, they are all so happy and lovely, but I can now see the differences with each breed as you have all pointed out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenGirl85 Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 I chose a Goldie over a Lab because Ive found that Goldies are much softer and more forgiving than Labs, I already had a very bossy top dog (JRT) so I had to make sure I got a puppy that might not snap back when Tess told the pup off lol, no incidents so far lol I agree that Goldies are "softer" than Labs. Labradors are not known for being delicate However you are way off the mark in thinking that Labs are not "forgiving" or that a Lab puppy will snap back if told off by an older dog . You obviously don't know Labs well at all. You're right, I dont I never had a lot to do with either breed before I got Lexi, Goldens were always my favourite breed, but I didnt even join this forum until after I got Lexi and was poorly educated, I knew Labs to be the boofier of the two, and I didnt know how much that would affect temperament, but other than that I was under the impression that Labs would always end up overweight, I was so used to seeing fat labs, but I didnt often see fat Goldies, I wanted a dog I could do agility with, Goldies seemed like the best option, and lucky for me Ive always wanted to own one. Just want to add its so good to see so many healthy and fit Labs on this forum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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