The Golden Retriever Lab mix is a crossbreed dog that combines the Labrador Retriever with the Golden Retriever. This is a large-sized mixed dog that is also known as the Goldador. The Goldador mix can weigh from 55 to 80 pounds and stand at 20 to 24 inches.
Being a combination of two highly prized family dog breeds, the Golden Lab mix is perfect for all families and get along well with children.
He also is known for being loyal and energetic but is terrible as a guard dog.
With an all in one package, you do not have to compromise between getting a Labrador or a Golden Retriever.
But before you decide if a Goldador is the right mixed dog for you, you will need to know about his traits, facts, and how even how to take care of him.
So let us get right into it.
Related posts;
About the Golden Retriever Lab mix
This Golden retriever and Labrador mix is a large and athletic dog with a short and water-resistant coat. He is popular for being friendly, energetic, and is highly trainable.
If you are a first-time dog owner eyeing for a family dog this Golden Labrador mix will be a nice fit for you.
This is also a perfect guide dog with that being the original purpose for his breeding.
Some have also been used as therapy dogs, as assistant dogs in search and rescue operations, detecting work but the largest percentage of these dogs are family companions.
The pros and cons of a Golden Retriever lab mix
Cons:
✓ Their large size makes them unsuitable for apartment living.
✔ They need regular exercise.
✓ He is not a good guard dog
Pros:
✘ They have a friendly and affectionate nature
✗ These dogs are easy to train
✘ They are low maintenance dogs
Golden Labrador Fun Facts
- Goldadors are excellent hunting companions with both of their parents coming from hunting ancestries.
- They have a high affinity to water and are great swimmers but will enjoy muddy water the most. These dogs can thrive in dog water competitions such as dock diving.
- Golden Retriever Lab mixed dogs are great watchdogs but terrible guard dogs. Once they have an interaction with any stranger be it an intruder they become super friendly and welcoming.
- They are great at soothing and calming people with love and empathy making them perfect therapy dogs.
- The Golden Labrador mix is known to reserve his puppyhood behavior long past maturity. This dog will mature physically but retain the puppy playfulness and goofiness.
- They are known for their soft mouths meaning they can carry game such as ducks with their mouths without damage.
- Goldadors have webbed feet that enable them to be great swimmers and also helps them walk on snow.
Goldador General Characteristics
Golden Retriever Lab mix summary table | |
---|---|
Height | Males: 22-24 inches, Females: 20 to 22 inches |
Weight | Males: 65 to 80 pounds, Females: 55 to 70 pounds |
Lifespan | 10 – 15 years |
Breed Type | mixes and more |
Purpose | Companion and family dog |
Suitable For | Families |
Grooming requirements | Moderate to high |
Color Variations | Golden/Yellow, Black, White, Cream, Golden, Red, or Brown. |
Health concerns | Skin allergies, Eye problems, and Joint Dysplasia |
Temperament | Friendly, Loving, Cheerful, Playful, Social, Outgoing, Sweet, Affectionate, smart, and loyal |
Other Names | Goldador, Golden Labrador |
Height and weight
A fully grown Golden Retriever Lab mix will have a height of between 20 and 24 inches. This mix also weighs between 55 and 80 pounds, females weigh slightly less than their male counterparts.
Physical Appearance
The Goldador crossbreed is a very cute and adorable dog.
In most cases, this dog will have a large head, floppy ears, and an athletic body with long legs.
This crossbreed dog will often inherit the Golden Retriever’s dark brown eyes but in rare cases, some may also have blue eyes.
A Golden Retriever Labrador mix will also have a medium-sized muzzle with a nose whose color will mainly depend on the coat color. The nose can either be black, brown, or pink with a long tail.
You may a dark stripe along their neck that runs along their spines from their necks to their tails.
Coat appearance and shedding
The Goldador mix has a short, dense coat that is often straight but can also be wavy. This is usually a water-resistant double coat with a soft undercoat and a smooth water-resistant upper coat.
Unfortunately, the Lab Golden Retriever mix will shed moderately throughout the year with an increase in the amount of shedding in Fall and Spring.
Colors:
The most common Goldador color is yellow but this crossbreed can also come in other colors such as;
Chocolate | Black | Cream |
Light Golden | Dark Golden | White |
Brown | Red |
You may also be interested in the Miniature Golden Retriever guide.
What is an F1 Goldador?
An F1 Goldador is the first generation of puppies that are produced when you mix a purebred Golden Retriever with a purebred Labrador Retriever.
Apart from the first generation puppies, there are also other generations of puppies that include;
- F1B Golden Retriever Lab mix which is a mix between an F1 Golden with a purebred Lab or Golden Retriever.
- F2 Goldador is a combination of 2 F1 Golden Retriever Lab mixes.
Golden Retriever Lab mix personality and temperament
This crossbreed dog is known for his endless energy and enthusiasm. He is also a perfect choice for first-time dog owners.
Goldadors are patient and playful dogs that get along well with children. They can put up with a great deal of rough play and are incredibly good-natured.
When socialized consistently from an early age, they will grow to be great and affectionate with other animals.
They simply have a lot of love to share and go around.
Apart from their patience and affection, these designer dogs are also great guides, service, and therapy dogs.
The Golden Labrador is a trustworthy and reliable dog that makes him a great option for rescue teams, emergency services, and even anti-narcotic detection.
Traits | Rating |
---|---|
Friendliness |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
exercise needs |
⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
Trainability |
⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
Ease of care |
⭐⭐
|
sociability |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
Goldadors are not guard dogs
The Goldador is a great and alert watchdog that will bark to let you know if there is a stranger around.
However, you should not confuse this crossbreed for a guard dog.
His friendly nature is extended even to strangers. Do not be surprised to see them cuddling and warming up to people that they have never met before.
They can be very vocal when they are bored, barking, or howling. Some will also bark when they get over-excited and this is something you should consider if you have close neighbors.
This mixed dog should never be left alone for extended periods as he could potentially become destructive and may also suffer from separation anxiety.
Adaptability
Golden retriever lab mixes can live in different environments and climate areas. They tend to handle the colder weather but can also live in warm areas. However, they tend to be sensitive to heat, but they can get used to warm weather.
With that said, you should keep this Golden Retriever mix indoors when the weather is hot.
The Golden Lab mix can also live in an apartment happily despite his large size as long as you give them enough physical and mental activities.
You may also be interested in- Top 10 Golden Retriever mixes.
History of the Golden Retriever Lab mix
Designer dogs have been in existence for some time now.
There are no records to show where exactly the Golden Labrador came from or who was the first person to breed the mix, but it is known that he has been around for some time now.
For a few years now there have been deliberate breeding programs, at least for service dogs. The Guide dogs association For the Blind named the Goldador as the most successful guide dog.
Golden Retriever brief history
The Golden Retriever breed was first developed at Lord Tweedmouth’s estate in Scotland with the retriever name coming from the ability to retrieve game undamaged.
At around 1868 and 1871, Tweedmouth bred a female Tweed Water Spaniel to a Golden Retriever for a loyal and efficient hunting partner.
They are one of the most popular dog breeds today.
These dogs are large-sized and sturdy dogs with a golden lustrous coat hence the golden name.
Other popular Golden Retriever Mixes
- St. Bernard Golden Retriever Mix is also called Golden Bernard
- American Bulldog Golden Retriever Mix is also called Golden American Bulldog
- Shar-Pei Golden Retriever Mix is also called Golden Shar Pei
- The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
A brief history of the Labrador retriever
Labrador Retrievers are sweet-faced dogs and one of the most popular dog breeds. They are friendly, outgoing, and affectionate.
This breed hails from Newfoundland off the Atlantic coast of Canada and originally assisted fishermen in the 1700s but also doubled as their companions. They mainly retrieved fish that had escaped the hooks.
Labs were originally named after St John, Newfoundland’s capital, and were known as St John’s Dogs.
Other popular Lab mixes
- The multicolored Aussiedor is a combination of a Lab and an Australian shepherd.
- Cuteness in the form of a Bullador which is a Labrador and American bulldog mix.
- A union between a Lab and Akita results in this stunning Labrakita.
- The American Lattle has the mixed genes of a Lab and Australian Cattle Dog.
- An amber eyed Borador, a hybrid of a Labrador and Border Collie.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Godador shed?
Goldadors shed moderately throughout the year. However, the amount of Goldador shedding will be affected by the weather and type of coat that the mix inherits. This means that you will see an increase in the amount of shedding in the onset of fall and spring.
Is the Goldador a breed?
The Goldador is a mixed breed that is not recognized by any of the major kennel clubs.
How long can a Goldador be left alone?
Typically, a Goldador can be left alone for a maximum of about 7 hours but the recommended time is around 5 hours. When left alone for extended periods, they may become destructive and even suffer from separation anxiety. Also, if you plan on leaving you Goldador alone, ensure that you provide him with chew toys.
Golden Retriever Labrador Mix Puppies
When this dog is a puppy he is known to be very clumsy and often gets into trouble.
In rare cases, they may grow out of this when they reach maturity at about 18 months old, but most of them will retain these traits even in adulthood until they are about 3 years old.
Litter size:
This mix can have a litter of between 4 to 12 puppies.
How much does a Goldador cost?
A Golden Retriever Lab mix puppy is an expensive pup that will cost you between $1000 and $3000. The price can, however, go as high as $5000 for puppies that are from superior lines.
When you are buying a Golden Lab puppy you should get one from a trusted and reputable breeder.
Good puppies do not come cheap but that does not that the most expensive puppy is the best puppy. But a healthy Goldador puppy will save you from incurring heavy medical expenses.
How to take care of a Labrador Golden Retriever mixed dog
1. Grooming a Golden Labrador
The Golden Retriever Labrador mix will shed continuously throughout the year and will require consistent grooming.
Grooming will help keep this crossbreed healthy and improve his general appearance.
This coat will need to be brushed at least 3 times a week to get rid of loose hair which will in turn reduce the amount of shedding.
Brushing is also essential to distribute oils around the dog’s coat and also helps to relax the dog.
The brushing frequency should be increased in fall and spring to preferably daily brushing.
This Golden Retriever grooming guide will be highly helpful to you.
Bathing:
You should only bath your Goldador when necessary, for example when the coat becomes too soiled or after playing in a muddy pool.
If that is not the case, you should also bath this crossbreed once every 6 weeks using a doggie shampoo. You can also use a conditioner that will help reverse some of the damage done to the coat by the shampoo.
A good smelling conditioner will be helpful if your Golden Retriever Lab mix tends to get smelly.
Bathing this dog too often will strip the coat of essential oils which will in turn cause the skin to dry out.
When bathing this dog ensures that the ears and eyes are protected from the water, shampoo, or any other liquid.
Hygiene tips
The ears will need to be checked and cleaned frequently.
This will help you check for any signs of an infection such as bad odor, bump, redness, sores, secretions, and so on. Cleaning the ears will help prevent ear infections.
To clean the ears, you will need to use cotton balls and an ear cleaning solution to remove any wax or debris in the ear canal and ear flap.
However, you should avoid cleaning the ears too deep as this can cause injuries.
The paws will also need to be taken care of by trimming the hair between the paw pads and clipping the nails using high-quality guillotine-type clippers.
You will also need to remove any debris or dirt between the paw pads.
Dental hygiene is equally as important to reduce the risk of periodontal diseases and will involve cleaning the teeth using dog toothpaste and toothbrush. You can also use a finger brush and dental sticks or chews.
Dental sticks and chews will not only help clean the teeth but are essential for strengthening the teeth.
Clean the mixed dog’s bedding frequently and also express the anal glands after about every 2 months. This will greatly reduce the doggie odor and keep the crossbreed healthy.
2. Feeding a Goldador
Several factors affect how much you can feed your Golden Retriever Lab mix dog including:
- Size
- Age
- Level of activity
- Metabolism
This is a large dog that will need to be fed on a high-quality diet with enough calories to keep up with his energy levels.
To meet this mixed dog’s daily calorie requirements, you can take his weight in pounds and multiply it by 30 calories.
Goldador Daily Food Consumption | |
---|---|
Calories | 1,400 |
Cups of Kibble | 🍗🍗🍗 |
Make sure that you invest in the best food and healthies for your dog.
The meals will also need to be divided into 2 or 3 daily portions to reduce the risk of bloat that is common in large-sized dogs.
Nutritional requirements
An adult Goldador will require a diet that is made up of at least 18% proteins and at least 20% proteins for a puppy.
Proteins are essential for the dog’s development as they act as the main building block for structures and tissues in the Golden Retriever Lab mix.
Fats are also important and should make up about 8% of the diet.
These are important for the provision of energy to this crossbreed and are also broken down to fatty acids which are essential in keeping the paws, nose, and skin supple. They are also important for a healthy coat.
Here is what to consider;
- A diet that is rich in proteins from high energy sources such as fish.
- Limited grains and fats for a lean build.
- A diet with natural ingredients but with no by-products, artificial additives, or fillers.
- The right amounts of phosphorous, calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin for healthier bones and joints.
Avoid foods that have the following;
- Bulking agents such as corn to prevent stomach sensitivity, indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence, or vomiting.
- Chemical additives that can upset the dog’s stomach.
- Foods with ingredients that you do not understand.
3. Exercise requirements
The Goldador mix will need at least 60 minutes of daily mental and physical stimulation. This will help keep the dog happy and healthy.
You should consider hiring a dog walker if you do not have enough time to exercise this mixed dog.
For puppies, you should stick to the 5-minute rule. This is where you exercise the pup for 5 extra minutes for every month that the mixed dog gets older.
So, a Goldador pup that is 6 months old will need to be exercised for 30 minutes daily.
However, they are known to get lazier as they get older and can be prone to obesity. It is important to get them excited to exercise to motivate them.
Number of walks | 2 (30 minutes each) |
Exercise needs | upwards of 60 minutes |
Some great exercise activities will include;
Playing fetch:
This is a classic outdoor that you and your Goldador can participate in.
You can also challenge the Golden Retriever Lab mix by putting a twist to the game. For example, you can either use a Frisbee or a tennis racket to make the object fly faster and farther for your Golden Lab to retrieve.
But when doing this avoid overdoing it.
Climbing up and down the stairs:
Stairs climbing is a great way to exercise a Golden Labrador if you are stuck indoors. It is not only effective but you can also make it fun by using some exciting toys.
This will also prevent the dog from getting overweight.
You will be amazed as to how much you can achieve with the simplest forms of exercise.
Dock diving:
Dock Diving is a fun and intensive activity and can be done in designate dock diving spots but you can also do it at your home if you have a swimming pool safe for this dog.
This will involve throwing a floating toy in the water and encourage this mixed dog to jump into the swimming pool and retrieve it.
A lakeshore can also work great if you do have a dock nearby.
If you notice that your dog is good at this then you can upgrade and join a Dock Diving club and play competitively.
Swimming:
This is a dog that loves water and is not afraid of swimming, unlike other dogs.
Find out what motivates your pooch to swim and reward him during exercise to keep him more active and interested in what you are doing.
Why is exercise important?
- It eases boredom and thus prevents your dog from getting involved in destructive behavior.
- Exercise strengthens your dog’s immune system.
- It helps prevent health issues in later years such as cardiovascular diseases.
- Exercise keeps the brain of your Goldador clear.
Failure to provide your dog with the right amount of exercise could lower the quality of his life reducing his lifespan.
After an exercise session, you should give your pooch some time to rest.
So, apart from walking your dog what other options do you have?
4. Goldador training requirements
This is a smart dog that is also eager to please and training should not be a problem for you.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to train this crossbreed. The Golden Retriever is usually highly motivated by food and high-value treats will always work great during training.
When you are starting your dog training, it would be best if you tested different rewards to see what works the best for your dog.
Avoid any aversive training methods such as punishment or shouting at this dog.
You can also prepare a dog training schedule for consistency.
Don’t be afraid to get help from a professional dog trainer.
Golden Labrador known health concerns
There are always a few health concerns that you have to look out for even if the dog was crossed to outbreed any health issues.
The Goldador is no exception as he is also known to suffer from some health issues.
Luckily enough some of these problems can be treated as long as you keep a close eye on your dog.
You can schedule a test with your veterinarian to determine the possibility of any inherited health issues.
There are recommendations and diet requirements that you will require to follow to keep your pooch in a stable healthy state.
These are just concerns but it does not mean that your dog will suffer from them.
Some of the health concerns are;
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Diabetes is a condition that is common in these dogs that can be managed.
- Eye problems such as juvenile cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
- Obesity is unlike other health conditions, as you can prevent your dog from getting obese by giving him the correct exercise and diet.
Breed Summary
The Golden Retriever Lab mix is a perfect choice for anyone that is looking for an active family dog.
They are happiest when they are around family receiving love and affection.
Golden labs are always happy and playful dogs
Because of their renowned patience with young children, this dog does well with all members of the family no matter their age.
Have you had experience with the Goldador? If you have, give us your feedback in the comment section below.
There you go WOOF!!
you may also like:
https://mydogsinfo.com/dogbreeds/golden-retriever-husky-mix/