Golden Retriever Lab mix, also known as the Goldador, is a popular hybrid breed that combines the friendly and affectionate personality of a Golden Retriever with the intelligence and work ethic of a Labrador Retriever. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the key aspects of this mixed breed, including their appearance, temperament, training requirements, and health concerns. Whether you’re considering adopting a Goldador or simply want to learn more about this fascinating breed, our guide has all the information you need. Discover why the Golden Retriever Lab mix is a favorite among dog enthusiasts everywhere.
Golden Retriever Lab Mix
The Golden Retriever Lab Mix, also known as the Goldador, is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. With parents known for their skills in service, therapy and hunting, these dogs are perfect for families. They inherit the Labrador’s strength and the Golden Retriever’s affectionate nature. Goldadors can serve as therapy or assistance dogs, hunt or detect bombs, or simply be loyal family companions. These people-friendly dogs are suitable for all ages, as long as they receive regular outdoor activity and attention.
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Golden Retriever Lab Mix
Challenges of Living with a Large Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever Mix
Not suitable for small apartments
The Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever Mix, also known as the Goldador, is a large breed that can be difficult to live with in a small apartment or condominium. To accommodate their energetic nature, it’s recommended to have a fenced yard for daily outdoor activities. You may also need a larger bed for them, as their affectionate nature may lead them to sleep with you.
Regular Exercise Essential
These intelligent and active dogs require regular exercise to avoid destructive behavior and aggression from boredom.
Not Suitable as a Guard Dog
If you’re looking for a guard dog, the Lab Golden Retriever Mix is not the breed for you. They are friendly and loving, often showing affection to everyone they meet, and may even show strangers where your belongings are for a treat. Despite this, they can excel in roles such as hunting companion, guide dog, therapy dog, and bomb detection.
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3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Golden Retriever Mixed with Lab
Friendly and Loyal Personality
The Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever mix, also known as the Goldador, is a friendly and affectionate breed. They have a playful and happy disposition and are great family dogs, especially with children. The Golden Lab Retriever Mix makes a loyal and devoted companion, offering years of memories and friendship.
Good with Other Animals and Not a Guard Dog
The Goldador is good with other animals, especially if raised together, and is alert but not suitable as a guard dog.
Low Grooming Needs
The Golden Retriever Mix is a low maintenance breed that requires minimal grooming, with a good brush twice a week sufficient to keep them in good condition.
Easily Trainable
The Goldador is intelligent and eager to please, making training easy. They are active and love to be around people, making it easier to train advanced tricks than with other breeds.
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Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Golden Retriever Labrador Retriever Mix
The Golden Retriever Labrador Mix, also known as the Goldador, is a large breed that typically stands 22-24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 60-80 pounds. Size varies more in hybrid dogs than purebreds, but a Goldador will have the sturdy build of a Retriever.
This breed features a short or medium length dense coat in shades of yellow, gold, black, brown, white, or cream. They shed moderately and require weekly brushing. Other physical features include a well-proportioned head, medium length floppy ears, black nose, and a long tail.
The Goldador is known for its loving, affectionate, intelligent, cheerful, and loyal personality. They are a family-oriented breed that loves to be around people and will be eager to please their owners. They are also active and make great exercise companions for jogging, swimming, and other activities.
The following dog organizations and registries recognize the Golden Retriever Lab Mix as a breed: American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).
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Golden Retriever Mixed with Labrador Puppies for Sale
To find your perfect Golden Lab Retriever Mix puppy, it’s important to work with a trustworthy breeder. Consider reaching out to the Pet Professional Guild for guidance on locating a reputable breeder near you. A reputable breeder will be able to provide health clearances for both parents of the Goldador and ensure the puppy is screened for any potential health issues. Make sure to verify that the breeder uses purebred dogs in their breeding program.
You can also find Golden Retriever Lab Mix puppies on popular online sites such as PuppyFind.com, NextDayPets.com, Adopt-a-Pet.com, the American Kennel Club, Petfinder.com. However, the ASPCA discourages buying puppies online and suggests visiting a pet shop to meet the puppies in person.
Before adopting a Golden Lab Retriever Mix, it’s important to do your research and understand the breed’s basic needs. This way, you can be sure to provide the proper care for your new furry companion.
Grooming Your Labrador Crossed with Golden Retriever
Caring for Your Golden Lab Retriever Mix: Grooming & Health Tips
Regular grooming is a must for the double-coated Golden Lab Retriever Mix, especially during shedding season. With moderate shedding, expect to brush them 1-2 times a week for short coats and 3-4 times for longer, waxy coats. During shedding season, daily brushing is essential. Bathing should only be done when necessary, such as when coat is soiled or after a hot, active day.
Pay extra attention to the ears as Golden Lab Mixes are prone to ear infections. Clean them regularly and have a professional groomer take care. Trim long nails to prevent splitting or tearing. Dental health is also vital; brush your dog’s teeth 3-4 times a week using gentle techniques.
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This hybrid dog loves to swim, so consider incorporating water activities into their grooming routine. Keep your Golden Lab Retriever Mix healthy and looking their best with these essential grooming tips.
Labrador Mixed with Golden Retriever Health Problems
The Golden Lab Retriever Mix, like its parent breeds, may have health issues. Maintaining good health is key to keeping your dog happy and healthy. Here are some of the common health problems seen in this hybrid breed:
Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit correctly into the hip joint, causing pain and potentially leading to arthritis. Make sure to ask the breeder to show proof of the parent dogs’ health before purchasing a Goldador puppy.
Elbow Dysplasia: A hereditary disorder where the bones in the dog’s elbow grow at different speeds and sizes.
Diabetes: A manageable metabolic disorder with symptoms such as excessive thirst, weight loss, and increased urination. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to further health problems.
Eye Diseases: Your Golden Lab Mix may be prone to eye diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Cataracts. PRA is an inherited eye disease caused by the deterioration of the retina, while cataracts cause cloudy eyes in older dogs due to lens opacities.
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Labrador Golden Retriever Mix Food Requirements
Feeding your Golden Retriever Lab Mix is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Generally, these dogs should consume 3.5-4.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily, split into two meals. When choosing food, consider your pet’s age, activity level, and metabolism.
If you opt for commercially manufactured dog food, make sure to follow the feeding instructions on the package. Different dog foods cater to different ages and energy levels, so be mindful of this when selecting a food. Puppies need the best puppy food brands, while older dogs should be fed the best senior dry dog food.
It’s important to choose the right size kibble, too. The best dry dog food for small dogs is different than the best large breed dry dog food, so make sure to do your research. By providing your pet with a proper diet and nutritious food, you can help prolong their lifespan. Nutra Thrive dog food supplement is a great option if your dog is lacking in vitamins and minerals.
Some of the top-quality dog food brands include Wellness Core Dog Food and Dog For Dog Food. Avoid feeding your Golden Retriever Lab Mix the following foods: onions, chives, garlic, poultry bones, salty foods, chocolate, coffee, tea, yeast dough, tomato leaves or unripe fruit, alcohol, grapes, or raisins
Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador Exercise Requirements
Maximize your Golden Retriever Lab Mix potential by providing with daily physical activity. These active dogs may become destructive if they don’t get enough exercise, so it’s important to engage them for at least 2 hours daily. Consider hiring a dog walker if you’re unable to dedicate the time.
Aside from walks, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy with your furry friend. Consider taking them hiking for a more challenging walk, or swimming for a bonding experience. You can also try dock diving, playing fetch, or joining a dock diving club for added excitement. Just be mindful of your dog’s enthusiasm when it comes to retrieving objects.
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Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever Training
The Goldador, a mix of Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever, is known for its trainability. While their friendly and smart nature makes training easier, consistent effort is still needed to fully train them. Training serves as a great way to both physically and mentally stimulate the dog.
Here are four tips to help you train your Goldador:
- Start Early – Begin training your puppy as soon as possible. This helps break mouthing habits and prevent them from barking excessively, as well as promoting socialization. Provide them with toys to fetch and reward them for good behavior.
- Positive Reinforcement – The Goldador is a sensitive breed, so positive reinforcement is key in training. Avoid negative punishment and instead, reward good behavior regularly with treats and praise.
- Quiet Place – Train your Goldador in a calm environment to minimize distractions. Classes may be fun, but a quiet space is more suitable for learning new tricks.
- Mental Exercise – The Goldador is an intelligent breed and requires mental stimulation to avoid unwanted behaviors like barking and chewing. Regular mental exercises will keep them active, confident, and engaged.
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Labrador Golden Retriever Mix and Families
The Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever Mix, commonly known as the Goldador, is a perfect family pet due to its friendly and loving personality. This large-sized dog will greet anyone with tail wags and kisses, making it ideal for families that want to include their pet as a member.
Goldadors have a gentle disposition, making them a hit with kids. They are energetic and enjoy playing, as long as they have the energy to keep up. However, due to their size, it’s recommended to supervise young children and infants while they interact with the Goldador.
This hybrid dog also makes a great therapy and companion pet. Their affectionate nature thrives with attention and love, making them difficult to cope with solitude. Give plenty of love to your Goldador, and in return, you’ll receive endless love and affection from your furry friend.
Reference: DogsForGood
