Judy Powell
The Goldador is a nickname used to describe a hybrid dog that is a golden Labrador Golden Retriever mix.
Both parent dogs are very popular in the United States and around the world, which means you wouldn’t want a better cross of traits.
If you’re looking for information about Goldador, you’ve come to the right place.
And if you have any questions about the Golden Retriever mixed with Labrador dog traits, personality, coat, appearance, grooming, training, and health, we have the answers for you.
Pedigree Dogs and Designer Dogs: The Controversy and the Science
While hybrid or “designer” dogs are very popular with pet owners these days, not everyone is a fan, especially thoroughbred dog breeders.
For a purebred breeder, the Labrador mix dilutes the purity of each breed’s genes.
This is a controversial issue that is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.
The new trend towards hybrid dog breeds has advantages among canine biologists.
The most notable benefit is referred to as “hybrid power,” a term used to describe how the gene pool can be strengthened by adding genetic diversity.
Crossing two purebred dog lines increase the diversity of both gene pools, which may be behind the long-standing reputation of mixed-breed dogs or “mutt dogs” for being healthier than their purebred counterparts.
The Goldador: A mix of Golden Retriever & Labrador Retriever
The Goldador is a hybrid dog with a Labrador Retriever parent and a Golden Retriever parent.
Common Goldador names include the Goldador Retriever, the Golden Lab Mix, and the Golden Retriever Mix.
As you will learn here, both the parents of the Goldador dog, the Labrador Retriever, and the Golden Retriever have a long history and lineage as beloved dogs, as well as show ringing and working dog masters.
Origins of the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is currently the American Kennel Club’s third-largest pet dog in the nation.
Originally from the Scottish Highlands, the Golden Retriever was carefully bred by a single breeder for the first 50 years of its breed to create the perfect hunting dog.
The golden retriever was not discovered outside of Scotland until the early 20th century when the golden retrievers began appearing in the show ring and in hunting dog circles in the United Kingdom and the United States.
President Gerald Ford had a golden retriever named Liberty who from that point on drove the golden retriever into the international limelight.
Origins of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is currently the most popular dog in the American Kennel Club and has been counted for 26 years.
The Labrador is as close to an American canine facility as any dog.
The Labrador Retriever comes from Newfoundland in what is now Canada.
This dog comes from a long line of water dogs, which explains the lab’s waterproof, thick, two-layer insulation, thick otter tail, and wide paws.
Laboratories are excellent swimmers and have a reputation for loving the water.
What is the Goldador dog breed like?
Overall, Goldador is a friendly, sociable, and philanthropic dog that is loved by families around the world.
Size, height, and weight of a Golden Labrador mix
As a puppy, the Goldador can look deceptively small. But the adult Goldador dogs are likely to be handsome and strong.
The golden retriever typically weighs 55 to 75 pounds in adulthood.
The golden one stands 21.5 to 24 inches, with males standing taller than females.
The Labrador Retriever typically weighs 55 to 80 pounds.
The Labrador stands 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall, with males being taller than females.
So we can predict that each Golden Retriever and Golden Lab puppy can weigh between 55 and 80 pounds and grow between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall.
Appearance, coat, and grooming for a Labrador and Golden Mix Dog
Goldador shedding is likely to be a predictable constant in your life.
This is because Golden Retriever Lab mix dogs receive the same type of coat from both parent dogs.
A thick, two-layer, water-repellent insulating layer that is sorted out seasonally and all year round.
It will be easier for you to care for your pet’s coat by doing regular grooming and grooming sessions.
This will help you catch the dandruff hair before it has a chance to decorate anything you own.
Personality and temperament of a laboratory and a golden mix
Labradors and Golden Retrievers have very similar personalities.
So you can pretty much rely on a friendly, sociable dog. One who is quite lively and likes to be in human company.
Labs can be a little more playful and Goldies a little quieter, but these traits can also be intra-breed.
You can be sure that a mix is smart, trainable, and requires a lot of exercises and mental stimulation.
Health issues from Goldadores
Labrador and Golden Retriever Mix puppies are likely to inherit genetic health problems from either parent.
This is what makes your choice of Goldador breeder so important.
A reputable and responsible breeder will ensure that their breeding dogs are tested for any known health problems to prevent these conditions from being passed on to future litters of Golden Lab puppies.
The lifespan of the Golden Retriever Lab mix is likely to be between 10 and 12 years, as both the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever share this life expectancy range.
Health Tests for Lab Retriever Golden Retriever Mix
Before working with a breeder to select your pup from a litter of Golden Retriever Labrador puppies, you need to ensure that the breeder can demonstrate that all required and (ideally) recommended health tests have been performed on the parent dogs.
In the Dog Health Information Center (CHIC) database, purebred Labrador Retriever dogs are tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, the collapse caused by movement, and D-locus DNA (coat color).
Optional but recommended Labrador health tests include centronuclear myelopathy, heart problems, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) database recommends testing purebred Golden Retriever dogs for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and heart problems.
You should also know that Labradors are more prone to overeating and being overweight than most other dog breeds. The researchers now believe that there is a genetic basis for this trait.
Socialization and Training Needs for a Goldador Dog
Both Labrador and Golden Retrievers pass from strong working dogs. They are accustomed to high levels of daily activity and exercise, as well as high levels of behavior with people.
This means that no matter what parent dog your Goldador puppy is allowed to take with him afterward, you can take home a smart, energetic, active, and outgoing puppy who needs constant socialization and training from day one.
Your Goldador training plan should include a lot of meeting new people, new places, and new situations so that your dog becomes a calm and serene member of the larger community.
Warning: Goldadors are likely to have strong prey due to their hunting and searching experience, so you need to make sure other vulnerable family members are not harmed.
Is a Goldador a Good Family Dog?
The average Goldador is likely to make an excellent family dog, as this hybrid dog is a mix of two of the friendliest, most social, and most people-oriented purebred dog breeds in the world.
Because of this, the Goldador can make an excellent choice for a service or therapy dog.
How to Pick Goldador Puppies
Golden Retriever & Labrador Retriever Mix puppies are very cute. That’s something you can rely on.
So before you venture out to see a litter of Golden Retriever Lab mixed puppies, it is important to research the breeder’s reputation and ensure that all required and recommended health tests have been performed on the parent dogs.
From here, you can look for a Goldador puppy that is bright-eyed, clear about the ears/nose/tail, intent on interaction and willingness to play, and ready to be held, with a clean coat and friendly disposition.
Should I get a Golden Retriever Golden Lab Mix?
This is really a question that only one person can answer: you. As you’ve read, the Goldador has so much to offer the owner that he has the time, energy, and lifestyle to make a good home for this active, social, and loving dog.