Comments on: Labs are American; Goldens are Canadian

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 11:59:21 +0000

In reply to Robyn.

You’re right that different breeding lines will emphasize different traits as well. Here in the U.S., goldens from hunting lines have darker, redder coats. Because they’re being bred to work as retrievers instead of couch potatoes, they tend to have much higher energy levels. A few that I’ve met were really horrible in the house because they needed much more to do than they were given.

And, of course, every dog is different no matter what her breeding. Just like people. 🙂

By: Robyn

Robyn — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 05:07:39 +0000

I love this post. I think the breeds seem so similar in comparison to other dogs in general. I also think there are similarities and differences between the American and English types of both breeds. My understanding is that the English line of both goldens and labs are the shorter, stockier ones, and my experience has been that those tend to be very mellow dogs. (For example, my black lab–not my only experience with them–is a couch potato.) The American line of both are taller and lankier and more energetic–the stereotype of the crazy, hyper lab. Of course, that’s talking about pure breds and most of the dogs we run into are likely mixed.

By: Rebekah

Rebekah — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 19:25:32 +0000

I had no idea that Golden’s were a Canadian breed. Interesting!

By: Jen

Jen — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 18:22:06 +0000

Oh, but I like Key West! It’s warm and beachy, two things I really need (especially this time of year). I’ve never been to Key West with a dog, though. That might change my tune!

By: themisadventuresofmisaki

themisadventuresofmisaki — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 15:10:18 +0000

I’m a lab/golden noob and didn’t know the differences at all, thanks for sharing!

By: Leslie

Leslie — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 13:23:20 +0000

Not sure a comparison of two individual dogs is really enough to base the behavior of an entire breed on but I get your point. There’s a reason for the existence phrase “ugly American” after all. Guess my own experience would often place Goldens as the Americans and Labs as the Canadians.

Perhaps better we should just learn to assess everyone, both dogs and people, on their own merits and ditch the stereotypes once and for all.

By: Alayne

Alayne — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 02:45:06 +0000

Hmm… I have a 5 year old yellow Lab who is the best dog I’ve ever had in my life. She’s always been polite, quiet and sweet tempered. And she certainly doesn’t have a sense of entitlement! LoL! Some of the Golden Retrievers in this neighborhood are lunatics! I think, just like with humans – we’re all different! 🙂

By: Coco's Mommy

Coco's Mommy — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 01:38:48 +0000

my lab mix get into everything…everything. Causes all kinds of trouble…but we wouldn’t want her any other way.

By: Sage

Sage — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 23:35:34 +0000

I have a cousin who travels abroad with Canadian groups, so I know what you are talking about! Your distinction between breeds and nations is quite striking. Having never had a Lab or Golden, I found the differences really interesting. Of course, this got me thinking–what about a comparison with Sage’s breeds–Kelpie (Australia) and Border Collie (UK).

By: Jen K

Jen K — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 23:05:23 +0000

Oh I’ve definitely been voting for all the Canadian locations! And Cape May, of course.
I liked this run down between the two. Craig Ferguson does a bit on Canadians, saying how he always likes to joke about them because they don’t get mad – because we realize it’s a joke, he says. “And, they’re just happy to be included,” he adds. So true! lol
Funny how the Canadian breed “acts” American – I never thought of it that way. But I do know they get confused – especially when people start talking about “yellow retrievers” and “golden labs”.