You've probably seen them at the park and just assumed they were a slightly "off-brand" version of America’s two favorite dogs. They look familiar. They have that iconic wag. But when you get closer, you realize the snout is a bit broader or the coat isn't quite as feathery as a standard Goldie.
That’s the golden retriever x golden labrador—often called the Goldador.
It's a weirdly specific crossbreed. Why take the two most popular, similar dogs in the world and mash them together? Honestly, it feels a bit like mixing vanilla ice cream with vanilla bean gelato. But for service dog organizations like Guide Dogs for the Blind, this specific mix is actually the "Gold Standard." It isn't just about looks. It's about a very specific calibration of temperament that neither breed quite hits on its own.
The Reality of the "Double Gold" Temperament
Most people think if you cross a Golden and a Lab, you get a dog that’s twice as chill. That is a massive misconception. In reality, you’re often doubling the energy. Labs are high-drive, mouthy, and sometimes a bit "bull-in-a-china-shop" until they hit age three. Goldens are soft, needy, and can be prone to anxiety if not socialized.
When you mix them, you're rolling the dice on which side of the brain takes over.
I’ve seen Goldadors that have the "softness" of the Golden Retriever but the physical intensity of a field-line Labrador. This can be a tricky combo. If the dog is sensitive to correction but has the energy of a marathon runner, you can’t just "manhandle" them into behaving. You have to be subtle.
Why Service Organizations Love Them
Guide Dogs for the Blind and Canine Companions for Independence have used the golden retriever x golden labrador cross for decades. They don't do it because the dogs look cute in a harness. They do it because Goldens can sometimes be too sensitive to their environment—getting spooked by loud noises or weird floor textures. Labs, on the other hand, can sometimes be too stubborn or distracted by food.
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The crossbreed hits a sweet spot.
You get the Golden's desire to please (the "will-to-work") tempered by the Lab's "water off a duck's back" resilience. It creates a dog that is sturdy enough to handle a busy city sidewalk but intuitive enough to know when their handler is stressed.
Physical Specs: It’s All About the Coat
Don’t expect a long, flowing mane. If you want the "Lassie" look, stick to a purebred Golden.
The golden retriever x golden labrador almost always ends up with a "short plus" coat. It’s thicker than a Lab's but shorter than a Golden's. It’s dense. It’s water-resistant. And lord, does it shed. You will find hair in your butter. You will find hair in your sealed Tupperware.
- Height: Usually 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder.
- Weight: Can range wildly from 60 to 80 pounds.
- Color: Usually a range of yellow, from "paper white" to "burnt orange," though black Goldadors exist if the Lab parent carried the dominant black gene.
One thing to watch for: the ears. Because both breeds have heavy, floppy ears, they are prone to yeast infections. If you don't dry their ears after a swim, you're going to be spending a lot of money at the vet. It’s just part of the tax you pay for owning a "water dog" mix.
Health Risks: The Elephant in the Room
We need to talk about the "Hybrid Vigor" myth. People think that because a dog is a mix, it’s automatically healthier. That’s just not how genetics work. If you breed a Golden with hip dysplasia to a Lab with hip dysplasia, you just get a Goldador that needs a $7,000 surgery.
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Both parent breeds are notorious for specific issues.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This is the big one. Both breeds have it.
- Cancer (Hemangiosarcoma): Goldens have a heartbreakingly high rate of cancer. Mixing in a Lab might dilute that risk slightly, but it doesn't eliminate it.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Both breeds can carry genes for blindness.
- Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC): This is a Lab trait that can definitely show up in the mix.
If you’re looking for a golden retriever x golden labrador puppy, and the "breeder" doesn't show you OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) scores for the parents, walk away. Seriously. Don't be the person who buys a "designer dog" from a parking lot and wonders why the dog can't walk comfortably at age five.
Training the Goldador Mix
They are smart. Sometimes too smart. A bored Goldador is a destructive Goldador.
I once knew a Goldador named Barnaby who figured out how to open the child-proof locks on the pantry. He didn't just eat the dog food; he ate a bag of flour and a box of pasta. These dogs need a job. If you don't give them a job, their job will be "remodeling your drywall."
They respond best to positive reinforcement. Because of the Golden DNA, "heavy" training methods—like yanking on a prong collar—can shut them down emotionally. They’ll just sit there and refuse to move. Instead, use their Lab-side greed. They are almost always food-motivated. Use high-value treats (think freeze-dried liver or plain boiled chicken) and they will basically do your taxes for you.
Exercise Requirements
A walk around the block isn't enough. It's just not.
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You need to engage their brain. Fetch is good, but "find it" games are better. Hide a toy in the backyard and let them use that massive Lab nose to track it down. This tires them out mentally, which is worth three miles of walking. They also tend to love water. If you have access to a lake or a dog-friendly pool, use it. It’s the best way to burn energy without stressing their joints.
The Cost of Ownership
Getting the dog is the cheap part.
A well-bred golden retriever x golden labrador from a reputable source (or a specialized rescue) might cost $1,000 to $2,500. But the annual upkeep? Brace yourself.
Between high-quality large-breed puppy food, heartworm/flea prevention (which is priced by weight), and the inevitable "he ate a sock" vet visit, you’re looking at $1,500 to $2,000 a year minimum. That doesn't include professional grooming if you can't handle the deshedding yourself.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Honestly, the Goldador is the ultimate "middle of the road" dog. They aren't as intense as a Border Collie, but they aren't as lazy as a Basset Hound. They are the perfect companion for a family that actually goes outside.
If you live in a tiny apartment and work 10-hour days, please, for the love of everything, don't get this mix. They thrive on companionship. They are "velcro dogs." They will follow you into the bathroom. They will rest their chin on your knee while you eat dinner.
They are a lot of dog. But if you have the space and the vacuum cleaner for it, they are arguably one of the most balanced companions on the planet.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
- Check the OFA Database: If a breeder gives you the registered names of the parents, look them up yourself on the OFA website. Look for "Fair," "Good," or "Excellent" hip ratings.
- Invest in a High-Velocity Dryer: Since the coat is so dense, air-drying takes forever and leads to "hot spots" (skin infections). A professional-grade dryer will save you hundreds in vet bills.
- Start Joint Supplements Early: Don't wait for a limp. Start a high-quality Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement around age two to support those heavy-duty joints.
- Look for Breed-Specific Rescues: Many Golden or Lab rescues will take in Goldadors. It’s a great way to skip the puppy "shark" phase and get a dog whose personality is already established.
- Prioritize Threshold Training: Teach them to wait at the door and wait for their food. Because they are big and enthusiastic, they can easily knock over a child or an elderly relative if they aren't taught impulse control from day one.