Goldador
Also called Golden Labrador, Labrador x Golden Retriever
From A cross of the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, bred deliberately by guide and assistance dog organisations to join the strengths of both retrievers; no single country of origin is given by sources.12
At a glance the quick version
Source gives 60-80 lb (about 27-36 kg) for the cross overall; size varies with which parent a dog takes after.
Coat and looks how to spot one
double coat, short to medium
A sturdy, well-muscled retriever with kind eyes and soft, floppy ears. The coat is thick and water-resistant, and its length depends on the parent the puppy favours: some have the Labrador's short coat, others the Golden's longer, feathered one.312
Personality what they are like
Warm, sociable and keen to work with people. The Goldador tends to mix the Golden Retriever's sensitivity and love of problem-solving with the Labrador's easygoing tolerance, which is why it shines in assistance roles. Temperament can lean towards either parent.413
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Plan on long daily walks (sources range from about 45 minutes to two hours or more), plus games, training and puzzle toys to keep the mind busy. Many love to swim.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush two to three times a week, more during shedding seasons, especially if the coat is on the longer side. Occasional baths, regular nail trims and tooth brushing round it out.32
Home where they are happiest
Best in a home with room to move, a garden and easy access to the outdoors; an active household suits it well. Does not like being left alone for long stretches.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Feed a complete diet suited to large dogs, split into at least two meals a day, and adjust portions to size and activity. Its love of food makes treats a great training tool, so count them in the daily total.231
Company who they like around
Thrives on human company and is usually patient with children and friendly with other household pets.23
The story where it all began
Guide dog schools began pairing Labradors with Golden Retrievers to combine the best qualities of both breeds for working with people who are blind or partially sighted. The cross proved so dependable that it became a core part of assistance dog programmes, and it is now also kept as a family pet.142
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Guide Dogs UK calls the Labrador x Golden Retriever cross its most successful guide dog, and over 60% of its working guide dogs are this cross.1
- 2
Assistance dog organisations list Golden Retriever/Labrador crosses among the dogs they choose most often, alongside Labradors, Goldens, Standard Poodles and German Shepherds.4
- 3
Goldadors also work as service, therapy and search and rescue dogs.2
- 4
Many Goldadors are true water dogs and happily dive into lakes and ponds.3
Recognised by the official bits
- Major kennel clubs
- A crossbreed, not a recognised pedigree breed; there is no breed standard.5
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Goldador. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Parents and lookalikes
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Goldendoodle
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Guide Dogs UK: Crossbreeds guidedogs.org.ukused for history, traits, colours, guide dog facts
- Purina UK: Goldador purina.co.ukused for size class, exercise, home, feeding, uses
- DogTime: Goldador dogtime.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, exercise, grooming
- Wikipedia: Guide dog en.wikipedia.orgused for temperament, assistance dog use (secondary)
- Wikipedia: List of dog crossbreeds en.wikipedia.orgused for crossbreed status (secondary)
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.