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.23
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
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.421
how to spot oneGoldador coat and colours
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.123
A typical home-care rhythm for a Goldador. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 3 days
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
how busy a day looksGoldador exercise needs
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.13
where they are happiestGoldador at home
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.31
who they like aroundGoldador with people and other pets
Thrives on human company and is usually patient with children and friendly with other household pets.31
the hands-on bitsGoldador grooming and care
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.13
what goes in the bowlGoldador food and feeding
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.312
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Goldador, and at what times?
Feed your Goldador at least two meals a day at consistent times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label and your vet for the right portions.3125
What should a Goldador eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, large-breed dog food. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet if unsure.3126
How often should I bathe a Goldador?
Bathe your Goldador every couple of months, or at least every three months. More frequent baths are fine if they get very dirty or love the outdoors. Use a gentle dog shampoo.137
How often does a Goldador need brushing?
Brush your Goldador two to three times a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. If your dog has a longer coat, brush more often to prevent mats. A slicker brush works well.137
How do I trim a Goldador's nails, and how often?
Trim your Goldador's nails about once a month, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the pink quick. Ask your vet or groomer for a demo if needed.137
How much exercise does a Goldador need?
Your Goldador needs at least 45 minutes to two hours of daily exercise, plus play and mental games. They love to swim and join in family activities. A well-exercised Goldador is a calm, happy companion.13
How do I look after a Goldador's teeth and ears?
Brush your Goldador's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste. Check their ears every two weeks for dirt or odor, and clean gently with a vet-approved solution. Never poke anything into the ear canal.137
How long does a Goldador live?
Goldadors typically live between 10 and 15 years. With proper care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, happy life.1
Is a Goldador good with children and other pets?
Yes, Goldadors are usually wonderful with children and friendly with other pets. They are patient, sociable, and love being part of a busy household.3142
Can a Goldador be left alone?
Goldadors do not like being left alone for long periods. They thrive on human company and may become anxious if left too often. If you're away, arrange for a dog walker or pet sitter.31
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchGoldador health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Goldador. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Both parent breeds are prone to malformed hip and elbow joints, so parents should be hip and elbow scored before breeding. Hip and elbow scoring is a core health test for both Labrador and Golden Retriever under BVA/KC schemes and OFA/CHIC ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Goldador costs
Running costs for a Goldador, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Goldador legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Goldador in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Goldador tip
Goldadors are highly food-motivated and prone to weight gain, so keep treats to less than 10% of daily calories and use part of their kibble for training. Because they can have sensitive stomachs and a risk of bloat, offer treats in small amounts and avoid anything that causes digestive upset.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
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.2
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.3
4
Many Goldadors are true water dogs and happily dive into lakes and ponds.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name 'Goldador' is a portmanteau of 'Golden Retriever' and 'Labrador Retriever', reflecting its mixed heritage as a cross between these two popular breeds.3
I wake up with a happy bark, ready to start the day. After a quick breakfast, I carry my leash to my human, eager for our morning walk. We explore the park, and I splash in a puddle, then retrieve a stick with great pride. Back home, I help with chores by following my human around, always underfoot. In the afternoon, I solve a puzzle toy for a treat, then nap with my head on a shoe. When the kids come home, we play fetch until dinner. I end the day curled up, feeling loved.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganGoldador history
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.243
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Goldendoodle
Labradoodle