Goldador
The Goldador merges dogdom's two great family retrievers into one - and the result is exactly what you'd hope: a supremely biddable, gentle, athletic family and service dog with double the retrieve drive and double the shed.
🗓️ Last reviewed: July 2026
Overview
The Goldador merges dogdom's two great family retrievers into one - and the result is exactly what you'd hope: a supremely biddable, gentle, athletic family and service dog with double the retrieve drive and double the shed. Guide-dog schools have quietly bred this cross for decades because it simply works.
A designer cross: the Goldador is a Golden Retriever × Labrador Retriever mix, not a standardised breed - individuals vary more than purebreds, in coat, size and temperament alike. Average lifespan is 11-13 years.
History & Origins
Long predates the doodle era: assistance and guide organisations have crossed Goldens and Labs since the late 20th century for temperament and trainability - the most 'proven' designer cross there is.
Appearance
25-36 kg in gold-to-yellow shades (sometimes black from Lab lines), with a dense water-ready double coat and the classic soft-eyed retriever face. Typical size: Large, 25-36 kg. Coat: Dense double coat - SHEDS.
Temperament & Character
Gentle, patient, eager, universally friendly - a textbook family and service temperament with genuine energy that needs daily outlets and a lifelong tennis-ball economy.
Care
Real exercise daily (they're working retrievers), weekly-to-daily brushing through heavy seasonal shedding, ear checks after swims - and they WILL swim.
Feeding & Nutrition
Strictly measured - the appetite is legendary from both sides; obesity is this cross's main health enemy alongside hips.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Gold-standard family temperament
- Supremely trainable
- Proven service-dog pedigree
- Great with kids and everything else
Cons
- Sheds substantially year-round
- Needs real daily exercise
- Gluttony requires policing
- Big-dog space and costs
Best Suited For
- Active families
- Service/assistance prospects
- First-time owners with energy
- Swimmers, hikers, fetch enthusiasts
Goldador puppy growth chart
A typical growth curve for a large breed like the Goldador, estimated from its adult weight of 25-36 kg. Puppies vary with sex, genetics and diet, so treat this as a guide - for your own puppy, use the puppy weight predictor.
| Age | Typical weight | % of adult |
|---|---|---|
| 2 mo | 5.5-7.9 kg | 22% |
| 3 mo | 8.3-11.9 kg | 33% |
| 4 mo | 10.8-15.5 kg | 43% |
| 6 mo | 15-21.6 kg | 60% |
| 9 mo | 20-28.8 kg | 80% |
| 12 mo | 23-33.1 kg | 92% |
| Adult | 25-36 kg | 100% |
Goldador - frequently asked questions
Why choose a Goldador over either parent?
You're blending two proven family temperaments - many find the mix splits the difference: Golden softness with Lab bounce. Shelters also carry many retriever mixes just like it.
Do they shed less than a Golden?
No meaningful relief - double coat from both sides. If shedding is a dealbreaker, this isn't your cross (that's what doodles market).
Health checks?
Hips and elbows on both parents plus eye and heart clearances - standard large-retriever due diligence.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the dog
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our dogs. Can you name them?
Clue 1.This versatile liver-spotted gundog freezes and aims its whole body at hidden game, even in water.
It's the German Shorthaired Pointer - read the full profile →
Clue 2.Known for striking merle coats and sometimes two different-colored eyes, this agile dog excels at frisbee, agility, and herding livestock.
It's the Australian Shepherd - read the full profile →
Clue 3.Bred down from a larger farm ratter, this wiry-coated companion has a stocky body and bold personality.
It's the Miniature Schnauzer - read the full profile →
💛 Adoptable dogs near you
Set on this breed? It is usually a designer cross, so here are dogs of every kind near you, live from Petfinder - filter by breed there if you like. We have no affiliation and earn nothing - if someone catches your eye, the link goes straight to their shelter. New to adopting? Start with our adoption guide.
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