Black Lab Golden Retriever Mix

Black Lab Golden Retriever mix puppies are cute, cuddly and very energetic. They grow up into intelligent, loyal adult dogs. Today we are going to look at the pros and cons of black Lab Golden Retriever mix dogs. We’ll find out whether this cross breed is always the same color, and how to find a black Lab Golden Retriever puppy.

• What is a black Lab Golden Retriever mix?
• What does a black Lab Golden Retriever mix look like?
• Will a black Lab Golden Retriever mix definitely have a black coat?
• Are black Lab Golden Retriever mixes friendly?
• Finding black Lab Golden Retriever puppies for sale?

The black Lab Golden Retriever mix is still a Goldador. But, by using a black Lab parent, many breeders aim to get puppies with a black coat. A black Lab Golden Retriever mix will have the same general traits as any other Goldador. They will be friendly, energetic, and playful. Black Lab Golden Retriever mix dogs are also great with kids and other animals. Especially when they are socialized and trained well from a young age.

What is a Black Lab Golden Retriever Mix?

It’s as easy as its name sounds! This dog is simply a puppy with one Golden Retriever parent and one black Labrador Retriever parent.

Since the genes for a black dog coat are dominant, many breeders hope that they will get black Goldador puppies when they breed with a black Labrador parent. But, first generation mixes like this are quite unpredictable. So, there’s no real way of knowing exactly what traits puppies will inherit until they arrive. This applies to everything from a dog’s appearance and general temperament, to their health and specific care needs. Which is why it’s so important to choose a reputable breeder that only breeds from the healthiest parent dogs.

What Does a Black Lab Golden Retriever Mix Look Like?

A Goldador with a black Lab parent will usually have a black coat. But, in some instances, puppies may have lighter, or golden coats. Other than their coat color, their traits will vary as much as any other Goldador dog. It will depend which parent they take after the most.

Generally, you will have a medium to large dog. Typically, a Goldador will grow between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall. They usually weigh between 55 and 80 pounds as adults. Females are often smaller than males. But, to get a better idea of your puppy’s potential adult size, just take a closer look at their exact parents.

In terms of coat type, this mix will have a double layered coat that sheds all year round, and more heavily during shedding seasons. Their coat may be slightly longer if they take after their Golden Retriever parent, with some feathering around their legs and chest.

Will a Black Labrador Golden Retriever Mix Always be Black?

Although the genes for a black coat are dominant, there’s no guarantee that a Goldador with a black Lab parent will be black too. Black Labradors can still carry and pass on recessive genes for the Lab’s other coat colors (chocolate and yellow). However, a puppy must receive two recessive genes (one from each parent) to have a non-black coat color. So, it is much less likely that your puppies will have golden or chocolate coats if they have a black Lab parent.

If your heart is set on a black Goldador puppy, let your breeder know. They may be able to give you first pick of the litter to ensure you get the shade you want.

Are Black Lab Golden Retriever Mixes Friendly?

Both parents of this Goldador mix are known to be friendly, energetic, and loving. Especially toward their close families. Generally, when they are well socialized as puppies, they will get along very well with everyone they meet. This includes other pets and even young children. However, since they are quite large dogs, they can accidentally bump and hurt young kids during play.

Socialization is Proven to Help

Studies into dog behavior have shown that socialization from a young age helps to prevent behavioral issues in older dogs. This includes aggression and fearfulness. So, you should train and socialize your black Goldador mix well from a young age to get the best of their temperament. You should also meet the parent dogs to see what traits your puppy may inherit. If its parents are friendly and keen to meet you, your puppy will often be similar!

Are Black Lab Golden Retriever Mixes Good Family Pets?

Most families get on well with a black Lab Golden Retriever mix. But, many don’t realise quite how much work these dogs take. They’re friendly, playful, and very social. But, this amazing temperament won’t suit all lifestyles.

A Goldador won’t make a good guard dog. They tend to love everyone they meet, especially when socialized and trained from a young age. They also won’t do well if left alone for long periods, since they are so human-oriented. These dogs need families that have plenty of time to dedicate, and who can take their dog with them everywhere.

Plenty of Energy

On top of this, a black Goldador is a very energetic dog, that comes from two hardworking, athletic parents. So, you must be prepared to give them plenty of vigorous exercise every day when they’re fully grown. Don’t forget that high-shedding coat, too!

Are Black Lab Golden Retriever Mixes Healthy?

A black Lab Golden Retriever mix will usually be as healthy as its parents. So, it’s important that you choose your breeder carefully. Mixed breed puppies like this are vulnerable to the same health issues as their parent breeds. Common problems to look out for include:

• Cancer (big issue for Golden Retrievers)
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Bloat
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Eye issues, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy and cataracts
• Ear infections
• Centronuclear Myopathy
• Exercise Induced Collapse

Health tests are available for a large number of these issues. So, make sure your breeder is able to show you clear health certificates for both the Golden Retriever and the black Lab parent.

Finding Black Lab Golden Retriever Puppies

The Goldador mix is quickly growing in popularity across the world. It mixes two of the most popular dog breeds out there. If you’re keen to get your hands on a black Goldador puppy, make sure you speak to breeders to find out which color Lab they’re breeding from. You’ll need a black Lab parent to achieve a black Goldador puppy, as this is where they will get the dominant black coat gene from.

The price of black Goldador puppies will vary. Some breeders may list them cheaper than golden puppies, since they are usually less popular. But, prices can also vary depending on the pedigree of the parents, your location, and demand for puppies. Generally, you should expect to pay somewhere between $800 and $2000 for a black Goldador puppy from a reputable breeder.

Avoid Puppy Mills

Choosing a reputable breeder is the best way to avoid hereditary health problems in a Goldador puppy. Reputable breeders will only breed parent dogs that are clear of hereditary health issues. Avoid puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders. These places won’t health test parent dogs, and will usually keep their dogs in poor conditions, giving puppies a low-quality start to life. 

Black Lab Golden Retriever Mix Rescue

As this mix becomes more popular, you may also be able to find puppies and older black Goldadors available for rescue. The Goldador is one of the most popular current designer breeds. So, you may even find rescue centers dedicated to them. However, many rescue centers for the parent breeds will often take mixed puppies.

Dogs from rescue centers will often have some basic training, and will be much cheaper than puppies from a reputable breeder. Speak to staff about your situation at home to make sure they can pair you with the best possible match. If you have kids or other pets, they’ll be able to find you a Goldador that is super friendly. Or, if you don’t have much experience with training, they can help you find a black Goldador that already knows basic obedience.

Do You Have a Black Lab Golden Retriever Mix?

The Goldador mix is quickly growing in popularity. Many people love the typical golden shades, but the black coat is just as striking. Do you have a Goldador with a black Lab parent at home? Or, are you currently looking for one to welcome into your family? We would love to hear your stories in the comments!

Find Out More

• Black Lab Beagle Mix
• Black Lab Border Collie Mix
• Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle
• Black Lab German Shepherd Mix
• Mastiff Lab Mix
• Goldador
• Black Labrador
• Chocolate Labrador
• Cancer
• Hip dysplasia
• Bloat
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Ear infections
• Yellow Lab

References and Resources

• Buzhardt, L. ‘Genetics Basics – Coat Color Genetics in Dogs’, VCA Animal Hospitals
• ‘Dog Coat Color Genetics’, Dog Genetics
• Duffy, D. (et al), ‘Breed Differences in Canine Aggression’, Applied Animal Behavior Science (2008)
• Howell, T. (et al), ‘Puppy Parties and Beyond: The Role of Early Age Socialization Practices on Adult Dog Behavior’, Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports (2015)
• Guy, M. (et al), ‘The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study: Establishing an Observational Cohort Study with Translational Relevance for Human Health’, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B (2015)
• Simpson, M. (et al), ‘Population Characteristics of Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Enrollees’, Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2017)
• Kaijser, S. (et al), ‘Quantification of the Health-Status of the Dutch Labrador Retriever Population’, Preventive Veterinary Medicine (2019)
• The Canine Health Information Center