If one goes by the American Kennel Club’s statistical data, they will find that the “Retrievers” are one of the most popular dog breeds in America. As the name suggests, Retrievers are primarily reared for retrieving game or hunt for gamekeepers or shooters, respectively. This friendly and obedient breed has a “soft mouth” that helps them bring back the hunt or game without damaging it.
Types of Retrievers
Apart from that, they are well-built, agile, and intelligent. With its ever willing to learn attitude, “Retrievers” make the perfect pets for families and sportspersons. Over the years, these Retrievers’ qualities have been modified and developed to give rise to six unique breeds.
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Descending from two St. John’s Newfoundland pups, these retrievers are protective, polite, but emotionally complicated. Their coat is oily, wavy, and without any patterns. They mainly come in sedge, chocolatey brown or dead grass colors that are complemented by yellow-amber eyes. They are muscular, athletic, and use their own mind. Consequently, they make superbly confident watchdogs.
- Flat-Coated Retriever: Closely linked with the Labrador Retrievers, the Flat Coats descended from the interbreeding of a Newfoundland’ s crossbred with sheepdogs, setters and water dogs (spaniel-like). They primarily come in complete black or liver color. Their tail and legs are feathery, and they have a distinct long head. By nature, they are happy, energetic, and good-humored. They need a lot of outdoor activities to shed off their excess energy.
- Curly Coated Retriever: As one of the earliest Retriever breeds, Curly Coats are durable, big, graceful, and elegant gun dogs. They are proud, confident, and smart. With their tight, crisp, thorn-resistant, and waterproof curls, they make excellent retrievers. They are independent and alert. With their thin, wedge-shaped head, they keep a keen eye on strangers. To cast off their excess energy, they need to be engaged in a lot of outdoor activities.
- Labrador Retriever: These well-balanced and athletic retrievers trace their origin to the water and human loving dogs of 17th century Newfoundland. They have a broad head and kind eyes. With their friendly nature, they can socialize with both humans and dogs of the neighborhood. They are eager and energetic. Consequently, they need to be engaged in diverse outdoor activities to keep themselves fit, both mentally and physically.
- Golden Retriever: Descending from the Scottish Highlands of 19th century, Golden Retrievers are devoted, friendly, and intelligent. The lustrous golden coat, broad head, short ears, and straight snout are the breed’s hallmarks. With their playful, obedient, and outgoing nature, they make excellent family dogs.
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: As the name suggests, the ‘Toller’ originated in Nova Scotia during the early 19th century. These crimson-colored dogs are the smallest of all the retrievers. They are handsome, intelligent, outgoing, and extremely energetic. Consequently, a lot of time and labor need to be devoted to utilizing their full potential.
Among these six breeds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are most commonly used for crossbreeding with other dogs. People are smitten by their affectionate, obedient, loyal, and playful nature. And consequently, want these traits to be inherited by their preferred dog breeds.
21+ Most Common Retriever Mixes
Here is a list of more than twenty-one most common mixed-breed dogs who have Retrievers as parents:
1) Goldador (Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever)
If you want your dog to have the two most popular family dogs’ traits, Goldador is the dog for you. Just like their purebred parents, Goldadors are trustworthy, friendly, even-tempered, smart and kind. They also inherit their parents’ height and weight. Consequently, they tend to be 21 to 25 inches in height and weigh between 50-80 pounds.
Goldadors possess a double coat that must be taken care of. Otherwise, they tend to shed a lot. They inherit their parents’ affectionate and “eager to please” nature. And therefore make excellent family dogs. However, they do need a lot of outdoor exercises to keep themselves mentally and physically fit.
2) Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever and Poodle)
Developed by the “Royal Guide dogs Association of Australia,” Labradoodles are affectionate and smart dogs. They possess the intelligence, obedience, and loyalty of a Labrador. While, from the Poodles’ side, they tend to inherit the “low-shedding” coat. They are usually 21 to 24 inches tall and live for approximately 12 to 14 years. These dogs are especially suitable for those who have different kinds of allergies running in their families.
If you wish to own a Labradoodle, make sure that you have enough time to train them. Even though they are quite good with instructions, they have an extremely high energy level. Consequently, they need a considerable amount of exercise to shed off the excess energy.
3) Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle)
Just like Labradoodles, Goldendoodles are also noted for their obedience, loyalty, intelligence, and “eager to please” nature. Consequently, they are considered one of the ideal dogs for novice dog owners. The Golden fur of Retriever mixed with the curly-coat of Poodle makes them a gorgeous dog. However, it also implies that you have to take good care of their beautiful coat.
It is important to note that despite Poodles having a low-shedding coat, there is no surety that your Goldendoodle will also have it. Therefore, if you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, make sure your Goldendoodle inherits the Poodle-coat.
Depending on the size of Poodle, Goldendoodles tend to be small to large-sized and weigh from 50 to 90 pounds. Having a life-span of 10 to 15 years, Goldendoodle has proved to be one of the best family dogs.
4) Aussiedor (Labrador Retriever and Australian Shepherd)
Labradors are by themselves an energetic breed. However, if you cross them with an Australian Shepherd, the resultant strain will be so active that you would find Labradors lethargic. So, if you wish to own an Aussiedor, make sure you have enough time to engage them in various exercises.
Notwithstanding their high energy level, Aussiedors can prove to be quite good family dogs. Their height ranges from 22 to 25 inches while their weight varies between 40 and 80 pounds. They inherit Labradors’ mellow and smart nature. If trained properly, they can be handled by people of all ages.
5) Golden Dox (Golden Retriever and Dachshund)
These medium-sized dogs inherit the Golden Retriever’s long Golden coat. While the body shape is inherited from the Dachshund side. They are smart and energetic with a degree of intelligence that often drives them mad if they are bored. Consequently, they need to be continuously engaged in some exercise to avoid inappropriate behaviors like chewing and digging.
Before owning a Golden Dox, make sure that you have ample time and experience to train and play with them. It is especially relevant if they inherit the separation anxiety issues and the stubbornness from their Dachshund parent. Also, make sure that you don’t have any other pets at your home. The terrier Dachshund genes can make your Golden Dox to prey on your smaller furry babies.
6) Bullador (Labrador Retriever and English Bulldog)
This medium to large-sized dogs inherit their Labrador parent’s affectionate and optimistic nature. Their large size and body structure make them quite good watchdogs. However, they are generally very even-tempered like their Labrador parent. The famous Bulldog rage only surfaces when they are in extreme pain or have gone through a horrifying experience.
Like their purebred parents, Bulladors tend to be very intelligent and convenient to train. Their height ranges from 17 to 20 inches, and their weight varies between 50 and 90 pounds. Unlike their Bulldog parents, Bulladors are very loving and docile creatures. However, make sure that their intelligence and energy are well utilized. Otherwise, they can prove to be quite a handful.
7) Bernese Golden Retriever Mix (Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever)
One can very well imagine a dog’s height if it is a product of the crossing between two large-sized dogs like Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain dog. Justifying their heredity, Golden Mountain Mixes tend to be approximately 27 inches in terms of their height. Their weight varies between 70 and 110 pounds, and they inherit the affectionate and loyal nature of their purebred parents.
They are exceptionally bright and need to be continuously engaged in a variety of exercises. Consequently, a small apartment with only a few rooms is definitely not ideal for such big and active dogs. You also need to be very careful about their health as these mixed-breed pups often inherit their parents’ diseases. Such diseases include hip and elbow dysplasia and a variety of ‘canine’ cancers.
8) Labrakita (Labrador Retriever and Akita)
These pups are a mixture of some completely opposite characteristics. As family dogs, they are great but often intolerant towards toddlers. They are excellent watchdogs but need to be adequately trained for the discharge of their duties. You can teach them quite easily but have to remain patient at the same time. Such contradictory characteristics can be explained by the polar opposite nature of their purebred parents.
While Labradors are cheerful and affectionate, Akitas are solemn and dignified. With the crossing of these two dog breeds, you can never predict the possible qualities of your Labrakita. However, in terms of physical attributes, they tend to be quite large and weigh between 70 and 110 pounds.
9) Golden Cocker Retriever (Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel)
These mixed-breed pups are adorable, affectionate, and loving. They are a real softy and love cuddling. Make sure to give them ample time as they cannot live alone for more extended periods. Moreover, they are energetic and intelligent. Consequently, you have to continually engross them in various kinds of exercises. Besides that, a brief morning and evening walk is recommended for these pooches’ mental and physical health.
In terms of physical features, Golden Cocker Retrievers tend to be up to 24 inches tall. They live for 12 to 15 years, and their weight ranges from 30 to 45 pounds.
10) Huskador (Labrador Retriever and Husky)
Also known as Labsky and Siberian Retriever, Huskadors tend to be extremely cute and hard working. Inheriting their purebred parents’ common traits, they are bound to be energetic, loyal, protective, and easy to train. They may grow up to 25 inches in terms of height and weigh between 40 to 60 pounds.
They usually live for approximately 10 to 15 years, but owners must be careful about their health. It is because these mixed-breeds can inherit various kinds of diseases from their parents. Such conditions include OCD, epilepsy, eye, ear, skin and heart problems, bloat, joint dysplasia, and cold tail.
11) Golden Boxer (Golden Retriever and Boxer)
Also known as the Box Retriever, these designer dogs tend to be quite large. A full-grown Golden Boxer can rise up to 23 inches, and its weight can range up to 66 pounds. Consequently, they need a bigger space to roam around and shed their excess energy. Also, you need to take good care of their coat as it drops a lot. You can train a Golden Boxer effortlessly if it inherits more traits from its Golden Retriever parent.
However, if your Box Retriever is more into its Boxer parent, you will have to be very patient. Besides that, you need to take it frequently outside to maintain the mental and physical health of your Box Retriever. Therefore, before you plan to own a Golden Boxer, make sure to have considerable time and experience of training dogs.
12) Borador (Labrador Retriever and Border Collie)
These mixed-breed pups are quite popular among active owners since the 1990s. With a height ranging from 19 to 24 inches and a weight that varies between 40 to 60 pounds, Boradors can live anywhere. However, Labradors’ active genes often lead them to get bored quickly if not engaged in any physical activity. Consequently, a big house with a courtyard is recommended for the thriving of these pups.
Notwithstanding these limitations, Boradors are very easy to maintain and eager to please. With their outgoing and cheerful nature, they prove to be a better companion than a guard dog.
13) Goberian (Golden Retriever and Husky)
With their keen blue eyes and golden fur, these mixed-breeds tends to be very beautiful and expensive. With their affectionate nature and even temperament, they make the perfect family dog. However, they are smart and energetic, as well. Consequently, you need to have considerable time and experience training dogs to utilize their full potential.
Their height ranges between 20 to 24 inches. While their weight can reach up to 90 pounds. Unfortunately, their life-span ranges between only 10 to 15 years as they are often prone to diseases like hip dysplasia. Therefore, it is recommended to verify the health-screening documents of their purebred parents.
14) Beagador (Labrador Retriever and Beagle)
These medium-sized pooches are ideal for you if you have kids in your family. They inherit the affectionate nature of their Labrador parent and their Beagle parent’s height and adventurous attitude. They can prove to be quite a handful with their high energy level if not engaged in some kind of physical and mental activities.
They weigh between 11 to 18 kg and live for 12 to 15 years. With a black, brown, or blonde coat that sheds a lot, you will have to make ample time to groom them. You will also need a considerable amount of patience and experience to train them. However, once they are trained, they can prove to be one of the best family dogs.
15) Goldmation (Golden Retriever and Dalmatian)
These mixed-breeds look stunning with the Golden fur of Retriever and Dalmatian’s spherical spots. They are trustworthy and protective and therefore make excellent guard dogs. With their cheerful and friendly nature, you can consider them the perfect dog for your family if you have kids and other pets. Besides that, they are obedient and intelligent. Consequently, you can train them quickly.
This medium to large-sized designer dogs lives for 13 to 14 years. Even though they are quite healthy, you must be careful regarding their physical conditions. Diseases like hip dysplasia, renal dysplasia, and epilepsy can make them vulnerable.
16) Bullmasador (Labrador Retriever and Bullmastiff)
If you have a big house with lots of space and precious items, Bullmasador is the ideal dog for you. With its large size, well-built body structure, and protective instincts, you can guard your home very well from thieves and dacoits. Besides that, its polite and calm nature can help you in raising kids as well.
However, these designer dogs are not at all suitable for novice dog owners. Because of their high intelligence and energy level, they need proper exercise and training. Only experienced dog owners can utilize the full potential of these dogs.
17) Golden Shepherd (Golden Retriever and German Shepherd)
These large-sized dogs having the genes of two majestic dogs like Golden Retriever and German Shepherd are meant to serve a purpose. In fact, they cannot survive if their potentialities are not adequately used. Having the appearance of a German Shepherd and the affectionate and loyal nature of a Golden Retriever, these mixed-breeds can prove to be the perfect family dog for you. Just make sure that you have a spacious house with a garden or a backyard.
Besides that, you need to spend a considerable amount of time grooming and training them. Being the pup of two double-coated intelligent parents, Golden Shepherds tend to be very active and are bound to shed. Also, be careful about their health as they may inherit diseases like hip dysplasia, various kinds of canine cancers, and “Von Willebrand’s disease” from their parents.
18) Spanador (Labrador Retriever and Cocker Spaniel)
These designer dogs are the pups of two most favored purebred dogs of all time. While Labradors have occupied the number 1 position since the 1990s. Cocker Spaniels have remained intact in the popularity charts since the 1940s. As a result, these mixed-breeds have inherited some of the best qualities of their purebred parents.
They are loving and cheerful like the Labradors and as inquisitive as a Cocker Spaniel. Their height ranges between 18 to 20 inches while their weight varies between 26 to 46 pounds. They are quick learners and very energetic. Consequently, they require an ample amount of outdoor exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.
19) Golden Chi (Golden Retriever and Chihuahua)
With the loving nature of a Golden Retriever and the spunky nature of a Chihuahua, Golden Chis have created quite a rage among dog lovers. In terms of their physical features, they mostly look like their Chihuahua parent. They have a small stature and can weigh between 15 to 30 pounds. From their Labrador parent, they inherit characteristics like loyalty and obedience. Consequently, they make excellent family dogs.
Fortunately, Golden Chi has one of the longest life-span among the mixed breeds. If properly taken care of, your pup can live for almost 15 years.
20) Dalmador (Labrador Retriever and Dalmatian)
If you are an athlete, consider Dalmador your best choice. With the genes of a good running companion like Labrador and a natural runner like Dalmatian, Dalmadors can give you a good competition. Besides that, they are very social and comfortable with new faces. Consequently, you can take them anywhere and everywhere.
21) Sheprador (Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd)
Also known by the name Labrashepherd, these designer dogs are a cross of two most intelligent and hardworking dogs. Consequently, they are trustworthy, affectionate, and convenient to train. However, they are zestful as well. And therefore, can find it difficult to survive if their potentialities are not fully utilized. Hence, only experienced dog owners should contemplate taking a Sheprador. They tend to be 20 to 27 inches in height and can weigh between 60 to 95 pounds. Unfortunately, Shepradors can live for only 10 to 12 years.
22) Labrabull (Labrador Retriever and Pit Bull)
Also known as Pitadors, Labrabulls are the products of two most friendly purebred dogs. Consequently, they tend to be very loving and eager to please. However, these very qualities often lead them to have separation anxiety. Therefore, if you spend most of your time working outside, you must not go for these designer dogs. Besides that, these mixed-breed pups are very energetic and athletic. Consequently, they need an ample amount of exercise to maintain their health.
Conclusion
Although the purebred Retrievers are one of the most preferred dogs globally, the crossbreds are no less popular. In fact, the crossbreds have created a rage since the 1990s all over the world. If you wish to have a mixed-breed dog with retriever traits, the list mentioned above will suffice for you. However, to select the right dog for you, you have to meet them in person. Once you have chosen that one right dog, get it immediately. It will make you feel wanted and happy like never before.
References
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2010.00727.x
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016815911200247X
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