I'm not personally familiar with the two breeds, but here is what I have found in my dog bible book...
Golden Retriever
Country of Origin: Great Britain
History: The golden retriever was developed in the late nineteenth century from a cross of flat- and wavy-coated retrievers, tweed water spaniels, and red setters. It was bred by British aristocrats as a retriever and companion. The golden retriever is one of the most popular companion dogs, but is also used for a variety of work, including hunting, search and rescue, and assistance work.
Physical Description: The golden retriever is a medium to large-size, athletic dog. It has a broad head with small drop ears, brown eyes, and a black or brownish black nose. The double coat has a soft, dense undercoat and a thick, straight or wavy outer coat in various shades of gold. There is a ruff around the neck and feathering at the legs, chest, belly and tail. The coat is shortest at the head, ears, paws and front of legs.
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches.
Weight: 55 Pounds to 75 Pounds.
Temperament: The golden retriever is very outgoing, friendly, playful and even-tempered. It gets along with almost everyone, including children and other dogs.
Activity Level: Modera to high.
Best Owner: It does best with an active family in a suburban or rural home.
Special Needs: Exercise, grooming.
Possible Health Concerns: Cataracts, ectropion, entropion, heart disease, hip sysplasia, PRA, cancer.
Labrador Retriever
Country of Origin: Newfoundland (Canada)
History: Bred as a hunter and water retriever, the Lab was developed from Saint John's Newfoundlands and other gun dogs in the early nineteeth century. It was a distinct breed by the mid-nineteeth century. The Labrador retriever is the most popular companion dog in the U.S. and still is used for hunting, as well as a number of other jobs, including search and rescue, detection and service work.
Physical Description: This is a medium to large-size, muscular dog. It has a broad head with a black or brown nose (black on black and yellow Labs, brown on chocolate Labs); brown or hazel eyes; and short, triangular drop ears. The otter tail is long and thick. The double coat has a short, dense undercoat and short, straight, water-resistant outer coat in black, yellow, or chocolate. There may be a white spot on the chest.
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches.
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds.
Temperament: The labrador retriever is enthusiastic, social and biddable. It is even-tempered and friendly with almost eveyone, including children and other dogs. It loves the water and carrying objects in its mouth.
Activity Level: High
Best Onwer: It does well with an active family in a rural or suburban environment but can adapt to city life with sufficient exercise.
Special Needs: Exercise, training.
Possible Health Concerns: Arthritis, hip dysplasia, PRA.