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German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Golden Flat Coat?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever" Compare German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which is better: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Golden Retriever
OriginsGermany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank23
Reviews2116
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Golden Retriever?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare biting tendencies.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare activity levels.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Golden Retriever? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Golden Retriever dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Can a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Golden Retriever dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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