German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian or Yellow Retriever?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever" Compare German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which is better: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

General Appearance & Basic Info Hair & Care Characteristics Good With Health Factors Reproducibility Show differences only

Name	German Shepherd	Golden Retriever
Origins	Germany	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	2	3
Reviews	11	9
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Other Names What other names do they have?	Alsatian, Berger Allemand, Alsatian wolf dog (UK), Deutscher Schäferhund, Schäferhund	Yellow Retriever, Golden Flat Coat
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred
AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	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.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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
Price Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever?	$800-$2000	$1000-$2000
Availability	Very frequent	Very frequent

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever General Appearance & Basic Info Comparison

Size Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever size comparison:	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever weight comparison:	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)
Avg. 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? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever height comparison:	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)
Avg. 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 Hair & Care Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever coat comparison:	Fuzzy	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight
Colors What are the original German Shepherd and Golden Retriever color? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever color comparison:	Silver Tan Red Black	Golden Light
Grooming Which is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever grooming comparison:	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.	Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever shedding:	German Shepherds are heavy shedders.	Golden Retrievers shed moderately.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?	8-12 weeks Very rarely.	2-3 weeks Frequent.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Characteristics Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever behavior/temperament comparison:	Alert Courageous Intelligent Obedient Confident Curious Loyal Watchful	Confident Intelligent Reliable Friendly Kind Trustworthy
Intelligent Rank Which dog has more intelligence? Is a German Shepherd or Golden Retriever smarter? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever intelligence:	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.	Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
Trainability German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever trainability comparison. What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?	German Shepherds are easy to train.	Golden Retrievers are easy to train.
Playfulness German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever playfulness comparison:	German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?	German Shepherds don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household and frequent guest visits.	Golden Retrievers have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?	German Shepherds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.	Golden Retrievers are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
Social Needs German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:	German Shepherds need for social interaction is average.	Golden Retrievers need a lot of social interaction.
Barking Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.	Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?	German Shepherds are one of the best watchdogs.	Golden Retrievers are average watchdogs.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	German Shepherds are extremely protective guard dogs.	Golden Retrievers are average defenders.
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	High The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Moderate The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Bite Force Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?	Between 200 and 400 PSI Ordinary: Average dogs have bite force between 200 and 400 PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI Ordinary: Average dogs have bite force between 200 and 400 PSI.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever mouthiness comparison:	German Shepherds have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.	Golden Retrievers have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?	German Shepherds are not the biggest explorers.	Golden Retrievers tend to escape less than other breeds.
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 Shepherds have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.	Golden Retrievers 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.
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?	Nem a legjobb választás German Shepherd, ha lakásban szeretnéd tartani, ugyanakkor alapos lemozgatással, napi többszöri sétával tolerálják a benti körülményeket is, így megoldható German Shepherd tartása lakásban.	Nem ajánlott lakásban tartani Golden Retriever kutyafajtát.
Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	German Shepherds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Golden Retrievers adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone 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 Retrievers tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Fighting Dog	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?	German Shepherds are stranger friendly dogs.	Golden Retrievers are very stranger friendly dogs.
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?	German Shepherds are very kid-friendly dogs.	Golden Retrievers are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?	German Shepherds are average friendly towards cats.	Golden Retrievers are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?	German Shepherds are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Golden Retrievers are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?	No German Shepherds are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	Yes Golden Retrievers are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog.
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Yes A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.	Yes A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
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
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.	Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.
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.
Boat Dog Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	German Shepherds are generally with other pets.	Golden Retrievers are usually friendly towards other pets.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Health Factors Comparison

Health Issues German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
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:	Allergies Blindness Bloat Cancer Cataracts Cherry Eye Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Cushing's Syndrome Degenerative Myelopathy Demodectic Mange Diabetes Digestive Problems Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Heart Disease Hemophilia A Hemophilia B Hip Dysplasia Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lens Luxation Lupus Megaesophagus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Panosteitis Paralysis Perianal Fistula Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Retinal Dysplasia Seborrhea Vitiligo Von Willebrand's Disease Wobbler's Syndrome	Allergies Bloat Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Hemangiosarcoma Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Osteochondrosis Dissecans Osteosarcoma Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis Von Willebrand's Disease
Veterinarian Visits 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).
Life Expectancy German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and Golden Retriever breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever?	10-13 years	10-12 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Hypoallergenic German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No	No
Energy Level Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever energy level comparison:	German Shepherds are high energy dogs.	Golden Retrievers 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 Shepherds need quite a lot of exercise.	Golden Retrievers need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?	German Shepherds don't need too much sleep.	Golden Retrievers don't need too much sleep.
Avg. daily food consumption Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the Golden Retriever breed?	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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever weight gain potential comparison:	Low to Average.	High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to overweight.
Weather & Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?	Tolerates warm and cold weather.	Tolerates warm and cold weather.
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells least? Which dog smells most? Which is best, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?	Medium The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?	The German Shepherd is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency.	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.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days	60-64 days
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy.
Litter Size How many puppies can German Shepherd and Golden Retriever have? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever litter size comparison:	6-10 puppies	5-10 puppies
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iotiufgm
May 27, 2020, 4:35:46 PM:
Golden lover
Aug 6, 2020, 11:57:11 AM:
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Dec 11, 2020, 5:50:10 PM:
hi
Jan 20, 2021, 3:37:00 PM:
hi
Jan 20, 2021, 3:37:54 PM: