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

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd" Compare Golden Retriever and German Shepherd. Which is better: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever German Shepherd
OriginsScotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank32
Reviews1419
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Golden Retriever and German Shepherd?
$1000-$2000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Golden Retriever or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Trainability
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
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 dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
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.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Golden Retriever more dangerous than a German Shepherd?

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Golden Retriever and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
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.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Does the Golden Retriever breed eat more than the German Shepherd 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? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Golden Retriever and German Shepherd color? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd color comparison:
Golden
Light
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Do Golden Retriever dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?
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.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

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

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Golden Retriever and German Shepherd have? Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:
5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs 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
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

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