• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Golden Flat Coat or Decker Giant?

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier" Compare Golden Retriever and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Rat Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Rat Terrier
OriginsScotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States
Group Gun Dog Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank397
Reviews162
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Golden Retriever and Rat Terrier. What other names are these breeds known by?
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Golden Retriever and a Rat Terrier. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Golden Retriever and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Rat Terrier? Is a Golden Retriever taller than a Rat Terrier?
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Golden Retriever and a Rat Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$1000-$2000 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Rat Terrier?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Golden Retriever and a Rat Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier?
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Rat Terrier 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 Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier? 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.
Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Rat Terrier?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? 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.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Golden Retriever and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier?
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier 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
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Golden Retriever and Rat Terrier? Compare breed colors.
Golden
Light
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.
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 Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Golden Retriever and a Rat Terrier? Compare fur types.
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Dense
Shiny
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Rat Terrier? Do Golden Retriever dogs shed more than Rat Terrier dogs?
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Rat Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Rat Terrier?
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Rat Terrier? Can a Golden Retriever and a Rat Terrier be friends? Do Golden Retriever dogs get along with Rat Terrier dogs?
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier?
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rat Terrier 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
Rat Terrier 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.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

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

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? 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 Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

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

Not really

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Golden Retriever or a Rat Terrier? 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 Golden Retriever and Rat Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Golden Retriever and Rat Terrier. Which has larger litters?
5-10 puppies 5-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Golden Retriever and Rat Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Golden Retriever and Rat Terrier. 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.

Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Golden Retriever and Rat Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Golden Retriever and Rat Terrier. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Golden Retriever and Rat Terrier. 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
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Rate This Comparsion - Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier

Reviews