Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Golden Flat Coat or English Collie or Deutscher Spitz? Find the right dog for you

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

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Golden Retriever	Rough Collie	German Spitz
Origins	Scotland	Scotland	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	3	40	344
Reviews	16	6	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz breeds.	Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever	English Collie Lassie Dog Long-Haired Collie Scottish Collie Collie	Deutscher Spitz
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Large	Small Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg)	Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 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: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)	Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)
Height Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Rough Collie or German Spitz? Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz height comparison:	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)	Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 cm)	Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 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 (58.5 cm)	Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1000-$2000	$400-$600	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Rough Collie or German Spitz?	Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Rough Collie is quite easy to get.	Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Very smart: Rough Collie is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which is easiest to train?	Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are very easy to train. See more.	German Spitz dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which breed is most alert?	Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which breed is most protective?	Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Spitz dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz? Compare temperaments.	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy	Protective Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Obedient Loyal Gentle Social Elegant Hard working Herding	Independent Devoted Lively Attentive Trainable
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Rough Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: German Spitz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz?	High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Rough Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz social needs comparison:	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Rough Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? 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.	Rough Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Rough Collie rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The German Spitz is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which breed is most playful?	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Rough Collie is a playful breed. See more.	The German Spitz is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which adapts best to small spaces?	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 Rough Collie indoors.	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 Spitz indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which breed is most flexible?	Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Rough Collie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Rough Collie or German Spitz?	Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Rough Collie 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 Rough Collie vs German Spitz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which has lowest bite risk?	Moderate ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Rough Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The German Spitz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which uses mouth most during play?	Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Rough Collie dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	German Spitz dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Rough Collie bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 German Spitz bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Rough Collie: 15 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which handles climate changes best?	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 average to cold weather conditions The Rough Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. 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 health problems common in Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which has fewer health issues?	Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.	The Rough Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Rough Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz 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 Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Drug Sensitivity Collie Eye Anomaly Gray Collie Syndrome	Luxating Patella Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Dental Problems

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which breed is most active?	Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Rough Collie dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or Rough Collie or German Spitz? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.	Rough Collie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or Rough Collie or German Spitz?	Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Rough Collie dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which is most prone to obesity?	High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Average: The Rough Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which needs most food?	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. What colors are available?	Golden Light	White Sable Merle Black & White & Tan Blue & Merle Blue & Merle & White Sable & White White & Merle	Black White Orange Tricolor
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which drools least?	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 Rough Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Rough Collie has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight	Rough Soft Thick Straight Harsh Furry	Dense Straight
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which requires most frequent baths?	2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. 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 Rough Collie or German Spitz? Golden Retriever or Rough Collie or {name3 shedding:	Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	German Spitz dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which is best with kids?	Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Rough Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Rough Collie dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Rough Collie or German Spitz? Which dog is more friendly?	Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Rough Collie dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Rough Collie or German Spitz?	Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Rough Collie dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Rough Collie or German Spitz?	Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Rough Collie dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz?	Yes Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Rough Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Spitz 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 Rough Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Spitz 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.	Rough Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which has best nose work ability?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	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 Compare search and rescue potential between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which is best for SAR work?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Rough Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which has most military use?	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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which has most puppies?	5-10 puppies	4-8 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	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 Rough Collie vs German Spitz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. How are they classified internationally?	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.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Golden Retriever, Rough Collie, and German Spitz. Which has most recognition?	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	Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Golden Retriever vs Rough Collie vs German Spitz

Reviews