What is the difference between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever?

When comparing German Shepherd and Golden Retriever, there are several differences in size, temperament, grooming needs, and other characteristics. See the detailed comparison table above for specifics.

Which is better: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

The "better" breed depends on your lifestyle and needs. Both breeds have their unique advantages and characteristics. Consider your living situation, activity level, and family circumstances when making your decision.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Best for Apartments

German Shepherd

3/5 · Acceptable

Easiest Grooming

🤝 Tie

Longest Lifespan

Golden Retriever

10-12 years

Easiest to Train

🤝 Tie

Most Active

🤝 Tie

Best for First-Time Owners

🤝 Tie

5/6

83%

German Shepherd

5/6

83%

Golden Retriever

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Breed 1 *

Breed 2 *

Breed 3 (optional)

Differences onlySimilarities only

Unit

Breed

Origins

Group

Pastoral / Herding Dogs

Gun Dog

Popularity Rank

Reviews

User Ratings

4.1/5

4.5/5

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Common Names & Aliases

Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by?

Alsatian wolf dogBerger AllemandDeutscher SchäferhundSchäferhundAlsatian

Golden Flat CoatYellow Retriever

Breed Classification

Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.

Purebred

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Size Classification

Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.

Large

Weight Statistics

Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. Which breed is heavier?

Male: 30-40 kgFemale: 22-32 kg

Male: 27-36 kgFemale: 25-32 kg

Average Weight

Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?

Male: 34.9 kgFemale: 27.2 kg

Male: 31.8 kgFemale: 28.3 kg

Height

Which is taller, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Golden Retriever?

Male: 60-65 cmFemale: 55-60 cm

Male: 56-61 cmFemale: 51-56 cm

Average Height

Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?

Male: 62.5 cmFemale: 57.5 cm

Male: 58.5 cmFemale: 53.5 cm

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Intelligence Rating

Which breed scores better for intelligence rating: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for intelligence rating (5/5).

Watchdog Rating

Which breed scores better for watchdog rating: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for watchdog rating, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Golden Retriever, scoring lower at 3/5.

Training Difficulty

Which breed scores better for training difficulty: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for training difficulty (4/5).

Territorial Protection

Which breed scores better for territorial protection: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for territorial protection, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Golden Retriever, scoring lower at 3/5.

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Price Range

Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. Which breed costs more?

💰$800-$2000

💰$1000-$2000

Availability

Which breed is easier to get: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest availability rating of 5/5.

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Personality Traits

Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?

AlertCourageousIntelligentObedientConfidentCuriousLoyalWatchful

ConfidentIntelligentReliableFriendlyKindTrustworthy

Sensitivity Level

Which breed scores better for sensitivity level: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for sensitivity level, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Golden Retriever, scoring lower at 3/5.

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Which breed scores better for impulse to wander or roam: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

1/5

2/5Top Pick

Verdict: Golden Retriever performs best for impulse to wander or roam, with a rating of 2/5, while German Shepherd, scoring slightly lower at 1/5.

Prey Drive

Which breed scores better for prey drive: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

4/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for prey drive, with a rating of 4/5, while Golden Retriever, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Affection Level

Which breed scores better for affection level: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for affection level (5/5).

Social Needs

Which breed scores better for social needs: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

3/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Golden Retriever performs best for social needs, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 3/5.

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Barking Frequency

Which breed scores better for barking frequency: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

2/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for barking frequency (2/5).

Playful Nature

Which breed scores better for playful nature: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

3/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Golden Retriever performs best for playful nature, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 3/5.

Apartment Adaptability

Which breed scores better for apartment adaptability: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

3/5Top Pick

2/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for apartment adaptability, with a rating of 3/5, while Golden Retriever, scoring slightly lower at 2/5.

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Lifestyle Adaptability

Which breed scores better for lifestyle adaptability: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for lifestyle adaptability (5/5).

Alone Time Tolerance

Which handles being alone better: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare separation anxiety tendencies.

⏰Moderate

❌Very Low

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Bite Risk Assessment

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

🟠High

🟡Moderate

Mouthing Tendency

Which breed scores better for mouthing tendency: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for mouthing tendency (5/5).

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

Golden Retriever

Average Lifespan

Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare average lifespans.

💙9-13 years

🕑10-12 years

Climate Tolerance

Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare climate tolerances.

☀️Tolerates warm and cold weather

Health Concerns

Which breed scores better for health concerns: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for health concerns (4/5).

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:

AllergiesBlindnessBloatCancerCataractsCherry EyeChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureCushing's SyndromeDegenerative MyelopathyDemodectic MangeDiabetesDigestive ProblemsElbow DysplasiaEpilepsyExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyHeart DiseaseHemophilia AHemophilia BHip DysplasiaHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLens LuxationLupusMegaesophagusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusPanosteitisParalysisPerianal FistulaProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Retinal DysplasiaSeborrheaVitiligoVon Willebrand's DiseaseWobbler's Syndrome

AllergiesBloatCataractsElbow DysplasiaEpilepsyHemangiosarcomaHip DysplasiaHypothyroidismOsteochondrosis DissecansOsteosarcomaProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Subvalvular Aortic StenosisVon Willebrand's Disease

Vet Care Frequency

Which needs more vet care: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare veterinary requirements.

💚Rare

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Energy Rating

Which breed scores better for energy rating: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for energy rating (5/5).

Sleeping Need

Which breed scores better for sleeping need: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

1/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for sleeping need (1/5).

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Which breed scores better for activity requirement / exercise need: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

4/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Golden Retriever performs best for activity requirement / exercise need, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Obesity Tendency

Which breed scores better for obesity tendency: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

2/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Golden Retriever performs best for obesity tendency, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 2/5.

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.

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Allergy Friendliness

Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.

❌No

Coat Colors

What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Golden Retriever? Compare breed colors.

SilverTanRedBlack

GoldenLight

Grooming Requirements

Which breed scores better for grooming requirements: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for grooming requirements (3/5).

Shedding Level

Which breed scores better for shedding level: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for shedding level, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Golden Retriever, scoring lower at 3/5.

Drooling Tendency

Which breed scores better for drooling tendency: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

1/5

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: Golden Retriever performs best for drooling tendency, with a rating of 4/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 1/5.

Stinkiness Rating

Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

👃👃👃👃👃Medium

Coat Characteristics

How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever? Compare fur types.

Fuzzy

ShinySilkyWavyStraight

Bathing Needs

Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.

🛁8-12 weeks

🚿2-3 weeks

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Cat Friendly

Which breed scores better for cat friendly: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

3/5

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: Golden Retriever performs best for cat friendly, with a rating of 4/5, while German Shepherd, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Child Compatibility

Which breed scores better for child compatibility: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Golden Retriever are tied with the highest rating for child compatibility (5/5).

Dog Friendly

Which breed scores better for dog friendly: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

2/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Golden Retriever performs best for dog friendly, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 2/5.

Stranger Friendly

Which breed scores better for stranger friendly: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever?

4/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Golden Retriever performs best for stranger friendly, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Office Friendly

Are German Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do German Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?

❌No

✅Yes

Senior Citizens Friendly

Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Golden Retriever temperament with senior people? Are dogs good for elderly owners?

💚Highly Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Which is better with other pets: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare compatibility.

🐶Average

🐕Good

Good For First Time Owners

Is German Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is German Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?

✅Yes

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Service Dog Capability

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

⭐●●●●●Yes

Therapy Work Suitability

Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare therapy capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Yes

Scent Detection Ability

Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare scenting abilities.

⭐●●●●●Yes

Search & Rescue Potential

Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare SAR abilities.

✅Yes

Maritime Work Ability

Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

⭐●●●●●Yes

Draft Work Capability

Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever? Compare draft work capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Military Service Background

Compare military history between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

Not really

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

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

Breeding Frequency

Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which needs longer recovery?

💚Once a year.

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

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🏅Australian National Kennel Council🏅Canadian Kennel Club🏅Continental Kennel Club🏅Dog Registry of America Inc.🏅Federation Cynologique Internationale🏅Kennel Club of Great Britain🏅National Kennel Club🏅New Zealand Kennel Club🏅North American Purebred Registry, Inc.🏅United Kennel Club🏅American Canine Association, Inc.🏅German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Basic Info

Origin

Germany

Scotland

Group

Pastoral / Herding Dogs

Gun Dog

Popularity

Common Names & Aliases

Alsatian wolf dogBerger AllemandDeutscher SchäferhundSchäferhundAlsatian

Golden Flat CoatYellow Retriever

Breed Classification

Purebred

Size Classification

Large

Weight Statistics

Male: 30-40 kg, Female: 22-32 kg

Male: 27-36 kg, Female: 25-32 kg

Average Weight

Male: 34.9 kg, Female: 27.2 kg

Male: 31.8 kg, Female: 28.3 kg

Height

Male: 60-65 cm, Female: 55-60 cm

Male: 56-61 cm, Female: 51-56 cm

Average Height

Male: 62.5 cm, Female: 57.5 cm

Male: 58.5 cm, Female: 53.5 cm

Intelligence Rating

5/5

Watchdog Rating

5/5

3/5

Training Difficulty

4/5

Territorial Protection

5/5

3/5

Price Range

$800-$2000

$1000-$2000

Availability

5/5

Personality Traits

AlertCourageousIntelligentObedientConfidentCuriousLoyalWatchful

ConfidentIntelligentReliableFriendlyKindTrustworthy

Sensitivity Level

5/5

3/5

Impulse to Wander or Roam

1/5

2/5

Prey Drive

4/5

3/5

Affection Level

5/5

Social Needs

3/5

5/5

Barking Frequency

2/5

Playful Nature

3/5

5/5

Apartment Adaptability

3/5

2/5

Lifestyle Adaptability

5/5

Alone Time Tolerance

Moderate

Very Low

Bite Risk Assessment

High

Moderate

Mouthing Tendency

5/5

Bite Strength Rating

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Average Lifespan

9-13 years

10-12 years

Climate Tolerance

Tolerates warm and cold weather

Health Concerns

4/5

Health Problems

Vet Care Frequency

Rare

Energy Rating

5/5

Sleeping Need

1/5

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

4/5

5/5

Obesity Tendency

2/5

5/5

Food Consumption

3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

SilverTanRedBlack

GoldenLight

Grooming Requirements

3/5

Shedding Level

5/5

3/5

Drooling Tendency

1/5

4/5

Stinkiness Rating

Medium

Coat Characteristics

Fuzzy

ShinySilkyWavyStraight

Bathing Needs

8-12 weeks

2-3 weeks

Cat Friendly

3/5

4/5

Child Compatibility

5/5

Dog Friendly

2/5

5/5

Stranger Friendly

4/5

5/5

Office Friendly

Yes

Senior Citizens Friendly

Highly Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Average

Good

Good For First Time Owners

Yes

Service Dog Capability

Yes

Therapy Work Suitability

Yes

Scent Detection Ability

Yes

Search & Rescue Potential

Yes

Maritime Work Ability

Not really

Yes

Draft Work Capability

Not really

Military Service Background

Yes

Not really

Puppy Litter Size

6-10 puppies

5-10 puppies

Pregnancy Duration

60-64 days

Breeding Frequency

Once a year.

AKC Classification

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

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

American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

Winner / Best value

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German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Comparison

Quick Verdict

How old is your dog really?

General

Common Names & Aliases

Breed Classification

Physical Traits & Appearance

Size Classification

Weight Statistics

Average Weight

Height

Average Height

Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating

Watchdog Rating

Training Difficulty

Territorial Protection

Price and Availability

Price Range

Availability

Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits

Sensitivity Level

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Prey Drive

Affection Level

Social Needs

Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency

Playful Nature

Apartment Adaptability

Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability

Alone Time Tolerance

Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment

Mouthing Tendency

Bite Strength Rating

Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan

Climate Tolerance

Health Concerns

Health Problems

Vet Care Frequency

Energy and Activity

Energy Rating

Sleeping Need

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency

Food Consumption

Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

Grooming Requirements

Shedding Level

Drooling Tendency

Stinkiness Rating

Coat Characteristics

Bathing Needs

Good With

Cat Friendly

Child Compatibility

Dog Friendly

Stranger Friendly

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Pet Compatibility

Good For First Time Owners

As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability

Therapy Work Suitability

Scent Detection Ability

Search & Rescue Potential

Maritime Work Ability

Draft Work Capability

Military Service Background

Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size

Pregnancy Duration