German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever

Compare the German Shepherd to the Golden Retriever. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
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General Details
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-14 Years
10-12 Years
Height
22-26 Inches
21-24 Inches
Weight
75-95 Pounds
55-80 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Origin Country
Germany
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1899 AD
1865 AD
Temperament
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Personality
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Living Environment
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-85 °F
30-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
30 MPH
25 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Medium to High
Shedding
High
Medium to High
Dander
High
Medium
Drool
Medium
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
Yes
Breed Instincts
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Aggression
Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Above Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Above Average
Below Average
Herding
Above Average
Below Average
Hunting
Above Average
Above Average
Protection
Above Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Average Lifespan
10-14 Years
10-12 Years
Health Concerns
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Common Health Issues
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Bloat
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Subaortic Stenosis
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Appearance Comparison
Coat
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Wavy
Coat Length
Short to Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Breed Colors
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Blue
Gray
Liver
White
Dark Golden
Gold
Light Golden
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