Dog breed comparison
German Shepherd Dog vs Golden Retriever
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The German Shepherd Dog is the bigger breed, about 9 kg heavier on average. The German Shepherd Dog tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | German Shepherd Dog | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Herding Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 22 inches to 26 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 55 to 75 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with other dogs
The Golden Retriever gets on better with other dogs than the German Shepherd Dog.
Easy to groom
The German Shepherd Dog is easier to groom than the Golden Retriever.
Drooling
The Golden Retriever drools more than the German Shepherd Dog.
General health
The German Shepherd Dog tends to have fewer health problems than the Golden Retriever.
Friendly with strangers
The Golden Retriever is friendlier with strangers than the German Shepherd Dog.
Barking
The German Shepherd Dog barks more than the Golden Retriever.
Which to choose
German Shepherd Dog or Golden Retriever?
Choose the German Shepherd Dog if…
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
Choose the Golden Retriever if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
Questions.
Is the German Shepherd Dog or the Golden Retriever bigger, and which lives longer?
The German Shepherd Dog is the bigger breed, about 9 kg heavier on average. The German Shepherd Dog tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the German Shepherd Dog or the Golden Retriever?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the German Shepherd Dog or the Golden Retriever?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
