American Toy Terrier vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between American Toy Terrier and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
American Toy Terrier
Lively, alert, and affectionate, this tiny companion thrives on attention and play. Compact yet confident, the American Toy Terrier is adaptable and forms strong family bonds.
Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Small
2.5–3.6 kg
Short, smooth
12–15 years
2.3–3.2 kg
High energy
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
American Toy Terrier
Enjoys people, bonds closely with family members
Learns commands and routines quite quickly
Very active, loves frequent movement and activity
Enjoys games and interactive activities daily
Adjusts well to new homes and settings
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
American Toy Terrier
Patellar luxation, dental issues
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
American Toy Terrier
Good option
Easy to train with clear guidance, but can be sensitive to mishandling
Excellent fit
Small size and moderate exercise needs suit compact living spaces well
Moderately suitable
Enjoys activity but may tire quickly during intense exercise sessions
Not ideal
Delicate build and sensitivity make them less suited for rough handling by toddlers
Possible match
Can adapt to other pets if introduced slowly and supervised closely
Prone to stress
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
American Toy Terrier
- Alert watchdog with keen senses
- Energetic and playful companion
- Low grooming requirements due to short coat
- Strong loyalty to primary handler
- Quick learner with consistent training
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
American Toy Terrier
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Fragile bones require gentle handling
- Can be wary of strangers and other dogs
- High prey drive may challenge small pets
- Sensitive to cold due to small size
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
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