Appenzeller Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Appenzeller Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Appenzeller Mountain Dog
Energetic, loyal, and confident, this breed thrives as an active family companion and watchdog. Distinctive tricolor markings and intelligence make every day lively and engaging.
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
Medium
22–32 kg
Double coat, dense
12–14 years
18–27 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.
Appenzeller Mountain Dog
Enjoys family interaction, can be reserved with strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Highly active, needs regular physical stimulation
Likes games and interactive activities
May struggle with big changes in routine
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
Appenzeller Mountain Dog
Hip dysplasia, eye conditions
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Appenzeller Mountain Dog
Challenging for novices
Needs experienced handling and consistent training
Not suitable
Needs space and is very active indoors
Excellent match
Thrives with high physical activity and daily challenges
Good companion
Energetic but gentle when supervised with children
Needs early socialization
Can live with other pets when raised together
Struggles with isolation
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods
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
Appenzeller Mountain Dog
- Highly alert and responsive to surroundings
- Strong working and herding instincts
- Loyal and protective toward family members
- Thrives on regular outdoor physical activity
- Generally robust and healthy breed
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
Appenzeller Mountain Dog
- Needs extensive daily mental stimulation
- Can be wary or aloof with strangers
- Prone to stubbornness without consistent training
- High exercise requirements may overwhelm owners
- May show herding behavior toward children and pets
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
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience