Bolognese vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Bolognese and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Bolognese
A charming, affectionate, and playful companion with a cloud-like white coat. Thrives in close-knit homes, forming strong bonds and delighting families with gentle loyalty.
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
2.5–4 kg
Long, fluffy
12–14 years
2.5–4 kg
Low activity needs
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.
Bolognese
Affectionate and social with family and visitors
Learns quickly with consistent, gentle guidance
Moderate activity needs, enjoys regular walks
Enjoys interactive games and gentle activities
Adjusts well to changes in environment
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
Bolognese
Patellar luxation, dental issues
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Bolognese
Great choice
Easygoing and eager to please, they adapt well to new owners and routines.
Ideal companion
Small size and low exercise needs suit apartment settings perfectly.
Not ideal
They prefer calm environments and may tire quickly during intense activities.
Gentle and patient
Usually tolerant but need supervision due to their small, delicate build.
Highly suitable
Generally sociable and can get along well with other pets when introduced properly.
Prone to anxiety
They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long 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
Bolognese
- Affectionate with family members
- Good with other small dogs
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Eager to please and trainable
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
Bolognese
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Requires daily coat grooming to prevent mats
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Sensitive to sudden changes in environment
- May develop small dog syndrome without guidance
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