Estrela Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Estrela Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds

Estrela Mountain Dog
Loyal, protective, and calm, this breed thrives as a devoted family guardian. Its thick, weather-resistant coat and watchful nature make it well-suited for active homes.

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
Large
40–50 kg
Double coat, dense
10–14 years
30–40 kg
Moderately active
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.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Generally reserved, warms up to familiar people
Quick to learn, responsive to commands
Moderate activity, enjoys daily exercise
Not highly playful, prefers purposeful activity
Adjusts with effort, prefers stable environments
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
Estrela Mountain Dog
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Estrela Mountain Dog
Challenging for novices
Needs experienced handler due to independent nature and size
Not suitable
Requires space and dislikes confined indoor living
Moderately suitable
Enjoys activity but not overly energetic or playful
Cautious fit
Protective instincts may overwhelm small children without careful supervision
Needs careful introductions
May be territorial with other pets unless socialized early
Not recommended
Dislikes being left alone and prone to 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
Estrela Mountain Dog
- Loyal guardian instincts toward family
- Excellent livestock protector abilities
- Calm and steady temperament with owners
- Tolerant of cold and harsh climates
- Strong bond with children and household
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
Estrela Mountain Dog
- Prone to stubbornness during training sessions
- Needs extensive early socialization
- Can be wary or aloof with strangers
- Requires large, secure outdoor space
- Heavy seasonal shedding and grooming needs
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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