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Estrela Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever

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

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Estrela Mountain Dog
Portugal

Estrela Mountain Dog

Working Group
Large

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
Scotland

Golden Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

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

Size:

Large

Male:

40–50 kg

Coat:

Double coat, dense

Lifespan:

10–14 years

Female:

30–40 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Large

Male:

29–34 kg

Coat:

Double coat, water-repellent

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–29 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Estrela Mountain Dog

Friendliness
3/5

Generally reserved, warms up to familiar people

Intelligence
4/5

Quick to learn, responsive to commands

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity, enjoys daily exercise

Playfulness
2/5

Not highly playful, prefers purposeful activity

Adaptability
3/5

Adjusts with effort, prefers stable environments

Golden Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs

Intelligence
5/5

Quick to learn commands and routines

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and mental stimulation

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to various living environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Estrela Mountain Dog

Grooming:
High grooming needs (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Golden Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Estrela Mountain Dog

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for novices

Needs experienced handler due to independent nature and size

Apartment Living
1/5

Not suitable

Requires space and dislikes confined indoor living

Active Lifestyle
3/5

Moderately suitable

Enjoys activity but not overly energetic or playful

Kids
2/5

Cautious fit

Protective instincts may overwhelm small children without careful supervision

Multiple Pets
2/5

Needs careful introductions

May be territorial with other pets unless socialized early

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Dislikes being left alone and prone to separation anxiety

Golden Retriever

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage

Apartment Living
2/5

Needs space

Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people

Kids
5/5

Perfect fit

Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets

Being Left Alone
2/5

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

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

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