Curly-coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Curly-coated Retriever and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Curly-coated Retriever
Confident, energetic, and always ready for adventure, this breed stands out with its tight, water-resistant curls. Loyal and affectionate, it thrives as both a working partner and family friend.
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
32–41 kg
Tight curls, water-repellent
9–14 years
23–32 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.
Curly-coated Retriever
Generally sociable with people and other dogs
Learns quickly and understands new tasks well
High stamina and thrives on regular activity
Enjoys interactive games and mental stimulation
Adjusts well to different environments and routines
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
Curly-coated Retriever
Hip dysplasia, eye conditions
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Curly-coated Retriever
Requires experience
Needs consistent training and leadership to thrive
Not ideal
Needs space and regular exercise, may become restless in small apartments
Excellent match
Thrives with active owners and enjoys outdoor activities and exercise
Very suitable
Gentle and tolerant, generally good with respectful children
Usually compatible
Gets along well with other pets if socialized early
Not recommended
Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation issues
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
Curly-coated Retriever
- Excellent swimmer with water-repellent coat
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn
- Loyal and affectionate with family members
- Strong stamina for active outdoor activities
- Low grooming needs due to tight curls
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
Curly-coated Retriever
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs consistent mental and physical stimulation
- May be stubborn during training sessions
- Can be mouthy or chew excessively
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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