English Springer Spaniel vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between English Springer Spaniel and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
English Springer Spaniel
Energetic, affectionate, and eager to please, this breed thrives on companionship and activity. Renowned for intelligence and versatility, it makes a loving family dog and skilled sporting partner.
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
20–25 kg
Medium length, feathered
12–14 years
18–23 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.
English Springer Spaniel
Very sociable with people and other dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
Highly active, needs regular physical activity
Enjoys games and interactive playtime
Adjusts well to various living situations
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
English Springer Spaniel
Hip dysplasia, ear infections
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
English Springer Spaniel
Good option
Intelligent and eager to please, but needs consistent training and exercise
Not ideal
Needs space and regular activity, may become restless in small apartments
Perfect fit
Energetic breed thrives with active owners who can provide daily exercise
Very friendly
Gentle and playful, generally patient with children and enjoys family life
Highly suitable
Social and adaptable, usually gets along well with other pets when socialized early
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation issues if unattended for long
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
English Springer Spaniel
- Eager to please and trainable
- Excellent with children and families
- Strong scenting and hunting abilities
- High endurance for outdoor activities
- Friendly and sociable with people
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
English Springer Spaniel
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Regular grooming needed for feathered coat
- Can be overly excitable without enough exercise
- May develop ear infections due to floppy ears
- Tendency to chase small animals or birds
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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