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Brazilian Mastiff vs Golden Retriever

Discover the differences between Brazilian Mastiff and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Brazilian Mastiff
Brazil

Brazilian Mastiff

Molossoid Group
Large

Powerful, loyal, and deeply protective, this breed forms a strong bond with family. Confident and alert, the Brazilian Mastiff thrives as a devoted guardian.

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:

50–82 kg

Coat:

Short, dense

Lifespan:

9–11 years

Female:

41–73 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.

Brazilian Mastiff

Friendliness
2/5

Reserved with strangers, loyal to family

Intelligence
3/5

Learns quickly but can be independent

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate energy, needs regular exercise

Playfulness
2/5

Not especially playful with most people

Adaptability
2/5

Struggles with new environments and changes

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

Brazilian Mastiff

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates heat, struggles with cold
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion

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

Brazilian Mastiff

First-time Owner
2/5

Not ideal

Strong-willed nature can be challenging for inexperienced owners

Apartment Living
1/5

Poor fit

Needs space and privacy, dislikes confined environments

Active Lifestyle
3/5

Moderately suitable

Enjoys activity but requires secure, controlled exercise

Kids
2/5

Not recommended

Protective instincts can make interactions with small children unpredictable

Multiple Pets
2/5

Cautious choice

May show aggression toward unfamiliar pets without early socialization

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not suitable

Suffers from separation anxiety and can become destructive when left alone

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

Brazilian Mastiff

  • Excellent natural guard dog instincts
  • Strong loyalty to family members
  • High tolerance for heat and humidity
  • Confident and self-assured demeanor
  • Low grooming requirements for coat care

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

Brazilian Mastiff

  • Distrustful of strangers and visitors
  • Requires experienced, assertive handler
  • Strong territorial and protective drives
  • Prone to drooling and slobbering
  • Limited tolerance for other animals

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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