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

Brazilian Mastiff
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
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
50–82 kg
Short, dense
9–11 years
41–73 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.
Brazilian Mastiff
Reserved with strangers, loyal to family
Learns quickly but can be independent
Moderate energy, needs regular exercise
Not especially playful with most people
Struggles with new environments and changes
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
Brazilian Mastiff
Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Brazilian Mastiff
Not ideal
Strong-willed nature can be challenging for inexperienced owners
Poor fit
Needs space and privacy, dislikes confined environments
Moderately suitable
Enjoys activity but requires secure, controlled exercise
Not recommended
Protective instincts can make interactions with small children unpredictable
Cautious choice
May show aggression toward unfamiliar pets without early socialization
Not suitable
Suffers from separation anxiety and can become destructive when left alone
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
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?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience