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Golden Retriever vs Beagle

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

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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.

Beagle
United Kingdom

Beagle

Hound Group
Medium

A cheerful, curious breed with an excellent nose and a love for adventure. Always eager to play, Beagles shine as affectionate companions in active households.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

29–34 kg

Coat:

Double coat, water-repellent

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–29 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Medium

Male:

10–11 kg

Coat:

Short, dense

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

9–10 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

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

Beagle

Friendliness
5/5

Outgoing and sociable with people and dogs

Intelligence
4/5

Quick to learn but easily distracted by scents

Energy Level
5/5

Highly energetic and active throughout the day

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive play sessions

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new settings and routines

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

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

Beagle

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Epilepsy, hypothyroidism

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

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

Beagle

First-time Owner
4/5

Good starter breed

Friendly nature and moderate needs suit new dog owners

Apartment Living
3/5

Needs daily walks

Moderate energy and tendency to bark may challenge apartment life

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys activities and play, thriving in active environments

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Gentle, playful, and generally patient with young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Social disposition makes Beagles comfortable with other pets

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes solitude and can become destructive if left alone too long

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

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

Beagle

  • Friendly with children and families
  • Excellent scent detection abilities
  • Generally good with other dogs
  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Playful and energetic companion

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

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

Beagle

  • Prone to excessive barking or howling
  • High tendency to follow scents outdoors
  • Can be stubborn during training sessions
  • Requires regular exercise to prevent boredom
  • Likely to escape or roam if unsupervised

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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