Great Japanese Dog vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Great Japanese Dog and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Great Japanese Dog
A powerful, loyal breed with a calm presence and protective instincts. Makes a devoted family companion and is known for its dignified, confident demeanor.
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
45–59 kg
Double coat, dense
10–12 years
32–45 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.
Great Japanese Dog
Reserved with strangers, loyal to family members
Learns commands quickly, responds to training
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Not highly playful, prefers calm activities
Adjusts to routine changes with some patience
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
Great Japanese Dog
Hip dysplasia, thyroid issues
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Great Japanese Dog
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced handling and firm training for best results
Not ideal
Large size and exercise needs make apartments unsuitable
Highly suitable
Enjoys vigorous activity and benefits from an active lifestyle
Use caution
May be too large and boisterous for small children
Needs supervision
May show dominance toward other pets without careful introduction
Not recommended
Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation anxiety or destructive habits
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
Great Japanese Dog
- Loyal to family members
- Strong protective instincts
- Calm and dignified demeanor
- Good tolerance for cold weather
- Generally healthy with proper 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
Great Japanese Dog
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Requires consistent, firm training
- High prey drive towards small animals
- Prone to dominance behaviors
- Needs ample daily exercise
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.
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