Dutch Smoushond vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Dutch Smoushond and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Dutch Smoushond
Cheerful, affectionate, and lively, this small companion thrives on family life. Distinct shaggy coat and playful spirit make every day brighter.
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
9–11 kg
Harsh, wiry
12–15 years
8–10 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.
Dutch Smoushond
Warm and sociable with people and pets
Quick learner, responds well to training
Lively, enjoys regular walks and activity
Likes games and interactive activities
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
Dutch Smoushond
Cataracts, patellar luxation
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Dutch Smoushond
Good starter breed
Responsive and eager to please, Dutch Smoushonds adapt well to novice owners.
Suitable with exercise
They can live in apartments if given regular outdoor activity and mental stimulation.
Enjoys activity
This breed thrives in households with daily exercise and engaging playtime.
Child-friendly
Dutch Smoushonds are gentle and patient with respectful young children.
Gets along well
They generally coexist peacefully with other dogs and pets when socialized early.
Not recommended
They dislike being left alone and may develop separation anxiety if left for long periods.
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
Dutch Smoushond
- Friendly with children and other dogs
- Eager to please and trainable
- Low grooming requirements due to wiry coat
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Alert and makes a good watchdog
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
Dutch Smoushond
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Needs regular mental stimulation
- May develop separation anxiety if left alone
- Prone to barking when bored
- Limited availability outside the Netherlands
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