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Keeshond vs Golden Retriever

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

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Keeshond
Netherlands

Keeshond

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Lively, affectionate, and always eager to please, the Keeshond thrives as a loyal family companion. Famous for their plush double coat and expressive “spectacles.”

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:

Medium

Male:

15–20 kg

Coat:

Double coat, thick undercoat

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

14–18 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.

Keeshond

Friendliness
5/5

Outgoing and affectionate with family and strangers

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games and interaction with people

Adaptability
5/5

Adjusts well to different living environments

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

Keeshond

Grooming:
High grooming needs (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
45–60 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation

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

Keeshond

First-time Owner
4/5

Great choice

Eager to please and generally easy to train for new dog owners

Apartment Living
4/5

Very suitable

Adapts well to smaller living spaces with daily exercise and attention

Active Lifestyle
4/5

Good companion

Enjoys activity but does not require intense exercise routines

Kids
5/5

Family-friendly

Gentle and playful nature makes them good with young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Usually sociable with other household pets when properly introduced

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues

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

Keeshond

  • Loyal family companion
  • Alert and reliable watchdog
  • Good with children and other pets
  • Adapts well to various living spaces
  • Minimal doggy odor and clean habits

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

Keeshond

  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Requires regular grooming and brushing
  • May bark excessively if not trained
  • Sensitive to heat and humidity
  • Can be stubborn during obedience training

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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