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

Keeshond
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
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
15–20 kg
Double coat, thick undercoat
12–15 years
14–18 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.
Keeshond
Outgoing and affectionate with family and strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Enjoys games and interaction with people
Adjusts well to different living environments
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
Keeshond
Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Keeshond
Great choice
Eager to please and generally easy to train for new dog owners
Very suitable
Adapts well to smaller living spaces with daily exercise and attention
Good companion
Enjoys activity but does not require intense exercise routines
Family-friendly
Gentle and playful nature makes them good with young children
Gets along well
Usually sociable with other household pets when properly introduced
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues
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
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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