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

Lancashire Heeler
Compact, lively, and clever, this breed thrives on companionship and enjoys interactive play. Always alert and cheerful, it adapts well to both active families and quieter homes.

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
Small
6–7.5 kg
Short, weather-resistant
12–15 years
5–6.5 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.
Lancashire Heeler
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Lively and active throughout the day
Enjoys games and interactive playtime
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
Lancashire Heeler
Collie eye anomaly, patellar luxation
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Lancashire Heeler
Good option
Adaptable and intelligent, but requires early training and socialization
Suitable with exercise
Small size suits apartments, but needs regular walks and stimulation
Very suitable
Enjoys active play and can keep up with busy lifestyles
Supervised only
Can be nippy if not socialized, so supervision with young children is needed
Generally compatible
Can get along with other pets if properly introduced and socialized
Not recommended
Dislikes being left alone and may 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
Lancashire Heeler
- Intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong herding and alert instincts
- Loyal and forms close family bonds
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Generally robust and healthy breed
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
Lancashire Heeler
- Prone to chasing small animals outdoors
- Needs consistent early socialization
- Can become vocal or bark excessively
- May show stubbornness during training
- Requires regular mental and physical activity
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