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

Pyrenean Mastiff
Gentle, loyal, and calm, this massive guardian thrives in family settings. Known for patience and devotion, the Pyrenean Mastiff forms strong bonds with loved ones.

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
70–100 kg
Dense double coat, straight
8–12 years
60–90 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.
Pyrenean Mastiff
Gentle and affectionate with family and children
Learns commands and routines with consistency
Calm, prefers lounging over vigorous activity
Enjoys gentle play but not overly rambunctious
Adjusts to change with patience and calmness
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
Pyrenean Mastiff
Hip dysplasia, entropion
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Pyrenean Mastiff
Challenging for novices
Their size and independence can overwhelm inexperienced owners
Not suitable
Large size and need for space make apartments uncomfortable
Moderately suitable
Enjoy outdoor activities but not extremely energetic
Great with children
Gentle and patient nature suits families with young kids
Usually compatible
Typically calm and can coexist with other pets when socialized early
Not recommended
Dislike being 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
Pyrenean Mastiff
- Gentle with children and family members
- Strong protective instincts against threats
- Tolerant of other household animals
- Calm and patient indoor temperament
- Adaptable to cold weather conditions
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
Pyrenean Mastiff
- Requires extensive space due to size
- Prone to stubborn or independent behavior
- Heavy seasonal shedding and grooming needs
- High food and maintenance costs
- May be wary of unfamiliar people
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