PetSecur Logo
HomeToolsBreed comparison

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

vs
Pyrenean Mastiff
Spain

Pyrenean Mastiff

Working Group
Large

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
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:

Large

Male:

70–100 kg

Coat:

Dense double coat, straight

Lifespan:

8–12 years

Female:

60–90 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.

Pyrenean Mastiff

Friendliness
5/5

Gentle and affectionate with family and children

Intelligence
4/5

Learns commands and routines with consistency

Energy Level
2/5

Calm, prefers lounging over vigorous activity

Playfulness
3/5

Enjoys gentle play but not overly rambunctious

Adaptability
3/5

Adjusts to change with patience and calmness

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

Pyrenean Mastiff

Grooming:
High grooming needs (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, entropion

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

Pyrenean Mastiff

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for novices

Their size and independence can overwhelm inexperienced owners

Apartment Living
1/5

Not suitable

Large size and need for space make apartments uncomfortable

Active Lifestyle
3/5

Moderately suitable

Enjoy outdoor activities but not extremely energetic

Kids
5/5

Great with children

Gentle and patient nature suits families with young kids

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Typically calm and can coexist with other pets when socialized early

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Dislike being alone and may develop separation anxiety or destructive habits

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

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

Name Generator

Find the perfect name for your new furry friend with our smart generator

Breed Generator

Discover new and interesting breeds that could be perfect for you

Dog Quiz

Test your knowledge about dogs with our interactive quiz

Get your free pet insurance quote in 2 minutes!

Join pet owners who save money while keeping their furry friends protected

✓ Highest payouts in Netherlands ✓ No waiting period ✓ Quick claims processing

* Required fields

No obligations • Free consultation • Response within 24 hours