Old German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Old German Shepherd and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Old German Shepherd
Loyal, intelligent, and steady, this breed thrives as both a capable working dog and a devoted companion. Renowned for their balanced nature and impressive endurance.
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
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
10–13 years
25–35 kg
High energy
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.
Old German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Learns commands and tasks very quickly
Needs daily exercise and mental activity
Enjoys games, but not overly excitable
Adjusts well to routine or environment changes
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
Old German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Old German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Requires experienced handling and consistent training
Not ideal
Needs space and regular exercise, not suited to confined spaces
Excellent match
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical activity
Good with supervision
Tolerant but may be too energetic for very young children without supervision
Usually compatible
Can adapt to other pets with proper socialization and training
Prone to separation anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods, may develop behavioral 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
Old German Shepherd
- Highly loyal to family members
- Strong protective instincts and natural guardians
- Excellent working and herding abilities
- Adaptable to various environments and tasks
- High intelligence and trainability
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
Old German Shepherd
- Needs significant daily physical exercise
- Can be wary of unfamiliar people
- Thick coat requires regular grooming
- Prone to hip and joint issues
- May develop separation anxiety if left alone
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
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