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Canary Mastiff vs Golden Retriever

Discover the differences between Canary Mastiff and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Canary Mastiff
Spain

Canary Mastiff

Molossoid (FCI Group 2)
Large

Powerful, loyal, and confident, the Canary Mastiff is a natural guardian with a calm, devoted nature. Strong bonds and protective instincts make this breed a steadfast companion.

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:

50–59 kg

Coat:

Short coat, dense

Lifespan:

9–11 years

Female:

40–50 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.

Canary Mastiff

Friendliness
2/5

Reserved and wary with strangers, loyal to family

Intelligence
4/5

Learns commands quickly with consistent training

Energy Level
3/5

Moderate stamina, needs daily activity

Playfulness
2/5

Not especially playful, prefers purposeful tasks

Adaptability
3/5

Adjusts to some change, prefers routine

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

Canary Mastiff

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, struggles with extreme heat
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

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

Canary Mastiff

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for beginners

Needs experienced handling and firm training due to strong-willed nature

Apartment Living
1/5

Not recommended

Large size and exercise needs make small spaces unsuitable

Active Lifestyle
4/5

Good fit

Enjoys active play and regular exercise with energetic owners

Kids
2/5

Use caution

Protective instincts require close supervision with small children

Multiple Pets
2/5

Needs supervision

May show dominance or aggression toward other pets without careful socialization

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not advised

Dislikes being left alone and may develop behavioral issues

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

Canary Mastiff

  • Loyal and protective with family
  • Strong natural guarding instincts
  • Confident and calm demeanor
  • Good tolerance for hot climates
  • Low grooming needs due to short coat

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

Canary Mastiff

  • Can be aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs
  • Needs experienced, firm handling
  • High exercise requirements for size
  • May be wary of strangers
  • Not well-suited for novice owners

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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