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Pyrenean Shepherd vs Golden Retriever

Discover the differences between Pyrenean Shepherd and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Pyrenean Shepherd
France

Pyrenean Shepherd

Herding Group
Medium

Energetic, clever, and spirited, the Pyrenean Shepherd thrives on activity and close bonds with its family. Agile and alert, this breed makes an enthusiastic companion for active homes.

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:

Medium

Male:

9–14 kg

Coat:

Dense, harsh-textured

Lifespan:

15–17 years

Female:

8–13 kg

Energy:

High energy

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 Shepherd

Friendliness
4/5

Generally sociable with family and known people

Intelligence
5/5

Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks

Energy Level
5/5

Exceptionally active, needs lots of exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games and interactive activities

Adaptability
3/5

Can adjust but prefers routine and familiarity

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 Shepherd

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, epilepsy

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 Shepherd

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for Beginners

Needs experienced handling and consistent training

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

High energy and vocal nature may bother neighbors

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Excellent companion

Thrives on daily activity and mental stimulation

Kids
3/5

Supervised recommended

Energetic play can overwhelm small children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Can get along with other pets if socialized early

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation anxiety

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 Shepherd

  • Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
  • Strong herding instincts and work drive
  • Loyal and deeply bonds with family
  • Agile and excels in canine sports
  • Generally healthy with few genetic issues

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 Shepherd

  • Needs extensive daily mental stimulation
  • May become vocal when bored or anxious
  • Strong prey drive may challenge small pets
  • Aloof or wary with unfamiliar people
  • Can develop destructive habits if under-exercised

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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