Schapendoes vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Schapendoes and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Schapendoes
A lively, affectionate, and intelligent herding dog with a shaggy coat and boundless energy. Loves active families and thrives on play, companionship, and engaging activities.
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
Medium
14–20 kg
Long, wavy
12–15 years
12–18 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.
Schapendoes
Gets along well with people and animals
Quick learner, responds well to training
Highly active, needs regular exercise
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
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
Schapendoes
Hip dysplasia, eye problems
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Schapendoes
Moderately suitable
Intelligent and eager to please, but needs consistent training and mental stimulation
Not ideal
Needs more space and exercise than most apartments provide
Perfect fit
Thrives with plenty of activity and enjoys outdoor adventures
Very friendly
Generally gentle and playful, but supervision around small children is important
Highly suitable
Usually sociable and gets along well with other pets when socialized early
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left 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
Schapendoes
- Intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Highly social with people and dogs
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Strong stamina for long periods of activity
- Loyal and forms close family bonds
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
Schapendoes
- Requires extensive daily mental stimulation
- Thick coat needs regular brushing and grooming
- Can become vocal when understimulated
- Prone to stubbornness during training
- Needs secure boundaries due to herding instincts
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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