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Schipperke vs Golden Retriever

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

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Schipperke
Belgium

Schipperke

Non-Sporting Group
Small

Small, lively, and alert, this breed thrives on curiosity and adventure. Always watchful and loyal, it makes an energetic companion for active households.

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:

Small

Male:

5–8 kg

Coat:

Double coat, dense

Lifespan:

12–16 years

Female:

5–7 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.

Schipperke

Friendliness
3/5

Often reserved with strangers, loyal to family

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, solves problems independently

Energy Level
5/5

High stamina, thrives on daily activity

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games, entertains itself and others

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to different living environments

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

Schipperke

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (1–2 times weekly)
Exercise:
45–60 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, eye disorders

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

Schipperke

First-time Owner
3/5

Moderately suitable

Needs consistent training and early socialization to avoid stubborn behavior

Apartment Living
4/5

Good fit

Compact size and moderate exercise needs suit apartment settings

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Very suitable

Enjoys regular activities and thrives with engaged, active owners

Kids
3/5

Reasonable choice

Sociable but supervision needed as play can be boisterous with small children

Multiple Pets
3/5

Cautiously suitable

Can get along with other pets if socialized from an early age

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not ideal

Dislikes being left alone for long periods 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

Schipperke

  • Alert and vigilant watchdog instincts
  • Highly intelligent and quick to learn
  • Compact size suits smaller living spaces
  • Low grooming needs due to short coat
  • Loyal and bonds closely with family

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

Schipperke

  • Prone to escaping through small gaps
  • Can be stubborn during training sessions
  • Needs significant daily mental stimulation
  • Tends to bark frequently and loudly
  • Often wary or aloof with strangers

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.

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