PetSecur Logo
HomeToolsBreed comparison

Rough Collie vs Golden Retriever

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

Try different breeds

vs
Rough Collie
Scotland

Rough Collie

Herding Group
Large

Graceful, intelligent, and loyal, this breed thrives as a devoted companion and excels in family life. Famous for a luxurious double coat and gentle, sensitive disposition.

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:

27–34 kg

Coat:

Double coat, long and dense

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Female:

23–30 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.

Rough Collie

Friendliness
5/5

Gentle and friendly with people and children

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, eager to understand commands

Energy Level
4/5

Moderately active, enjoys regular daily exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games and family interaction

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to routine changes and 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

Rough Collie

Grooming:
High grooming needs (several times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Collie eye anomaly, hip 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

Rough Collie

First-time Owner
4/5

Good companion

Gentle temperament makes them manageable for new owners with some training effort

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Needs space and regular exercise, which small apartments seldom provide

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys activity and will thrive in a home with regular play and outings

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Patient and gentle with children, making them a safe family choice

Multiple Pets
4/5

Generally compatible

Tends to get along with other pets if socialized early

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for long periods, which may cause stress or 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

Rough Collie

  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Gentle and patient with children
  • Strong loyalty to family members
  • Excellent watchdog instincts
  • Generally good with other pets

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

Rough Collie

  • Sensitive to harsh corrections or loud voices
  • Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
  • Needs frequent brushing due to dense coat
  • Can be reserved with strangers
  • Requires regular mental and physical stimulation

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.

Discover more helpful tools

Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience

Name Generator

Find the perfect name for your new furry friend with our smart generator

Breed Generator

Discover new and interesting breeds that could be perfect for you

Dog Quiz

Test your knowledge about dogs with our interactive quiz

Get your free pet insurance quote in 2 minutes!

Join pet owners who save money while keeping their furry friends protected

✓ Highest payouts in Netherlands ✓ No waiting period ✓ Quick claims processing

* Required fields

No obligations • Free consultation • Response within 24 hours