Swiss Hound vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Swiss Hound and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds

Swiss Hound
Energetic, loyal, and keen-nosed, this breed thrives on companionship and purpose. Great with families, the Swiss Hound is happiest when active and engaged outdoors.

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
18–23 kg
Short, dense
12–14 years
16–20 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.
Swiss Hound
Gentle and sociable with people and dogs
Quick to learn and responsive to training
Highly active and needs regular exercise
Enjoys interactive games and activities
Adjusts moderately to new 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
Swiss Hound
Ear infections, hip dysplasia
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Swiss Hound
Moderately challenging
Needs experienced, consistent training and handling to thrive
Not ideal
High energy and vocal nature can cause issues in small spaces
Excellent match
Thrives with plenty of exercise and outdoor activities
Generally good
Usually gentle but may be too energetic for very young children
Usually compatible
Gets along well with other dogs if socialized early
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop 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
Swiss Hound
- Excellent scent-tracking ability
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Adaptable to various terrains and climates
- Generally sociable with other dogs
- Good stamina for long outdoor activities
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
Swiss Hound
- Needs extensive daily exercise
- Can be vocal when tracking scents
- Prone to stubbornness during training
- Requires secure fencing due to prey drive
- May become bored without mental 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
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