Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Loyal, courageous, and affectionate, this compact breed thrives as a devoted companion. Known for their playful spirit and strong bond with families of all ages.
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
13–17 kg
Short, smooth
12–14 years
11–15.4 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.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionate with people, sociable, enjoys attention
Learns commands quickly, responsive to training
Very energetic, needs regular exercise and activity
Loves games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
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
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Hip dysplasia, cataracts
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Good option
Eager to please and trainable, but requires consistent leadership from inexperienced owners.
Apartment friendly
Compact size suits apartments, but needs daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Excellent fit
Thrives with active families who enjoy regular walks, play, and outdoor activities.
Very suitable
Generally gentle and affectionate, but supervision is important with young children.
Caution advised
May show intolerance toward other pets without careful socialization and supervision.
Not recommended
Can become bored and destructive if left alone for extended periods of time.
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
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Loyal to family members
- Affectionate with children
- High intelligence and trainability
- Robust and muscular build
- Minimal grooming requirements
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
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Can be reactive toward other dogs
- Needs substantial daily exercise
- Strong prey drive may surface
- May be stubborn during training
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