Compare breeds
German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Medium
Golden Retriever
Long
Choose the German Shepherd if you want…
- an active companion for long walks and play
Choose the Golden Retriever if you want…
- a family with children
- a home with other pets
- a flat or small home
- a quieter companion
- a calmer companion
Side by side
| Trait | German Shepherd | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Weight | 22–40 kg (49–88 lb) | 25–34 kg (55–75 lb) |
| Height | 55–65 cm (22–26 in) | 51–61 cm (20–24 in) |
| Life span | 9–13 years | 10–12 years |
| Origin | Germany | Scotland |
| Energy | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trainability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with other pets | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Suits a flat | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Shedding | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the German Shepherd or the Golden Retriever?
The German Shepherd — typically about 1.1 times the weight. German Shepherd: 22–40 kg (49–88 lb); Golden Retriever: 25–34 kg (55–75 lb).
Which lives longer, the German Shepherd or the Golden Retriever?
Their typical life spans are about the same. German Shepherd: 9–13 years; Golden Retriever: 10–12 years.
Is the German Shepherd or the Golden Retriever better with children?
The Golden Retriever scores higher in our profiles (5 vs 4 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts