Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever

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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 15 years
Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

High

Shed Level:

High

Best For

Intelligent and energetic dogs, Australian Shepherds excel with active pet parents who can dedicate time to train them and teach them a few tricks. And they thrive in environments with plenty of room to run,...

Intelligent and energetic dogs, Australian Shepherds excel with active pet parents who can dedicate time to train them and teach them a few tricks. And they thrive in environments with plenty of room to run, exercise and engage in mental and physical activities, such as obedience training or agility.

Australian Shepherd Temperament

Australian Shepherds embody what they were bred to do: herd. They are fast, smart and always on the move. As such, providing training and outlets for all their energy are a must. Because they have a natural herding instinct, Aussies may try to round up unsuspecting children or neighbo...

Australian Shepherds embody what they were bred to do: herd. They are fast, smart and always on the move. As such, providing training and outlets for all their energy are a must.

Because they have a natural herding instinct, Aussies may try to round up unsuspecting children or neighbors on a bike ride. For this reason, it’s crucial to train your Aussie early so they understand how to behave and what’s expected of them. Be sure your pup is well-trained before they go off-leash, too, because Aussies are known for their speed.

Cultivate their natural curiosity by implementing daily training sessions that engage their mind and their bodies. They want to please you, and daily training sessions will deepen your bond.

Playtime is another way to engage Aussies—and blow off some of that energy! Just about any game you invent will be enthusiastically enjoyed by your pup. Most Aussies adore fetching and can have impressive skills; they have a well-deserved reputation as disc dog champions. Throw a Frisbee for your pet at the park and onlookers are sure to be amazed at what your Aussie can do.

While your Aussie’s exuberant personality might make you think they are incredibly social, they tend to be cautious around strangers. Proper socialization when your Australian Shepherd is a puppy will help them feel comfortable in new environments with unknown people.

Bottom line: Aussies dislike downtime (except when they’re sleeping!), so keep them engaged with lots of outside time and toys, such as interactive chew toys, flying discs and balls.

Australian Shepherd Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

High

Shed Level:

High

Best For

Golden Retrievers, known for their friendly disposition, thrive on companionship and exercise. Intelligent and adaptable, these loyal dogs make ideal family pets for those who can provide lots of love and mental stimulation.

Golden Retriever Temperament

The Golden Retriever personality is naturally outgoing and eager to please. Although individual personalities can vary, most Goldens love people and social outings, thriving in homes with lively environments. Generally, Goldens are born to mingle and see everyone as a potential new best friend. Whenever they meet someone ne...

The Golden Retriever personality is naturally outgoing and eager to please. Although individual personalities can vary, most Goldens love people and social outings, thriving in homes with lively environments.

Generally, Goldens are born to mingle and see everyone as a potential new best friend. Whenever they meet someone new, they seem to say, “Hi! I am so glad we met. Do you have a ball to throw for me now that we’re friends?”

That friendly demeanor, coupled with their moderate weight and height, make Golden Retrievers excellent dogs for families with young children. However, not all Goldens are without challenges. When bringing a Golden home, cautiously introduce them to household members, especially smaller ones like children and cats, and be sure to teach small children how to behave and interact with dogs as well.

Goldens are also intelligent; they’re quick learners and easy to train. They were and are bred to be gundogs, retrieving waterfowl with their soft mouths, a characteristic that allows them to carry delicate items without applying excessive pressure. They often serve as guide dogs, therapy dogs and search-and-rescue dogs. For optimal health, Golden Retrievers need ample mental and physical exercise.

Keep in mind, though, that even the best-trained Goldens can be mischievous. So be prepared for occasional capers and learn to laugh with your dog as they “help” you unload the laundry basket.

Golden Retriever Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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