If you have ever been fortunate enough to own a Golden Retriever or been around one for any length of time, then you know they have the sweetest, most loving personality, which is why they are a popular dog breed. Not only are they kind and smart, but they are also a beautiful dog with their lovely golden coloring and soft, feathery hair.
You may wonder if there are other dogs similar to the Golden Retriever in temperament and/or looks. This article goes over eight breeds that will remind you of this popular dog yet may resonate more with your lifestyle and personality.
8 Dog Breeds Similar to Golden Retrievers
1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Our first dog similar to the Golden Retriever is bright, sensitive, and affectionate. They are known for their waterproof coat and are usually chocolate brown or sedge in color, with yellow-amber eyes. Known as world-class hunters, they go by the nickname, Chessies.
They are a shorthaired dog with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat that sheds. What’s nice about their coat is that it will only require brushing once per week to keep the shedding at bay, and they don’t need much grooming or bathing. Like the Golden, they are intelligent and high energy and do well when they have a job that includes plenty of exercise.
- Fun fact: This breed originated in the United States.
2. Labrador Retriever
These outgoing dogs are ranked as the most popular dog breed through the American Kennel Club. They are friendly and make a great family pet because they have plenty of affection to give. They have a short double coat that is thick and water repellent. Unfortunately, Labs shed quite a bit, but twice-a-week brushing with occasional baths will help decrease unwanted hair around the house.
If you want an exuberant dog who is ready for any adventure, then you can’t go wrong with the Lab. Their favorite activity is swimming and retrieving, so they excel as hunting dogs too. They can be yellow, chocolate, or black in color.
- Fun fact: Labradors are the most common breed for guide dogs.
3. Great Pyrenees
This dog is gigantic and often described as majestic. They are calm, patient, and smart, which is why they have long been used as guardians for sheep. Because of their size, you wouldn’t expect them to move with the grace and speed that they have. Great Pyrenees have a long, weatherproof coat that is white, or they can have markings of gray, reddish-brown, or tan.
You may look at them and think that grooming will be a nightmare, but surprisingly, their coat is dirt and tangle resistant. Be forewarned, though, that they shed their coat in the spring, and it is a high amount of hair all at one time. Brushing them regularly will make the shedding phase easier. They are highly active and do well with a great deal of activity.
- Fun Fact: Great Pyrenees fossils have been found and dated between 1800 B.C. and 1000 B.C.
4. English Springer Spaniel
These dogs are similar to Golden Retrievers because they have the same eyes that express such trust and love to their owners and family. This breed is also smart and high energy and has great manners. They are popular hunting dogs and highly trainable. Their double-coat requires weekly brushing, but they don’t shed as much as other similar dogs.
You will find them with coats that can range in many different colors, from black and white to blue roan or tricolor, just to name a few. They are great with children and other animals, and they thrive on being part of the family. Playing games, walking, and swimming are favorite activities of the English Springer Spaniel.
- Fun fact: They are perfect show dogs and have won many titles at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
5. Leonberger
This is another large breed that is friendly, gentle, and playful, which makes them a great companion for the whole family. They are gentle dogs who like to work, and excel when there is plenty of room to play and exercise. To keep the Leo happy, having them do agility training, pull a cart, or perform any type of activity that keeps them working is ideal.
They are brown with a black facemask and kind eyes; their coat is medium-long and waterproof. The Leonberger will require frequent brushing to keep them looking neat in appearance and keep shedding at bay. They shed frequently, and twice a year, the shedding increases.
- Fun fact: Since they are sensitive and caring, they make great therapy dogs.
6. Flat-Coated Retriever
You will notice quite a few similar characteristics of the Flat-coated Retriever that resemble those of the Golden Retriever. They are a gundog with a happy and optimistic temperament. They also have leg and tail feathering, as well as a kindly expression that exudes intelligence. The biggest difference is they are dark-colored. These dogs are unique because they can retain their puppy behavior for life and will display mischievous antics.
Daily exercise is a must for their well-being, and they do well with obedience and agility activities. Fortunately, they are eager to please and are friendly to everyone. Their moderate-length coat needs weekly care, and they shed more than a Golden.
- Fun fact: They are known as the Peter Pan of the canine kingdom due to their “forever young” personality.
7. Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever
This breed is the smallest of the retriever group, but they are upbeat and very athletic. Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retrievers are known for their affection, intelligence, and outgoing attitude. They have a similar look as the Golden but are more reddish in color and have white markings.
Their favorite activities include swimming, hiking, camping, and anything to do with an outdoor adventure. Being high-energy dogs, they require extra time to keep them occupied. Weekly brushing will keep their coats looking shiny and the moderate and seasonal shedding from getting out of control. If you want a dog who loves life and is full of enthusiasm, you can’t go wrong with a Troller.
- Fun fact: Trollers are great at communicating with their eyes, body language, and vocally.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
These beautiful dogs are good-natured and calm, which makes them ideal family pets. They are known for their affectionate nature and are built for hard work. Their coat is moderately long and a silky tri-color of black, white, and rust. They are gentle with children and will form a strong bond with their owners.
Frequent shedding, especially twice per year, is part of having a double coat. Weekly brushing that increases to daily brushing during the shedding season will remove loose hair. They need moderate exercise and like outdoor activities. Many are involved with carting and drafting competitions.
- Fun fact: Bernese Mountains dogs are very strong and can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
Conclusion
There are many dogs similar to Golden Retrievers when it comes to their friendly and intelligent nature. These eight may not look exactly like the Golden nor act the same, but they exhibit a few of the great qualities that we love about the Golden.
We hope that you’ve learned new and interesting facts about these breeds that resonate with you and your preferences.
Feature Image Credit: RebeccasPictures, Pixabay
