Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever
The Australian Shepherd was bred for herding sheep; the Golden Retriever was bred for retrieving game for hunters. The Australian Shepherd is medium to large by weight; the Golden Retriever is large. Both have a long double coat, needing regular grooming. Both shed a lot. Both need lots of exercise.
Side by side
| Australian Shepherd | Golden Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Bred for | Herding sheep | Retrieving game for hunters |
| Size | Medium to large | Large |
| Weight | 35 to 70 lb | 55 to 75 lb |
| Coat | A long double coat | A long double coat |
| Grooming | Regular brushing, and trims for some coats | Regular brushing, and trims for some coats |
| Shedding | A lot | A lot |
| Exercise | Lots of exercise | Lots of exercise |
| Voice | Not in its sources | Not in its sources |
| In license records | 3,185 | 6,694 |
What people name them
The most common names in the pet license records we use.
From pet license records published by New York City, Seattle, Cambridge in Massachusetts, and Allegheny County in Pennsylvania.
General information to help you narrow your choices. Every animal is an individual; meet them first. Check your lease and local rules.
Breed facts: Wikidata and each breed's Wikipedia article, read 2026-10-04. The ratings are ours, from those facts; how we match is on the breed fit quiz.
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