German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever
The German Shepherd was bred for herding sheep; the Golden Retriever was bred for retrieving game for hunters. The German Shepherd is medium to large by weight; the Golden Retriever is large. The German Shepherd has a short to medium double coat, needing weekly brushing; the Golden Retriever, a long double coat, needing regular grooming. Both shed a lot. The German Shepherd needs a good daily walk; the Golden Retriever, lots of exercise.
Side by side
| German Shepherd | Golden Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Bred for | Herding sheep | Retrieving game for hunters |
| Size | Medium to large | Large |
| Weight | 49 to 88 lb | 55 to 75 lb |
| Coat | A double coat, short to medium | A long double coat |
| Grooming | Brushing every week | Regular brushing, and trims for some coats |
| Shedding | A lot | A lot |
| Exercise | A good daily walk | Lots of exercise |
| Voice | Its descriptions mention barking | Not in its sources |
| In license records | 6,477 | 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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