Briard vs Golden Retriever
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Briard
Herding Group
Golden Retriever
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Briard Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Briard showcases a distinctive shaggy double coat in various shades including black, gray, and tawny. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their herding heritage, while their intelligent eyes and proud bearing command attention. Standing 23-27 inches at the shoulder with a well-proportioned frame, these dogs combine strength with elegance.
Golden Retriever Overview
Golden Retrievers embody grace and athleticism with their sturdy, well-balanced frame and distinctive golden coat. Their broad head features intelligent dark eyes and a friendly expression, while their thick, water-repellent double coat comes in various golden shades. Known for their gentle mouth, developed for retrieving game without damage, these dogs combine strength with elegance in their fluid movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Briards are less energetic than Golden Retrievers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Briards require more grooming attention compared to Golden Retrievers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Briards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Golden Retrievers.
- Trainability: Briards may be slightly easier to train due to their Briard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Briards adapt better to apartment living, while Golden Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Briard and Golden Retriever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Briard | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Briard | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm |
| Weight | 55-100 lbs 25-45 kg | 55-75 lbs 25-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Briard | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Faithful | Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Briard | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Briard Temperament
The Briard is known for being confident, smart, faithful, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Golden Retriever Temperament
The Golden Retriever is characterized by being friendly, intelligent, devoted, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Briard and Golden Retriever, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Briard
Rating: 2/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Briard
Rating: 5/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Briard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Briards require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Briards require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Golden Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Golden Retrievers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Golden Retrievers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Briard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Heart Issues
- Allergies
Golden Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
- Cancer
Pros & Cons
Briard
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with children
- Intelligent
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Strong-willed nature
- Reserved with strangers
- Requires extensive exercise
Golden Retriever
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Highly trainable
- Great with children
- Friendly disposition
- Versatile working ability
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Prone to health issues
- Can be mouthy
- Requires regular grooming
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Briard and Golden Retriever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.