Golden Retriever vs German Spitz
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Golden Retriever
Sporting Group
German Spitz
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
German Spitz Overview
German Spitz dogs showcase a distinctive fox-like face with alert, pointed ears and a luxurious double coat that forms a striking ruff around the neck. Their compact yet sturdy build combines elegance with strength, featuring a well-proportioned body and characteristic plumed tail carried high over the back. These spirited companions display remarkable agility and grace in movement, embodying their lively and attentive nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Golden Retrievers are more energetic than German Spitzs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Golden Retrievers require less grooming attention compared to German Spitzs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Golden Retrievers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than German Spitzs.
- Trainability: German Spitzs may be slightly easier to train due to their German Spitz's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: German Spitzs 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 Golden Retriever and German Spitz, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Golden Retriever | German Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Golden Retriever | German Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 55-75 lbs 25-34 kg | 24-26 lbs 11-12 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Golden Retriever | German Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted | Devoted, Lively, Attentive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Golden Retriever | German Spitz |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Golden Retriever Temperament
The Golden Retriever is known for being friendly, intelligent, devoted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
German Spitz Temperament
The German Spitz is characterized by being devoted, lively, attentive, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Golden Retriever and German Spitz, 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
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Golden Retriever
Rating: 1/5
German Spitz
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Golden Retriever
Rating: 3/5
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Golden Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Golden Retrievers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Golden Retrievers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
German Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Spitzs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Spitzs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Golden Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
- Cancer
German Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Murmurs
Pros & Cons
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
German Spitz
Pros
- Highly adaptable
- Excellent watchdog
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance cost
Cons
- Can be vocal
- Suspicious of strangers
- Regular grooming needed
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Golden Retriever and German Spitz, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.