Golden Retriever vs Mastiff
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
Mastiff
Working Group
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.
Mastiff Overview
Massive and powerful, the Mastiff embodies strength with a gentle soul. Their distinctive wrinkled forehead and broad skull create an imposing yet noble appearance. Standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder with a deep chest and muscular build, these giants possess a short fawn or apricot coat with a dark mask. Despite their intimidating size, Mastiffs display remarkable gentleness and dignified composure.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Golden Retrievers are more energetic than Mastiffs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Golden Retrievers require more grooming attention compared to Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Golden Retrievers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Mastiffs.
- Trainability: Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Mastiffs 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 Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Golden Retriever | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 6-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Golden Retriever | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm | 27-30 inches 70-76 cm |
| Weight | 55-75 lbs 25-34 kg | 120-230 lbs 54-104 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Golden Retriever | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted | Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Golden Retriever | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Mastiff Temperament
The Mastiff is characterized by being courageous, dignified, good-natured, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. 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 Mastiff, 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
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Golden Retriever
Rating: 1/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Golden Retriever
Rating: 3/5
Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
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.
Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Mastiffs 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 medium coat coat, Mastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Golden Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
- Cancer
Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
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
Mastiff
Pros
- Gentle and patient nature
- Excellent guard dog
- Good with family
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Shorter lifespan
- Requires significant space
- High food costs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Golden Retriever and Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.