Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever

Compare the Australian Shepherd to the Golden Retriever. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Australian Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.

Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
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General Details
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-12 Years
Height
18-23 Inches
21-24 Inches
Weight
40-65 Pounds
55-80 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Origin Country
United States
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1840 AD
1865 AD
Temperament
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
None
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Above Average
Personality
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
30-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Energy Level
High to Very High
High
Exercise Required
High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
25 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium
Medium to High
Dander
Medium
Medium
Drool
Low
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Average
Above Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Above Average
Below Average
Hunting
Below Average
Above Average
Protection
Below Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
None
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-12 Years
Health Concerns
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Common Health Issues
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Deafness
Collie eye anomaly
Persistent pupillary membrane
Drug sensitivity
Collie nose
Retinal detachment
Bloat
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Subaortic Stenosis
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Wavy
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Medium
Coat Coloring
Australian Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Blue Merle
Blue Merle
Red
Red
Red Merle
Red Merle
Dark Golden
Dark Golden
Gold
Gold
Light Golden
Light Golden
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