And it wont come as a shocker that a herding dog may chase and nip at kids, other dogs, cats, and even cars. They love to accompany their owners on hikes and bike rides, as well as play interactive toy games with their owners. Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match? If youre very active, both breeds could be a good fit, but if you have a more sedentary lifestyle, a Golden Retriever is probably a better fit. How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be? With their high intelligence and desire to please, they are a blast to teach new skills. However, both dogs need plenty of time with family and shouldnt be left alone for long periods. Brush them once or twice weekly, as this will help their coat stay healthy and also keep some of that hair off the sofa. With Australian Shepherds, theres more variety. Australian shepherds are super smart and energetic, which can make them more complicated, especially for a less experienced owner. Goldens are known for their never met a stranger attitude, complete with a wiggly butt and wagging tail. They are athletic medium to large-sized dogs, with a feathered golden-colored coat, which can range from light cream to deep red. Golden Retrievers are big babies and might become clingy, while Australian Shepherds may be more independent. Jake believes that golden retrievers are the best dogs, and that you should always check your poop bags for holes. Australian Shepherds have some guarding tendencies. Goldens still need plenty of exercise, but theyre just not as intense and hyper as an Aussie. A Golden Retriever is probably easier to integrate with other pets because of their easy-going nature and lack of herding drive. As you weigh out the similarities and differences, be realistic with the time and energy you can offer a dog, and what traits are important to you. The Aussie is more intense and it will require more time and energy to ensure their innate drives are properly channeled in order for them to feel content. The American Kennel Club states that the Australian Shepherds life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. Roman Rottweiler vs German Rottweiler: 8 Differences, English vs American Golden Retriever: 5 Differences, Black, blue merle, red, red, merle; markings in white or tan point. Aussies are often more aloof with people they dont know at first. They can be sensitive souls, and do best with positive reinforcement-based training. While neither breed is known for aggressive behavior, it can sometimes happen. According to the American Kennel Club, Goldens life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. For most Aussies, a neighborhood walk isnt going to cut it. This article will start with an overview of each breed, and then compare the two on a variety of categories, including: Goldens are friendly, intelligent dogs who live for the companionship of their people. Both are smart, energetic dogs, but the Aussie kicks it up a notch, with their high energy, exuberance and drive for work. They are playful and silly, while also being very loyal and intuitive. Remember that whatever dog you choose, its a 10 to 15 year commitment, so its best to choose the dog that meshes well with your own personality and lifestyle. This site is owned and operated by Golden Hearts. Goldens are generally social and get along well with other people, dogs, and animals. They need a lot of exercise and leashed walks on the sidewalk are usually not enough to satisfy them. Oliver believes every day is the best day.Learn more about Golden Hearts here. Goldens have sweet, affectionate, friendly personalities and they form close bonds with their humans. And 1000+ more incredible animals. They enjoy walks, hikes, and playtime in the yard or park. Even though most Aussies are pet dogs, they still have herding instincts so its important for that behavior to be properly directed. Lets explore more differences even further below! They are easygoing, cheerful dogs who enjoy the fun and games that kids offer. And the best part? Australian Shepherds are very alert and active dogs, which can make life in a more urban or crowded location harder for many. They might bark to let you know that the Amazon delivery person is approaching the door, or that the neighbors cat is in the yard, but generally, theyre fairly quiet. There isnt a huge difference in the size of these breeds, but it might matter if youre looking for a dog thats easier to pick up or control on a leash. Jake (the human) and Oliver (thinks hes a human) are the two behind Golden Hearts. Goldens and Aussies have very different temperaments, so this is a key difference to explore when making your decision between the two. Both breeds are star students when it comes to trainability. There are pros and cons to both of these. Neither temperament is better, it just comes down to which better suits your lifestyle. Spiders that fly! These are dogs that love to work, and so activities like agility, disc, obedience, and of course herding can also be great outlets for their physical and mental energy. While some people still use Golden Retrievers as hunting dogs today, most are now beloved family pets, therapy dogs, service dogs, and dog sport partners. Consistent exercise, especially time outdoors in nature, helps these dogs be relaxed and content around the house. Dont expect a Golden Retriever to attack a burglar, and watch that they dont run up to aggressive dogs trying to make friends. Unmet needs often result in unwanted, problematic behavior. Golden Retrievers arent the heaviest shedders in the dog world, but theyre definitely above average. For dogs in the middle or even on the high end, theres less difference between the twobut its still something to be aware of. These dogs live 13-15 years compared to Golden Retrievers at 10-12 years. This is a high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation to feel content and be well-behaved. Many Aussies today are still helpful farm companions, continuing their long herding tradition, but others excel in dog sports, such as agility, obedience, and dock diving, or as active companions. Aussies are good-natured, but are often reserved around strangers, and may try to herd kids, dogs and other animals. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve shot birds to a hunter, so they are genetically inclined to bond and work closely with humans. They also have qualities that make them pretty different from each other, so youll want to look closely at each breeds traits so you can determine the best match for your lifestyle and personality. They are extremely smart and keen to apply themselves to whatever task is given to them. Australian Shepherds need at least one or two hours every day to run around and have fun! Aussies can get along great with other pets too. Even better, see if you can meet the breeders dogs, or talk with people who have gotten puppies from them before so you can get a sense for any behavior issues that may exist with this line of dogs. Their coats can be black, blue merle, red, or red merle. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. It is possible to overdo the fun and games though, and you can easily create an energizer bunny who doesnt know how to stop. Golden Retrievers are less guilty of this and usually only bark to alert you of something happening, like a knock on the front door. Another variation in temperament is affection level toward the family. Youll notice their hair on your furniture and clothes, especially if theyre black! Aussies are loving, loyal dogs and can bond closely with children, but will also need extra training and supervision to avoid any issues with the herding instinct. Golden Retrievers should be social and confident with people who are outside of their families. Be aware that some Aussies can be sensitive to noise and that their herding instinct can make life in crowded areas stressful. Australian Shepherds may not be suited for the dog park, as they may be more selective about who they want to play with! They may also have white markings and tan points. Once again, the herding instincts of the Aussie can make coexisting with other pets a little bit more complicated, but plenty of Aussies share space with other pets just fine. Shepherds also need more mental stimulation through puzzles, games, and activities. How much exercise should your dog require? She is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and is passionate about helping people and dogs live fulfilling, harmonious lives together. Its also important to talk with the breeder and find out about the temperament and behavior of your potential puppys parents, as behavior traits can be passed down for better or worse. As more Australian Shepherds are kept as pet dogs, rather than working dogs, some breeders are breeding more easy going dogs, so there can be some variety. GoldenHearts.co is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Neither is better, it just depends on what kind of personality you prefer in a dog. Aussies are good-natured, exuberant, hardworking dogs who need a purpose. Australian Shepherds tend to be a few inches shorter and live longer. From an apartment to a farm, Goldens can be incredibly versatile, thanks to their stable, even-keel personality. Australian Shepherds can be yappy! Golden Retrievers have moderate energy levels, perfect for keeping up with the kids, playing in the yard, and accompanying you on daily walks. Additionally, both Goldens and Aussies need early socialization and training to help bring out the best in them, and prevent behavior issues from developing. Goldens usually have low prey drive, meaning they dont have a strong desire to chase or grab smaller animals, like cats. They may be wary around strangers, whether theyre humans or dogs. Australian Shepherds should also be brushed weekly, but they dont shed heavily like Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers are such delightful dogs, and its such a shame that their life span isnt longer. Before adopting, you might be curious about their differences. Sometimes they can be reserved toward strangers, but they are very affectionate and playful with their families. The motion and excitement of kids can trigger herding behavior. Join today by entering your email below. Extremely affectionate, great with other dogs and strangers, incredibly adaptable. Take This Quiz To Find Out! Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. They like having a lot of activity and thrive when given a job. It's FREE. About the author:Alisa Healy is a professional dog trainer in the Chicago suburbs, with a wide range of training experience from shelters to in-home training to dog sports. To learn more about whether or not a golden retriever is right for you,take the Golden Retriever Quiz! Goldens are known for their people-oriented, eager-to-please vibe, and tend to retain their cheerful, puppy-like demeanor all through their life. Regardless of the breed, children always need to be taught how to interact with dogs respectfully and supervised to make sure both the kids and the dog are safe and happy. Again, there are some breeders who are selecting for more docile, even-keel Aussies with less energy, so some may be more flexible than others in terms of lifestyle. Most Goldens also love water and so swimming can be an excellent, low-impact exercise too. A well-bred Golden should be a stable, trustworthy dog and a versatile companion. They may be stressed out by all the commotion of city life, and most Aussies tend to do better in a quieter, more spacious setting. If you have kids or existing dogs select: White Sharks live in all of the world's oceans. The key differences between Australian Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are size, fur color, lifespan, temperament, energy level, barking tendencies, and shedding level. The Golden Retriever is typically more adaptable, but they still need consistent exercise and mental stimulation or else they will become hard to live with. The smallest Australian Shepherds are about 18 inches tall and weigh 40 pounds, though they can grow up to 23 inches and 65 pounds. As an active breed, they require consistent physical and mental exercise, or else they may develop unwanted habits around the house and yard. A well-bred Golden Retriever should be friendly, confident, trustworthy, and up for anything alongside their family. Is A Golden Retriever Right For You? Balance all the fun, high-energy activities, with teaching them how to simply settle and chill out around the house, as this skill isnt always second nature. They are medium to large dogs with a moderately long coat that comes in a wide variety of coat colors including black, red, tri, and merle. Goldens are very people-oriented, which makes them easy to train. Both breeds are well-suited for active owners, though Australian Shepherds do have more endurance than Goldens, so if youre an avid runner or hiker, the Aussie could be a great choice. As with most herding breeds, they can be sensitive dogs and are very alert and intuitive. Golden Retrievers are a very adaptable breed and can suit a variety of lifestyles, so long as their physical and mental exercise needs are met. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog: What are the Differences? This breed was developed to herd sheep and cattle, following the instruction of their handler to work cooperatively together. Neither breed is a lazy, homebody-type of dog, but just be aware of the extra commitment Aussies need in order to meet their exercise requirements. Its possible for a Golden Retriever to live longer than some Shepherds, as each dog is an individual, and these are just the averages. They usually arent fazed by the different sights and sounds of various environments, though early socialization is also important to help them grow into a confident dog. Because both of their historical purposes (hunting and herding) required them to work together with their handler as a team, they are genetically wired to want to engage with you, which makes training easy. They can also struggle to adapt to new environments. Fish that walk! With that big brain, they can sometimes outsmart you, and they need a lot of mental stimulation. Aussies offer more longevity, and usually stay active even into their later years. Golden Retrievers are a very versatile breed and can generally do well in a variety of living situations, while Aussies can be more sensitive and may not do well in chaotic or cramped environments. Aussies can make good companions for kids, but their hard-wired herding instinct can also be problematic at times. As herders, they used their voice to help move the livestock around, so its in their DNA to be barky. If you value your peace and quiet, a Golden is probably the better fit for you, as Aussies are known to be a chatty breed. With their larger size and general enthusiasm for life, they can sometimes knock over a small child, so supervision is always recommended to ensure safety. Its common for Australian Shepherds to chase, circle, and nip at children. No dog is perfect, and even the lovable Golden Retriever can have behavior issues such as: Australian Shepherds can experience behavior issues such as: Its important to ensure that you can meet your dogs needs, and some dogs have higher needs than others. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. They do best when they have appropriate outlets to channel their intelligence and athleticism. Aussies are incredibly devoted and eager to please their owner, and can also be protective of their family. Well dive into all of these further below so that you know what to expect from these pups. Many Goldens form close connections with their familys cat, which is heart-meltingly adorable. Aussies are whip-smart and love training with their owner. While it may seem like a super-smart dog might make your life easier, sometimes it can actually be more work because they have a lot of mental energy to burn (in addition to the physical energy). If youre looking for a dog that lives as long as possible, you might want to choose an Australian Shepherd. While this may not be aggression, it can still be a challenge, and sometimes even scary for kids. Affectionate, can be stand-offish with other dogs or strangers, and may struggle to adapt to new things. Its important to consider your living situation when deciding between these two breeds. Another big difference is that Aussies are usually barky by nature, whereas Goldens tend to be quieter. However, Golden Retrievers are probably a bit simpler to train for the average dog owner. Golden Retrievers need about an hour of exercise per day. Golden Retrievers are more affectionate and stranger-friendly. Its still a good idea to give a Golden Retriever a slow and proper introduction to any other pets to help them get off on the right foot together. Once they get to know the person, they are affectionate and sweet. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Australian Shepherds are more energetic, requiring one to two hours of exercise per day. But if you really enjoy working with your dog, an Aussie could make an amazing companion. While both breeds are energetic and require consistent exercise, the Australian Shepherd takes the energy factor up a couple of notches above the Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are larger, standing 21.5 to 24 inches tall and weighing 55-75 pounds. You likely wont be surprised to learn that Golden Retrievers really only come in one color, though the breed standard lists it as three: light golden, golden, and dark golden. Most Goldens are happy to meet new friends and receive pets and attention. Behavior has a genetic component and so it should be no surprise that dogs who were bred to carry things in their mouths to their owners will be mouthy, especially when excited. Golden Retrievers are incredibly adaptable and tend to think everyones a friend.