Golden Retrievers have long been cherished for their friendly disposition, intelligence, and striking golden coats. For those who adore this beloved breed but are curious about similar alternatives, there are several other dogs that share comparable traits, both in appearance and temperament. These breeds not only offer loyalty and warmth but also bring their unique charm and characteristics to the table. Whether you’re seeking a devoted family companion or an energetic outdoor partner, exploring these seven dog breeds similar to the Golden Retriever may just lead you to your next furry friend.
Golden Retrievers are the ultimate sweethearts of the dog world. With their lovable personalities and undeniable charm, it’s no wonder they’re the most popular dog breed in America. Whether you’ve been lucky enough to have one of these gentle souls in your life or simply adore them from afar, it’s hard not to fall for their loyal, intelligent, and eager-to-please nature—all wrapped up in those beautiful golden coats.
These dogs are the total package: affectionate companions, amazing with kids, and incredibly versatile in roles like assistance or search-and-rescue work. They’ve set the gold standard (pun intended!) for what many of us dream of in a dog.
But if you love everything about Golden Retrievers and are curious about other breeds that share their wonderful traits—be it their loving temperament, trainability, or adaptability—there are plenty of options to explore. Let’s dive into some breeds that capture the same magic in their own unique ways!
What Are the Three Varieties of Golden Retrievers?
Golden Retrievers may have originated in Scotland, but over the years, they’ve developed into three distinct types, each with its own unique characteristics. While they all share the same lovable temperament and family-friendly nature, their appearances and coat colors can vary slightly.
1. American Golden Retriever
The American Golden Retriever is probably the type you’re most familiar with, especially if you’re in the U.S. Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), these Goldens have a graceful, sloping back with shoulders that are slightly taller than their hips.
Their coats come in the classic golden shades we associate with the breed, ranging from light to slightly darker gold, but the AKC breed standard avoids extremes—no overly pale or dark coats here. If you’re looking for that quintessential Golden Retriever look, this is it!
2. Canadian Golden Retriever
The Canadian Golden Retriever stands out with its taller, leaner build and lighter overall body weight. They’ve been bred over decades to have a thinner coat compared to their American and English counterparts, with fur that’s long in some places and sparse in others.
Canadian Goldens often sport a darker coat color, ranging from rich dark gold to light brown. While their appearance is slightly different, their playful, loyal, and affectionate nature remains the same, making them every bit as delightful as their cousins.
3. English Golden Retriever
Known for their creamy, pale-colored coats, English Golden Retrievers are sometimes referred to as “Rare White European Retrievers.” These dogs are a bit smaller and stockier than the American type, with a straighter back and slightly rounder heads. Their ears sit lower, giving them a distinctive, regal look.
The Kennel Club in the UK favors lighter fur colors for English Goldens, with shades of cream or light gold being most desirable. Mahogany or red tones, however, are considered less favorable. Just like all Goldens, the English type is affectionate, gentle, and perfect for families.
Varieties of Golden Retriever Coat Colors
Golden Retrievers come in a variety of colors, but not all of them are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The standard colors recognized by the AKC include light golden and dark golden. However, Golden Retrievers can also be found in cream, red, mahogany, and the classic standard golden, which often has a slightly yellow tone.
The color of a Golden Retriever can depend on its type and origin:
- American Golden Retrievers typically come in all color variations, with light and dark golden being the most popular.
- Canadian Golden Retrievers are more often seen in darker shades, like red.
- While English Golden Retrievers are prized for their lighter coats, such as cream.
7 Dog Breeds Like the Golden Retrievers
1. Flat-Coated Retriever
| Personality | Cheerful, optimistic, good-humored |
| Energy Level | Needs Lots of Activity |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 23-24.5 inches (male), 22-23.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 60-70 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years |
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a great choice if you love the personality of a Golden Retriever but want something a little different. These dogs are playful, loving, and full of energy, just like Goldens, and they’re also excellent at retrieving thanks to their gundog roots.
While they look similar to Golden Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers have sleek, thick coats in black or liver instead of golden. They also share the Golden’s feathered tail, friendly expression, and intelligent eyes. One big difference? Flat-Coats are known for keeping their puppy-like playfulness well into adulthood, which makes them fun but also means they need lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
With their eagerness to please and affectionate nature, Purina notes that Flat-Coated Retrievers are easy to train and are suitable for owners with some experience!
2. English Springer Spaniel
| Personality | Friendly, playful, obedient |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female) |
| Weight | 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
Known for their affectionate nature and enthusiasm, these dogs are loving companions with a friendly, eager-to-please attitude. They even have those soulful, trusting eyes that seem to express nothing but love for their families, much like Goldens.
English Springer Spaniels are highly intelligent, high-energy dogs that thrive with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Whether it’s hunting, jogging, or agility training, they’re happiest when they have a job to do. According to Hill’s Pet, they’re also popular in competitive events like obedience and agility, thanks to their sharp minds and trainability.
With their beautiful, flowing double coats that come in a variety of colors—from black and white to blue roan and tricolor—they’re as eye-catching as they are sweet. While their coats require regular brushing, they shed less than some similar breeds. With proper care, they’re known to live long, healthy lives, often into their teens.
3. Great Pyrenees
| Personality | Smart, patient, calm |
| Energy Level | Needs Lots of Activity |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Height | 27-32 inches (male), 25-29 inches (female) |
| Weight | 100 pounds & up (male), 85 pounds & up (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
These regal, fluffy dogs are known for their gentle, patient demeanor and their impressive intelligence. While Golden Retrievers are playful and energetic, Great Pyrenees tend to have a more subdued personality, making them excellent for those who prefer a more laid-back pet.
The Great Pyrenees have a gorgeous, weatherproof coat that can be solid white or have markings in shades of gray, reddish-brown, or tan. While their coat has more volume than a Golden Retriever’s, it’s surprisingly dirt and tangle-resistant, so grooming isn’t as demanding as it looks. Just be prepared for a heavy shed in the spring—it’s a lot of hair all at once!
Orvis points out that although they’re a bit harder to train due to their independent streak, their loyalty and protective nature make them incredible companions.
4. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
| Personality | Affectionate, bright, sensitive |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 23-26 inches (male), 21-24 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years |
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, affectionately known as the “Chessie,” is known for their strong work ethic and loyal nature, making them excellent companions both in the field and at home.
Chessies have a waterproof coat with a unique wavy texture that sets them apart. Their coat colors range from chocolate brown to sedge or deadgrass, often paired with striking yellow-amber eyes. While their coat is similar to a Golden’s in its water-resistant properties, it requires minimal maintenance—just a weekly brushing to manage shedding. Despite their short fur, Chessies are well-suited for outdoor adventures, thanks to their hardy build and high energy.
Originally bred in Maryland as hunting and fishing dogs, Chessies are intelligent and thrive when they have a job to do. Like Goldens, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.
5. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
| Personality | Intelligent, affectionate, outgoing |
| Energy Level | Needs Lots of Activity |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 18-21 inches (male), 17-20 inches (female) |
| Weight | 35-50 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or “Toller,” is like a compact, high-energy version of the Golden Retriever. These small-to-medium-sized gundogs share many of the traits that make Goldens so lovable, including intelligence, friendliness, and a love for retrieving and water. Developed in Nova Scotia in the 19th century, Tollers were bred for hunting, using their unique ability to lure ducks closer to hunters—a skill that sets them apart.
With their stunning reddish coats and white markings, Tollers resemble Goldens but with a flash of their own distinct style. They’re outgoing, playful, and highly trainable, making them fantastic companions for active families or individuals who love outdoor adventures. Whether it’s swimming, hiking, or camping, these dogs are happiest when they’re part of the action.
According to PetMD, weekly brushing keeps their coats shiny and helps manage their moderate seasonal shedding.
6. Labrador Retriever
| Personality | Friendly, active, outgoing |
| Energy Level | Needs Lots of Activity |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years |
As the second most popular dog breed according to the American Kennel Club, Labs share so many similarities with Goldens that it’s easy to see why both breeds are adored by families everywhere. They have the same sturdy build, floppy ears, and, in some cases, even a similar lighter coat color, though the Lab’s coat is shorter and less feathery.
When it comes to personality, Labs are just as friendly, playful, and eager to please as Goldens. Both breeds are part of the sporting group, making them active dogs that love a good adventure. Labs thrive on activities like swimming and retrieving, excelling as hunting dogs while also being wonderful family companions.
Their water-repellent double coat comes in yellow, chocolate, or black, and while they do shed quite a bit, regular brushing can help keep loose hair under control. If you’re looking for a dog that’s outgoing, easy to train, and always up for fun, the Labrador Retriever is a perfect choice.
7. Leonberger
| Personality | Friendly, playful, gentle |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 28-31.5 inches (male), 25.5-29.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 110-170 pounds (male), 90-140 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 7 years |
The Leonberger may not immediately remind you of a Golden Retriever, but beneath its larger frame and darker, fluffier coat lies a dog with many similar qualities. Named after its place of origin, Leonberg, Germany, this giant breed shares the Golden’s friendly demeanor, gentle nature, and intelligence, making it an excellent family pet when properly trained and socialized.
While the Leonberger’s size and dark coat set it apart visually, its sweet expression and long, feathery tail are reminiscent of the Golden Retriever. Both breeds have double coats, though the Leonberger’s requires expert grooming to keep it looking its best. They also have comparable temperaments—cheerful, easy to train, and affectionate—though Leonbergers tend to be a bit calmer and less energetic than Goldens, making them a good choice for families seeking a more laid-back companion.
With moderate exercise and consistent training, Leonbergers thrive as great family pets and can even excel in roles like livestock protection.
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers are cherished for their loving personality, friendly demeanor, and adaptability, making them the best therapy dogs and ideal family pets. If you love these qualities, there are many other similar dogs that could also be a great fit.
From the athletic and highly active Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to the gentle and loyal Bernese Mountain Dog, these outgoing dogs share key traits like a kindly expression and a natural affinity for children and other pets, including cats. Some, like the Leonberger and Chesapeake Bay Retriever, bring a unique twist to the Golden’s classic appeal while remaining fantastic companions for active pet parents.
While this list highlights some of the best dog breeds similar to Golden Retrievers, there are many other dogs, especially designer dogs worth considering. Breeds like Poodles, with their intelligence and outgoing nature, or most terriers, known for their spunky attitude, could be great companions depending on your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for your first dog or searching for another great companion for your family, frequent brushing and regular exercise are often key for these beautiful dogs. When choosing a breed, always connect with a reputable breeder to ensure your new adult dog or puppy fits seamlessly into your home and becomes part of the family.
In conclusion, while the Golden Retriever is renowned for its friendly and loyal nature, several other breeds exhibit similar traits that make them equally appealing choices for families and individuals. Breeds such as the Labrador Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever, and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever share a comparable temperament, intelligence, and eagerness to please. Additionally, the Irish Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, and even the gentle Collie bring their unique qualities to the table, offering potential dog owners a variety of options that encompass the beloved characteristics of Golden Retrievers. Each breed has its charm, ensuring that dog lovers can find a loyal companion to suit their lifestyle.