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You can’t help but smile when you see a Golden Retriever! These dogs always look pretty happy and upbeat, ready to take on the next fun thing on their schedule! What could be better than one of these golden dogs running toward you, wagging his tail?
Have you ever wondered if there are dog breeds similar to Golden Retrievers? Dogs that have sweet natures and so much love to give? If you’re curious to know, you’ll find this list of dog breeds similar to Golden Retrievers a fun read!
We’ll cover several dog breeds that are like Golden Retrievers! If you’re looking for a dog with a sweet nature and loves having fun, then read on! You may find your new fur baby on this list!
Dog Breeds Similar To Golden Retrievers
1. Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever strongly resembles the Golden Retriever in looks and temperament. These dogs have long brownish, red hair, and they are happy dogs! Flat-Coated Retrievers have leg and tail feathering similar to the Golden Retriever, and they are highly intelligent.
Along with their intelligence, Flat-Coated Retrievers are known for being somewhat mischievous, and they love having a ton of fun!
They also have a ton of energy and need plenty of daily exercise. What’s more, the Flat-Coated Retriever excels at dog sports such as obedience and agility activities. The dogs are eager to please and have a coat that’s about medium length. They need plenty of brushing to keep their fur clean and matt-free and to control shedding.
2. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is another dog breed similar to the Golden Retriever. However, these dogs have a more red coat than the Golden Retriever. Irish Setters were once used to create the Golden Retriever back in the 1800s! So, no wonder this dog breed is like a Golden Retriever!
Irish Setters, like their Golden cousins, have very kind, happy faces. They also have an athletic build and long, luxurious coats, with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, belly, and tail. What’s more, both dog breeds are very easy to train, sweet-natured, and are considered sporting and hunting dogs.
3. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is another dog breed that’s similar to Golden Retrievers. These dogs are known for being highly intelligent, loving, and sensitive. They have waterproof coats that may be a sedge or chocolate brown color, combined with beautiful amber eyes! The dogs are famous around the world for being great hunters and are sometimes called Chessies.
These dogs have shorter hair than the Golden Retriever and they have a soft undercoat. Their outer coat is rough and sheds quite a bit. However, the Chessie only needs to be brushed about once a week to control shedding and matting. The dogs also don’t need to be bathed too often.
Much like the Golden Retriever, Chessies have a ton of energy and need plenty of daily exercise.
4. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not as common as the Golden Retriever; however, when young, many people mistake them for a Golden! These dogs have medium-length coats that are a coppery, reddish color. The dogs also have a similar body shape to the Golden Retriever, along with facial features and ears similar to the Golden. No wonder these dogs are often mistaken for their Golden Retriever cousins!
However, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a little smaller than the Golden. And they shared similar feathering as the Golden Retriever.
These dogs are used to luring and retrieving waterbirds, and they excel in the show ring, obedience, and agility competitions. They make a wonderful companion for active families. The dogs are very loving and adaptable and can even live in an apartment. However, this active dog breed does need plenty of daily exercise!
5. Labrador Retriever
Just about everyone is familiar with the number one dog in the US—the Labrador Retriever! The dogs are like Golden Retrievers when it comes to temperament. They are friendly and very loving with their families.
Labs have a short, double coat that is thick and water-resistant. One downside is that these dogs shed quite a bit. However, regular brushing and a bath once in a while help control shedding in the house.
These dogs are also famous for being ready for just about any activity! Do you want to hike? Your Lab will love to join you! Would you like to go swimming, here, too, your Lab will gladly have fun with you! And if you’re a hunter, these dogs are great for that job. Labs come in black, chocolate, and yellow colors. But no matter which color Lab you choose, you’ll have a wonderful dog!
6. Kuvasz
The Kuvasz may not be as common as a Golden Retriever, but they are sometimes mistaken for a light-colored Golden Retriever! These dogs both have thick, luxurious coats that may be straight or contain waves along the back, with feathering on their legs. And both dog breeds have plumed tails.
The Kuvasz were bred in Tibet to be herding dogs, which means they are highly intelligent. The dogs are also very gentle and kind. They usually have white coats, with skin that’s gray or black.
7. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees dog is another canine that’s similar to the Golden Retriever. The dogs are huge—much larger than the Golden! They are calm, patient, highly intelligent. All of these qualities make them especially good at guarding and herding sheep.
Great Pyrenees have a water-proof coat that’s completely white, though some of these dogs may have red, gray, or tan markings.
While the coat looks like it would be challenging to care for, just the opposite is true! This dog has a coat that’s resistant to dirt and tangles. However, the Great Pyrenees shed quite a bit. But regular brushing helps control shedding. Like Golden Retrievers, Great Pyrenees are also very active dogs that need plenty of exercise every day!
Summing It Up
These are only a few of the dogs that are similar to Golden Retrievers! Each dog breed has its own unique traits. But one thing they all have in common is a wonderful, sweet personality! You won’t go wrong by choosing to adopt any of the dogs on this list!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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