Compare
Side by side
Choose two breeds. You’ll see the same strip of citeable traits — not a winner, and not kids / apartment / shedding scorecards.
Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.
- AKC group
Sporting
- Size
Large
- Height
51–61 cm (FCI)
- Weight
25–34 kg (AKC)
- Energy
High
- Energy notes
High. The AKC standard describes an active, powerful hunting dog to be shown in hard working condition, and the AKC says that, like most sporting breeds, Goldens need plenty of exercise every day.
- Trainability
Very high
- Coat
The coat is dense and water-repellent over a good undercoat, firm and resilient to the touch, and may lie straight or wavy.
- Origin
Scotland
- Temperament
Both standards describe a dog of kindly, friendly character. The AKC asks for a Golden that is friendly, reliable and trustworthy, eager, alert and self-confident, and it counts quarrelsomeness, hostility, or unwarranted timidity or nervousness as out of keeping with the breed.
- AKC group
Sporting
- Size
Medium
- Height
38.1–43.2 cm (AKC; sex-specific); FCI/Royal Kennel Club approximately 39–41 cm dogs and 38–39 cm females
- Weight
11.8–15.4 kg (AKC; sex-specific); FCI/Royal Kennel Club approximately 13–14.5 kg
- Energy
High
- Energy notes
High: AKC calls the breed active and “alive with energy,” with a gait made for covering ground, dense cover, flushing, and retrieving. FCI classifies it as a flushing dog with a working trial, while The Royal Kennel Club describes scent-following, bustling movement, and fearlessness in cover.
- Trainability
High
- Coat
Medium-length on the body, short and fine on the head, flat or slightly wavy, silky, and feathered.
- Origin
Great Britain
- Temperament
The standard picture is merry, affectionate, equable, and engaged. AKC and the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America describe a willing worker and faithful, engaging companion, neither sluggish nor hyperactive; The Royal Kennel Club calls the breed gentle and affectionate yet full of life, and FCI emphasizes merry movement and fearlessness in heavy cover.