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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.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

Sporting · Scotland

  • 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.

English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel

Sporting · Great Britain

  • 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.