German Shepherd or Golden Retriever: Which Breed Is Right for you?
Okay, so the time has come for you to finally become the proud owner of a new doggy. Owning a dog is life changing, there’s no way around it. Dogs are loyal, they make great pets, they make even better companions, and for a lot of people, they make life complete. One of the best things about dogs is the fact that, like humans, they come in all shapes and sizes, with a whole variety of different personalities to match. As a result, different people will have different preferences [...]
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Okay, so the time has come for you to finally become the proud owner of a new doggy.
Owning a dog is life changing, there’s no way around it. Dogs are loyal, they make great pets, they make even better companions, and for a lot of people, they make life complete.
One of the best things about dogs is the fact that, like humans, they come in all shapes and sizes, with a whole variety of different personalities to match. As a result, different people will have different preferences when it comes to dogs. Some prefer large breeds, some prefer small breeds, and some prefer one particular breed.
Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are both hugely popular dog breeds, which is why, today, we’re looking at whether a Golden Retriever or a German Shepheard would be right for you.
German Shepherds
As you can probably guess by their name, German Shepherds were initially bred in Germany to herd sheep.
People often assume that, because they are similar in terms of size and appearance to wolves, that they are an older breed of dog when in reality they’re actually fairly new.
In the US, they are currently believed to be the 2nd most popular breed of dog, second only to Labrador Retrievers.
Appearance
In terms of size, German Shepherds are fairly large dogs, and can vary in weight, averaging between 48 and 88 pounds. As far height goes, you can expect a German Shepherd to grow to anything from 22 inches to 24 inches.
As far as their markings and coats go, typically German Shepherds will be primarily black and brown colours, with hints of red and a black saddle over the back and a black mask on the face.
Temperament
German Shepherds are generally very friendly dogs, though they can be protective over their territory.
They’re very obedient dogs and are easy to train, which is why they are also used in the police and the military.
German Shepherds have the potential to generate more power and pressure from a bite than a Pitbull, but despite this, they are very good natured dogs, though it is wise not to anger them.
As they are athletic, they do need to be walked and exercised regularly, and by regularly we mean at least once per day, though ideally two 30-minute walks are even better.
Golden Retrievers
Up next, we’ll take a look at Golden Retrievers.
Golden Retrievers are generally very intelligent dogs that have sporting backgrounds and were initially bred in Scotland.
These dogs were bred by gamekeepers up on the Highlands and moors of Scotland to help them to retrieve waterfowl that they had hunted and killed.
Though people aren’t 100% certain, these dogs are likely a mix of Irish setters, Newfoundlands, and Tweed Water Spaniels.
Appearance
Golden Retrievers are large dogs and usually weigh between 65 and 75 pounds.
Interestingly, despite being called ‘Golden’ Retrievers, they come in different colours, usually consisting of red gold, cream, dark gold, and of course, gold.
The dogs can get thick and shaggy, which is why they will need to be brushed regularly, or else they will shed a lot of fur, especially during the warmer months.
Temperament
Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train and are incredibly friendly and confident.
They’re good natured dogs that are very trusting and are ideal family pets, though not so great as guard dogs.
Typically, these dogs also love the water, so if you want fun ideas for things to do, days out at the beach or lake in the summer will go down an absolute treat.
Owning a dog is life changing, there’s no way around it. Dogs are loyal, they make great pets, they make even better companions, and for a lot of people, they make life complete.
One of the best things about dogs is the fact that, like humans, they come in all shapes and sizes, with a whole variety of different personalities to match. As a result, different people will have different preferences when it comes to dogs. Some prefer large breeds, some prefer small breeds, and some prefer one particular breed.
Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are both hugely popular dog breeds, which is why, today, we’re looking at whether a Golden Retriever or a German Shepheard would be right for you.
German Shepherds
As you can probably guess by their name, German Shepherds were initially bred in Germany to herd sheep.
People often assume that, because they are similar in terms of size and appearance to wolves, that they are an older breed of dog when in reality they’re actually fairly new.
In the US, they are currently believed to be the 2nd most popular breed of dog, second only to Labrador Retrievers.
Appearance
In terms of size, German Shepherds are fairly large dogs, and can vary in weight, averaging between 48 and 88 pounds. As far height goes, you can expect a German Shepherd to grow to anything from 22 inches to 24 inches.
As far as their markings and coats go, typically German Shepherds will be primarily black and brown colours, with hints of red and a black saddle over the back and a black mask on the face.
Temperament
German Shepherds are generally very friendly dogs, though they can be protective over their territory.
They’re very obedient dogs and are easy to train, which is why they are also used in the police and the military.
German Shepherds have the potential to generate more power and pressure from a bite than a Pitbull, but despite this, they are very good natured dogs, though it is wise not to anger them.
As they are athletic, they do need to be walked and exercised regularly, and by regularly we mean at least once per day, though ideally two 30-minute walks are even better.
Golden Retrievers
Up next, we’ll take a look at Golden Retrievers.
Golden Retrievers are generally very intelligent dogs that have sporting backgrounds and were initially bred in Scotland.
These dogs were bred by gamekeepers up on the Highlands and moors of Scotland to help them to retrieve waterfowl that they had hunted and killed.
Though people aren’t 100% certain, these dogs are likely a mix of Irish setters, Newfoundlands, and Tweed Water Spaniels.
Appearance
Golden Retrievers are large dogs and usually weigh between 65 and 75 pounds.
Interestingly, despite being called ‘Golden’ Retrievers, they come in different colours, usually consisting of red gold, cream, dark gold, and of course, gold.
The dogs can get thick and shaggy, which is why they will need to be brushed regularly, or else they will shed a lot of fur, especially during the warmer months.
Temperament
Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train and are incredibly friendly and confident.
They’re good natured dogs that are very trusting and are ideal family pets, though not so great as guard dogs.
Typically, these dogs also love the water, so if you want fun ideas for things to do, days out at the beach or lake in the summer will go down an absolute treat.
