Love golden retrievers? Here are 10 similar dog breeds to consider

There's no doubt that Golden Retrievers have got it all: they're intelligent, which makes them easy to train, super affectionate, and just plain happy pups that people love to be around. They make great companions for families, but if you're a Golden fan looking to explore other options, you might be wondering about dog breeds similar to Golden Retrievers. Whether you're thinking of expanding your horizons by giving your Golden a furbaby sibling that's a (slightly) different breed, or you want your first pooch to have that special Golden vibe (without necessarily being a Golden), we've put together a list you'll love.

Regional Medical Director for Small Door Veterinary. According to Dr. Smith, "It is no surprise that Golden Retrievers remain the gold standard for family pets; their 'emotional intelligence' is nearly unparalleled in the canine world. At Small Door, we often describe them as the ultimate 'yes' dogs—they are perpetually eager to please, remarkably patient with children, and possess a sunny disposition that seems to melt away the stresses of their owners' day. They don't just live with a family; they weave themselves into the very fabric of the household."

That's not to say there aren't other pooches out there with similarly appealing personalities, or even the shaggy good looks of Goldens. Some, like the Labrador Retriever, are as popular as Goldens, while others, including the sleek, Hungarian Vizsla, aren't as well-known. But all, our experts say, share significant traits with Golden Retrievers. Read on to find out more about dogs that are similar to one of the country's most beloved breeds!

Labrador Retriever

According to Dr. Greenstein, "If you have a soft spot for Goldens, Labs are your next best bet. Affectionate, playful, and loyal, they can be a little more high-energy and boisterous than Golden Retrievers." Because the perennially popular Lab requires a lot of exercise, he's an especially a good fit for an active family. Hailing from Newfoundland, this brainy breed got its start retrieving ducks and fish that came off trawlers. Nowadays, they can often be found making their living as guide and rescue dogs.

  • Group: Sporting
  • Height: 22.5-24.5 inches
  • Weight: 65-85 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, English Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Leonberger, Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever

Irish Setter

With a heritage that can be traced back to the 19th century and the land he is named after, the Irish Setter is an exceptionally beautiful bird dog. Graceful and elegant, this breed is a sweet-natured extrovert who loves nothing more than a good play session with his people. "If you love the flowing hair of a Golden, the long-haired, red-coated Irish Setter may be for you," notes Dr. Greenstein. "They are warm and loving as a family dog, but are more athletic and require more consistent training."

  • Group: Sporting
  • Height: 27 inches
  • Weight: 70 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, English Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Leonberger, Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever

English Setter

Like the Irish Setter, the English Setter is one of four distinct setter breeds developed to work on the British Isles' varying terrains. A medium-sized dog, known for his handsome speckled coat, he is said to count the Spanish Pointer and Spring Spaniel in his lineage. Notes Dr. Smith, "Often described as the 'gentlemen of the dog world,' English Setters share the Golden’s elegant, feathered coat and famously mellow indoor temperament. They are incredibly social and, much like Goldens, tend to believe they are lap dogs regardless of their actual size."

  • Group: Sporting
  • Height: 25-27 inches
  • Weight: 65-80 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12 years
Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, English Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Leonberger, Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever

Bernese Mountain Dog

"The Bernese Mountain Dog mirrors the Golden’s devoted 'velcro' personality, as they truly thrive when they are in the same room as their humans," says Dr. Smith. "They have a similar long, soft coat and a goofy, lighthearted approach to life that ensures they remain 'puppies at heart' for many years." A hardy, hard-working multitasker on the Swiss mountain farms where he was created, this burly beauty is notoriously sweet-tempered and good with kids and other dogs.

  • Group: Working
  • Height: 25-27.5 inches
  • Weight: 80-115 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, English Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Leonberger, Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

This cheerful and affectionate little Canadian gun dog with the big, big name is known for his beautiful red coat, much like the Irish Setter, although it can vary widely in hue. Notes Dr. Greenstein, "Duck Tollers make wonderful family dogs, just as Goldens do, and are highly trainable. They are smaller in stature, and since they originated as working/hunting dogs, they require a little more mental stimulation and engagement."

  • Group: Sporting
  • Height: 18-21 inches
  • Weight: 35-50 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, English Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Leonberger, Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever

Leonberger

This gentle giant, the largest dog on our list, got his start in 18th-century Germany, eventually serving as a companion to royals including Napoleon III, Tsar Alexander II, and the Prince of Wales. The breed counts the St. Bernard as kin, and has a noble and serene nature, with male Leos sporting a lion-like mane. "If you are drawn to the Golden Retriever for their 'friendly bear' aesthetic, the Leonberger is a magnificent, larger-scale alternative," says Dr. Smith. "Despite their massive frame, they share that stable, calm confidence and 'soft' personality that makes Goldens such trustworthy companions for families."

  • Group: Working
  • Height: 28-31.5 inches
  • Weight: 110-170 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 7 years
Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, English Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Leonberger, Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever

Standard Poodle

The national dog of France, the Standard Poodle actually originated in Germany more than four centuries ago as a retrieving water dog. The Poodle is an eager and lightning-quick learner, and a great choice for folks with allergies. "Like Goldens, poodles are adored for being intelligent and adaptable family dogs," Dr. Greenstein says. "They are not always as outgoing as Goldens, often reserving their greatest affection for their family members. For pet parents who love Goldens but hate finding their blond hair everywhere, poodles are a relatively lower-shedding breed."

  • Group: Non-Sporting
  • Height: more than 15 inches
  • Weight: 60-70 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, English Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Leonberger, Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever

English Springer Spaniel

Tough but easily trainable, powerful but a people pleaser by nature, the English Springer Spaniel is both a capable bird dog and a devoted member of the family. "For families who love the playful, 'up for anything' energy of a Golden, the English Springer Spaniel is a fantastic medium-sized alternative," says Dr. Smith. "They possess the same cheerful, waggy-tailed enthusiasm and a strong desire to be part of every family activity, whether it's a hike or a movie night."

  • Group: Sporting
  • Height: 20 inches
  • Weight: 15 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, English Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Leonberger, Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever

Flat-Coated Retriever

First developed in the mid-1800s, this relative newbie in the canine world was once Britain's most popular retriever (a title Goldens and Labs now hold). In fact, they were once so widespread on country estates, the breed was nicknamed "The Gamekeeper's Dog." "Flat-Coats are similar to Goldens in that they’re extremely good-natured and playful, perhaps even more fun-loving than Goldens, if you can imagine that!" says Dr. Greenstein. "They retain an almost puppy-like sense of glee for years and can be more enthusiastic and rambunctious, but love people and love to please."

  • Group: Sporting
  • Height: 23.5-24 inches
  • Weight: 60-70 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, English Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Leonberger, Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever

Vizsla

A good deal less shaggy than a Golden, the red-coated Vizsla is nevertheless a wonderful alternative to the popular breed, according to Dr. Smith. "If the 'velcro dog' trait is what you love most about Goldens, the Vizsla is a sleek-coated version of that same devotion," she says. "They are famously affectionate and sensitive souls who form incredibly tight bonds with their owners, sharing that signature retriever-like desire to never leave your side." Versatile, with great stamina, these hunting dogs come from Hungary and are also known as Hungarian Pointers.

  • Group: Sporting
  • Height: 22-24 inches
  • Weight: 55-60 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, English Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Leonberger, Standard Poodle, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever

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