Golden Retriever

Sporting · Large

Shetland Sheepdog

Herding · Small

Golden Retriever vs Shetland Sheepdog

Side-by-side comparison of the Golden Retriever and Shetland Sheepdog — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Golden Retriever

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Golden Retriever

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Golden Retriever

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Shetland Sheepdog

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Golden Retriever

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Shetland Sheepdog

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Golden Retriever	Shetland Sheepdog
Size	Large	Small
Height	21.5–24″	13–16″
Weight	55–75 lbs	15–25 lbs
Lifespan	10–12 yrs	12–14 yrs
Group	Sporting	Herding
Coat type	Double coat, long and wavy	Long, dense double coat with abundant mane

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Golden Retriever	Shetland Sheepdog
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Barking level	Moderate	Very High

Compatibility

Trait	Golden Retriever	Shetland Sheepdog
Good with kids	Very High	High
Good with dogs	Very High	High
Good with cats	High	Moderate
Apartment friendly	Low	Moderate

Care requirements

Trait	Golden Retriever	Shetland Sheepdog
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Moderate	High
Daily exercise	60–120 min	45–75 min
Daily food	2–3 cups	0.75–1.5 cups
Annual cost	$1 500–$2 800	$1 100–$1 900

Temperament