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Do you love everything about Golden Retrievers, just not their size?
Well, you’ve come to the right place!
We’re going to uncover some wonderful dog breeds that are similar to a Golden Retriever but come in a more compact form.
Whether you have limited space, or just want a pup that’s more manageable in size, these dog breeds offer the perfect solution.
These small breeds are affectionate, loyal, smart, and playful, the very same characteristics that you love about Golden Retrievers.
So, if you’re ready to find the perfect smaller version of a Golden Retriever for you, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Key Golden Retriever Traits To Look For In A Smaller Companion
Before we reveal the top smaller dog breeds that are similar to a Golden Retriever, let’s first look at the key traits that make Golden Retrievers so beloved.
Gentle & Affectionate Nature
Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
Whether it’s a welcoming tail wag, or a soft nuzzle, their genuine affection has a way of putting a smile on your face and making you feel loved.
Ideal Family Companions
With their friendly disposition and their patient demeanor, It’s no surprise why so many households choose a Golden Retriever as a family pet.
Golden Retrievers love human interaction and get along with everyone, whether it’s young children, seniors, or other pets in the household, a Golden Retriever will form a strong bond with each family member.
Friendly & Sociable
Golden Retrievers are not shy and will become fast friends with anyone they meet.
They absolutely love people and will go out of their way to make sure they greet everyone that crosses their path.
Intelligent & Easy To Train
A defining characteristic of Golden Retrievers is their intelligence, ranked as the 4th smartest breed.
They possess a sharp mind and a genuine desire to learn. Plus, they are eager to please their owners, which makes training a breeze.
Their ability to quickly learn new things and follow commands makes Golden Retrievers fantastic working dogs.
Loyal & Devoted
Super loyal and devoted, Golden Retrievers are not just pets, they’re loyal companions who form strong bonds with their owners.
A Golden Retriever will stand by you and provide comfort and companionship through thick and thin.
Their devotion is unwavering and knows no bounds.
Active & Playful
Golden Retrievers are known for their active and playful nature.
They thrive on interactive games and outdoor adventures.
Their boundless energy and enthusiasm make them engaging companions, always ready to join in on the fun.
Easygoing & Patient
Golden Retrievers possess an easygoing and patient demeanor, making them a joy to have around.
Their calm and tolerant nature makes them adapt well to various situations, and they show extreme patience with young children and the elderly.
The combination of these qualities is what makes Golden Retrievers such cherished members of countless households.
Now that we’ve defined the key traits of a Golden Retriever, it’s time to look at the smaller breeds that possess these same qualities.
Top 9 Dog Breeds Similar To Golden Retrievers But Smaller
The following dog breeds offer the same charm and endearing qualities you know and love about Golden Retrievers, but come in a smaller size.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
First on our list is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which stands at a height of about 13 inches, and weighs about 13-18 pounds.
This toy breed shares many similar qualities to Golden Retrievers, especially when it comes to their personality.
CKC Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them excellent companion dogs.
Much like the Golden Retriever, they excel as therapy dogs due to their soothing and gentle disposition.
Cavaliers are friendly and social, and get along well with kids, other dogs, and strangers. Their overly friendly nature makes them terrible guard dogs, a quality that’s shared with Golden Retrievers.
They form close bonds with their owners and show unwavering loyalty and devotion to them.
Despite their small size, Cavaliers are playful and energetic.
With a CKC Spaniel, you get the best of both worlds, a lap dog that loves to share affectionate moments and cuddles, as well as an active sporting companion that’s up for any adventure.
Their versatility and ability to adapt to both active families and homebody types make the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a wonderful addition to various households.
When it comes to grooming, Cavaliers have a feathery coat of medium length that sheds occasionally and requires weekly brushing.
Cavaliers are easy to train and are listed as having average intelligence. These dogs are smart, but nowhere near as smart as a Golden Retriever.
Some of the health issues that affect Cavaliers are eye conditions, hip dysplasia, middle ear infections, patella luxation, mitral valve heart disease, and syringomyelia which is a neurological condition.
The average lifespan of CKC Spaniels is 9-14 years.
Summary Of Similarities:
- Gentle & Affectionate.
- Excellent Companion & Therapy Dogs.
- Friendly & Social.
- Get Along With Kids, People, & Other Dogs.
- Playful & Energetic.
- Loyal.
- Not Good Guard Dogs.
2. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel, not to be confused with the English Cocker Spaniel, stands at a height of about 15 inches and weighs about 30 pounds.
The American Kennel Club describes this breed as smart, happy, and gentle. Much like the Golden Retriever.
Cocker Spaniels make great companion dogs and are ideal for owners with an active lifestyle.
Just like the Golden Retriever, this breed belongs to the sporting group and thrives on outdoor activities and interactive games.
Their love of play, gentle and affectionate nature, and lively personality make them a great fit for households with other dogs and children.
Cocker Spaniels enjoy human interaction and attention and form close bonds with their owners.
They prove themselves as loyal and devoted companions.
Cocker Spaniels are incredibly smart and quick learners, making them easy to train.
In terms of shedding, similar to the Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniels possess a long double coat that experiences moderate shedding year-round, shedding intensifies during seasonal changes.
Common health issues that affect this breed include eye conditions, ear infections, bone and joint conditions, heart disease, and obesity.
Their lifespan is 10-14 years on average.
Summary Of Similarities:
- Playful & Energetic.
- Gentle & Affectionate.
- Enjoy Attention.
- Athletic Sporting Dogs.
- Get Along Well With Kids & Other Dogs.
- Intelligent & Highly Trainable.
- Double Coat That Sheds.
3. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or “Tollers” as they’re affectionately known, look the most like Golden Retrievers.
Tollers are the smallest of Retrievers and are quite often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever.
They have a similar temperament to that of a Golden Retriever, as they are intelligent, affectionate, and outgoing.
Owners of this breed say they are more stubborn and almost herding-like, in comparison to a Golden Retriever.
Being the smallest retriever breed, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever stands about 21 inches high and weighs about 50 pounds. Females are smaller.
Tollers are best suited for owners with an active lifestyle, as these dogs are high-energy!
They have a strong desire to stay busy and require an owner who is willing to provide plenty of mental and physical activity. Tollers are happiest when they have a job to do.
Just like Golden Retrievers, Tollers are patient with children and get along with other dogs. However, their cautious nature makes them reserved around strangers, but they quickly warm up to them.
One thing to be aware of is what’s known as the “Toller Scream”. When a Toller gets excited or eager, they let out a high-pitched howl. Hearing it for the first time can certainly alarm you.
You can listen to the “Toller Scream” in this short video:
Their double coat comes in various shades of red and orange and features white markings on the chest, feet, and nose.
Tollers are generally healthy with a lifespan of 10-14 years. However, there are health issues to be aware of such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, Addison’s disease, and hypothyroidism.
Summary Of Similarities
- Similar Looking To A Golden Retriever.
- Intelligent, Affectionate, & Outgoing.
- Eager To Please.
- Patient With Children.
- Get Along With Other Dogs.
- High-Energy.
- Love Water.
- Similar Grooming Requirements of Double-Coat.
4. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are highly trainable people pleasers.
Originally bred to work closely with hunters to flush and retrieve game, these dogs are active, alert, quick to learn, and willing to obey.
These lovable dogs stand about 20 inches high and weigh about 50 pounds. Females are slightly smaller.
Similar to the Golden Retriever, the English Springer Spaniel craves human interaction and affection and really doesn’t do well when left alone.
If you enjoy a loyal and devoted companion that’s willing to join in on family activities, an English Springer Spaniel might just be the perfect dog for you.
This breed is well-mannered, good with kids and other pets, outgoing, and friendly. Just like the Golden Retriever, but much smaller.
English Springer Spaniels are high-energy dogs that thrive on outdoor activities like swimming or playing fetch and are best suited to owners with an active lifestyle.
However, despite their high-energy level, English Springer Spaniels also have a gentle and affectionate nature that makes them loyal and loving companions.
Their medium-length double coat requires regular brushing and grooming to keep it free of tangles and mats, and their long floppy ears require regular cleaning to prevent ear infections.
With an average lifespan of 12-14 years, this breed is fairly healthy but can be prone to certain health conditions.
Common health issues affecting this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, ear infections, and obesity.
Summary Of Similarities:
- Easy To Train.
- Eager To Please.
- Crave Human Interaction.
- Doesn’t Do Well Alone.
- Good With Kids & Other Pets.
- Outgoing & Friendly.
- Gentle & Affectionate.
- Active, Love Water.
5. German Shorthaired Pointer
Next on our list is the German Shorthaired Pointer, a medium-sized gundog that stands 25 inches high and weighs about 70 pounds.
This breed is only slightly smaller than most Golden Retrievers but has a much shorter coat that requires less upkeep, but, the coat still sheds seasonally.
While their physical appearances are different, the similarities between a German Shorthaired Pointer and a Golden Retriever include their intelligence, eagerness to please, loyalty, and devotion.
This combination of traits makes both breeds easy to train, and wonderful companions.
Just like Golden Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers are gentle, affectionate, friendly, and outgoing. Their playful nature makes them great with children.
They are generally good with other dogs, however, it is best to supervise them.
Originally bred as hunting dogs, GSPs excel not only in retrieving but in pointing and tracking.
Their combination of skills and natural instincts make them wonderful at various outdoor activities including hunting and field trials, and agility and competitive sports.
With an abundance of energy and stamina, German Shorthaired Pointers are ideal for active families willing to provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years, German Shorthaired Pointers can be prone to several health issues.
Common issues include hip dysplasia, eye conditions, certain heart diseases, bloat, and Von Willebrand disease.
Summary Of Similarities:
- Intelligent & Easy To Train.
- Eager To Please.
- Loyal & Devoted.
- Gentle & Affectionate.
- Friendly & Outgoing.
- Active & Playful.
- Good With Children.
- High-Energy.
6. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are ideal companions with a vivacious personality. These dogs are known for their compact size and big personalities.
Considered a toy breed, Pomeranians stand at a height of about 7 inches and only weigh about 7 pounds.
Don’t let their small size fool you, these little dogs exude confidence and often believe they are much bigger than they are.
A much smaller version of a Golden Retriever, Pomeranians are affectionate, loving, and loyal. They are social butterflies who thrive on human interaction and make friends wherever they go.
The similarities don’t end there, these little dogs also love to play and are pretty active and lively.
While Pomeranians don’t require the same amount of physical activity as a Golden Retriever, they still enjoy short walks and indoor play.
Because of their quick wit and cleverness, Pomeranians excel in training and thrive on mental stimulation.
Pomeranians make wonderful companions, who are content to sit on your lap. They are great for active families with older children who are aware that they are not a toy.
Just like the Golden Retriever, they possess a double coat that requires frequent brushing to keep it looking its best.
The average life expectancy is 12-16 years, and common health issues to be aware of include patella luxation, cataracts, tracheal collapse, Cushing’s Disease, and coat loss.
Summary Of Similarities:
- Intelligent.
- Easy To Train.
- Active & Playful.
- Social & Love Human Interaction.
- Friendly & Confident.
- Double Coat Requires Frequent Brushing.
7. Beagle
With their floppy ears, big soulful eyes, and heartwarming personality, Beagles create an instant connection that’s hard to resist.
Much like Golden Retrievers, Beagles are highly affectionate, playful, loyal, and easygoing, and make excellent companions.
These adorable dogs stand at a height of about 15 inches and weigh about 30 pounds, with females being slightly smaller.
Beagles are renowned scent hounds with a strong determination to follow scents wherever they may lead.
This remarkable ability makes them excellent hunting partners, and best suited for owners with an active lifestyle.
However, because of their keen sense of smell and unwavering commitment to tracking anything that smells good to them, they tend to eat anything and everything.
Something that a Golden Retriever owner like myself can relate to, LOL!
A Beagle’s short double coat is easy to care for with weekly brushing to remove any dirt and debris. You can expect seasonal shedding to occur.
Just like Golden Retrievers, Beagles are good with kids and love to play, they also get along with other dogs, making them excellent family dogs.
Beagles are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10-15 years.
Some health issues to be aware of include obesity, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye problems, and epilepsy.
Summary Of Similarities:
- Gentle & Good Tempered.
- Affectionate & Friendly.
- Active & Playful.
- Loyal Companions.
- Good With Kids & Other Dogs.
- Food Motivated.
8. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Even though a Golden Retriever and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi look nothing alike, these two breeds have similar personalities and have comparable physical requirements.
Corgis just like Golden Retrievers were bred to be working dogs, and thrive on an active lifestyle that includes both physical and mental stimulation.
Don’t be fooled by their short legs, Corgis are surprisingly strong, athletic, and full of liveliness, eagerly engaging in playtime.
Corgis make wonderful additions to various households including families with children and other pets.
Much like Golden Retrievers, Corgis have a patient and tolerant disposition when it comes to interacting with kids.
However, one thing to be mindful of is the Corgis herding instincts, which can occasionally lead to nipping, especially with energetic or fast-moving youngsters.
A Corgi’s size makes them suitable for family life, and more adaptable to living in smaller spaces, standing at a height of about 12 inches and weighing about 30 pounds.
With a double coat that sheds, Corgis require regular grooming to keep their coat neat and tidy.
If you are considering a Corgi, you can expect a loyal and affectionate companion for many years to come. This breed has an average lifespan of 12-15 years.
Some health issues to be aware of include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, cardiac issues, degenerative myelopathy, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
Summary Of Similarities:
- Affectionate & Loyal.
- Active & Athletic.
- Friendly & Sociable Nature.
- Playful.
- Good Compatibility With Children.
- Able To Adapt To Various Living Environments.
- Heavy Shedders.
9. Mini Golden Retriever
Last on our list is the Mini Golden Retriever, also referred to as the Miniature Golden Retriever or Petite Golden Retriever.
A Mini Golden Retriever refers to a smaller-sized version of the traditional Golden Retriever breed.
These smaller dogs resemble the appearance and some characteristics of the Golden Retriever breed.
However, it’s important to note that Mini Golden Retrievers are not officially recognized by major kennel clubs or breed standards.
Mini Golden Retrievers are the result of crossbreeding a Golden Retriever with a smaller dog such as a mini or toy Poodle, or a Cocker Spaniel.
The goal of this crossbreeding is to retain the gentle and friendly nature of a Golden Retriever while being more compact in size, weighing about 20-50 pounds.
As with any crossbreed or hybrid dog, the outcomes can have a huge variety in terms of appearance, temperament, and health.
Since they are not a recognized breed or have breed standards, it’s important to approach getting a Mini Golden Retriever with caution.
Be sure to research and work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of the dogs.
The health issues and lifespan of a Mini Golden Retriever can vary widely due to the genetics inherited from both parent breeds. But on average the lifespan is 10-15 years.
Some common health issues to be aware of include hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye conditions such as retinal dysplasia.
Summary Of Similarities:
- Active & Playful.
- Friendly & Affectionate.
- Obedient & Eager To Please.
- Intelligent.
- Loyal.
- Good With Kids & Other Dogs.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Smaller Breed
Now that we’ve explored the top smaller breeds that are similar to Golden Retrievers, it’s important to consider the following factors to help you choose the ideal companion suitable to your lifestyle and preferences.
- Activity Level: Some smaller breeds are more energetic and require more physical activity, while others are content with indoor play. Be sure to match your energy level with the breed.
- Living Space: Ensure you have enough space suitable for the breed’s size.
- Grooming Needs: Consider the grooming requirements of the breed’s coat, such as coat maintenance and shedding.
- Health Considerations: Research the potential health issues associated with the breed.
- Temperament: Choose a breed that is compatible with your family. Some breeds are more compatible with children and other pets.
- Training & Socialization: Some smaller breeds are intelligent and eager to please, while others require more patience and consistent training.
- Lifespan: Look at the typical lifespan of the breed. Smaller breeds typically live longer, so be sure you are ready to commit.
- Allergies: If allergies are a concern, look into hypoallergenic breeds. Some smaller breeds are known to produce fewer allergens.
- Financial Considerations: Be sure to budget for breed-specific expenses. Smaller breeds may have specific dietary, medical, or grooming needs.
- Personal Preferences: Choose a smaller breed that matches your lifestyle, activity level, and your personal preferences, and the type of companionship you’re seeking.
Final Thoughts
The endearing qualities of a Golden Retriever certainly make them popular and beloved. But, their size is not ideal for everyone.
We’ve uncovered some amazing smaller breeds that share the same traits as Golden Retrievers such as their friendly and social nature, gentle disposition, loyal companionship, and active lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for a much smaller Golden Retriever-like breed as the Pomeranian that shares a similar personality, or a close matching breed such as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, you can be sure you will get a loyal and loving companion.
One thing is for sure, you can certainly find many similarities to Golden Retrievers in these smaller breeds, but in all honesty, as a Golden Retriever owner, there is nothing like them!
And, if you’re lucky enough to already own a Golden Retriever, many of these smaller breeds can make wonderful companions. Goldens often pair well with various dog breeds, both big and small!
Which smaller breed is right for you? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you!
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
Hi. I live in the city in a small apartment, so owning a Golden Retriever would not be feasible. I’ve owned Jack Russel Terriers. They’re small, but are a handful. I love your suggested breeds to own. I’d choose the Corgi. I think it’s the perfect size for apartment dwelling. I need a breed that’s friendly, affectionate (loves to cuddle), good tempered (one that doesn’t go after guests), and food motivated. I say food motivated because it would make training them easier. Thanks for your post.
Hi Shalisha,
I understand that living in a small apartment limits the type of dog breed of your choosing. Corgis are a wonderful breed that have similar qualities to the Golden Retriever. They are affectionate, social, friendly, get along with children and other pets, and make very loyal companions. They also are intelligent and respond well to training.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.