Doberman Pinscher

Working · Large

Golden Retriever

Sporting · Large

Doberman Pinscher vs Golden Retriever

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

Quick comparison

Best for families

Golden Retriever

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Doberman Pinscher

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Doberman Pinscher

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Doberman Pinscher

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Doberman Pinscher

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Doberman Pinscher

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Doberman Pinscher	Golden Retriever
Size	Large	Large
Height	24–28″	21.5–24″
Weight	60–100 lbs	55–75 lbs
Lifespan	10–12 yrs	10–12 yrs
Group	Working	Sporting
Coat type	Short, smooth, close-lying	Double coat, long and wavy

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Doberman Pinscher	Golden Retriever
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Doberman Pinscher	Golden Retriever
Good with kids	High	Very High
Good with dogs	Moderate	Very High
Good with cats	Moderate	High
Apartment friendly	Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Doberman Pinscher	Golden Retriever
Shedding	Low	Very High
Grooming needs	Very Low	Moderate
Daily exercise	60–120 min	60–120 min
Daily food	2.5–3.5 cups	2–3 cups
Annual cost	$1 500–$2 600	$1 500–$2 800

Temperament