Golden Retriever

Sporting · Large

Yorkshire Terrier

Toy · Small

Golden Retriever vs Yorkshire Terrier

Side-by-side comparison of the Golden Retriever and Yorkshire Terrier — 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

Yorkshire Terrier

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Yorkshire Terrier

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Golden Retriever

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Yorkshire Terrier

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Golden Retriever	Yorkshire Terrier
Size	Large	Small
Height	21.5–24″	7–8″
Weight	55–75 lbs	4–7 lbs
Lifespan	10–12 yrs	11–15 yrs
Group	Sporting	Toy
Coat type	Double coat, long and wavy	Long, silky, straight, human-hair-like

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Golden Retriever	Yorkshire Terrier
Energy level	High	Moderate
Trainability	Very High	Moderate
Barking level	Moderate	Very High

Compatibility

Trait	Golden Retriever	Yorkshire Terrier
Good with kids	Very High	Low
Good with dogs	Very High	Moderate
Good with cats	High	Moderate
Apartment friendly	Low	Very High

Care requirements

Trait	Golden Retriever	Yorkshire Terrier
Shedding	Very High	Very Low
Grooming needs	Moderate	Very High
Daily exercise	60–120 min	20–40 min
Daily food	2–3 cups	0.25–0.5 cups
Annual cost	$1 500–$2 800	$1 000–$1 800

Temperament