Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: Which Breed Is Right for You?
Trying to decide between a cute and fluffy Corgi and a gentle giant Golden Retriever?
A Corgi makes the better choice for someone who lives in a small space and wants a dog that is playful, loyal, and adaptable. A Golden Retriever is a great choice for people that live an active lifestyle and want a loveable companion to accompany them swimming, hiking, and running.
Need more detail about the two breeds before you make your decision?
We’ve got you covered! Let’s find out which breed is right for you.
Similarities between Corgis and Golden Retrievers
Corgis and Golden Retrievers have a lot in common: namely their playful, loving, and eager-to-please personalities.
They’re both highly intelligent breeds with bags of energy that pick up training fast and require at least 60-90 minutes of exercise each day.
They make great family dogs because they’re adaptable and get along well with kids.
The final similarity between these two breeds is how frequently they shed. Yup, it’s a lot… but more on this below!
Differences between Corgis and Golden Retrievers
The main difference between a Corgi and a Golden Retriever is their size. This, of course, will be a deciding factor for many people choosing between the breeds.
Male Golden Retrievers can grow to 24 inches tall whereas a male Corgi grows to 12 inches tall.
Being a much bigger dog makes Golden Retrievers very suitable for people with bigger homes, outside space, and a love of outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and running.
While Corgis also make great hikers and have lots of energy to burn, their smaller size might be off-putting to more adventurous people.
The other difference between the two breeds is their tendency to bark. Corgis can be very vocal, whereas it’s rare to hear a Golden Retriever bark.
The final difference to consider is how much more a Golden Retriever drools compared to a Corgi. If you’re very house proud or can’t stand the sight of slobber, it might be better to choose a Corgi. They’re a low-drool breed that are very cat-like in their cleanliness.
Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: Training
Corgis and Golden Retrievers are both highly intelligent breeds that are receptive to commands. You won’t find it difficult to train these dogs since they’re both eager to please their owners.
You have to be focused and consistent with training Corgis, as they can be stubborn. Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, are very obedient if a little easily distracted!
For both breeds, it’s best to start training as early as eight weeks old.
We recommend keeping training sessions short and brief (around ten to fifteen minutes a day). Don’t forget to include positive reinforcement (treats and verbal praise) with every successful command. You can do this every day or every other day.
Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: Energy
The energy levels of both Corgis and Golden Retrievers are higher than most other dogs. If you decide to get either of the two breeds, be prepared for lots of playtime and exercise.
Since both these dogs love to be around their owner, you’ll find them constantly demanding your attention. If left ignored, they might develop destructive tendencies due to pent-up energy.
Corgis should have at least 60 minutes of exercise every day and Golden Retrievers should have at least 90 minutes.
Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: Shedding
Both Corgis and Golden Retrievers have double coats and yes – they both shed. A lot.
The double coat helps protect both breeds against harsh fall and winter weather. The outer coat traps warm air, acting as insulation against the wind and cold. In summer, the undercoat traps cool air and keeps it close to the body to ensure neither breed overheats.
But with a double coat comes lots of shedding.
To manage the shedding and keep on top of hair loss around your home (and on your clothes!) I recommend brushing them as often as possible. At least 2-3x per week.
Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: Barking
Don’t let a Corgi’s appearance fool you. They may be small, but they’re considered one of the most vocal breeds out there.
However, a Corgi’s noisy behavior isn’t impossible to correct, especially since the breed is highly intelligent. A few consistent sessions of bark training should get it under control.
Golden Retrievers aren’t naturally big barkers. They may bark at strangers ocassionally, but you’re unlikely to find them barking for no apparent reason (like you sometimes do with a Corgi!).
Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: Health
Golden Retrievers and Corgis are both generally healthy dogs. If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, make sure your breeder has screened their dogs for common health conditions.
For Golden Retrievers this would be elbow and hip dysplasia, eye conditions like juvenile cataracts, pigmentary uveitis, and certain heart diseases.
Corgis are also prone to hip dysplasia due to their long backs and short legs. Other hereditary health conditions they’re more prone to include degenerative myelopathy and Intervertebral Disc Disease.
Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: How Long Can They Be Left Alone?
Do you spend most of your week away from home? If so, you might not fare well with either of these ‘velcro’ dogs!
Both Corgis and Golden Retrievers love human companionship and want to be as close to their owner as possible at all times.
While both breeds can be left alone for up to 8 hours if crate trained and exercised thoroughly beforehand, I strongly recommend against doing this.
I suggest leaving a Corgi or Golden Retriever alone for no longer than 4-5 hours maximum and try not to make this a regular habit.
These are some of the problems that come with leaving these dogs on their own:
- Separation anxiety
- High-stress levels
- Destructive behavior
- Drooling problems
- Excessive barking
If you need to leave your dog’s side for a while, it’s best to have a trusted family member or friend to watch over them.
If you work from an office that doesn’t allow dogs, book your Corgi or Retriever into doggy daycare or organise a dog walker to stop by a couple of times each day.
Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: Which Is Better for a First-Time Owner?
If you have no previous experience owning a dog, you’ll definitely enjoy getting either a Corgi or Golden Retriever. Not only do they both make great family dogs, but they’re equally easy to train.
For the sake of comparing the two, we can give a slight edge to Golden Retrievers for being a little more easygoing. These gentle giants are adaptable to new situations and will slot easily into your home.
The main consideration for first-time owners is where you live and how much exercise you can provide.
If you’re a first-time owner living in a small apartment in the city that can exercise a dog for at least 60 minutes per day, I’d recommend getting a Corgi.
If you’re a first-time owner living in a home with outside space and have the time to exercise a dog for at least 90 minutes per day, you have the option of getting either a Golden Retriever or a Corgi.
Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: Animals and Children
Corgis are generally good around other animals with early socialization and a gradual introduction. They also make a great companion for kids because of their playful, loveable nature.
Golden Retrievers are a bit more composed than Corgis, even in the presence of other animals and lively children. Their sociable and easygoing nature is why they make such good service dogs.
Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: Are They Good in Apartments?
While it’s possible to keep both breeds in an apartment, Corgis are definitely more suitable for a smaller living space.
Golden Retrievers are big dogs and can grow up to 24 inches. In other words, you’ll need a lot of space to take care of one!
That being said, if you live in an apartment but you’re able to exercise your Golden Retriever as much as they need (at least 90 minutes per day), then don’t let the size of your home put you off this breed.
Corgi vs. Golden Retriever: Which Is More Expensive?
Corgis cost between $1,500 and $2,500 and Golden Retrievers cost between $1,500 and $3,500.
