It is no surprise that this popular breed is one of your choices, but you are probably here because you are trying to decide whether to choose a male or female Golden Retriever.
In general, male Golden Retrievers are larger and more active and demand more attention from their owners than females. Females, on the other hand, have an elegant and calm disposition and are generally more gentle and emotionally sensitive than their male counterparts.
Would you like to learn more about the difference between the male vs. female Golden Retriever? In this article, we’ll examine their differences in a range of matters without being biased. If you’re all set, let’s get started.
Physical Differences
Male Golden Retrievers
Aside from the obvious difference in their sexual organs, one of the main differences that can be clearly seen in male Golden Retrievers is that they are physically larger than their female counterparts, regardless of their type.
Male Golden Retrievers stand around 23 to 24 inches tall, two to four inches taller than females. There is also a weight difference, with males typically weighing 65 to 75 pounds, which is 10 to 20 pounds heavier than females.
Despite these variations, your Golden Retriever’s size and weight are also mostly determined by how much foodF you feed it, on top of gender.
In addition to height and weight, male Golden Retrievers also have wider skulls and are more muscular. They also have thicker and more lustrous coats than females, making them more desirable for the breed.
Female Golden Retrievers
Male Golden Retrievers tend to exhibit more of their breed’s characteristic traits compared to their female counterparts.
Starting with height, female Golden Retrievers are approximately 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall, which is two to four inches shorter than males. With their average weight of 55 to 65 pounds, they also tend to be lighter than males.
For general appearance, female Golden Retrievers are less muscular and bulkier. Their heads are also smaller than that of males, giving them a more elegant appearance.
Additionally, the coats of female Goldens are not as thick as those of males, which may make them better suited to warm climates.
Temperamental Differences
Male Golden Retrievers
Male Golden Retrievers are exceptionally lovable, lively, and affectionate. They are a lot of people’s first choice for affectionate dogs.
Despite the fact that males tend to mature physically faster than females, they develop their minds more slowly.
Because they do not grow out of their puppy stage as quickly as females do, you might always find them bringing you random things out of curiosity.
And as a result, people find them to be more or less endearing. This still depends on personal preference, though.
Male Goldens have a strong desire to please their owners. These dogs would do anything just to win their owner’s attention.
Males are often more loving and attentive. Because of the alpha mentality, Golden males tend to develop a strong bond with their owners. If possible, they would remain by their owner’s side the entire day and would snuggle.
Female Golden Retrievers
Female Golden Retrievers share many personality traits with their male counterparts. As Golden Retrievers, both males and females are devoted, loving, kind, and gentle.
The main distinction is that female Golden Retriever puppies don’t express these characteristics to the same extent. While they may be affectionate, they are often more independent and territorial than males.
In addition, female Golden Retrievers are more likely to engage in alpha behaviors like marking and even humping.
They establish the hierarchy of the pack and the pecking order, and they are not afraid to assert their supremacy in the face of opposition.
Being an experienced breeder and owner of Golden Retrievers, I have observed this closely in growing female Golden Retriever puppies. When something disturbs the order they have established, they become slightly aggressive compared to their male counterparts.
My three female adult Golden Retrievers also choose when they want to be petted or caressed. Once they have gotten their dose of cuddling, they simply walk away.
Behavior and Training
Male Golden Retrievers
Male Golden Retrievers are more likely to make an effort to win their owners over. In order to receive praise and sweet treats, they would do anything and obey any instructions.
They are very simple to teach because of their cheerful spirits, high level of activity, and desire to prioritize the requirements of their owners. However, given their immaturity and hyperactivity, they may rapidly lose attention.
You need to come up with a variety of different activities, such as positive reinforcement training and involving interactive dog toys, to keep things interesting for them.
These dogs may also benefit from various exercises and mental stimulation to keep their bodies and minds active.
Another behavior of male Golden Retriever puppies that should be mentioned is that they often lift their legs and urinate on things to mark their territory.
Training male Golden Retriever puppies can be challenging at first, but it usually isn’t an issue at home once they are trained. However, it might become problematic when walking with your male dog.
Female Golden Retrievers
Many think female dogs are simpler to train since they can concentrate and are less likely to run away. This is true for female Golden Retrievers.
Since females tend to attain emotional maturity faster than males, they are easier to train.
In fact, female Golden Retriever puppies understand and respond to commands by the age of 12 weeks, while a male retriever takes at least 14 weeks to master.
Of course, a lot depends on the individual dog and the owner’s ability to train their pet. Both males and females are equally difficult to train and housebreak if the owner is not assertive enough.
Health Differences
Male Golden Retrievers
No research has yet indicated whether male Golden Retrievers live longer than female dogs. They are generally healthy and may have the same life expectancy of at least ten years.
Both male and female Golden Retrievers may even have an additional one and half years on their life expectancy once they undergo spaying or neutering.
Male Goldens must be neutered, primarily because male dogs that are not neutered have an increased risk of developing a prostate enlargement, which may eventually create problems urinating.
Additionally, they are susceptible to prostate infections. Testicular cancer and surgically treatable tumors in the vicinity of the anal region are two more medical disorders that male Golden Retrievers can develop.
Even so, some people think that male Golden Retrievers often live shorter lives because they are slightly bigger; hence, more likely to contract certain diseases. However, such an idea is not supported by any scientific evidence.
Meanwhile, research has shown that cancer will claim the lives of around 60% of Golden Retrievers. The research supports the notion that male Golden Retrievers are more likely to contract cancer and pass away from it.
So far, this appears to be the only significant variation in the health issues affecting Golden Retrievers.
Female Golden Retrievers
According to many owners of male and female Golden Retrievers, females lived longer than males. They think that females are less likely to get some diseases because of their significantly smaller frames and body masses.
Spaying female Retrievers is more complicated compared to neutering male dogs. The owner must evaluate the upsides and downsides of spaying the pet before making the decision.
Like male Goldens, females who have not been spayed are more susceptible to several diseases.
Pyometra, for example, is an extremely dangerous condition in which the uterus of an unspayed female fills with lethal, fetid-smelling pus. Your pet will not acquire this type of uterine infection if it lacks a uterus.
Other illnesses that female Goldens may develop if they still have their reproductive organs include vaginitis, mammary cancer, and perianal fistulas.
As previously mentioned, females tend to have a little advantage since they are less likely to pass away from cancer.
However, every other illness that affects purebred dogs is equally contagious in both male and female Goldens.
No matter what sex your dog is, you should always take them to local clinics that provide veterinary advice.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting companions. But as time went on, these breeds turned into calm, loving dogs that get along well with other animals, eventually becoming one of the world’s greatest family dogs.
Their friendliness is one of the reasons why these puppies are consistently voted as one of the most popular dog breeds.
Accordingly, your male Golden will generally be quite accepting of other dogs and won’t be hesitant to rush off to play with them.
Male Goldens love being the center of attention at the park. However, you must be cautious about the kind of dog you introduce to them at home.
Despite their loving and welcoming nature, they have a tendency to get aggressive when other dogs abuse them.
As with most breeds, growling, barking, and perhaps fighting will be among their distinctive habits. They won’t think twice about acting as a shield if they believe their alpha is in danger.
They are less territorial than females; therefore, they don’t mind sharing their space. However, how you raise them will also greatly impact how sociable they become.
A male Golden breed that has spent most of its life being kept apart from other dogs will be exceedingly unfriendly and aggressive.
Female Golden Retrievers
Golden Retriever males and females are equally friendly. However, females occasionally assert their dominance more often. With other dogs, they get along well and won’t hesitate to play at all.
They are also quite welcoming and nice to other pets, but females are more likely to be territorial.
Outside the house, they will play wildly with just about any dog. However, there are some ground rules that must be adhered to and borders that must be respected.
Although they will attempt to mark their territory to demonstrate who is in charge, females are not always predisposed to violent actions.
If you currently have a female Golden breed in your home and wish to add a second dog, be sure the new dog is not a hostile dog breed to avoid conflicts.
With Children
Male Golden Retrievers
Male Golden Retrievers can occasionally be a little more carefree, livelier, and sillier than females. This implies that they sometimes tend to be more clumsy around children and even with other family members.
Mature males may weigh up to 75 pounds, and having that much weight prancing around kids might be a minor inconvenience. Due to their intense enjoyment of playing, accidents might happen.
Your Golden can knock your child to the ground or could hurt them accidentally. They can, therefore, occasionally overdo things, despite their great, fun-loving nature.
Because of this, when you have small children in your home, you must closely supervise males.
They can be around children all day since they adore them so much. Due to the extreme patience of the Golden males, they can put up with all of a toddler’s excesses without becoming hostile or defensive.
This is one of the reasons why Golden males are so wonderful — they provide your kids with the best form of fun!
Female Golden Retrievers
In the presence of children, female Golden Retrievers are more cautious. In comparison to their male counterparts, they tend to be more careful, especially around youngsters. They are also not as silly or carefree.
Females have a tendency to be more reserved and sensitive than males. They like playing and having fun, but they also appreciate taking a break and being alone themselves.
As a result, they are somewhat less likely to result in any form of unintended harm.
Although they will like taking part in the games and fun and may likely exhaust your child from the excitement, they are less likely to do so all day.
However, this does not indicate that they lose patience or get weary of children; it just indicates that female Goldens are more autonomous and need their own space.
If you consider yourself a visual learner, here is a video showing the difference between male vs. female Golden Retrievers:
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Golden Retrievers
Male Golden Retrievers
The Golden males are amazing pooches that will make you fall in love with them effortlessly. These dogs are big and have more lustrous, thicker coats, which makes them more fluffy and better for cuddling.
However, this feature increases the price above what a Golden Retriever would normally cost. You also need to purchase specialized brushes like the slicker brush to preserve the beauty of their coats as well as the coat color.
Male Golden Retrievers are also goofy and playful. They don’t lose their puppy-like attitude until they are between two and four years old. This means that your children would have a playmate for a lot longer.
These puppies are very simple to teach because they enjoy receiving praise and delectable treats. You have to make the training fun and interesting to keep their attention and ensure that they don’t get bored.
However, it is crucial to remember that owning a big, playful dog might have some drawbacks. Male Goldens have a tendency to harm or knock over children accidentally; therefore, constant supervision is required.
Despite their healthy disposition, they are more likely to develop cancer. To ensure the health of your male Golden Retriever, it is best to give them regular veterinary care.
| Pros | Cons |
| Thicker and more lustrous coats | More expensive |
| Matures slower | Can cause unnecessary accidents |
| More playful | Needs constant supervision |
| Simpler to train | Susceptible to cancer |
Female Golden Retrievers
Female Golden Retriever puppies are the petite version of your favorite dog breed. These pups are slightly smaller and lighter, making them more manageable. Typically, female dogs consume less and need less exercise.
Female Golden dogs are admired for their ability to get along with kids and other pets. It’s one of their distinguishing characteristics and a major factor in why pet lovers often look for them as house pets.
Female Golden Retrievers are wonderful companions for children and adults who are stressed or anxious.
Their early maturity and extreme gentleness make them easily understand emotions and provide great comfort.
Along with the benefits of owning a female Golden Retriever, there are drawbacks. First, they might not express affection towards their owner as they sometimes crave freedom and alone time.
They are also more territorial and more likely to become violent once things do not go their way. Despite their high intelligence, they frequently do not listen to instructions and strive to be more independent.
| Pros | Cons |
| Less expensive to maintain | Less affectionate |
| Can get along with anyone | More territorial |
| Mature faster | Has a higher tendency to aggression |
| Gentler with humans | Often do not follow orders |
Should You Get a Male or Female Golden Retriever?
In all honesty, there isn’t much of a difference between male and female Golden Retrievers. There might be a few minor personality differences, but these are frequently insignificant compared to the dog’s entire personality.
Selecting the gender of your Golden Retriever is largely determined by your personal preferences. If you prefer a dog that is larger, matures more slowly, is sillier, more playful, and more affectionate, males may be a better choice.
If you want a more relaxed, independent, intelligent, and protective dog, consider getting a female Golden Retriever.
But then again, the differences between the two genders aren’t really noteworthy. What’s important is that you know what traits of a specific dog you are looking for once you visit a reputable breeder or rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Golden Retrievers Calmer?
While all Golden Retrievers have a fun and playful nature, female Goldens are less energetic, making them calmer than male Goldens.
Some owners even think that male Goldens stay in their “puppy stage” for a longer period of time than female Goldens, which would explain their high level of energy.
Are Male or Female Golden Retrievers More Affectionate?
It has been observed that male Golden Retriever puppies are more attention-seeking than female pups. They are more inclined to stick close to your hip and be eager to win your affection.
Although female Goldens develop attachments and a desire to please their owners, they might not be as clingy as their male counterparts. They simply prefer cuddling on the couch to constantly following you for belly rubs.
Are Male or Female Golden Retrievers Easier to Train?
Numerous Golden Retriever owners claim that their female Goldens seem to catch up with concepts a little bit more quickly than their male counterparts. Because of this, the assumption is made that females are easier to train.
However, in reality, trainability depends on the training methods used by the owner. Whether you have a female or male Golden puppy, training will be considerably simpler if Goldens are trained with positive reinforcement.
Final Thoughts
Both male and female Goldens make great family pets. They do not actually differ that much, especially if they have been trained and spayed or neutered.
Keep in mind that a female Golden Retriever matures quicker and may be easier to teach than a male. The male Golden Retriever, on the other hand, has the breed’s iconic beauty and is friendlier and more affectionate.
Please note that neither gender is much “better” than the other. Both male and female Golden Retrievers may give you and your family a lot of affection and wonderful memories.
Now that you know the differences between the male and female Golden Retriever, which among the two genders won your heart? Let us know your answer in the comment section below!
