Golden Retriever vs Rat Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Golden Retriever

Size
55–75 lbs, 21–24 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Friendly Reliable Trustworthy Kind

Rat Terrier

Size
10–25 lbs, 10–18 in
Lifespan
12–18 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Intelligent Curious Lively Sensitive

About the Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever was developed in the Scottish Highlands by Lord Tweedmouth during the mid-19th century, who crossed a Yellow Retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel to create the ultimate waterfowl hunting companion. Standing 21.5–24 inches tall and weighing 55–75 pounds, these iconic dogs wear a lustrous, water-repellent double coat in shades ranging from light cream to deep gold. Their gentle expression, athletic build, and flowing feathered coat have made them one of the three most popular breeds in America for decades running.

Temperament & Personality

Golden Retrievers are the gold standard of family dogs — trustworthy, patient, and endlessly forgiving with children of all ages. They possess an innate desire to please that makes them exceptionally trainable and a joy to live with, whether as a first-time owner's companion or a seasoned handler's working partner. Their friendly, tolerant attitude extends to strangers, other dogs, and household pets — they seem to genuinely believe every person and animal they meet is a friend.

Pros

  • Universally gentle temperament — consistently ranked among the best breeds for families with children
  • Highly intelligent and eager to please — excel in obedience, therapy, service, and search and rescue
  • Patient and forgiving nature makes them ideal for first-time dog owners
  • Social and friendly with virtually everyone — dogs, cats, strangers, and guests alike

Cons

  • Cancer affects approximately 60% of Golden Retrievers — the highest rate of any breed
  • Heavy shedding year-round with seasonal coat blows that cover furniture and clothing
  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and eye conditions
  • Mouthy breed — will carry and chew objects constantly, especially during puppyhood

There's a reason Goldens are America's favorite — find Golden Retrievers looking for homes on Puplister.

About the Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier is an American original, developed in the early 20th century on farms across the United States by crossing Fox Terriers with Beagles, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, and other breeds. They come in two sizes — Miniature (10 to 13 inches, 10 to 18 pounds) and Standard (13 to 18 inches, 12 to 25 pounds) — both with a compact, elegant build. Their short, smooth coat is always pied (white with patches of one or more other colors), and President Theodore Roosevelt is credited with naming the breed after his own terrier cleared the White House of rats.

Temperament & Personality

Rat Terriers are intelligent, curious, and remarkably versatile — combining terrier tenacity with a more biddable, people-oriented temperament than many of their terrier cousins. They bond deeply with their families and are generally good with children, often choosing one person as their particular favorite. Rat Terriers tend to be less dog-aggressive than other terriers, though they retain a strong prey drive toward rodents and small animals.

Pros

  • Excellent farm and homestead dog with natural pest control abilities
  • More trainable and less stubborn than most terrier breeds
  • Minimal grooming needs — short coat requires only occasional brushing
  • Generally healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 18 years

Cons

  • Can be diggers — will excavate impressive holes in gardens and yards
  • High energy level requires daily exercise and mental engagement
  • Prone to patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and cardiac issues
  • May be wary of strangers and needs early socialization to prevent timidity

A Rat Terrier could be the spirited, loyal companion your household needs — find one on Puplister today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Golden Retriever and a Rat Terrier?
The Golden Retriever is 55–75 lbs, 21–24 in sized while the Rat Terrier is 10–25 lbs, 10–18 in sized. They differ in size (55–75 lbs, 21–24 in vs 10–25 lbs, 10–18 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–18 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Golden Retriever or Rat Terrier?
Golden Retriever is generally good with kids. Rat Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Golden Retriever or Rat Terrier?
The Golden Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Rat Terrier has a lifespan of 12–18 years.

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