Love Golden Retrievers? Here Are 10 Similar Dog Breeds to Consider

Like the Irish Setter, the English Setter is one of four distinct setter breeds developed to work on the British Isles' varying terrains. A medium-sized dog, known for his handsome speckled coat, he is said to count the Spanish Pointer and Spring Spaniel in his lineage. Notes Dr. Smith, "Often described as the 'gentlemen of the dog world,' English Setters share the Golden’s elegant, feathered coat and famously mellow indoor temperament. They are incredibly social and, much like Goldens, tend to believe they are lap dogs regardless of their actual size."

• Group: Sporting
• Height: 25-27 inches
• Weight: 65-80 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12 years

"The Bernese Mountain Dog mirrors the Golden’s devoted 'velcro' personality, as they truly thrive when they are in the same room as their humans," says Dr. Smith. "They have a similar long, soft coat and a goofy, lighthearted approach to life that ensures they remain 'puppies at heart' for many years." A hardy, hard-working multitasker on the Swiss mountain farms where he was created, this burly beauty is notoriously sweet-tempered and good with kids and other dogs.

• Group: Working
• Height: 25-27.5 inches
• Weight: 80-115 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

This cheerful and affectionate little Canadian gun dog with the big, big name is known for his beautiful red coat, much like the Irish Setter, although it can vary widely in hue. Notes Dr. Greenstein, "Duck Tollers make wonderful family dogs, just as Goldens do, and are highly trainable. They are smaller in stature, and since they originated as working/hunting dogs, they require a little more mental stimulation and engagement."

• Group: Sporting
• Height: 18-21 inches
• Weight: 35-50 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

This gentle giant, the largest dog on our list, got his start in 18th-century Germany, eventually serving as a companion to royals including Napoleon III, Tsar Alexander II, and the Prince of Wales. The breed counts the St. Bernard as kin, and has a noble and serene nature, with male Leos sporting a lion-like mane. "If you are drawn to the Golden Retriever for their 'friendly bear' aesthetic, the Leonberger is a magnificent, larger-scale alternative," says Dr. Smith. "Despite their massive frame, they share that stable, calm confidence and 'soft' personality that makes Goldens such trustworthy companions for families."

• Group: Working
• Height: 28-31.5 inches
• Weight: 110-170 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 7 years

The national dog of France, the Standard Poodle actually originated in Germany more than four centuries ago as a retrieving water dog. The Poodle is an eager and lightning-quick learner, and a great choice for folks with allergies. "Like Goldens, poodles are adored for being intelligent and adaptable family dogs," Dr. Greenstein says. "They are not always as outgoing as Goldens, often reserving their greatest affection for their family members. For pet parents who love Goldens but hate finding their blond hair everywhere, poodles are a relatively lower-shedding breed."

• Group: Non-Sporting
• Height: more than 15 inches
• Weight: 60-70 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Tough but easily trainable, powerful but a people pleaser by nature, the English Springer Spaniel is both a capable bird dog and a devoted member of the family. "For families who love the playful, 'up for anything' energy of a Golden, the English Springer Spaniel is a fantastic medium-sized alternative," says Dr. Smith. "They possess the same cheerful, waggy-tailed enthusiasm and a strong desire to be part of every family activity, whether it's a hike or a movie night."

• Group: Sporting
• Height: 20 inches
• Weight: 15 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

First developed in the mid-1800s, this relative newbie in the canine world was once Britain's most popular retriever (a title Goldens and Labs now hold). In fact, they were once so widespread on country estates, the breed was nicknamed "The Gamekeeper's Dog." "Flat-Coats are similar to Goldens in that they’re extremely good-natured and playful, perhaps even more fun-loving than Goldens, if you can imagine that!" says Dr. Greenstein. "They retain an almost puppy-like sense of glee for years and can be more enthusiastic and rambunctious, but love people and love to please."

• Group: Sporting
• Height: 23.5-24 inches
• Weight: 60-70 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 8-10 years

A good deal less shaggy than a Golden, the red-coated Vizsla is nevertheless a wonderful alternative to the popular breed, according to Dr. Smith. "If the 'velcro dog' trait is what you love most about Goldens, the Vizsla is a sleek-coated version of that same devotion," she says. "They are famously affectionate and sensitive souls who form incredibly tight bonds with their owners, sharing that signature retriever-like desire to never leave your side." Versatile, with great stamina, these hunting dogs come from Hungary and are also known as Hungarian Pointers.

• Group: Sporting
• Height: 22-24 inches
• Weight: 55-60 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years