Boston Terrier vs Golden Retriever
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Boston Terrier
Nicknamed 'The American Gentleman' for their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are friendly, lively, and endlessly entertaining. They are compact, well-mannered city dogs.
VS
Golden Retriever
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy dogs.
Quick Answer
Choose Boston Terrier if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Golden Retriever if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
Boston Terrier
Attribute
Golden Retriever
small
Size
large
5–11 kg (11–24 lbs)
Weight
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
38–43 cm (15–17 in)
Height
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Better11–15 yrs
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
4/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better2/5
Shedding
5/5
Better1/5
Grooming
4/5
Better5/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
Better$600–$2,000
Price
$800–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
Grooming Differences: Boston Terrier and Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever sheds more; Boston Terrier is easier to maintain.
Boston Terrier
Golden Retriever
Shedding
Better2/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs4/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Golden Retriever is a prolific shedder (5/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Exercise Needs: Boston Terrier vs Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever needs more exercise; Boston Terrier is lower-maintenance.
Boston Terrier
Golden Retriever
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs2/5
The Golden Retriever needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Boston Terrier (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Golden Retriever.
Boston Terrier and Golden Retriever: Size and Appearance Compared
Golden Retriever is the larger breed; Boston Terrier is more compact.
Boston Terrier
Golden Retriever
Weight (kg)
5–11
vs25–34
Height (cm)
38–43
vs51–61
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Golden Retriever is a large breed at 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs) and 51–61 cm (20–24 in), while the Boston Terrier is a small breed at just 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs) and 38–43 cm (15–17 in).
Temperament: Boston Terrier vs Golden Retriever
Boston Terrier is calmer; Golden Retriever is more energetic.
Boston Terrier
Golden Retriever
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
When you live with a Boston Terrier, you'll notice their friendly, lively and intelligent character in everything they do. A Golden Retriever, by contrast, shows a friendly, intelligent and devoted nature.
Which Costs More to Own — Boston Terrier or Golden Retriever?
Boston Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Boston Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Golden Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $600–$2,000 for a Boston Terrier versus $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Health Profile: Boston Terrier and Golden Retriever Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Boston Terrier
Golden Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better11–15
vs10–12
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Boston Terriers live 11–15 years on average, while Golden Retrievers live 10–12 years.
Which Is Easier to Train — Boston Terrier or Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Golden Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Family Fit: Boston Terrier vs Golden Retriever With Kids and Other Pets
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Boston Terrier
Golden Retriever
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary: Boston Terrier or Golden Retriever?
The Boston Terrier comes out ahead in most categories — it's more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (2/5). If you can meet its moderate exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the Boston Terrier is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Boston Terrier and Golden Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever sheds considerably more, Boston Terrier is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Boston Terrier by roughly $400/year.
Choose Boston Terrier if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Boston Terriers adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Boston Terriers shed dramatically less (2/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Boston Terriers cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Golden Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Golden Retrievers tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Boston Terrier or Golden Retriever?
The Boston Terrier scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Golden Retriever at 5/5. The Boston Terrier is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Boston Terrier or Golden Retriever easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Boston Terrier's 4/5. The Golden Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Boston Terrier or Golden Retriever?
A Boston Terrier puppy costs $600–$2,000 while a Golden Retriever costs $800–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Boston Terrier and $1,420 for the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
Do Boston Terriers or Golden Retrievers live longer?
The Boston Terrier lives 11–15 years on average, while the Golden Retriever lives 10–12 years. The Boston Terrier generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Boston Terrier or Golden Retriever live in an apartment?
The Boston Terrier is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Golden Retriever (2/5). The Boston Terrier is one of our top picks for apartment living.