English Mastiff vs Golden Retriever
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, with a calm and dignified temperament that belies their imposing size. Loyal and protective, they make devoted family guardians but require experienced ownership and significant space.
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 English Mastiff if you want less shedding. Choose Golden Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
English Mastiff
Attribute
Golden Retriever
giant
Size
large
54–100 kg (119–221 lbs)
Weight
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
70–91 cm (28–36 in)
Height
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
6–10 yrs
Lifespan
10–12 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
5/5Better
2/5
Energy
4/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better3/5
Shedding
5/5
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
1/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$3,500
Price
$800–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Size & Build: English Mastiff vs Golden Retriever
English Mastiff is the larger breed; Golden Retriever is more compact.
English Mastiff
Golden Retriever
Weight (kg)
54–100
vs25–34
Height (cm)
70–91
vs51–61
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The English Mastiff tips the scales at 54–100 kg (119–221 lbs), dwarfing the Golden Retriever's 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs).
Cost to Own: English Mastiff vs Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
English Mastiff
Avg. Purchase$2,500
Annual Food$1,800
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$2,700
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 — $1,500–$3,500 for a English Mastiff versus $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
English Mastiff vs Golden Retriever: Common Health Issues
Golden Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
English Mastiff
Golden Retriever
Lifespan (years)
6–10
vs10–12Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs3/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Golden Retrievers live 10–12 years on average, while English Mastiffs live 6–10 years.
Temperament Differences: English Mastiff and Golden Retriever
English Mastiff is calmer; Golden Retriever is more energetic.
English Mastiff
Golden Retriever
Playfulness
2/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
2/5
vs4/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A English Mastiff greets the world with a calm attitude, whereas a Golden Retriever leans more toward a friendly approach.
English Mastiff or Golden Retriever for Your Family?
Golden Retriever is better suited for families with children.
English Mastiff
Golden Retriever
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
2/5
vs5/5Better
The Golden Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Golden Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
How Much Exercise Do English Mastiffs vs Golden Retrievers Need?
Golden Retriever needs more exercise; English Mastiff is lower-maintenance.
English Mastiff
Golden Retriever
Energy Level
2/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
These breeds sit on opposite ends of the activity spectrum. The Golden Retriever (energy: 4/5, exercise: 4/5) was bred to work all day and still has that drive.
English Mastiff vs Golden Retriever: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Golden Retriever sheds more; English Mastiff is easier to maintain.
English Mastiff
Golden Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
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.
Training: English Mastiff vs Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever is generally easier to train.
English Mastiff
Golden Retriever
Trainability
3/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs5/5Better
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Golden Retriever (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Summary — English Mastiff or Golden Retriever: Which Is Right for You?
On balance, the Golden Retriever has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5), better with children (5/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5). For most families, the Golden Retriever is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The English Mastiff and Golden Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than English Mastiff, Golden Retriever sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Golden Retriever by roughly $1300/year.
Choose English Mastiff if...
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — English Mastiffs are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Choose Golden Retriever if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Golden Retrievers will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — Golden Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Golden Retrievers cost roughly $1300 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, English Mastiff or Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the English Mastiff's 4/5. The Golden Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a English Mastiff or Golden Retriever easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the English Mastiff's 3/5. The Golden Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a English Mastiff or Golden Retriever?
A English Mastiff puppy costs $1,500–$3,500 while a Golden Retriever costs $800–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $2,700 for the English Mastiff and $1,420 for the Golden Retriever. The English Mastiff is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do English Mastiffs or Golden Retrievers live longer?
The English Mastiff lives 6–10 years on average, while the Golden Retriever lives 10–12 years. The Golden Retriever tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a English Mastiff or Golden Retriever live in an apartment?
The Golden Retriever adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the English Mastiff (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.