Goldens may be the most popular family dog out there, but they aren’t the only ones.
The Clumber Spaniel
If you love the sweet, laissez-faire, people-pleasing attitude of a Golden but your exercise regimen just can’t accommodate an obsessive fetcher, this might be the perfect dog for you.
Low-to-the-ground and slow-moving, Clumber Spaniels stroll through life at an excruciatingly dignified pace that will never ruffle the feathers of a chill household.
Their exquisite, cream-colored coats make them look soft and billowy like clouds, and their natural state is one of complete, calm goodwill towards man and toward squirrels, too.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Miniaturized Golden Retrievers don’t actually exist, but this small breed from Canada is about as close as you can get.
NSDTRs have the same water-loving, ball-fetching spirit in a much smaller frame. They’re gorgeously coated in water-resistant red fur and have intense motivation to please out of the box.
These dogs exhibit a somewhat stronger working drive than the average laid-back Golden, yet their smaller stature makes them far more convenient for travel and everyday outings.
They’re built strong and smart, making them a perfect companion for families who enjoy an active lifestyle.
The Leonberger
It sounds almost too good to be true but if you love your Golden for their cuddly personality yet secretly desire they’d look more like a fierce lion dog, look no further.
Originating in Germany as a working breed, Leonbergers were bred to look like lions centuries ago and have retained their giant size along with an extremely soft, patiently floofy demeanor around kids and small animals.
Yes, they are big (and thus need a home with lots of floor space), but they have a wonderful ability to match your relaxed energy.
That’s because Leonbergers are sensitive souls who bond fiercely with their humans and lack nasty aggression toward strangers.
The Flat-Coated Retriever
Once dubbed the “Peter Pan” of dog breeds, this sleek, ebony-colored retriever displays a playful, puppy-like zest for life even into their older years.
They have the Golden’s utter lack of aggression and complete love for every person they encounter, but they have a much goofier, carefree spirit.
Their silky coat does need consistent brushing, but they don’t have the thick double coat that makes Goldens shed huge balls of fur all over your carpet.
If you’re looking for a dog that will never stop making you smile with its positive attitude, this breed will sync with that vibe.
The English Setter
English Setters are quite active outdoors, but they are surprisingly calm when they’re settled indoors.
These dogs are known to be gentle, easygoing and they usually require plenty of patience and positive encouragement when being trained. It’s best to steer clear of harsh corrections because they can cause them to shut down.
They have beautiful long feathered coats which can make them seem like high maintenance dogs, but most do not require constant grooming and are fine with weekly brushing.
The Gordon Setter
The Scottish origin black-and-tan setter is affectionate, intelligent, and generally quieter than your average retriever breed. They typically form strong bonds with their loved ones and are a bit hesitant around unfamiliar people until trust is established.
They are extremely loving and tend to be clingy with physical affection when it comes to their direct family.
Many describe them as massive lapdogs that follow you around like your shadow.
The Irish Red and White Setter
Overall, Red and White Setters tend to be more mellow and relaxed than their high-strung cousins, the Irish Setter.
Though they do appreciate getting active and exploring outside, the Red and Whites typically possess a more settled disposition, meaning they’re a bit less boisterous inside the home.
They radiate the same warm, open- faced curiosity that we love about Goldens, but with eye-catching patched coats that will make your neighborhood stand out.
Highly cooperative workers, they are easy to train because they want nothing more than to please their owners.
They have strong exercise requirements, but they’ll make it up to you by being exceptionally well-behaved (and quiet) indoors.
The Barbet
Love the playful and silly demeanor of a Golden Retriever, but wish they didn’t shed so much? The Barbet may be the perfect solution for you.
This is not a designer mix but a true, old bloodline sporting dog with a reliable temperament built around love of human companionship and positive training.
They have a happy-go-lucky attitude about life and play great with other dogs, cats and energetic kids.
While their curly, woolly coat needs regular clipping, this maintenance means your furniture, carpets, and clothes are spared the endless hassle of shedding dog hair.
The Boykin Spaniel
South Carolina’s official state dog, this gorgeous chocolate-colored retriever was developed to be small enough to travel in tight river boats but powerful enough to retrieve all day long.
Imagine fitting the entirety of a Golden Retriever’s fun-loving, water-loving, family-friendly personality into a compact 30-pound package.
These dogs are true social butterflies, finding immense happiness in joining in on any family activity.
If you’re limited on space in an apartment or townhome, they make a wonderful substitute breed that still has the heart of a true sporting dog.
The Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are incredibly large dogs, yet they typically exhibit a relaxed and gentle demeanor towards people. They’ve long been regarded as good dogs for families, particularly ones with kids.
Bred to work around water, they generally like to be around their owners and are known to have patient temperaments. Most are sociable, easygoing, and not aggressive by nature.
Their size means they will require a lot of space in your home, and their shedding and drool can be plenty of work. However, many owners appreciate how protective and loving they are with family members, including children and the elderly.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
