Golden Retriever VS Siberian Husky: 19 Differences

Both breeds aren’t low maintenance. They have high grooming and exercise needs and may become mischievous if they do not get enough attention.

If you’re looking for a family dog, both breeds will make wonderful companions. They are friendly, affectionate dogs that love to be in company.

However, they are quite different in trainability, attitude towards other animals, and suitability for certain purposes.

Size & Weight

Golden retrievers and Siberian Huskies have about the same size and weight. Golden retriever males are 23-24 inches tall and weigh 65-75 pounds, while females are 21-22.5 inches tall and weigh 55-65 pounds.

Most Siberian Huskies range from 20 to 23 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh up to 60 pounds. Females tend to be leaner than males. The overall appearance of these dogs is compact and athletic.

Shedding

There’s no winner in terms of golden retriever vs. Siberian Husky shedding because both are notorious shedders and require a lot of upkeep. These breeds have a double coat which they change entirely twice a year.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to stop or slow down shedding, but owners can minimize the amount of fur on the furniture, clothes, and carpets with regular grooming. Golden retrievers and Siberian Huskies aren’t hypoallergenic.

Personality

The most significant difference between golden retrievers vs. Huskies is temperament. Golden retrievers are extroverted, friendly dogs that may be too goofy and naïve. They quickly make friends with strangers and will never refuse to play.

Goldens are affectionate, loyal, and very sensitive. They form strong bonds with their owners and genuinely suffer when left alone. Siberian Huskies, too, are pack dogs. They love to be around people and generally don’t mind strangers.

However, Huskies are more independent and have a higher prey drive than goldens.

While goldens are eager to please and obedient, Huskies love freedom and may be stubborn. Because of their intelligence and love for freedom, they sometimes outsmart the owners.

Child-Friendliness

Golden retrievers and Siberian Huskies both make wonderful pets for families with children.

They are gentle, patient, and affectionate with their young owners. However, these dogs are very energetic and must always be supervised when interacting with kids.

Goldens and Huskies make better companions for school-aged children who can play with them and are aware of their own actions. Babies may sometimes frustrate Huskies with loud crying or running.

Pet-Friendliness

Golden retrievers are rarely aggressive towards other animals. They don’t care about another pet’s size or species as long as it doesn’t start a confrontation first. However, these exuberant dogs may be over the top for old or lazy pets.

Siberian Huskies are perfect for households with multiple pets. They get along with other dogs, cats, and even birds, although smaller pets may sometimes trigger their hunting instincts.

Same as goldens, they might be too energetic for dogs with a calmer temperament.

Barking Level

Golden retrievers are among the most silent dogs. They rarely bark, and if they do, they have a valid reason, such as danger or excitement. For this reason, they are perfect for people living in apartments or parents of babies.

Siberian Huskies don’t bark much, but that doesn’t mean they are quiet. This breed frequently makes other sounds, such as howling and whining. The good news is that owners can teach a Husky to remain silent.

Intelligence & Trainability

Golden retrievers are ranked the fourth most intelligent dog breed among 138 study participants by canine researcher Stanley Coren.

Although sometimes goofy, goldens have amazing memory and problem-solving skills. They are extremely obedient and never stubborn.

Siberian Huskies are ranked 74th in the same study, so they’re on the level of an average dog. They are among the most empathetic dogs that effectively communicate with humans. Huskies can act independently or work as a team.

However, Siberian Huskies don’t memorize commands as quickly as goldens and have a significantly lower obedience rate.

Common Behavior Problems

Golden retrievers are prone to separation anxiety because they are very social dogs. They are also sensitive and may be afraid of noises or unfamiliar environments.

Many goldens jump on people out of excitement and pull on the leash, particularly in puppyhood. Under-stimulated golden retrievers often engage in destructive behavior involving digging and chewing.

Huskies are known as reactive and dramatic dogs. They tend to be overly vocal, hyperactive, and react unpredictably in certain situations. Huskies often take advantage of owners and refuse to obey their commands.

Aggression is widespread in under-socialized Huskies, while under-stimulation may lead to destructive behavior.

Exercise Needs

Golden retrievers are a hunting breed and need at least an hour of walking or 40 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. These dogs appreciate swimming and playing.

Siberian Huskies were used for pulling sleds of indigenous people of Siberia through the snow.

Consequently, they evolved to have high exercise needs and immense stamina. Huskies need at least two hours of activity daily and enjoy walks in cold weather.

Grooming Needs

There’s no big difference in golden retriever vs. Siberian Husky grooming. Both breeds require frequent yet straightforward grooming involving daily brushing and bathing once in four weeks or so.

Shaving can damage golden retriever and Siberian Husky fur and affect their thermoregulation, but minimal trimming of overly long fur is acceptable.

Lifespan

Golden retrievers live for 10-12 years on average and Siberian Huskies for 12-15 years. Over 60% of golden retrievers get some form of cancer in their late years, which causes such an early death.

However, there are known cases of goldens living for over 20 years.

Health Issues

Golden retrievers are susceptible to ear infections, obesity, cancer, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, and skin conditions.

Siberian Huskies often have cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal dystrophy, Uveodermatologic syndrome, hip dysplasia, follicular dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and zinc deficiency.

Huskies easily get overheated because they were bred for cold climates but are less prone to ear infections than goldens because of their anatomy.

Many of these diseases can be ruled out with genetic screening, while others with a healthy lifestyle.

Price

The average price of a golden retriever puppy from a reputable breeder is about $1,500. Show-quality puppies with champion bloodlines may cost over $3,000.

Siberian Huskies aren’t cheap either. Most puppies lie within the $1,200-$2,500 price range, and some cost double the amount. A puppy’s price depends on the breeder’s reputation, compliance with the breed standard, color, and demand.

Miniature, agouti, and white Huskies are the rarest and cost more than average. Red golden retrievers also cost more than more common colors.

Suitability for Inexperienced Dog Owners

Golden retrievers make good dogs for first-time owners despite their high grooming and exercise needs. They are easy to train, even for children, and rarely have serious behavioral problems.

A Siberian Husky isn’t a good choice for people who never owned a dog before. Apart from high grooming and exercise needs, they are very stubborn and challenging to train. One can make it work, but only with a professional canine trainer’s help.

Suitability for Apartments

Golden retrievers don’t care about the space as much as about attention. They can thrive in an apartment setting if the owner dedicates enough time to exercise the dog. Goldens are quiet and won’t bother the neighbors.

Siberian Huskies can live in apartments, but there are many pitfalls to keep in mind. They need an enormous amount of physical activity, so the apartment should be located within walking distance of a park, forest, or stadium.

Furthermore, the owners must train a Husky not to vocalize for no reason. Without sufficient mental stimulation, a Husky may be mischievous and bother the neighbors.

Suitability as Service Dogs

Golden retrievers are among the best service dogs. They are very sociable, friendly with strangers, and obedient. Goldens are smart enough to perform complex tasks and strong enough to help people with mobility issues.

Siberian Huskies don’t make good service dogs. They can be trained with enough dedication and experience, but most Huskies are too independent and exuberant.

Suitability as Guard or Protection Dogs

Golden retrievers are too friendly and gullible to be guard dogs. They can protect their owner if someone attacks them on a walk but won’t fight for the property.

Huskies aren’t suited for this role either because they are people-oriented and are more likely to make friends with an intruder than attack them.

Suitability as Hunting Dogs

Golden retrievers are a hunter’s dream. They are obedient, eager to please, and have excellent work ethics. Retrieving waterfowl is rooted in their genes, but they are also suitable for other hunting applications.

Huskies are too independent to serve as hunting dogs, although people with vast experience training dogs may make it work. They are great for hunting in cold climates.

Rarity

Golden retrievers are anything but rare, ranking third on American Kennel Club’s most popular dog breed list.

Siberian Huskies ranked 16th in 2020, so they aren’t rare either, apart from white Huskies, because the color results from a recessive gene.

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